Central ND News

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a campaign to prevent predatory practices targeting veterans' claims. This initiative, in collaboration with VA accredited representatives and VSO partners, aims to protect veterans and their beneficiaries from companies and individuals known as claims predators. These predators often unlawfully charge fees for assistance with VA claims, using aggressive communication tactics such as emails, phone calls, and text messages to secure legally binding contracts that disadvantage veterans.

Claims predators advertise expedited claim processing times or guaranteed higher disability ratings in exchange for paid services. Such fraudulent schemes can lead to excessive fees for veterans. It is important for veterans to know that only VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, and VSO representatives are authorized to assist with initial benefits claims. Only VA accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees for consulting on claim reviews or appeals, collecting evidence for supplemental claims or appeals, preparing and filing supplemental claims, submitting requests for higher-level review, or appealing to the Board of Veterans Appeals.

To combat these issues, the VA is raising awareness about unlawful predatory practices while providing resources to help veterans safely claim their benefits. Efforts include making it easier for veterans and families to connect with VA accredited representatives, collaborating with federal partners like the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and launching a communications campaign encouraging the use of free services from VA accredited representatives.

Veteran-centric organizations are encouraged to share information from the Claims Predators Communications Campaign with those they serve. By doing so, they can help ensure that veterans understand predatory threats, identify legitimate support sources, and report suspicious activities.

If a veteran suspects fraud by a representative assisting them with a VA benefits claim, they should file a report at www.vsafe.gov or call 833-38V-SAFE. This government-wide website and call center aim to protect veterans from frauds and scams. Additional information on protecting against fraud is available at Protecting Veterans From Fraud | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).