What is an accredited representative?
“An accredited representative is an individual who has undergone a formal application and training process and is recognized by VA as being capable of assisting claimants with their affairs before VA.” – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Per the VA: “the purpose of VA’s accreditation program is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims.”
The accreditation process includes an examination, a background investigation, and continuing education requirements to ensure the most up-to-date information is being provided to those seeking VA benefits.
Philip VanderHamm was approved by the VA as an Accredited Claims Agent on August 20th, 2010. To obtain that accreditation, he studied the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 38 (CFR 38) and passed the federal exam with the Department of Veterans Affairs, authorizing him to represent service and non-service connected pension claimants. He completes continuing education courses on a biannual basis to stay abreast with current regulations and federal manuals. He is also a member of the Veterans Advocates Group of America.
Mr. VanderHamm has assisted thousands of eligible veterans and their spouses to obtain the Aid and Attendance Benefit. AVA operates under his expert guidance, and has successfully done so since 2010.
Steven L. Hayes, Esq. AVA's Corporate Attorney
Steven L. Hayes was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where, inspired partly by the fact that his father was the County Sheriff, he seemed destined to find his life’s work in helping and protecting others.
He graduated with Honors from the University of Arkansas and then with Honors from the University of San Francisco Law School. Over many years of private law practice, Steven had occasion to help people who were themselves victims of what he considered to be unscrupulous medical practitioners.