VA Tinkers With Veteran Representative Appointment Paperwork
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The VA is updating forms that let veterans pick someone to help with their claims, like a Veterans Service Organization or an individual. They want your feedback by July 27, 2026, to make sure the forms are clear and easy to use. This update won’t cost veterans extra money but aims to speed up and improve the claims process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
VA updates forms for appointing reps
The VA is revising VA Form 21-22 and VA Form 21-22a (OMB Control No. 2900-0321) that let veterans pick a Veterans Service Organization or an individual to represent them on claims. The agency says the update won’t cost veterans extra money and is intended to speed up and improve the claims process. The public may comment on the proposed revision by July 27, 2026.
Paperwork time burden quantified
The VA estimates this collection will involve 1,046,113 respondents per year, with an average burden of 5 minutes per respondent and a total estimated annual burden of 87,176 hours. The agency also states the burden estimate has increased since the previous OMB approval.
Forms control rep access to records
VA Forms 21-22 and 21-22a collect the information VA needs to determine whom claimants have appointed to represent them and the extent of those representatives' access to claimants' records. The notice explains that without this information, VA could not determine representation or access to appropriate records.
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