Once approved as a VA Accredited Attorney, in order to maintain VA Accreditation, the attorney must: (1) Complete 3 hours of qualifying CLE requirements during the first 12-month period following the date of initial VA Accreditation, and an additional 3 hours no later than 3 years from the date of the VA Accreditation, and every 2 years thereafter; (2) Provide a copy of the CLE's training certificate or certify in writing to VA’s Office of the General Counsel that the attorney has completed the qualifying CLE, including the CLE title, date, time, and provider; and (3) Submit an annual certification of good standing for any court, bar, or Federal or State agency to which the attorney is admitted to practice.
So long as a veterans law course has been approved for CLE credit by a State bar association and satisfies the requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 14.629 (b) (1) (iii), VA will accept is for purposes of accreditation. Question: Are there any guidelines in VA regulations that govern the content of the qualifying veterans law CLE?
Response: VA regulations require the completion of qualifying CLE as a condition of accreditation. If a State bar association awards an individual credit for presenting qualifying veterans law CLE, VA will accept that for purposes of accreditation provided that it meets all the other requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 14.629 (b) (1) (iii).
Provide a copy of your training certificate or certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel your completion of the qualifying CLE, including the CLE title, date, time, and provider; and
This CLE – VA Qualified and Bar Approved – will meet mandated first year CLE requirements or any ongoing 3 hours of CLE on veterans law and procedures required every two years (see 38 C.F.R. § 14.629).
The accreditation process differs depending of which type of accreditation is being sought. An accredited VSO representative is someone who has been recommended for accreditation by a VSO that is recognized by VA to assist on VA benefit claims.
What is a VA C-File? A VA claims file often called a C-file, is a collection of records kept by VA in connection to a veteran's disability claim(s). When a veteran first files a claim for benefits, VA will request the veteran's service records and any medical records relevant to the claim.
A Flash Drive containing 7 training modules in MP4 format (we also provide a link for you to view the video training portion online if you choose).
In order to access VBMS, advocates must use a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card. Unfortunately, like most processes in VA, getting a PIV takes a while and there are many hurdles involved.
Due to the current VA Claims Backlog, if you request your C File electronically (via email) from the Department of Veterans Affairs Evidence Intake Center, you can expect to get your VA C File in 10-12 weeks.
How Do I Request QTC Exam Results?If your regional office is open, you can simply go to the office and ask for a printed copy. ... You can file a claim through the Freedom of Information Act. ... You can contact your agent at the Department of Veterans Affairs, or your claims agent, and ask for a copy of your results.More items...•
Currently, both VA and Veterans' representatives have access to this system– a critical piece to effective representation. VBMS allows representatives to see into their Veteran clients' case in real-time; such as access to recent decisions, exams, correspondence with VA, claims and appeals filing, and more.
Beginning in September 2021, My HealtheVet Advanced accounts will be discontinued. If you have an Advanced account today and do not upgrade to a Premium account, your account will revert to a Basic account.
Virtual VA moves the Department of Veterans Affairs towards a paperless office by maintaining veterans' claim folders electronically rather than on paper. The Virtual VA system centers on the concept of a veteran's electronic claims folder, or eFolder.
What happens after my exam? We'll review all the evidence in your file, assign your disability rating, and send you a decision notice (a letter letting you know your disability rating). Each claim is different, but it usually takes us about 3 to 4 months to process a claim from start to finish.
Your VA FILE NUMBER is the number that appears on your VA benefit checks and all mail that we've sent you. Usually, this VA FILE NUMBER is the veteran's Social Security Number; however, this FILE NUMBER can be an eight digit number.
The claims file is commonly referred to as the “C-file.” We can not stress enough how important it is to: View your VA Claims Folder at the Veterans Affairs regional office (find your Regional VA Office here) Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request an appointment to view your C-File (VA Claims Folder).
If you are unsure of which office contains the records you are requesting you may submit your request directly to [email protected] describe the records so that they may be located with a reasonable amount of effort. ... State your willingness to pay applicable FOIA processing fees.
Available Now: The 2022-2023 Unlimited Online Pass! Get access through 12/31/23 to on demand seminars, with options to add live-interactive webcasts, our Online Publications Library, and live on site seminars at the Bobzien-Gaither Education Center in Richmond or the Virginia CLE ® Building in Charlottesville. Small Firm Discount: For a limited time only, lawyers in private practice law firms ...
Contact us: www.va.gov 1-800-827-1000 FAQs Q1: How long will it take to process my application? A1: Attorney applications generally take between 60 to 120 days from submission.Because there are more steps involved with claim agent applications, those applications take, on average, 1 year to process.
2022 Study Materials Pertaining to VA's Accreditation Study Exam Become an Accredited Claims Agent with the Department of Veterans Affairs
Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions | Accreditation and Recognition Search | Recognition of Organizations | Attorney Accreditation; Acts Requiring Accreditation. Question: I am an attorney accredited by VA and I also operate a law-related business. What are my ethical obligations with regard to my other business interest?
After completing each CLE training as required, send to the VA Office of General Counsel written certification that you completed the training. VA regulations do not specify a particular form of proof for verifying attendance at qualifying CLE. Instead, VA regulations require that accredited agents and attorneys certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel that they have completed qualifying CLE. The certification must include the title of the CLE, the date and time of the CLE, and identification of the CLE provider. You may contact the VA Office of General Counsel by email at [email protected].
Provide a copy of your training certificate or certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel your completion of the qualifying CLE, including the CLE title, date, time, and provider; and
Visit ABA Free Legal Answers for Veterans, a virtual legal advice portal where veterans can ask civil legal questions and receive answers from pro bono attorneys. Attorneys with VA accreditation can volunteer to answer questions from veterans with questions including VA benefits, discharge upgrades, and similar veterans’ legal issues.
To apply for initial VA accreditation, submit VA Form 21a with a recently dated certificate of good standing from all state bars, courts, or Federal or state agencies to which you are admitted to the VA Office of General Counsel via email to [email protected], or by the mail address or fax number provided by the VA Office of General Counsel.
Instead, VA regulations require that accredited agents and attorneys certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel that they have completed qualifying CLE. The certification must include the title of the CLE, the date and time of the CLE, and identification of the CLE provider.
Response: Because the regulation allows you to take the qualifying CLE up to 12 months after accreditation, your references need only be able to attest to your character and qualifications as an attorney – not necessarily as a veterans law attorney.
Response: Pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 14.629 (b) (1) (iii) and (iv), a qualifying CLE course must be approved for a minimum of 3 hours of CLE credit by any State bar association; therefore, CLE approved by a State other than the one in which you are licensed or admitted is acceptable for purposes of VA accreditation.
Response: Accreditation means the authority granted by VA to representatives, agents, and attorneys to assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. 38 C.F.R. § 14.627 (a). Without accreditation, an individual may not independently assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, ...
In addition to the initial CLE requirement prescribed in section 14.629 (b) (1) (iii), VA requires the completion of follow-up CLE not later than 3 years from the date of the initial accreditation and every 2 years thereafter.
VA regulations allow legal interns, paralegals, and law students to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits of claimants for benefits, but only under the direct supervision of the attorney of record, and with the specific written consent of the claimant. 38 C.F.R. § 14.629 (c) (3).
Response: We are currently making attorney accreditation determinations on complete applications with accurate information in 60-90 days.
In answering this question, we assume that (1) a “pension benefit client” means a veteran not currently receiving VA pension but one who has expressed intent to file for such benefit, and (2) that the advice provided includes those acts in making the claim ready for filing, but not the actual filing of the claim .
Accreditation: Accreditation means the authority granted by VA to assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits. Unaccredited individuals may provide other services to veterans so long as they do not assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits.
After accreditation by the General Counsel, an attorney may represent a claimant upon submission of a VA Form 21-22a, “Appointment of Attorney or Agent as Claimant’s Representative.”. Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative Form: VA Form 21-22a. NOVA Forms: Annual Certification of Good Standing.
The Assistant General Counsel of jurisdiction or his or her designee will conduct an inquiry and make an initial determination regarding any question relating to the qualifications of a prospective service organization representative, agent, or attorney. If the Assistant General Counsel or designee determines that the prospective service organization representative, agent, or attorney meets the requirements for accreditation in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, notification of accreditation will be issued by the Assistant General Counsel or the Assistant General Counsel’s designee and will constitute authority to prepare, present, and prosecute claims before an agency of original jurisdiction or the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. If the Assistant General Counsel determines that the prospective representative, agent, or attorney does not meet the requirements for accreditation, notification will be issued by the Assistant General Counsel concerning the reasons for disapproval, an opportunity to submit additional information, and any restrictions on further application for accreditation.
After accreditation by the General Counsel, an attorney may represent a claimant upon submission of a VA Form 21-22a, “Appointment of Attorney or Agent as Claimant’s Representative.”
VA regulations require that accredited agents and attorneys certify in writing to VA’s Office of the General Counsel that they have completed qualifying CLE. The certification must include the title of the CLE, the date and time of the CLE, and identification of the CLE provider.
The accreditation final rule, which was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2008, and which explains how to obtain and maintain accreditation can be accessed from this website, as can a link to the accreditation application form, VA Form 21a. In addition, NOVA recommends that attorneys visit the VA website for more information on ...
Accreditation: Accreditation means the authority granted by VA to assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits. Unaccredited individuals may provide other services to veterans so long as they do not ...
VA Accreditation Forms. Effective June 23, 2008 all lawyers and representatives who intend to assist claimants for VA benefits in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of new claims must first become accredited by the VA.
Unaccredited individuals may provide other services to veterans so long as they do not assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits. To read the full text of CFR § 14.629 “Requirements for Accreditation”, please click HERE.
A] The names of attorneys who fail to comply with the CLE requirement may be submitted to the Appellate Division for appropriate action.
You must file your attorney registration form and complete your CLE requirement within 30 days after your birthday on alternate years. If you were admitted before January 1, 1982 or in an even-numbered year (e.g., 1998), then you will register in even-numbered years.
A] No, you will continue to be required to earn a total of twenty-four (24) CLE credit hours in each biennial reporting period, with at least four (4) CLE credit hours in Ethics and Professionalism; and, effective July 1, 2018, with at least one (1) CLE credit hour in Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias.
An out-of-state course accredited by a New York Approved Jurisdiction is eligible for New York CLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour, and in accordance with the Program Rules and the Regulations and Guidelines.
A] Attorneys who have been admitted to the New York Bar for more than two years are considered experienced attorneys.
A] A New York attorney may earn credit for attendance at an out-of-state course provided that the course is accredited by the CLE agency of another state or foreign jurisdiction that has been approved by the New York State CLE Board as meeting New York’s accreditation standards. An out-of-state course accredited by a New York Approved Jurisdiction is eligible for New York CLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour, and in accordance with the Program Rules and the Regulations and Guidelines. The attorney must obtain from the provider documentation of course accreditation by a New York Approved Jurisdiction, a proper certificate of attendance and for nontraditional formats, proof of the provider’s independent verification of the attorney’s completion of the course. Please see section 6 of the Regulations and Guidelines for details.
A] Some out-of-state course are accredited by the New York State CLE Board. Other out-of-state courses may be accredited by another jurisdiction, and you may be eligible for New York CLE credit under New York’s Approved Jurisdiction policy.
After completing each CLE training as required, send to the VA Office of General Counsel written certification that you completed the training. VA regulations do not specify a particular form of proof for verifying attendance at qualifying CLE. Instead, VA regulations require that accredited agents and attorneys certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel that they have completed qualifying CLE. The certification must include the title of the CLE, the date and time of the CLE, and identification of the CLE provider. You may contact the VA Office of General Counsel by email at [email protected].
Provide a copy of your training certificate or certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel your completion of the qualifying CLE, including the CLE title, date, time, and provider; and
Visit ABA Free Legal Answers for Veterans, a virtual legal advice portal where veterans can ask civil legal questions and receive answers from pro bono attorneys. Attorneys with VA accreditation can volunteer to answer questions from veterans with questions including VA benefits, discharge upgrades, and similar veterans’ legal issues.
To apply for initial VA accreditation, submit VA Form 21a with a recently dated certificate of good standing from all state bars, courts, or Federal or state agencies to which you are admitted to the VA Office of General Counsel via email to [email protected], or by the mail address or fax number provided by the VA Office of General Counsel.
Instead, VA regulations require that accredited agents and attorneys certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel that they have completed qualifying CLE. The certification must include the title of the CLE, the date and time of the CLE, and identification of the CLE provider.