Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 72 Part 1.djvu/1280

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PUBLIC LAW 85-857-SEPT. 2, 1958

[72 S T A T.

CHAPTER 59—AGENTS AND ATTORNEYS Sec.

3401. 3402. 3403. 3404. S405.

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Prohibition against acting as claims agent or attorney. Recognition of representatives of organizations. Recognition with respect to particular claims. Recognition of agents and attorneys generally. Penalty for certain acts.

§ 3401. Prohibition against acting as claims agent or attorney No individual may act as an agent or attorney in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration unless he has been recognized for such purposes by the Administrator. § 3402. Recognition of representatives of organizations (a)(1) The Administrator may recognize representatives of the American National Red Cross, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the United Spanish W a r Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign "Wars, and such other organizations as he may approve, in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (2) The Administrator may, in his discretion, furnish, if available, space and office facilities for the use of paid full-time representatives of national organizations so recognized. (b) No individual shall be recognized under this section— (1) unless he has certified to the Administrator that no fee or compensation of any nature will be charged any individual for services rendered in connection with any claim; and (2) unless, with respect to each claim, such individual has filed with the Administrator a power of attorney, executed in such manner and form as the Administrator may prescribe. (c) Service rendered in connection with any such claim, while not on active duty, by any retired officer, warrant officer, or enlisted man of the Armed Forces recognized under this section shall not be a viola*^^^ ^* section 281 or 283 of title 18, or a violation of section 99 of title 5. § 3403. Recognition with respect to particular claims The Administrator may recognize any individual for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of any particular claim for benefits under any of the laws administered by the Veterans' Administration if— (1) such individual has certified to the Administrator that no fee or compensation of any nature will be charged any individual for services rendered in connection with such claim; and (2) such individual has filed with the Administrator a power of attorney, executed in such manner and in such form as the Administrator may prescribe. § 3404. Recognition of agents and attorneys generally (a) The Administrator may recognize any individual as an agent or attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. The Administrator may require that individuals, before being recognized under this section, show that they are of good moral character and in good repute, are qualified to render claimants valuable service, and otherwise are competent to assist claimants in presenting claims. (b) The Administrator, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, may suspend or exclude from further practice before the Veterans'

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