The silent toll of fees on veterans applying for VA disability benefits reveals a hidden battle that jeopardizes financial stability and well-being.
At a Glance
- Private, unaccredited companies are charging veterans high fees for help with filing VA disability claims.
- Federal law prohibits charging fees for initial claims, but these “claim sharks” often use a “consulting” model to get around the law.
- Free, expert assistance is available to all veterans through accredited Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) like The American Legion, VFW, and DAV.
- Gathering evidence, especially for older veterans whose records were lost in a 1973 fire, can make the claims process daunting.
The Hidden Costs Veterans Face
After serving the nation, many veterans face a new battle on the home front: navigating the complex process of securing their VA disability benefits. An investigation by NPR is shedding light on a growing and controversial industry of for-profit companies that charge veterans exorbitant fees for claims assistance—a service they are entitled to receive for free.
These unaccredited companies, often calling themselves “coaches” or “consultants,” frequently target veterans on social media, sometimes demanding a percentage of a veteran’s future disability benefits. This has raised alarms among veteran advocates and lawmakers about the exploitation of those who have served.
Know Your Rights: Free, Accredited Help is Available
What many veterans do not know is that it is illegal for anyone to charge a fee for helping prepare an initial application for VA benefits. Expert assistance is available at no cost from accredited representatives at established Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). These groups are trained and certified by the VA to help veterans navigate the claims process.
Free help can be found through major VSOs, including:
Additionally, state and county veteran service offices provide accredited assistance at no charge.
Compounding Challenges
The process of filing a claim can be daunting, which is why some veterans turn to for-profit companies. Gathering the necessary medical and service records to build a strong case can be difficult. The challenge is even greater for older veterans whose records may have been destroyed. A massive fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis in 1973 destroyed an estimated 16-18 million military personnel files, primarily for Army and Air Force veterans discharged between 1912 and 1964.
While reconstructing these records is possible, it adds another layer of difficulty to an already stressful process. This complexity can make veterans more vulnerable to the promises of “claim sharks.” The ongoing focus on this issue aims to ensure that those who served the nation receive the benefits they have earned without falling victim to predatory practices.
