San Diego City Wire

Washington, DC - On April 27, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50) reintroduced the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 (VCEA) to provide educational resources for veterans filing electronic claims and to steer veterans to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accredited entities. This will limit the ability of predatory companies to take advantage of and unfairly profit off veterans trying to access their hard-earned benefits.

“Companies that promise to maximize the benefits awarded to veterans but actually scam individuals undermine the promise America has made to its veterans and their families,” said Rep. Peters. “Every year thousands of San Diegans make the transition to civilian life. They should never feel pressured into signing contracts that enrich predatory companies at their expense. America can and must do better. The Veterans Claims Education Act provides individuals filing benefits claims with the information they need to access readily available and free resources.”  

“The last thing veterans should have to worry about when seeking their earned VA benefits is scammers looking to take advantage of the confusing and often discouraging VA claims process,” said DAV National Commander, Joe Parsetich. “The Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 would protect our nation’s veterans by arming them with the crucial information they need so they don’t fall victim to predatory actors. We thank Rep. Peters for his leadership in introducing this important legislation.”

Specifically, the bill requires the VA to:

1. Inform all veterans filing a claim that there are accredited entities that can assist them.
2. Provide the web address of an online search tool that lists accredited entities that can assist veterans with filing a claim.
3. Provide a publicly accessible web address where veterans can file a complaint to report entities that are unaccredited and target veterans by charging a fee for their services.

Background:

Upon separating from military service, veterans may file a disability claim with the VA on their own or by utilizing VA-backed resources, such as an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). An accredited representative or VSO must pass an exam, complete a background check, and take continuing education courses to ensure they provide up-to-date information to veterans. These accredited resources may file an initial claim with VA on the veteran’s behalf free of charge. Unfortunately, an ecosystem of non-accredited for-profit entities has emerged which preys upon veterans’ frustrations with VA’s claims process. These companies often provide “consulting” services to help veterans prepare and present relevant paperwork needed to file a claim with VA in exchange for lump sum payments, a percentage of the total dollar amount awarded for a successful claim, or some other payment mechanism. Such fees lead many veterans to receive far too little of the benefits to which their service entitles them. Current legislative proposals designed to curb the excess of these companies focus on more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

Original source can be found here.