1. (1) The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) provides certified claims representation at offices throughout the state. The service officers may advise veterans regarding benefits they may be eligible to receive based upon their military service, assist them in identifying nonprofit resources and, in certain cases, represent them before the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). These service officers may similarly assist the veteran’s dependents where there is no conflict with the veteran’s interests
2. (2) The ADVA website, https://va.alabama.gov, has information regarding each of the Service Offices to include location and hours of operation.
3. (3) Powers of Attorney
4. (a) For a service officer to represent a veteran or dependent before the USDVA, the individual must grant a limited power of attorney by completing the appropriate federal form.
5. (b) Where the service officer does not hold the power of attorney, the service officer may not file forms or otherwise represent the individual before the USDVA. The service officer may still advise veterans and their dependents as to their benefits and how to complete the appropriate forms to file for their benefits. Where the individual has appointed another individual or organization to represent them before the USDVA, the ability of the service officer to assist may be further limited.
6. (c) Prior to accepting a power of attorney, the service officer should ensure the individual is making an informed decision by providing them information as to their representation options.
7. (d) The ADVA may elect to not accept a new power of attorney or may elect to revoke an existing power of attorney where they determine they cannot effectively represent the individual. This may be due to a conflict, questions regarding the competency of the individual, excessive abusive, disruptive, hostile, or threatening behavior, or other factors.
8. (4) The ADVA veteran service officers receive cross accreditation with the American Legion and VFW.

Author: Jeffrey L. Newton

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 31-5-4, 31-5-5, 31-5-10.

History: Filed October 31, 2000. New Rule: Filed January 4, 2001; effective February 8, 2001. Repealed and New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.