Fill out VA 21-22 (Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative) online
VA Form 21-22 appoints a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the American Legion, VFW, DAV, or another recognized organization to act as the veteran representative in preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims for VA benefits. The VSO provides free assistance throughout the claims process.
How to fill out VA 21-22 (Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative)
Enter claimant information
Provide the veteran name, Social Security number, VA file number (if known), date of birth, address, phone number, and email.
Enter the VSO information
Provide the name of the Veterans Service Organization you are appointing as your representative. The organization must be recognized by the VA Secretary.
Authorize access to records
In Section IV, authorize the VSO to access your records held by the VA and any other relevant agencies. This access is necessary for the VSO to effectively represent you.
Sign and submit
Sign and date the form. The VSO representative will also sign to accept the appointment. Submit the form to the VA or give it to your VSO for submission.
About VA 21-22 (Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative)
Who needs this form
Veterans, surviving spouses, or other claimants who want a VSO to represent them in their VA benefits claims. VSOs provide free expert assistance with disability compensation, pension, education benefits, and other VA programs.
Where to submit
Submit to the VA by mail, fax, or in person at a VA regional office. You can also submit through the VSO you are appointing. The appointment remains in effect until you revoke it or appoint a different representative.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not verifying that the VSO is recognized by the VA before submitting the form
- Confusing VA 21-22 (for VSOs) with VA 21-22a (for individual attorneys or claims agents)
- Not authorizing access to records in Section IV (the VSO needs access to help with your claim)
- Forgetting to revoke the previous representative if switching to a new VSO
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What is the difference between VA 21-22 and VA 21-22a?
VA Form 21-22 appoints a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) as your representative. VSOs are nonprofit organizations that provide free claims assistance. VA Form 21-22a appoints an individual (such as an attorney or accredited claims agent) as your representative. Attorneys may charge fees, while VSOs do not.
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