What it is
VA Form 21-22a, "Appointment of Individual As Claimant's Representative," authorizes one specific person to represent you on VA claims and benefits matters and lets VA share your claim information with that person. The form is used to appoint an accredited attorney, an accredited claims agent, or in narrow circumstances a one-time non-accredited individual under 38 CFR 14.630.
When you use it
Use 21-22a when you want an individual, not an organization, handling your case. VA Form 21-22 appoints a recognized VSO (DAV, VFW, American Legion, county/tribal veterans service officer, etc.). VA Form 21-22a appoints a single named person. Accredited attorneys are presumed fit based on state bar membership; accredited claims agents must pass a written exam and complete continuing education (38 CFR 14.629). A non-accredited individual may represent you only one time under 38 CFR 14.630, and both you and that person must sign a statement that no fee will be charged.
What to gather before you fill it out
Your full legal name, VA file number or SSN, date of birth, and current address. The representative's full name, accreditation type (attorney, claims agent, or one-time individual), and contact information. Decide whether you are limiting access to records on drug abuse, alcoholism, HIV, or sickle cell anemia, those require a separate authorization box. If a fee agreement exists, plan to file it separately with the Office of the General Counsel.
How to submit
File online through VA.gov, mail the signed PDF to the Evidence Intake Center in Janesville, WI, or hand it to your VA regional office. The representative typically submits it on your behalf.
Common pitfalls
Filing a new 21-22a automatically revokes your existing POA, including a VSO appointment on a 21-22, unless you limit the new appointment to a particular claim under 38 CFR 14.630 (38 CFR 14.631). Fees cannot be charged until VA issues an initial decision on the claim, and only accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees at all; non-accredited individuals under 14.630 must work for free (38 CFR 14.636). Appointing someone who is not accredited on VA's OGC search will get the form rejected. The 20% fee level is presumed reasonable and 33⅓% is presumed unreasonable.
Related forms
VA Form 21-22 (appoint a VSO), VA Form 21-0845 (authorize VA to release information to a third party who is not your representative), and any written fee agreement filed under 38 CFR 14.636.
Sources
https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-22a/ ; 38 CFR 14.630 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/14.630); 38 CFR 14.629; 38 CFR 14.631; 38 CFR 14.636.