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General information only — not legal advice. Published by Edward & Amaury Solicitors, solicitors regulated by the SRA (no. 800525). How that affects what you read.

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VA Disability Lawyer Fees

United States (federal and general)Last reviewed 18 September 2026

Federal rules restrict what a VA-accredited attorney or agent may charge. No fee may be charged for services before the VA's initial decision on your claim, the fee must be entirely contingent on winning, and it may not exceed 20% of past-due benefits.

When a Fee Can Be Charged

Direct Answer: Under 38 C.F.R. § 14.636, an accredited representative cannot be paid for services provided before you receive notice of the VA's initial decision on the claim, which is why many representatives take cases at the appeal stage.

That rule prevents fees for preparing and filing the initial claim. After the initial decision, a fee agreement may be made, and the fee must be entirely contingent on a favourable result.

How Much

The total fee may not exceed 20% of the total past-due benefits awarded on the claim. A fee of 20% is presumed reasonable in many circumstances, but VA can review fees for reasonableness, and a fee that is unreasonable can be reduced. A representative who charges more than allowed can face discipline.

Free Alternatives

You do not need to pay a fee to get help. Accredited veterans service organizations and county or state veterans service officers offer free help with claims and appeals. Verify that anyone charging a fee is accredited with VA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a lawyer charge me to file my initial VA claim?

No. Federal rules bar fees for services before the initial VA decision on the claim. Free help is available from accredited veterans service organizations.

What is the maximum fee?

20% of the past-due benefits awarded, entirely contingent on winning. Fees must also be reasonable.

Who can charge a fee?

Only VA-accredited attorneys and agents. You can check accreditation on VA's website.

Do I pay if I lose?

No fee is payable for services unless there is a favourable result, because the fee must be entirely contingent.

Are there free options?

Yes. Accredited veterans service organizations and government veterans service officers provide free claims help.

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How Contingency Fees Work

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Where this applies: Contingency fee rules are set state by state. Check your own state's rules before acting.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 18 September 2026.

  1. 38 C.F.R. § 14.636 (fees for VA claims representation)

    A fee may not be charged for services before the notice of the initial VA decision, must be entirely contingent on a favourable result, and may not exceed 20% of past-due benefits. Only VA-accredited attorneys and agents may charge fees.

  2. VA.gov — Decision reviews and appeals

    The three options after a VA decision: a Supplemental Claim (with new and relevant evidence), a Higher-Level Review (no new evidence) or a Board of Veterans' Appeals appeal.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates
Last reviewed 18 September 2026. Next review due 18 March 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.

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Where this applies: Contingency fee rules are set state by state. Check your own state's rules before acting.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 2 August 2026.

  1. ABA Model Rule 1.5 (Fees)

    Model, not law. Each state adopts its own version. Rule 1.5(d) bars contingency fees in most domestic relations matters and in criminal defence.

  2. Cornell LII — contingency fee
  3. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d) (costs to the prevailing party)

    A losing plaintiff may be ordered to pay the defendant's taxable costs. There is no US equivalent of QOCS.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates
Last reviewed 2 August 2026. Next review due 2 February 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.