Many veterans seeking help with disability claims are falling prey to unaccredited companies that charge exorbitant fees—often between $5,000 and $20,000—for services that can be obtained for free. These predatory firms, sometimes called "claim sharks," have cost veterans an estimated $221 million collectively.
How Claim Sharks Operate
Predatory VA claims companies use high-pressure sales tactics, including:
- Promising guaranteed success or specific rating outcomes.
- Charging upfront fees or requiring payment before any work is done.
- Claiming they have special insider access or relationships with VA officials.
- Using fake testimonials or exaggerated success stories.
- Pressuring veterans to sign contracts that lock them into fees even if they later switch to a free service.
Free Alternatives Available
Veterans do not need to pay for help with their VA disability claims. Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and state or county veterans affairs offices provide assistance at no cost. These organizations have trained, accredited representatives who can guide veterans through the entire claims process.
How to Verify Accreditation
To avoid scammers, veterans should:
- Check the VA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) accreditation list to ensure the person helping them is accredited.
- Only work with accredited attorneys, claims agents, or VSO representatives.
- Never pay for initial consultations or for completing standard VA forms.
- Report suspicious companies to the VA OGC.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unsolicited offers of help via phone, email, or social media.
- Requests for payment in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards.
- Claims that they can "expedite" your claim for a fee.
- Refusal to provide written contracts or clear fee schedules.
- Pressure to sign up immediately with limited-time offers.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a predatory VA claims company, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the VA Office of Inspector General. Protecting your benefits starts with knowing who to trust.