An accredited VA claims agent is an independent legal professional who is not an attorney but rather an individual who, under the provision of federal law, has undergone a character and fitness review by the VA Office of General Counsel and passed a written examination regarding veterans law and VA procedures. 

VA accreditation refers to the authority granted by the VA by federal law to those who meet the standards established by the VA. Accredited VA Claims Agents provide representation services for veterans in their VA disability claims. VA’s stated purpose in requiring accreditation is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive “qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims.” 

As such, a VA claims agent is an officially VA accredited representative.