On February 26, 2024 at the Legion’s Commander’s Call, VA Secretary Denis McDonough issued a warning to veterans that they are at-risk of predatory companies and bad actors whom seek to take advantage of veterans. These predatory companies and bad actors, referred to as “claim sharks”, use aggressive tactics through mail, telephone, and online tools to take advantage of Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Claim Sharks may be individual(s) or companies that charge fees to “assist” or “consult” Veterans with filling their VA benefit claims. These companies and bad actors are not VA accredited, meaning they are not required to adhere to the well-established professional or ethical standards of the VA; therefore, their advice is often misleading or even fraudulent. Similar to a loan shark, hence where they got their name, once you are in, you cannot get out. Victims have reported being subject to new and hidden fees whenever Veterans get a new rating regardless of who submitted the paperwork.
Common predatory practices of Claim Sharks are: (1) Promising or guaranteeing an increased disability rating or percentage increase, as well as, advertising expedited VA claims decisions; (2) requesting login credentials to access veteran’s personal information through secure websites such as eBenefits or VA.gov;
(3) using confusing tactics or ambiguous language to mislead claimants or coerce them into signing a contract; (4) telling Veterans to forego VA exams and offering health consultations within their own network of doctors.
Known Claim Shark organizations:
? Trajector Medical ? Patriot Angels
? Vet Benefits Guide ? Veteran Care Services
? Veterans Guardian ? VetComm
? VA Claims Insider ? VA Claims Academy
? Telemedica ? Vet Assist
If you require assistance in submitting or filing VA claims or feel you have been in contact with a claim shark please contact me at (715) 219-4921 or Marathon County Veteran Service Officer, Jill Geoffroy, at (715) 261-1144.
