Common Schemes
You should be aware of these schemes in case you encounter predatory activity. Indicators of potential fraud include the following:
- Guaranteeing a lucrative financial benefit or service.
- Trying to unlawfully charge Veterans a fee to “help” process their claims with VA.
- Advertising the ability to expedite claims processing times and guarantee higher disability benefits evaluations in exchange for their paid services.
- Unwilling to accept payments from VA and instead expects all payments to go through you.
Do’s
- Apply directly to VA. Veterans may securely submit applications for VA benefits through AccessVA or in person at any regional office. Veterans may file claims directly with VA and VA will help gather the necessary evidence. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply with VA.
- Only work with a VA accredited attorney, claim agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). They provide help for free. You can find an accredited representative or validate credentials with the VA Accreditation Search Tool.
- Contact VA. If a Veteran is missing a VA benefits payment, identifies a discrepancy in payments, or finds suspicious activity with their direct deposit account, call VA immediately.
- Be cautious of companies who advertise that VA benefits can only be obtained with their help. These companies may no be recognized by VA and may be attempting to charge unlawful fees.
- Be cautious of aggressive companies who may try to pressure you to sign their contract through frequent communications or by insisting that “you must act now or lose your chance for benefits.”
- Be cautious of companies who claim to be contacting you on behalf of VA or to have a special relationship with VA. Contact VA if you are unsure about the authenticity of any messages received.
- Make sure your family is aware of your end-of-life decisions and their survivor benefits. Ensure that you have documented your wishes and discussed the VA benefits process to help survivors avoid scams.
Don’ts
- Do not sign a contract agreeing to pay an individual or company a percentage of any benefits award in exchange for help with a VA initial claim for benefits. It is unlawful for anyone to charge a claimant a fee for preparing an initial claim.
- Do not sign a blank form for someone else to complete later. Always review the completed form before signing and keep a copy for yourself.
- Do not sign forms that are not VA generated or third-party authorization for someone to provide “behind-the-scenes” claims assistance. Fill out the VA Form 21-22 to appoint a Veterans Service Organization or VA Form 21-22A to appoint an accredited representative. Both the Veteran and the accredited representative will need to sign the form.
- Do not make fee payments yourself. VA accredited attorneys or claims agents may chargea reasonable fee for services provided for the review or appeal of a claim. You can enter into a direct payment agreement. If someone is unwilling to be paid by VA, you should question why.
- Do not trust anyone who states they can help accelerate the claims process and obtain a 100% disability rating. Only VA has the authority to determine disability evaluations.
- Do not be fooled by companies who advertise they have special relationships with medical professionals and guarantee your benefits award. If they are defrauding the Federal government, you could be held responsible for paying those benefits back.
- Do not provide your social security number, medical records, or other personally identifiable information to anyone offering claims assistance before confirming their credentials using the VA Accreditation Search Tool.
- Do not provide personal, benefits, medical, or financial details online or over the phone. Federal agencies will not contact you unless you make a request.