CLE: VA Benefits and How To Become a VA Accredited Attorney

Nevada Legal Services will be presenting a 3 hour CLE for attorneys interested in learning how to prepare, present or prosecute Veterans' claims for disability compensation before the Office of General Counsel's U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Reno - 9 AM - 12 PM  Wednesday, August 17th
Las Vegas - 9AM - 12PM Friday, August 19th
Lunch provided

FREE for attorneys agreeing to volunteer at least 3 hours at one of Nevada Legal Services' numerous outreach Ask-A-Lawyer events that serve our low-income Nevadan Veteran and Active Duty Military Community Members.

If you are interested in becoming a VA Accredited Attorney, submit your VA Form 21a, Application for Accreditation as an Attorney, as soon as possible.  

To reserve your spot at the CLE or to obtain more information contact:

Krissta Kirschenheiter, Nevada Legal Services Pro Bono Director kkirschenheiter@nlslaw.net or (702) 386-0404, Extension 125.

More detailed program information follows:

VA disability compensation provides monthly benefits to Veterans in recognition of the effects of disabilities, diseases, or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service. The program also provides monthly payments to surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents in recognition of the economic loss caused by a Veteran's death during military service or, after discharge from military service, as a result of a service-connected disability.  There are numerous types of claims that apply to disability compensation. They can be based on existing disabilities exacerbated by military service, disabilities that occurred during service, or disabilities that arose after the Veteran left military service. Additionally, there are claims that are filed for special circumstances, which might include a claim for a temporary 100% rating due to surgery for a service-connected disability or additional compensation based on being in need of regular aid and attendance.

VA Attorney Accreditation is for the sole purpose of providing representation services to claimants before the VA and requires that an interested attorney first submit an Application for Accreditation as an Attorney, called the VA Form 21a.  On average, it generally takes 60 to 120 days before anApplication for Accreditation as an Attorney will be approved.  Nevada Legal Services is also happy to answer any questions or actually assist interested attorneys with the VA Accreditation process.

Once approved as a VA Accredited Attorney, in order to maintain VA Accreditation, the attorney must:(1) Complete 3 hours of qualifying CLE requirements during the first 12-month period following the date of   initial VA Accreditation, and an additional 3 hours no later than 3 years from the date of the VA Accreditation, and every 2 years thereafter; (2) Provide a copy of the CLE's training certificate or certify in writing to VA’s Office of the General Counsel that the attorney has completed the qualifying CLE, including the CLE title, date, time, and provider; and (3) Submit an annual certification of good standing for any court, bar, or Federal or State agency to which the attorney is admitted to practice. More information on applying to become a VA Accredited Attorney, including a copy of the VA Form 21a, can be found at http://www.va.gov/ogc/accreditation.asp

Our August Reno and Las Vegas CLEs will serve to qualify the attendee attorney in meeting the VA's mandatory Accreditation requirement, although attorneys not interested in VA Accreditation are welcome to attend as well.  In addition to the morning CLE, our presenter, Atlanta-based VA Accredited Agent and Registered Nurse Karen McIntyre, has generously agreed to showcase herVisPro Veterans Benefits Software Program after our complimentary lunch, in order to walk through the filing of a claim electronically, form by form.  Nevada Legal Services plans to seek Nevada CLE Accreditation for this additional afternoon portion. 

For more information click here.
Information on how to apply for accreditation click here
Application form 21a.

August 17, 2016
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Reno