Veterans Benefits Intensive

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

1:15 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Welcome and Announcements
Professor Roberta Flowers

1:20 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Veterans Benefits: Claims, Compensation and Pensions
Judge Michael Allen and Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox
This session will cover a number of topics that are needed for those who are, or have applied to be VA accredited. Topics will include a discussion of Service-Related and Non-Service Related Disabilities, Pensions, Compensation, Aid and Attendance, and health care.

3:20 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Break and Visit with Sponsors and Exhibitors
Sponsored by Special Needs Alliance

3:35 p.m. - 5:35 p.m.

IMPORTANT ACCREDITATION INFORMATION:

In order to become accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs you must:

Apply for accreditation with the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) on a VA form 21A. These forms are available for download at the following website: https://www.va.gov/ogc/accreditation.asp. This process can take 2-4 months to complete.
After accreditation is approved by the OGC, you will need to take a 3 hour CLE on specific topics mandated by the VA. This CLE will satisfy that requirement. You must then certify to the VA that you have taken the CLE. In addition to the initial CLE requirement prescribed in section 14.629(b)(1)(iii), VA requires the completion of follow-up CLE not later than 3 years from the date of the initial accreditation and every 2 years thereafter. In complying with section 14.629(b)(1)(iv), follow-up CLE may be dedicated to any topic within the broad “veterans benefits law and procedure” category.38 C.F.R. § 14.629(b)(1)(iii).
Once accreditation is approved you must recertify your accreditation each year by email to the OGC to let them know you still maintain all the credentials for accreditation. Every other year this notice will include notice that you attended a VA CLE.