Fee for Service
Straight answers on how we get paid — governed by 38 CFR §14.636
No Fee Unless You Win
On contingency representation, we are only paid if we win you past-due benefits. If there is no favorable outcome that produces retroactive back pay, there is no fee. You owe nothing. That alignment is intentional — when we fight for a larger back-pay award and an earlier effective date, we are fighting for both of us.
The 20% Contingency Fee
For appeals and rating fights where we represent you, our fee is up to 20% of the retroactive (past-due) benefits awarded as a result of our work. This is a contingency arrangement authorized and regulated under 38 CFR §14.636, which sets the maximum allowable fee for accredited agents and attorneys.
How the Contingency Fee Works — Step by Step
The VA issues a favorable decision granting service connection, a higher rating, or an earlier effective date.
Retroactive benefits are the difference between what you should have been paid and what you were actually paid, from the effective date forward.
The fee is a percentage of the past-due lump sum. It never applies to your ongoing monthly compensation going forward.
Under 38 CFR §14.636(h), the VA withholds the fee from your retroactive payment and pays us directly. You never write a check.
What the Fee Covers — and What It Does Not
Included in Representation
- Complete forensic file analysis and error identification
- Strategy development and condition routing
- Evidence gap analysis and guidance on what to build
- Filing and managing your appeal through every stage
- Challenging inadequate C&P exams
- All phone calls, emails, and consultations during representation
- Re-analysis and strategy adaptation after each VA decision
Not Included
- Medical treatment or examination fees (your own healthcare providers)
- Independent medical opinions or nexus letters (ordered separately from qualified physicians)
- Private DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires) from contracted providers
- Travel costs to C&P exams or medical appointments
We identify when these are needed and recommend providers, but the cost of obtaining medical evidence is separate from our representation fee.
What the Law Does Not Allow Us to Charge For
Federal regulation under 38 CFR §14.636(c) prohibits charging a fee for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting an initial claim before the VA has issued its first decision on that claim. This is why our contingency representation focuses on veterans who have already been denied or under-rated — the appeals and rating fights where an accredited agent adds the most value and where fees are legally permitted.
The regulation also requires that all fee agreements be in writing, reasonable, and filed with the VA Office of General Counsel. We comply with every requirement. You always know exactly what you agreed to, and the VA has a copy.
How We Compare: Agent vs. Attorney vs. VSO
| Feature | Accredited Agent | VA Attorney | VSO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $0 or retainer | $0 |
| Fee Structure | Contingency (20% of back pay) | Contingency or hourly | Free |
| Direct File Access | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Board of Veterans' Appeals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Court of Appeals (CAVC) | No | Yes | No |
| Specialization | Claims & appeals | Varies | Generalist |
| Caseload | Selective | Varies | Often high |
VSOs are valuable for straightforward claims. Attorneys are necessary for Court-level appeals. An accredited agent like us specializes in the gap between — fighting denied claims through the VA system with the authority to go directly into your file.
Understanding Back Pay
Retroactive benefits (“back pay”) are the difference between what the VA should have been paying you and what they actually paid you, calculated from your effective date forward. The effective date is set under 38 CFR §3.400 and is often the date of your original claim or Intent to File.
Example: How Back Pay Is Calculated
A veteran files a claim in January 2023. The VA denies it. We file a supplemental claim and win a 70% rating in January 2025. The effective date is set to the original claim date (January 2023). The veteran is owed 24 months of the difference between their old rate and their new 70% rate.
Our fee applies to that lump-sum retroactive payment — not to the ongoing monthly payments the veteran receives going forward. The stronger the effective date argument, the larger the back pay — which is why fighting for the correct effective date is a core part of what we do.
The Flat-Fee Alternative: Mission 5 Intelligence Brief
If you want expert analysis without contingency representation, the Mission 5 Intelligence Brief is a flat $750 — a 7-section forensic analysis of your claim delivered in 7 days, plus a 45-minute strategy call. It is a fixed, transparent price with no percentage attached.
The Intelligence Brief is a standalone product, not a representation agreement. You can use it yourself, take it to a VSO, or bring it back to us to begin contingency representation.
Learn About the M5 BriefFormalizing Representation: VA Form 21-22a
When we take your case, representation is made official by signing VA Form 21-22a, which appoints your accredited agent. A written fee agreement accompanies it, specifying the exact contingency percentage and scope of representation. A copy is filed with the VA Office of General Counsel as the regulations require.
You can revoke this appointment at any time by filing a new VA Form 21-22a with a different representative, or by submitting a written request to the VA. There is no lock-in, no cancellation fee, and no penalty for changing your mind.
Our Fee Principles
Questions About Fees?
We are happy to explain exactly how our fee structure works for your specific situation. No obligation, no pressure.
Real Veterans. Real Claims. Real Outcomes.
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Veteran RepresentationWatch the VA Explain the Exam — Then Compare It to Yours
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Your VA Claim Exam: What to Expect
Tips to Prepare for Your VA Claim Exam
Three Ways to Put an Accredited Agent on Fee for Service
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