TITLE 38 - PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF

CHAPTER I - DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

PART 14 - LEGAL SERVICES, GENERAL COUNSEL, AND MISCELLANEOUS CLAIMS

14.630 - Authorization for a particular claim.

  (a) Any person may be authorized to prepare, present, and prosecute one claim. A proper power of attorney, and a statement signed by the person and the claimant that no compensation will be charged or paid for the services, shall be filed with the office where the claim is presented. A signed writing, which may be in letter form, identifying the claimant and the type of benefit or relief sought, specifically authorizing a named individual to act as the claimant's representative, and further authorizing direct access to records pertinent to the claim, will be accepted as a power of attorney.

  (b) Representation may be provided by an individual pursuant to this section one time only. An exception to this limitation may be granted by the General Counsel in unusual circumstances. Among the factors which may be considered in determining whether an exception will be granted are: (1) The number of accredited representatives and claims agents operating in the claimant's geographic region; (2) Whether the claimant has unsuccessfully sought representation from other sources; (3) The nature and status of the claim; and (4) Whether there exists unique circumstances which would render alternative representation inadequate.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 5903) [68 FR 8546, Feb. 24, 2003]