Have you come across ads from companies offering assistance with VA claims and appeals? Do their promises sound almost too good to be true, leaving you uncertain about whether to trust them? If so, you’re not alone.
With more Veterans accessing VA health care and benefits than ever before, there has been an unfortunate rise in scams targeting Veterans and their families. As these benefits have expanded, so have the number of unscrupulous companies and individuals who are not accredited by the VA, offering claims assistance services while charging high fees. Some of these entities even encourage Veterans to exaggerate their disability symptoms to obtain higher disability ratings.
The VA refers to these entities as “claims predators.” These predators are unaccredited by the VA and often use aggressive tactics to prey on Veterans’ benefits. They reach out through various channels, including mail, phone calls, and online platforms, using high-pressure tactics, misleading information, and false promises to persuade Veterans to use their services. Unfortunately, these services often come at a steep cost to Veterans, with little to no real benefit in return.
To avoid falling victim to these claims predators, Veterans and their families need to exercise caution when seeking help with VA claims and appeals. It’s essential to verify the legitimacy of any individual or company before sharing personal information. The VA strongly advises against working with unaccredited entities and instead recommends seeking help from VA-accredited claims agents, attorneys, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). These accredited representatives have demonstrated the good character and competence required to navigate the VA benefits system, ensuring that Veterans and their families receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.
It’s crucial for Veterans and their families to know that they should never pay a fee to file an initial benefits claim. In fact, it’s illegal for anyone to charge a fee for preparing an initial claim. Only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and VSO representatives are legally allowed to assist Veterans with their initial claims. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may only charge a fee for services such as:
- Consulting or advising claimants seeking to review or appeal their claims.
- Gathering evidence for a supplemental claim or an appeal.
- Preparing and filing a supplemental claim.
- Submitting requests for a higher level of review.
- Submitting an appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals.
The VA is dedicated to educating Veterans about these fraudulent schemes by claims predators and providing the necessary resources and tools to help Veterans safely pursue their VA benefits claims. To learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud, visit the Protecting Veterans from Fraud website.
If you suspect that a representative has acted unlawfully or unethically while assisting you with a VA benefits claim, you can file a report and learn more at VSAFE.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233). This new government-wide website and call center is designed to protect Veterans, service members, and their families from fraud and scams. These resources will help inform Veterans and their families about common fraud schemes, how to protect themselves, and provide an outlet for reporting and further assistance.
Remember, you’ve earned your benefits—don’t let claims predators take advantage of you. Work with a VA-recognized representative to get the support you deserve.
