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Title page 1

Contents 3

Highlights 2

Letter 5

Background 7

VA Has Policies for Approving New Accreditation Applications and Ensuring Training Compliance 11

VA Investigates and Resolves Complaints Against Accredited Representatives and Takes Some Actions with Unaccredited Individuals 14

VA Is Addressing Key Challenges with the ADF Program but Has Not Fully Developed Implementation Plans 17

VA Is Addressing Challenges with Training Requirements, Unaccredited Individuals, Information Technology, and Workloads 17

More Thorough Planning Could Help the Program Identify Resource Needs, Implement Initiatives, and Monitor Progress 23

Conclusions 27

Recommendations for Executive Action 27

Agency Comment 28

Appendix I: GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments 30

Tables 3

Table 1. Categories of Individuals Eligible for Accreditation by VA as an Accredited Representative 8

Table 2. Selected Initial and Ongoing Accreditation Requirements by Type of Accredited Representative 10

Table 3. Summary of Selected Complaints Investigated by Accreditation, Discipline, and Fees (ADF) Program Staff in Fiscal Year 2023 16

Table 4. Assessment of the ADF Program’s Plan to Address Challenges Using Components of Sound Planning Practices 24

Figures 3

Figure 1. Number and Percentage of Open Disability Claims by Type of Accredited Representative, as of August 2024 8

Figure 2. Department of Veterans Affairs' Process for Reviewing Applications to Become Accredited Claims Agents to Help Veterans with Claims 13

Figure 3. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Process for Addressing Complaints Against Accredited Veterans Representatives in the Accreditation, Discipline,... 14