The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Accreditation--Recognition by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of representatives, attorneys, and agents to represent claimants.
2. (2) Accredited representative of the Texas Veterans Commission--A representative of the Texas Veterans Commission approved by the secretary for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the secretary.
3. (3) Certified--Having met the requirements of §450.3 of this title (relating to General Provisions) for "certification."
4. (4) Commission--The Texas Veterans Commission which is a "recognized organization" by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
5. (5) Credit hour--Unit of measuring credit earned for attending a number of classroom periods at a commission training event. Or virtual training courses at a commission training event or other commission approved training.
6. (6) Initial training--Introductory training completed by newly appointed officers as defined in Chapter 450 of this title (relating to Certificate of Training).
7. (7) Officer--Veterans county service officer or assistant veterans county service officer appointed by a county commissioners court.
8. (8) Recognized organization--An organization certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to represent claimants.
9. (9) Representative--Person who has been recommended by a recognized organization and accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
10. (10) Secretary--The secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
11. (11) Training event--Training or testing conducted by the commission.

Source Note:The provisions of this §451.1 adopted to be effective June 21, 1994, 19 TexReg 4426; amended to be effective June 3, 2018, 43 TexReg 3481.