VSO vs. attorney vs. claim shark

You have three categories of help available. Each has a use, and each has costs. The right choice depends on where you are in the process.

Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives

VSOs are non-profit organizations (DAV, VFW, American Legion, Wounded Warrior, etc.) that provide free claims assistance. They have VA-accredited representatives who can file your claim, communicate with VA on your behalf, and represent you through appeals.

• Pros: Free. Filing your power-of-attorney (Form 21-22) locks them in for the duration.
• Cons: Quality varies enormously. Some VSOs are excellent, some are overworked and process claims perfunctorily. Initial filings can be rushed.
• Best for: Initial claims where evidence is strong, ongoing administrative work, after-denial appeals for veterans who can’t afford an attorney.

Accredited attorneys

VA-accredited attorneys can charge fees on disability claims under strict federal regulation. By law, an attorney cannot charge a fee on an INITIAL claim. They can only charge after an initial denial. Fees are capped at 20%–33.3% of past-due benefits (back pay only — not future monthly compensation).

• Pros: Deep knowledge of CFR, case law, appeals strategy. Often handle complex cases including TDIU, CUE, Board appeals.
• Cons: Cost (only on back pay, never on future). Cannot help with initial filings — only after denial.
• Best for: Complex appeals, TDIU claims, large back-pay cases, cases where legal nuance matters.

”Claim sharks” — unaccredited claim consultants

A growing industry of for-profit claim consultants advertise that they can “get veterans 100%.” Many operate without VA accreditation. Many charge fees that are not legally enforceable. Several have been the subject of state attorney general investigations.

Watch for:

• Aggressive marketing promising specific ratings
• Fees structured as a flat percentage of all future monthly compensation (illegal)
• Refusal to provide accreditation number
• Pressure to sign quickly

Federal law (38 USC § 5904) makes it a crime to charge unauthorized fees for VA claims assistance.

Pro tip

Verify accreditation at the VA’s Office of General Counsel search: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/. A legitimate practitioner will be listed by name. If they’re not in that database, they cannot legally represent you before VA — anything they take from you in fees is recoverable.

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