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Where can we get free help with a VA claim?

The short answer

Use an accredited Veterans Service Officer.

County veteran offices, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the VFW help with claims for free. VA's accreditation search is the list to use. A helper who is not on it is not the free option. An accredited attorney or claims agent is allowed to charge a fee, often a share of back pay, and usually only after a decision review. Start with the free Veterans Service Officer.

Salleha Chaudhry
Last reviewed October 15, 2026

What you can do

  1. Search VA's accredited representative finder. Filter for a Veterans Service Organization, then call and ask if they can help your family.
  2. To appoint them, you and the representative sign VA Form 21-22. An attorney or claims agent uses VA Form 21-22a instead.
  3. You do not need a finished file to make the appointment. A free accredited VSO can help with this.
  4. If a claim was denied, the same free representative can file a supplemental claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board appeal. You do not have to hire someone who takes a percentage of the back pay.

Official pages

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FAQs

Q: Can an accredited attorney charge for a VA claim?

Yes. An accredited attorney or claims agent is allowed to charge a fee, often a share of back pay, and usually only after a decision review. A Veterans Service Officer does not charge. VA's page was updated September 23, 2026.

Q: Which form appoints a Veterans Service Officer?

VA Form 21-22. An attorney or claims agent uses VA Form 21-22a instead.