Option 1 - (2024) Study Materials*
We recommend purchasing AFTER you are approved to take the exam. The Office of General Counsel is processing applications (VA Form 21a) very slowly.
*We do not guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based solely on using our materials.
Use this option if you only want purchase the study materials to prepare for the exam to become accredited. The study materials include the following:
- "Study Instructions for the Claims Agent Exam",
- "Training Manual for the Accredited Agents Exam",
- current "Selections from Title 38 Code Of Federal Regulations" on a flash drive, and
- 600 Practice Questions with answers
Option 2 - (2024) Study Materials and "How to Apply" book*
We recommend purchasing AFTER you are approved to take the exam. The Office of General Counsel is processing applications (VA Form 21a) very slowly.
*We do not guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based solely on using our materials.
Taking the exam to become accredited will not introduce you to the application forms nor help you understand the application process (this option will do all of this). Your purchase includes the following:
- Book: How to Apply for Dept. of Veterans Affairs Benefits for Veterans and Their Survivors (2024 Edition)
-
"Study Instructions for the Claims Agent Exam",
- "Training Manual for the Accredited Agents Exam",
- current "Selections from Title 38 Code Of Federal Regulations" on a flash drive, and
- 600 Practice Questions with answers
1. “Study Instructions for the Claims Agent Exam” - 6 pages
Instructions on how to apply for accreditation, a suggested coure of study, and what to expect from the exam.
2. Current “Selections from Title 38 Code Of Federal Regulations” on a flash drive
This compilation includes applicable regulations that cover by the accredited agents exam. We have only included regulations VA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) directs you to study. The applicable regulations include sections of PART 1, PART 3, PART 4, PART 13 PART 14, PART 19 AND PART 20.
Below is a portion of OGC's response they send to those who are approved to sit for the accreditation exam. We have found the exam relies primarily on certain sections in parts of Title 38, Code Of Federal Regulations listed in the letter. We have not found very many questions – if any – taken from Title 38, United States Code. The regulations of Title 38 CFR are all derived from Title 38 USC. It’s the same thing but with more detail in the federal regulations as opposed to the US code.
Copy of Content of Welcome Letter from VA General Counsel
We have received your application for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accreditation as a claims agent. We are writing to the individuals you have given as character references. In addition, the examination is being sent to the VA Regional Counsel’s office in –
The topics which may be covered on the examination include compensation and pension programs, claim procedures, appeals, agents’ fees, and waiver of indebtedness. We recommend studying title 38, United States Code, chapters 1, 11, 13, 15, 51, 53, 59, 71, and 72, and title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 1, 3, 4, 14, 19, and 20. The questions on the claims agent examination are primarily based on information which can be found in these statutes and regulations. The examination is a closed-book online examination consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to take the examination and must answer 75 percent of those questions correctly to achieve a passing score.
After completion, your examination will be submitted for scoring. If you do not pass the examination, you will be notified that you did not achieve a passing score. If you pass the examination, you will be notified that we are proceeding with our final review of your application. Good Luck!
ADDITIONAL VERBIAGE PRIOR TO 2021 - Please call the Regional Counsel’s office in – to make an appointment to take the examination. After completion, the examination will be sent to this office for grading. You will be notified promptly by this office if your do not pass the examination. If you pass, we will advise you as to your accreditation as soon as we have received responses from the persons you listed in your application as character references. (Sample welcome letter from VA General Counsel after filing VA Form 21a.)
It is unfortunate that VA provides nothing for study except reference to the above regulations. Not only that, you have to find your own source of regulations. Going into the regulations and trying to make sense of what they are saying is extremely frustrating. Many of the regulations represent changes over the years and it's hard to understand what is current and what is not.
Even though the welcome letter from VA directs you to study certain chapters of Title 38 of the United States Code, we have not found this is necessary to passing VA’s exam. The referenced parts of Title 38 Code Of Federal Regulations in the welcome letter are sufficient material for passing the exam.
The study material we are providing you as well as the practice tests are to help you study for and have a greater chance of success for passing the accredited agents exam. Please know that we do not guarantee you will pass the accreditation exam based on using this material. On the other hand, without this material you would have a difficult time and a significant challenge preparing for and passing the test.
3. “Preparing for the Accredited Agents Exam – Practice Tests WITHOUT ANSWERS” - Online and Spiral Bound Book (124 pages)
These practice tests are available online (we will send you the link and login) and in a spiral-bound book (which we will ship). 6 sets of 100 questions WITHOUT ANSWERS– 600 questions in all (view samples).
4. “Preparing for the Accredited Agents Exam – Practice Tests WITH ANSWERS” Online and Spiral Bound Book (124 pages)
These practice tests are available online (we will send you the link and login) and in a spiral-bound book (which we will ship). 6 sets of 100 questions WITH ANSWERS– 600 questions in all (view samples).
5. “Training Manual for the Accredited Agents Exam” 389 pages
Introduction; Page 1
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS; Pg. 2
- The Department of Veterans Affairs exists to provide the benefits below.; Pg. 4
- The Structure of the Department Of Veterans Affairs; Pg. 6
SUMMARIES OF BENEFITS COVERED IN THIS BOOK; Pg. 11
DISABILITY BENEFIT RATE TABLES; Pg. 22 OVERVIEW OF THE CLAIMS FILING PROCESS; Pg. 24
- A Description of the Paperless Claim System for Disability Benefits; Pg. 24
- Gaining Access to VBMS for Accredited Claim Representatives; Pg. 25
- A Description of the Paperless Claim System for Disability Benefits; Pg. 24
- Gaining Access to VBMS for Accredited Claim Representatives; Pg. 25
- Obtaining Service Treatment and Personnel Records; Pg. 27
- Obtaining Post-Service Medical Records; Pg. 39
- Submitting an Intent to File – VA Form 21-0966; Pg. 40
- VA’s Duty to Assist; Pg. 42
- Choosing eBenefits for Filing an Application; Pg. 44
- Obtaining Nexus Opinions; Pg. 48
- Disability Benefits Questionnaires; Pg. 49
- Writing the Personal Lay Statement; Pg. 49
- Organizing the Evidence for the Rating Representative; Pg. 50
- Making Sure the Rating Team Respects Your Well Supported Claim; Pg. 51
- Submitting the Application and Following up with the Regional Office; Pg. 52
- How the Rating Activity in the Regional Office Makes a Decision; Pg. 53
- Deciding What to Do with an Unfavorable Decision; Pg. 56
Chapter 1 – 38 CFR Part 1 – Claimant’s Rights and Debt Management; Page 57
CLAIMANTS RIGHTS AND OBTAINING RECORDS; Pg. 59
VA DEBT MANAGEMENT; Pg. 64
- • From VA Website; Pg. 64
- Example of Filing a Waiver for Debt; Pg. 66
CITATIONS IN 38 CFR PART ONE PERTAINING TO THIS CHAPTER; Pg. 72
Chapter 2 – 38 CFR Part 3 – Adjudication General Rules and Procedures; Page 79
ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT ISSUES; Pg. 81
- Definition of a Veteran; Pg. 81
- Other Groups Eligible for Veterans Benefits; Pg. 82
- Additional Requirements for Receiving VA Benefits; Pg. 84
- Active Duty, Active Duty for Training and Inactive Duty for Training; Pg. 84
- Period of Active Duty Service; Pg. 85
- In the Line of Duty and Willful Misconduct; Pg. 86
- Character of the Discharge; Pg. 88
- Appealing the Character of the Discharge; Pg. 89
- Providing Proof of Service; Pg. 90
- Verification of Active Duty Service; Pg. 93
- Priority Claims; Pg. 94
- Understanding Effective Dates; Pg. 97
RELATIONSHIPS AND EVIDENCE OF SUCH RELATIONSHIPS; Pg. 110
- Definition of a Surviving Spouse and Child; Pg. 110
- Providing Evidence of Death for Burial and Survivor Benefits; Pg. 11
- Understanding Marriage Issues, Evidence of Marriage and Evidence of Death; Pg. 112
DEATH OF A CLAIMANT AND ACCRUED BENEFITS; Pg. 124
- If the Claimant Dies While the Application Is Pending; Pg. 124
- How the Regional Office Handles a Claim for Accrued Benefits; Pg. 131
DIRECTED STUDY IN 38 CFR PART 3 FOR THIS CHAPTER; Pg. 144
Chapter 3 – 38 CFR Part 3 – Adjudication Rules for Specific Benefits; Page 147
VETERANS PENSION AND SURVIVORS PENSION; Pg. 149
- Eligibility for Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension Benefits; Pg. 149
- The Income Test for Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension; Pg. 153
- What Is Considered Income and Calculating the IVAP; Pg. 154
- Most Common Instances of Income Inclusions; Pg. 155
- The Ratings for Aid and Attendance or Housebound; Pg. 159
- Medical Deduction Rules for In-Home Care and Care Facilities; Pg. 165
- Assets and Net Worth Limit; Pg. 176
DISABILITY COMPENSATION; Pg. 185
- Entitlement Requirements; Pg. 185
- Three Types of Service Connection; Pg. 188
- Benefit Payment Issues; Pg. 193
SELECTED DISABILITY COMPENSATION CLAIMS FROM 38 CFR PART 3; Pg. 195
RATINGS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES; Pg. 200
- Rating for Special Monthly Compensation; Pg. 200
- Aid and Attendance and Housebound Ratings; Pg. 203
- Rating for Incompetency; Pg. 213
- Section 1151 Claims; Pg. 214
SPECIAL BENEFITS; Pg. 217
DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION (DIC); Pg. 219
- DIC for Surviving Spouse and Dependent Children; Pg. 219
- Parents Dependency and Indemnity Compensation; Pg. 222
BURIAL BENEFITS; Pg. 223
DIRECTED STUDY IN 38 CFR PART 3 FOR THIS CHAPTER; Pg. 226
Chapter 4 – 38 CFR Parts 4, 13 – 38 CFR Parts 4, 13 Disability Rating Decisions and the Fiduciary Program; Page 237
- Overview of Disability Ratings; Pg. 229
- Paper Claim Folders and eFolder’s in the Regional Office; Pg. 233
- The Veterans Service Center in the Regional Office; Pg. 235
- Evaluation of the Evidence Submitted to the Regional Office; Pg. 242
- Understanding the Disability Rating System; Pg. 251
- VA Fiduciary Program; Pg. 259
- About the Fiduciary Program from VA.gov; Pg. 260
Chapter 5 – 38 CFR Part 14 – Authority for Claim Representation; Page 265
- Selections from Title 38 CFR Pertaining to Accreditation; Pg. 266
- The Requirement for Accreditation; Pg. 267
- More about Accreditation; Pg. 269
- The Issue of Charging a Fee; Pg. 275
- When Fees Can Be Charged; Pg. 277
- Fees That Are Not Legitimate; Pg. 284
- Providing Fair and Ethical Representation for Claimant’s; Pg. 285
Chapter 6 – 38 CFR Parts 3, 19, 20 – Unfavorable Decisions under the Appeals Modernization Act of 2017; Page 291
- The Modernized Review System for Unfavorable Decisions; pg. 293
- New Concepts and Discontinued Concepts with the New System; pg. 297
- New or Revised Regulations Pertaining to the Modernized Review System; pg. 311
Chapter 7 – Other Veterans Benefits Not Necessary to Know for Becoming Credited; Page 315
CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS; Pg. 316
- Upgrading Your Military Discharge; Pg. 316
- 1 The Discharge Upgrading Process; Pg. 317
- 2 Preparing Your Application; Pg. 323
- 3 Information for Current Military Prisoners Pg. 323
- VA Character of Discharge Review – an Alternative to a Discharge Upgrade; Pg. 326
VETERANS HEALTH CARE; Pg. 335
- Brief Description of VA Healthcare; Pg. 335
- Eligibility for VA Healthcare; Pg. 336
- Medical and Medical Support Services Provided; Pg. 338
- Family Caregiver Support Programs; Pg. 340
- Co-Pays and Priority Groups for VA Healthcare; Pg. 341
- Hearing, Vision and Dental; Pg. 341
- HISA Grants – Home Improvements and Structural Alterations; Pg. 342
- VA Nursing Home and Other Facility Care; Pg. 343
- Geriatric Care Services; Pg. 344
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers; Pg. 349
STATE VETERANS BENEFITS; Pg. 349
LOAN GUARANTY PROGRAM; Pg. 362
EDUCATION BENEFITS; Pg. 363
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION; Pg. 372
INSURANCE; Pg. 373
SURVIVOR BENEFITS; Pg. 384
