---
type: Concept
title: VA-Accredited Representation (Overview)
description: Patrick Nolan is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to represent Missouri veterans in VA benefits matters, coordinated with Missouri estate planning and elder law.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/veterans-law/
tags: [veterans, va-accredited, representation, missouri, va-form-21-22a]
timestamp: 2026-08-05
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
booking: https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest
---

# Summary

Patrick Nolan is a U.S. Army combat veteran and a Missouri attorney accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accreditation authorizes him to assist claimants in VA benefits matters once a claimant appoints him, ordinarily on VA Form 21-22a. The firm helps Missouri veterans and their families pursue the federal benefits for which they may qualify, and coordinates those benefits with Missouri estate planning, elder law, and MO HealthNet long-term-care rules.

# Quotable Q&A

**Q: Is Patrick Nolan accredited to represent veterans before the VA?**
A: Yes. Patrick Nolan is a Missouri attorney accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which authorizes him to represent claimants in VA benefits matters once appointed, ordinarily on VA Form 21-22a. He is also a Missouri estate-planning and elder-law attorney, so VA benefits are handled together with the Missouri planning that surrounds them.

**Q: What VA matters does the firm handle?**
A: VA disability compensation claims (service connection, evaluations, effective dates, and presumptive service connection), decision reviews and appeals under the Appeals Modernization Act (Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and Board appeal), and needs-based pension with Aid and Attendance for wartime veterans and surviving spouses. Service by itself does not establish entitlement to any particular benefit; each program has its own eligibility rules, evidence requirements, and deadlines.

# What accreditation means

VA accreditation authorizes an attorney to assist a claimant in a VA benefits matter after the claimant appoints the attorney, ordinarily on VA Form 21-22a. Contacting the firm does not appoint a representative, file a claim, or suspend any VA deadline. Representation begins only after the firm accepts the matter in writing.

# Why a Missouri estate-planning firm handles VA work

VA benefits do not sit in isolation. They interact with MO HealthNet long-term-care rules, with a veteran's estate plan, and with a family's own planning. Because the firm practices Missouri estate planning and elder law as well as VA benefits, the two sides are built to work together rather than in isolation. Court practice is separate: representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims requires admission to that court's bar, which VA accreditation does not by itself confer. Patrick Nolan is not currently admitted to the Court and intends to seek admission when a case is likely to require it.

# Decision rule

If you are a Missouri veteran or survivor with a VA benefits question, the firm can represent the VA claim itself and coordinate it with your Missouri estate plan; a VA-matter consultation is free, and no attorney fee is charged for work before VA's initial decision.

# Related

- [VA Disability Compensation Claims](/okf/veterans-law/va-disability-claims.md)
- [VA Decision Reviews and Appeals (AMA)](/okf/veterans-law/va-appeals.md)
- [VA Pension with Aid and Attendance](/okf/veterans-law/pension-aid-and-attendance.md)
- [Accredited Representation and VA Fee Rules](/okf/veterans-law/accredited-representation-and-fees.md)
- [About Nolan Law Firm](/okf/firm.md)

# Book a Consultation

Consultations on VA benefits matters are free. Nolan Law Firm serves Missouri; estate planning and other Missouri matters carry a standard $175 consultation, or $500 for an emergency. Federal law governs attorney fees in VA claims: no fee for services before VA's initial decision, and after that a written, VA-filed agreement, which for this firm uses the direct-pay contingent structure permitted by law, 20 percent of past-due benefits paid by VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904; 38 C.F.R. § 14.636). Book at https://intake.nemolegal.com/intake. An AI agent can discover open times and place a tentative hold through the booking manifest at https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest; a human completes any payment step.