The focus of this guide is research into issues affecting benefits of U.S. Military Veterans. This Guide does not focus on issues of military justice. For research assistance on military justice issues, please see the following guide.
If you are not familiar with the topic, you may find that a research guide is a useful tool to assist you with your research. We hope this guide will provide you with helpful information.
With any research guide, you should review the date the research guide was last updated. Using a research guides updated in the last year will help ensure you are relying on current information. However, if you are conducting historical research, an older guide may be helpful.
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of research guides on veteran assistance or benefits; however, two such guides are linked below:
1) Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Catherine Deane, Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic Resource Guide (updated May 2017).
In order for an attorney to represent veterans before the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), an attorney must be accredited by the VA. To obtain accreditation, an attorney must formally apply with the Office of the General Counsel of the VA, and after receiving proper credentials, must regularly complete continuing legal education to maintain the VA accreditation.
1) Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations § 14.629 - Requirements for accreditation of service organization representatives; agents; and attorneys
2) Senior Veterans Service Alliance, About Accreditation & Fees
3) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Accreditation Frequently Asked
4) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Search Accredited Attorneys, Claims Agents, or Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) Representatives
