What is a "Claim Shark"?

  • A Claim Shark is an individual or company that charges hefty fees to "assist" or "consult" veterans with filing their VA benefit claims - this practice is illegal!
  • Claim Sharks are not VA accredited, meaning they aren't required to adhere to the
    well-established professional and ethical standards of VA accreditation, so their advice can often be misleading or even fraudulent.
  • Like a "Loan Shark," once you're in, you can't get out, and may be subject to new and hidden fees whenever you get a new rating, no matter who does the work.

Some of Their Predatory Practices 

  • Promising or guaranteeing an increased disability rating or percentage increase.
  • Advertising expedited VA claims decisions.
  • Requesting login credentials to access a veteran's personal information through secure VA websites like eBenefits or VA.gov.
  • Using confusing tactics or ambiguous language to mislead claimants or coerce them into signing a contract.
  • Telling veterans to forego VA exams and offering health consultations within their own network of doctors.

Who are the Claim Sharks?

  • Trajector Medical
  • Vet Benefits Guide
  • Veterans Guardian
  • VA Claims Insider
  • Telemedica
  • Patriot Angels
  • Veteran Care Services
  • VetComm
  • VA Claims Academy
  • Vet Assist

How Veterans Can Protect Themselves

  • Always work with VA accredited representatives.
  • Attend all exams ordered by VA.
  • Do not sign contracts.
  • Do not agree to fees or payments from future benefits.
  • Do not agree to pay for medical consultations or opinions.
  • Do not provide access to Protected Health Information or Personal Identifiable Information.

Who is Not a Claim Shark?

  • VA accredited veterans service organization representatives, like the VFW
  • VA accredited claims agents
  • VA accredited attorneys
  • Attorneys assisting with Camp LeJeune lawsuits who do not charge excessive fees

Visit the United States Department of Veterans Services accreditation search to find accredited Attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) representatives.

Visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars claims to find information to help you file your VA claim free of charge and avoid the "Claim Sharks".

 



 

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