FEBRUARY 2025 | 7 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Military & Veterans Accredited Representatives and the Veterans’ Benefits Claim Process By Doris L. Gruntmeir THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) plays a pivotal role in providing support and services to veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and care they have earned through their service. Among the various programs administered by the VA, the Accreditation, Discipline and Fees (ADF) program, as outlined in 38 U.S.C. §§5902-5904 and 38 C.F.R. §§14.626-630, stands out as a critical framework designed to regulate the conduct of accredited representatives who assist veterans in navigating the complex landscape of benefits and claims. The overarching goal of the ADF program is to protect veterans from potential exploitation and ensure they receive competent assistance as they pursue benefits for which they may be entitled. Protecting veterans is particularly important, given the complexities of the claims process, which can be overwhelming for any number of veterans. OVERVIEW The ADF program is a critical tool through which the VA ensures that individuals and organizations assisting veterans in their pursuit of benefits are not only qualified but also adhere to established standards of conduct. By ensuring that only qualified individuals and organizations are accredited, the VA aims to create a system upon which veterans may rely for representation in their pursuit of benefits. The ADF program also seeks to improve the quality of services provided to veterans. Accredited representatives are expected to stay informed about changes in laws and regulations that affect veterans’ benefits in order to provide accurate advice and assistance. This commitment to continuing education and professional development is the foundation of the ADF program, as it directly and positively impacts the support received by veterans. The ADF program is vital to maintaining the integrity of the claims process and protecting veterans, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation. Congress deemed this protection sufficiently necessary to codify the ADF program.1 The statute lays out the criteria for accreditation, including articulating the qualifications accredited representatives need to effectively assist veterans. These qualifications include educational requirements, experience handling veterans’ claims and a comprehensive understanding of the VA’s policies, procedures and regulations. In addition, the ADF program provides that accredited representatives have certain responsibilities, including providing accurate information, acting in the best interests of the veteran and maintaining certain ethical standards Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.
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