(1) "Accredited" means a service organization representative, agent, or attorney to whom authority has been granted by the VA to provide assistance to claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits.

(2) "Assistance" means an accredited individual providing claimant-specific recommendations or preparing or submitting an application for VA benefits on behalf of a claimant.

(3) "Certify" means to submit in writing to a veteran or the veteran's dependents certain disclosure forms provided by the department.

(4) "Claimant" means a person who has filed or has expressed to a service organization representative, agent, or attorney an intention to file a written application for determination of entitlement to benefits provided under United States Code, Title 38, and implementing directives.

(5) "Department" means the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.

(6) "Executive director" means the executive director of the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.

(7) "Non-compliant referral" means referring a veteran's or a veteran's dependent's original claim for veteran benefits for assistance to an individual who is in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

(8) "Referring entity" means an individual, business, or organization licensed in this state who refers or assists a veteran or a veteran's dependents for assistance with an original claim for veteran benefits.

(9) "VA" means the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

(10) "VA benefits" means any payment, service, commodity, function, or status entitlement which is determined under laws administered by the VA pertaining to veterans, dependents, and survivors as well as other potential beneficiaries under United States Code, Title 38.

(11) "Veteran" includes all eligible dependents.