Mission Statement

To develop and encourage high standards of service and representation for all persons seeking benefits through the federal veterans benefits system.


A Message From NOVA's President:


If you have found NOVA's website, you may be an attorney who is interested in learning about veterans' law. You might be an attorney who practices veterans' law and who is interested in locating colleagues who also practice in this niche field. You might be a non-attorney who is accredited by the VA to represent veterans and their families. Or you may be a veteran looking for an attorney or advocate to assist you with your appeal for VA disability benefits. Regardlessof what motivated you to find NOVA's website, you've come to the right place, and we thank you for visiting. More...
• Board of Directors and NOVA Staff

Are You a Veteran Who Needs Legal Assistance?

If you are a veteran seeking service-connected disability compensation and need legal advice, it is important that you are represented by an attorney or non-attorney agent that has been accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Click here to see why a Veteran needs legal representation.
• Click on this link to find a NOVA Advocate in your area.  

VA Accreditation

Effective June 23, 2008 all lawyers and representatives who intend to
assist claimants for VA benefits in the preparation, presentation, or
prosecution of new claims must first become accredited by the VA.
Representation which was initiated before June 23, 2008 may continue
without accreditation. The accreditation final rule, which was published
in the Federal Register on May 22, 2008, and which explains how to
obtain and maintain accreditation can be accessed from this website, as
can a link to the accreditation application form, VA Form 21a.  
• Links of Interest

Sustaining members of NOVA can also access on “the Wiki”, General
Counsel Opinions regarding accreditation and suggested forms for
submission of mandatory CLE and certification of good standing.
•VA Regulations/ Federal Register

NOVA Advocates Seminars and Training

NOVA is committed to organizing and presenting legal seminars twice annually for the improvement of attorneys and non-attorney agents.  These seminars are intended for practitioners new to the area of veterans’ disability law, as well as for the more advanced practitioners. 

In addition to our live seminars we offer our training DVD, “Beginner’s Guide to Veterans Law” which is essential for those just beginning a veterans law practice. More...

NOVA and Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement (CVA) Pro Bono Program

In July 2009, the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc. (NOVA) and Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement (CVA) rolled out its national collaborative pro bono program. This national colloboration was implemented to fight homelessness among veterans. More..

NOVA Membership

Membership in NOVA is open to any individual who represents claimants in the VA compensation and pension system and who is admitted to practice and is in good standing before the CAVC, and/or is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Law students, professors, and Veterans Service Organization Representatives are also welcome to join NOVA. More...