Navigating the application process for VA disability benefits can seem confusing and challenging for many veterans. Unfortunately, a growing number of individuals and organizations have begun leveraging veterans’ difficulties with the VA disability benefits process by posing as “claims consultants,” promising to help them secure approval for benefits. However, these fake VA claims consultants often make unreasonable promises of success or lack the experience and resources to help veterans file the best possible disability benefits claim. Knowing how to spot a fake VA claims consultant will ensure that you find the appropriate legal advice and support you need when pursuing disability benefits.
Red Flags That Indicate a Fake Consultant
Common warning signs that an advisor or business runs a fake VA consulting business include:
- They charge upfront fees: VA regulations prohibit consultants from charging veterans fees to file an initial VA disability benefits application. Consultants or legal advisors can only charge fees to help veterans with appeals of denied applications.
- They promise guaranteed outcomes: Many scam artists make a 100 percent guarantee that you will receive VA disability benefits with their services. However, no one can guarantee that the VA will approve your disability benefits claim.
- They do not have VA accreditation: VA regulations also require anyone advising a veteran seeking disability benefits to obtain accreditation, through which the VA certifies that the advisor has the knowledge and experience to guide veterans through the disability benefits application process adequately.
- They use high-pressure sales tactics: Fake consultants may employ aggressive sales behavior to pressure veterans into signing up for their services, including sending incessant emails, text messages, or making repeated phone calls, or urging veterans to “act now” or risk losing benefits.
How to Verify a VA Claims Consultant
You can verify the legitimacy of a VA claims advisor or consultant by looking up an individual or organization on the VA’s online search tool for accredited representatives. Alternatively, you can ask a prospective consultant for their VA accreditation number or their affiliation with a Veterans Service Organization. Before hiring an advisor or consultant, you can research their reputation by reading online reviews and checking their Better Business Bureau rating.
Safe Alternatives for Filing VA Claims
Veterans can obtain help with VA claims from various legitimate resources, such as:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, and DAV offer programs that provide free assistance with VA disability claims through trained and accredited representatives.
- State and county veterans’ departments: Many states and counties have departments that provide services to military veterans residing in those states and counties; these services may include assistance with filing VA disability benefits claims.
- Accredited agents and attorneys: When the VA has denied your initial application, you can hire a paid professional such as a VA disability benefits lawyer to help you file an appeal.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
When you suspect that a fake claims consultant has scammed you, steps you can take to protect yourself and seek relief include:
- Report suspected fraudsters to the VA’s Office of the Inspector General
- Alert your credit card company of the alleged fraud
- Seek help from a legal aid office or veterans’ advocacy group to recover money you may have already paid to a fake VA claims consultant
- Get help from a VA disability benefits lawyer to file an appeal if bad advice from a fake consultant led to the denial of your initial application
Contact a VA Disability Benefits Attorney Today
Don’t jeopardize your rights to VA benefits by working with a fraudulent “claims consultant.” Contact Veteran’s Legal Center today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability benefits attorney to learn how our firm can help you pursue the financial benefits you need and deserve for disabilities caused by your military service.