Family Caregiver 5.25 - Flipbook - Page 24
VETERAN, PROTECT
YOUR BENEFITS FROM
CLAIMS PREDATORS
The process of applying for VA bene昀椀ts can be
complex, and we understand that Veterans often rely
on assistance to navigate the process. Unfortunately,
among some of the resources, there are claims
predators who take advantage of Veterans and their
vulnerabilities by o昀昀ering help with their bene昀椀ts claims
while exploiting their trust and 昀椀nancial resources.
These claims predators are a serious concern, but with
proper knowledge and vigilance, Veterans can defend
themselves against such aggressive exploitative tactics.
To avoid falling victim to claims predators’ scams, VA
advises Veterans to take the following precautions
when applying for VA bene昀椀ts:
• Don’t pay unlawful fees: You should never pay
a fee to 昀椀le an initial claim for bene昀椀ts. It is
unlawful for anyone to charge a claimant a fee for
preparing an initial claim.
• Empower yourself: Knowledge is your best
defense against claims predators. Take the time
to understand the bene昀椀ts you are entitled to, the
VA claims process and the resources available.
Be aware of any policy changes a昀昀ecting your
bene昀椀ts and stay informed of scams targeting
them. By keeping yourself informed, you can
make educated decisions and avoid scams.
• Seek reputable assistance: Working with VA
accredited attorneys, claims agents and VSO
representatives is crucial when seeking help
with the VA bene昀椀ts process. Only VA accredited
representatives can help you with your bene昀椀ts
claim. By working with VA accredited individuals,
you can ensure that you receive the best possible
assistance with your claim.
• Be cautious of unsolicited o昀昀ers: Claims predators
may contact you via mail, email or phone, claiming
to provide you with an expedited claims process
or guarantee a 100% disability rating. Remember,
only VA can determine disability ratings. If you
receive an o昀昀er that seems too good to be true,
research and verify the individual’s accreditation.
• Review documents thoroughly: Before signing
any documents related to your bene昀椀ts, carefully
review forms, ensure you understand the
terms and conditions, and always keep copies
for yourself. Watch out for vague language,
hidden fees or clauses that could jeopardize
your bene昀椀ts. Do not sign a fee agreement with
someone who will not sign a VA representation
form (VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a) and never sign a
blank form for someone else to complete later.
• Protect your personal identi昀椀able information
(PII): Be cautious of sharing sensitive information
with unknown or unaccredited individuals and
be wary of requests for payment or personal
data. Remember, you never have to make fee
payments yourself for any supplemental claim,
higher-level review or appeal to the Board. You
can use a direct-payment fee agreement where VA
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will send a portion of past-due bene昀椀ts awarded
to the claimant to pay the representative for you.
If someone is unwilling to be paid that way, you
should question why.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a
representative acted unlawfully or unethically
while assisting you in 昀椀ling a VA bene昀椀ts claim, 昀椀le
a report and learn more at www.vsafe.gov or by
calling 833-38V-SAFE.
Safeguarding your bene昀椀ts from claims predators
requires vigilance, knowledge and proactive measures.
By staying informed, seeking reputable assistance and
recognizing the warning signs, you can defend yourself
against claims predators and ensure you receive the
bene昀椀ts you have rightfully earned. Check out VA’s
fraud prevention page to learn more.
For assistance with 昀椀ling a VA Compensation claim
or if you have questions regarding the legitimacy of
a previously 昀椀led claim, please contact the Carroll
County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities, Veteran Services
Program to be connected to an accredited Veteran
Service O昀케cer.
Source: Veterans Bene昀椀ts Administration,
O昀케ce of Communication
2025 – 2026 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide
