The veterans’ disability benefits system, designed to support those who served, has unfortunately become a target for exploitation. Unaccredited claims agents, reminiscent of those who committed fraud after the Civil War, are again preying on veterans, charging exorbitant fees for services that accredited representatives often provide for free. This raises a critical question: Is a veterans benefit guide accredited, and why does it matter?
Following the Civil War, widespread fraud by unaccredited “claims agents” led to legislation limiting representation fees to a mere $10. While the accreditation system for attorneys and representatives was established in the late 20th century to regulate fees, loopholes have allowed for-profit companies to emerge, charging illegal and excessive fees.
These companies often provide little to no actual service, or worse, engage in unethical practices such as setting veterans up with compliant “doctors” to inflate disability ratings. Because these companies lack legal standing to represent veterans, the veterans themselves bear the burden if fraud is discovered.
Unaccredited entities cannot access a veteran’s claims file, making competent representation and advice impossible. Claims, such as those made by Veteran Benefits Guide asserting similar results to attorneys, are misleading because unaccredited coaches cannot represent claimants in supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, the Board of Veterans Appeals, or the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. An accredited representative doing the same work cannot charge a fee.
Accredited attorneys, unlike unaccredited agents, are bound by stringent ethical obligations to both the client and the VA. These obligations are enforced by state bars, the bar of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the VA’s Office of General Counsel. Organizations such as NOVA (National Organization for Veterans Advocates) provide pro bono assistance and litigate cases on behalf of veterans. The fact that the co-founder of Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting admitted their business model wouldn’t work under the same fee regulations as accredited representatives speaks volumes.
Veterans deserve the freedom to choose how they pursue benefits, but they, along with taxpayers, also deserve protection from exploitation. Free veterans service organizations are available at the county, state, and national levels.
The VA benefits regulatory scheme emphasizes that veterans should not pay for government services the first time. Unaccredited claims agencies subvert this intent by charging exorbitant fees for services veterans can obtain for free with an accredited representative or by applying independently.
The GUARD VA Benefits Act, introduced by Rep. Chris Pappas and Sen. John Boozman, aims to reinstate legal penalties for predatory practices and ensure only accredited representatives assist veterans. The bill is expected to pass with bipartisan support.
Ultimately, veterans should not be preyed upon by unaccredited companies depriving them of deserved benefits. Understanding the landscape of veteran services is essential in making informed decisions. Is a veterans benefit guide accredited? Accreditation offers accountability, ethical standards, and legal representation – crucial safeguards for veterans navigating the VA system. Seek accredited representatives and utilize free resources to protect your benefits and avoid exploitation.
