The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to amend existing regulations concerning representation of claimants for VA benefits. These amendments will define the term practice before VA; allow VA to more efficiently process the applications of individuals seeking accreditation as an agent; update the information that will be requested when applying for accreditation to practice before VA; strengthen initial and continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for accredited attorneys and agents; update the ongoing responsibilities of attorneys, agents, and representatives accredited by VA; and make nomenclature changes to better define the scope of accreditation and for simplicity and readability.  Adding a definition of practice before VA is intended to help in protecting Veterans from predatory practices by unaccredited individuals who claim they do not need VA accreditation to prepare, present, or prosecute veterans benefit claims.