The Veterans Benefits Administration has initiated a long-term effort to address the invasion of “claims predators” into the lives of America’s veterans. Last week’s BVA Happenings defined claims predators as “bad actors” that attempt to unlawfully charge veterans a fee to “help” them process their claims with VA when it is provided free by VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, or National Service Officers working in the BVA Veterans Service Program.

Aggressive communication techniques, accompanied by false promises of expedited claims and higher disability ratings in exchange for high fees, are characteristic of such predatory behavior. Victims of the behavior should file a report at VSAFE.gov or call 833-38V-SAFE.

VA has developed a toolkit for individuals and organizations that helps veterans, their families, and advocates safely claims their benefits. The kit contains a creative infographic to share, a presentation slide deck, and a section entitled Frequently Asked Questions.