For-profit consultants all over the United States make millions each year by charging Veterans to help them file disability claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Some VA "claim consultants," also referred to as "claim sharks," have fraudulent practices despite being illegal under federal law, which the VA doesn’t accredit to charge Veterans for helping them file disability claims. However, there is no criminal penalty for breaking the said law.

What Are 'Claim Sharks' and How Do They Prey on Veterans?

Some VA "claim consultants" aka "claim sharks" are the people who exploit Veterans who are vulnerable and seeking the benefits they have earned. They are getting charged fees for services that should be provided for free by accredited organizations.

They take advantage of Veterans by charging them higher fees, often making big promises, such as claims being approved faster. However, Veterans could get the same service or help from accredited organizations.

The large number of Veterans Affairs fraud cases is increasing. Therefore, Minnesota lawmakers are working to stop them and protect Veterans from fraud.

How Minnesota Lawmakers Are Fighting for Veterans

It has been an ongoing issue, so lawmakers have addressed this since the VA claims that sharks are continuously rising. Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis) offered a “simple solution” in Minnesota to stop the claim of sharks.

“They have earned this benefit, and through their taxes, they are paying our salaries,” said Ben Johnson, deputy commissioner of programs and services at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Representative Grama introduced a new bill, House File 1855, that has the goal of stopping the VA claim sharks. It was also approved by the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division and sent to the House Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee.

This bill ensures that Veterans can receive the benefits that they deserve without being taken advantage of by the VA claim sharks.

Stories of Those Affected by Claim Sharks

Assistant country Veteran service officer based in Goodhue County, Marissa Lacourt, shared a story about an 87-year-old veteran she worked with.

“We worked on a Veteran's pension. I filed every form, and the claim was processed; I had expedited the claim due to the Veteran's age being greater than 85. My Veteran was approached by a firm and promised they could get this pension by the end of the month. The Veteran paid this firm $2,000 and signed over a power of attorney. After 14 days, the claim shark had not processed a power of attorney, but they did take the Veteran's money, and the claim was no more expedited than before,” shared Marissa Lacourt.

Unfortunately, these "VA claim consultants" continue to target vulnerable Veterans, charging them a large amount of fee with little to no results.

“I spent $4,000 on a claim shark. Many people recommended them and had gotten their claims approved. I had to claim for increases on things that I am struggling with. Both of them ended up kicked back for the same issue with the physicians.”

With this, lawmakers inform Veterans to be cautious of the organizations and to work with accredited organizations to avoid fraud.

How Veterans Can Avoid Scams

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has provided Public Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) Fraud Schemes that Veterans can use as a guide to avoid fraud.

In this guide, it has been noted that, “all Veterans should be aware that no-cost assistance is available for filing an initial application for benefits.”

Therefore, Veterans should look into VA-accredited organizations to avoid paying higher fees that should have been free with the help of accredited organizations.

There are also signs that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has provided:

• Individuals or businesses charge Veterans a fee or a percentage of monthly benefits for assistance in getting DBQs completed by healthcare providers or for submitting the resulting claim for VA benefits.
• Unaccredited individuals guarantee a large increase in the Veteran’s military service-connected disability rating that would lead to larger monthly monetary benefits. Only the VA can determine disability ratings.
• Healthcare providers charge a fee with promises they can find a diagnosis or exaggerate an existing medical condition to secure a successful claims decision or a higher rating than the evidence warrants.

Be informed, avoid VA "claim consultants" or organizations like them, and enjoy your VA benefits through accredited organizations.

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• New Legislation Offers Job Security to US Coast Guard Members Approaching Retirement

Sources:

• Warning of Claim Sharks Targeting Veterans and Their Families
• Minnesota Lawmakers Target 'Claim Sharks' Exploiting Veterans