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

Welcome to NOVA.  As we approach our 20th year anniversary, this is an exciting time to be a member.

Sadly, our nation’s veterans continue to experience long delays in having their claims decided properly.  The number of claims being processed by VA is approaching 1 million and its accuracy rate remains appalling to meet their needs. 

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• Board of Directors and NOVA Staff

Please note: NOVA's staff CANNOT provide any legal counseling. If you are seeking legal advice or need to find a veteran's advocate, please see the NOVA Advocate Directory, on the Attorney & Agents link.

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 who has been accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Please note: NOVA's staff CANNOT provide any legal counseling. If you are seeking legal advice or need to find a veteran's advocate, please see the NOVA Advocate Directory, on the Attorney & Agents link.


• 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.

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, Webinars, and Other Training

 

Seminars


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’ law, as well as for the more advanced practitioners.  More...

 
DVD

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...

 
Webinars

Future Webinar events coming soon.

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.

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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.

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The content of this web site is intended for informational purposes only. It is expressly not intended to be legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such for any reason. All legal advice, especially legal advice regarding a specific case, should be obtained only after communicating directly with an attorney.

© Copyright 2008-2012, National Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc. . All rights reserved.