In the wake of the PACT Act, which significantly expanded health care and benefits to veterans exposed to environmental hazards during their service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is tackling a surge in fraudulent activities aimed at veterans. The VA warns that the enhanced benefits have made veterans and their families prime targets for unscrupulous actors. The PACT Act has inadvertently led to a proliferation of for-profit companies that offer to assist veterans with their claims for a fee. However, many of these companies operate without accreditation and legally, they are not permitted to charge fees for filing initial disability claims nor assist veterans unless accredited by the VA Office of General Counsel.

 

 

Predatory practices by these companies have raised alarms within the veteran community, prompting the VA to strengthen its efforts to combat fraud. Earlier this month, the VA introduced a revamped website and a dedicated call center under its VSAFE (Veterans, Servicemembers, and Families Fraud Evasion) program. Established last year in collaboration with the White House’s Interagency Policy Council, VSAFE aims to shield veterans from fraud and educate them on recognizing and reporting scams. Veterans and their families can now report potential fraud and seek guidance by contacting the VSAFE hotline at 1-833-388-7233.

 

 

Amid these developments, the VA has reiterated its advice to veterans seeking claim assistance to only use services from accredited veterans service organizations, state or local veterans service officers, or approved claims agents. Furthermore, the VA has urged Congress to reinstate criminal penalties for those filing illegal claims. While legislative changes are awaited, VSAFE continues to serve as a crucial resource for educating veterans about the claims process and potential frauds, ensuring they receive the benefits they rightly deserve without falling prey to exploitation.

 

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