The VA claims process can be difficult to navigate. Veterans may need records, medical evidence, forms, appeals, deadlines, and guidance. That complexity has created an opening for private companies that promise help, but sometimes charge veterans steep fees for assistance they could receive free from accredited representatives.

In January 2026, the Texas Attorney General announced more than $6.8 million in debt relief for disabled veterans in a lawsuit involving VA Claims Insider. The state alleged that the company posed as legitimate veterans assistance while deceptively charging disabled veterans fees for help with VA benefits claims.

The company resolved the case without admitting wrongdoing. But the settlement shows how much money can be at stake when veterans enter contracts tied to disability benefits.

Veterans should not be charged abusive fees for earned benefits.

Claim Sharks Thrive In Legal Gaps

MOAA warns that unaccredited actors are charging veterans and survivors thousands of dollars under the guise of help. The organization supports the GUARD VA Benefits Act to protect earned benefits and restore integrity to the VA claims system.

The War Horse reported that VA had sent warning letters to claims consulting companies in prior years. The report also found that enforcement gaps remain, and that veterans continue to face scams and misleading practices.

Some states are moving. CalMatters reported that California passed a law prohibiting unaccredited private companies from billing veterans for help with VA disability claims. But veterans need protection no matter where they live.

Claim sharks exploit confusion in the VA system.

Congress Must Protect Earned Benefits

Congress has tools on the table. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs announced passage of the VSAFE Act in January 2026 to strengthen coordination around scam and fraud prevention. GovInfo also lists the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2025, which would amend federal law to help prevent frauds against veterans.

Congress should pass strong protections that ban deceptive claims advertising, require clear fee disclosures, restore penalties for unlawful claims assistance, and protect veterans from abusive contracts. It should also expand access to free accredited help through veterans service organizations, county veterans service officers, and qualified representatives.

Veterans earned their benefits. Those benefits should not be siphoned away by companies exploiting confusion and disability.

Sign the petition to urge Congress to stop predatory claims companies and protect veterans’ earned benefits.