Getting Help & Representation
How to get free accredited help — and how attorney fees actually work.
This library is free educational information — not legal advice. Forms link to the official government source. A VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will help you prepare and file most claims at no cost. StewardWise never files a claim for you and never charges a veteran.
Start with your situation
I want help with my claim — who can I trust?
A VA-accredited VSO helps for free. Only accredited attorneys/agents may charge, and only AFTER a decision — never for an initial claim.
- Find a free accredited VSO in the VA directory
- If you want an attorney, verify they are VA-accredited first
- Understand the fee: capped, only on back-pay won, only after a decision
- Appoint your rep — VA 21-22 (VSO) or VA 21-22a (attorney/agent)
If anyone asks for money to file your initial claim, walk away — that is illegal under VA rules.
The forms
VA accreditation and fee rules per va.gov / VA OGC (38 CFR 14.636).
Appoints a free, accredited Veterans Service Organization.
Appoints a paid, accredited attorney or claims agent (fees are regulated).
Confirm any attorney, agent, or VSO is actually accredited before you sign anything.
A free, VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer can prepare and file most of these for you at no cost.
Find a free VSO →