Beware of VA Claims Predators

Aggressively targeting veterans and caregivers via email, phone calls and text messages, claims predators unlawfully try to charge a fee to “help” process initial claims. However, as the Veterans Administration (VA) warns, these fraudsters:

• Charge High Fees: Predatory companies charge absurd fees or require you to pay a portion of your VA benefits. You should never pay anyone a fee to file an initial claim for benefits.
• Make Dishonest Promises: Do not trust anyone who states they can help accelerate the claims process and obtain a 100% disability rating. Only the VA has the authority to determine disability evaluations.
• Require Contracts: Never sign a contract agreeing to pay an individual or company a percentage of any benefits awarded in exchange for help with a VA initial claim for benefits.

The VA encourages veterans and claimants to use accredited representatives who are trained VA laws to navigate the VA benefits system.

When filing an initial claim:

• Use the Accreditation Search Tool to find and appoint a VA Accredited Representative.
• Always verify the representative’s accreditation credentials before agreeing to representation.
• Fill out VA Representation Form 21-22 to appoint a Veterans Service Organization or Form 21-22a to appoint an accredited representative.
• Both the veteran and the accredited representative must sign the form.
• The form may be submitted online through AccessVA, mailed or delivered to a VA office.

Assistance with a Denied Claim:

• A VA accredited attorney, claims agent or VSO representative can help gather evidence or request a decision review.
• Accredited attorneys or claim agents may charge a reasonable fee for services provided in responding to a denied claim.
• Rather than make fee payments themselves, veterans can use a direct-payment fee agreement whereby the VA will send a portion of past-due benefits awarded to the claimant to pay the representative.

To report a Claims Predator

Veterans suspecting that a representative acted unlawfully or unethically while helping file a VA benefits claim should file a report. To learn more, visit VSAFE at www.vsafe.gov or call 833-38V-SAFE.

For more information about claims predators fraud prevention resources go to www.digital.va.gov/outreach-toolkits/claims-predators