Current status · Pre-accreditation
Accreditation status
I am pursuing accreditation as a VA claims agent under 38 CFR § 14.629. That process is not complete.
Until accreditation is achieved, VADE is an educational publication and nothing more.
Status as of
What VADE does not do
VADE does not:
- represent veterans before the Department of Veterans Affairs;
- prepare, present, or prosecute VA claims;
- review individual claim files, rating decisions, or medical records for the purpose of providing individualized claims assistance;
- provide advice about any individual’s claim;
- accept clients; or
- enter into representation or fee agreements.
Everything published on this site is general education.
It describes how systems, terminology, documentation, and categories of issues generally work. It is not a substitute for individualized assistance and should not be relied upon as advice about any particular claim or factual situation.
What VADE publishes
VADE publishes general educational material for military aviators, aircrew, and veterans whose disability questions intersect with aviation service.
That includes:
- explanations of VA disability concepts;
- discussion of aviation-specific records and documentation;
- explanations of Guard and Reserve duty-status issues;
- background on the relationship between VA disability and aviation medical certification;
- discussion of recurring medical issues within military aviation; and
- educational articles designed to help veterans better understand the systems involved.
VA accreditation is not required merely to publish general educational material.
It is what this website is designed to accomplish during VADE’s pre-accreditation period.
Where to obtain individual assistance
Individualized representation before VA should be obtained through an appropriately VA-accredited representative. Several options are available.
Veterans Service Organizations
Accredited representatives of recognized Veterans Service Organizations provide representation without charge.
Representatives are available through organizations such as DAV, VFW, The American Legion, and other recognized organizations. State, county, and local veterans-service offices may also have accredited representatives.
Claims agents and attorneys
Claims agents and attorneys may independently represent veterans before VA after obtaining the required accreditation.
VA law and regulations govern when fees may be charged.
Verify accreditation
VA maintains a public database of currently accredited representatives, claims agents, attorneys, and recognized organizations.
Veterans should verify accreditation before engaging someone to assist with a VA claim.
VADE receives no compensation, referral fee, or other benefit for directing veterans to any representative or organization.
Accreditation and fees are different questions
A few basic rules are worth understanding before engaging anyone for VA claims assistance.
VA-accredited agents and attorneys may not charge a fee for services provided before VA issues notice of its initial decision in the case.
After that point, fees may be permitted under VA law and regulations.
Accredited VSO representation is provided without charge.
VA accreditation is required to represent claimants before VA as an agent or attorney, and VA law separately regulates when fees may be charged.
Accreditation and the authority to charge a fee are therefore related, but they are not the same question.
A person being accredited does not mean that a fee may be charged at every stage of a claim.
VADE’s education will remain free
There is a substantial amount of useful VA claims information available at no charge—from VA itself, accredited VSOs, experienced veterans, educators, and other reputable sources.
Veterans should not have to purchase a course simply to understand the basic structure of the VA disability system.
VADE’s educational content is free and will remain free.
The articles and educational resources published on this website will not be placed behind a paywall, and VADE will not sell a VA disability course.
If VADE later offers representation after accreditation, representation will be a separate and clearly identified professional service, governed by the applicable VA statutes and regulations.
Check accreditation through VA
VA maintains a public directory of individuals and organizations currently authorized to represent claimants before VA.
VA provides information explaining the different types of accredited representatives and how a veteran may appoint one.
Find and appoint a VA-accredited representative →
The VA Office of General Counsel maintains a searchable accreditation database.
Search VA’s accreditation database →
The database identifies individuals who are currently accredited and organizations that are currently recognized by VA.
If the person or organization being checked does not appear, the individual or organization is not presently shown as authorized to provide representation before VA.
An accreditation application may, of course, still be pending.
Why the accreditation process matters
VA accreditation exists in significant part to protect veterans and other claimants.
For an individual pursuing accreditation as a VA claims agent, the process includes:
- submitting an application;
- undergoing VA’s character-and-fitness review;
- receiving an affirmative character-and-fitness determination;
- passing the required written examination; and
- completing continuing legal education requirements after accreditation.
Accredited representatives are also subject to professional standards of conduct and to statutory and regulatory limitations governing fees and representation.
Those requirements are one reason this page exists.
Operating as though accreditation were already in hand would be both improper and a poor indication of how VADE intends to work.
VADE will remain within the educational boundaries appropriate to its current status until accreditation is granted.
Keeping this status current
VADE currently provides general education only. This page reflects VADE’s status as of September 10, 2026. If accreditation is granted, this page and related disclosures will be updated accordingly.