FEES- My fee is 20% of retroactive pay!
An attorney or claims agent may only charge you "reasonable fees" for assistance with your claim if:
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a notice of disagreement was filed with your claim and,
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you signed a VA Form 21-22a authorizing the attorney or claims agent to represent you and,
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you signed a written agreement to pay the attorney or claims agent.
As provided in Federal Law a request for direct payment of fees, commonly referred to as a “direct-pay fee agreement,” will only be honored by VA when:
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the total fee payable (excluding expenses) does not exceed 20 percent of the total amount of past-due benefits awarded
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the fee is contingent on a favorable outcome for the claimant, and
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the award of past due benefits results in a cash payment to the claimant or appellant from which the fee may be deducted.
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WARNING
There are bad actors out there. They are known as VA disability “claim sharks” who prepare, present, or prosecute VA benefit and disability claims, or hold themselves out as being authorized to do so. They are not! It is a violation of Federal Law.
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Protect yourself and research any potential representative. The VA Office of General Counsel maintains a list of VA-recognized organizations and VA-accredited individuals (VA Claims Agents, Attorneys, and VSOs ) that are authorized to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims at: Click VA OGC below.
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