The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by so doing enable the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation's veterans.
Acting General Counsel: Richard J. Hipolit
The General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs issues written legal opinions having precedential effect in adjudications and appeals involving veterans' benefits under laws administered by VA. The General Counsel's interpretations on legal matters, contained in such opinions, are conclusive as to all VA officials and employees not only in the matter at issue but also in future adjudications and appeals, in the absence of a change in controlling statute or regulation, Court decision, or a superseding written legal opinion of the General Counsel. VA provides these opinions in order to give the public notice of those interpretations of the General Counsel that must be followed in future benefit matters and to assist veterans' benefit claimants and their representatives in the prosecution of benefit claim.
Another major professional responsibility within the Office of General Counsel is administration of claims arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
Click here for more detailed information about the OGC organization or click on any of the links on the right side of this page for more information about the Office of General Counsel and related programs including Accreditation, HIPAA Information, the Office of General Counsel Opinions, gifts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, claims under the FTCA and local Chief Counsels in the VA Districts.
