Healthcare Best Practices, News

Recent national reporting (NPR, VA, The War Horse) has highlighted a troubling trend: private companies claiming to “help” Veterans apply for or increase their disability benefits while charging large fees or taking a share of awarded compensation. These practices often mislead Veterans into believing they are working directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In reality, these for-profit services are not authorized or accredited by VA and can leave Veterans worse off, financially, emotionally, and legally.

Understanding the Problem

For many Veterans, the process of applying for disability or pension benefits can feel overwhelming. The paperwork is often complex, the timeline is sometimes long, yet the need for clear answers is urgent. That frustration has created space for what some regulators and journalists describe as a “claims consulting” industry, businesses that advertise help navigating VA benefits in exchange for a fee or a percentage of future compensation.

These firms often promise faster decisions, guaranteed ratings, or insider expertise. In some cases, they charge thousands of dollars for information and support that accredited representatives already provide for free through VA or recognized service organizations. Veterans who sign contracts with these consultants risk sharing personal information, paying for invalid paperwork, or losing part of the benefits they have earned.

What the VA Says

VA’s rules and federal law are clear: unaccredited individuals or companies are prohibited from charging fees to assist with preparing or filing VA benefits claims. Only VA-accredited attorneys or agents may charge fees, and only after VA issues an initial decision on the claim (38 U.S.C. § 5904(c)(1), 38 C.F.R. § 14.636; VA News).

Only VA-accredited representatives—such as Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), accredited attorneys, or recognized claims agents—are allowed to assist with claims, appeals, or evidence gathering. Accreditation ensures that representatives understand the benefits process, meet ethical standards, and work under VA oversight.

VA maintains a searchable database of accredited representatives and organizations here: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

Spotting Red Flags

  • Up-front fees or contingency agreements. VA-recognized help is always free.
  • Guaranteed outcomes. No one can promise an approval or specific rating.
  • Pressure to sign immediately. Scammers create urgency to stop you from checking credentials.
  • Requests for bank, credit, or login information. VA will not ask for these to process a claim.
  • Claims of being “VA partners.” If they are not listed in VA’s accreditation database, they are not authorized.

How to Check if Someone Offering Help Is Legitimate

If you are already talking with someone who offers to help you apply for benefits, use these questions. A legitimate helper is transparent and supportive. A predatory one sounds evasive, impatient, or pushy.

Question You Can Ask Legitimate / Free Response Suspicious / Predatory Response
“Are you VA-accredited? Can I look you up in the VA accreditation database?” “Yes. Here is my name as it appears in the VA list. You can verify me at va.gov.” “That list is not updated,” or “You do not need to worry about that, I have been doing this for years.”
“Do I have to pay anything for your help?” “No. Accredited VSOs and county VA officers help Veterans for free.” “Yes, but it is just a small processing fee,” or “We take a percentage once you get your back pay.”
“Can you guarantee a specific disability rating or outcome?” “No one can guarantee an outcome. VA makes that decision.” “We can almost always get you 100 percent. We know how to make it happen.”
“Do you work directly for the Department of Veterans Affairs?” “No, but we are accredited by VA to represent Veterans.” “Yes, we work closely with VA,” with no accreditation or proof.
“Can you give me something in writing explaining your services?” “Of course, and it will state that there are no fees.” “We will send a contract after you sign up. Do not delay or you will miss your window.”

If any answers match the suspicious column, stop and verify the person’s credentials using the VA Accreditation Search Tool, or call 1-800-827-1000 before you share personal information.

Safe, Legitimate Sources of Help

  • Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): The American Legion, DAV, VFW, AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of America employ accredited representatives who provide free claims assistance.
  • County and State Veterans Affairs Offices: Many local offices have trained staff who will guide you through the VA process at no cost.
  • VA Direct Support: Apply for or manage benefits at VA.gov, or call the VA Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 for guidance.
  • VA Fraud Prevention (VSAFE): For questions or reports about scams targeting Veterans, call 1-833-388-7233 or visit VA’s fraud prevention page.

Why It Matters

Financial exploitation can worsen stress, depression, and other behavioral health concerns that already challenge many Veterans who are adjusting to civilian life. Feeling deceived or taken advantage of can deepen isolation and distrust. Learning how to verify legitimate help, and how to avoid predatory offers, protects financial well-being and peace of mind.

If You Need Help Applying for VA Benefits

You do not need to pay anyone to file a VA claim.
You do not need to sign over any portion of your benefits.
You do not need to navigate the system alone. Start with any of the resources below to get free assistance filing for benefits: