The VA’s Accredited Claims Agent Exam: Sample Test Questions

Find an online practice sample examination at www.vaclaimsagent.com.

Are you thinking of becoming a VA Accredited claims agent? If so you probably know there is an exam requirement by now. That can be a daunting thought for some but as in most cases, preparation is key. If you have put the time in to understand the VA claims and benefits processes you shouldn’t have too much of an issue. Plus, they allow one retake of the exam if you happen not to make the grade the first time around.

ALL ABOUT THE EXAM

You must sit for the exam within 90 days of being informed that you have “passed” the background check and are being allowed to take the exam although the deadline can be extended for sufficient cause.

The topics which may be covered on the examination include compensation and pension programs, claim procedures, appeals, agents’ fees, and waiver of indebtedness.  It was recommended to study title 38, United States Code, chapters 1, 11, 13, 15, 51, 53, 59, 71, and 72, and title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 1, 3, 4, 14, 19, and 20. The questions on the claims agent examination are primarily based on information which can be found in these statutes and regulations.

The examination is a closed-book examination consisting of 28 multiple-choice and true-false questions(25 multiple choice and 3 ethics questions based on 38 CFR§ 14.629-14.637).  You will have 120 minutes to take the exam and must answer 21 of those questions correctly to achieve a passing score.

After completion, your exam will be returned to the Office of General Counsel’s office in Washington, D.C., for grading.  If you do not pass the exam, you will be notified that you did not achieve a passing score.  If you pass the exam, you will be notified that the VA is proceeding with a final review of your application to be an accredited claims agent.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS:

Here are 5 sample questions from our best memory of the examination:

1. 
   

Which of the following will prevent the application of the presumption for service connection for a chronic disease?

1. The veteran had only peacetime service after December 31, 1946

2. None of these.

3. There was no evidence of the disease during the veteran’s period of service.

4. The disease did not become manifest to a degree of 10% or more until 9 months from the date of separation from service.

5. 
   

Where must a substantive appeal be filed?

1. 
   

Submission of which one of the following is sufficient to reopen a claim denied by a final VA decision?

1. Evidence sufficient to establish that the claim is well grounded.     

2. New and relevant evidence.   

3. VA Form 9

4. 
   

Where VA issues a notice of indebtedness to a veteran on or after April 1, 1983, for an overpayment of disability compensation, how many days from the date of the notice does the veteran have in which to request waiver of the indebtedness?     

1. 180 days

2. 1 year

3. 2 years

4. 
   

_____True or False.   Full time duty in the US Coast Guard, other than duty performed by reserves for training purposes, is considered “active duty” for purposes of determining eligibility for disability compensation.