There are an estimated 16.2 million military veterans in the United States — and an estimated 6.2 million veterans receive disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The process to get veteran disability benefits can be complicated and many veterans have looked for help — and many have been taken advantage of by predatory companies, deemed claim sharks, that have no connection to the Department of Veterans Affairs and have not been held accountable in many ways.

The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act takes aim at holding these predatory companies accountable for misleading and taking advantage of veterans trying to get their earned benefits. Veterans interested in additional protection of their benefits want to know — what is the GUARD VA Benefits Act? VA Benefits Attorneys is here to help answer your questions.

How Does the GUARD VA Benefits Act Protect Veterans?

The GUARD VA Benefits Act is a bipartisan bill (H.R. 1732) that would restore accountability to the claims process for veterans. Federal law states that only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are allowed to help veterans with the claims process for a fee. The law also states that veterans cannot be charged for filing the initial disability claim. To be accredited via the Department of Veterans Affairs, attorneys, agents, and VSOs must undergo training and education, and are subject to ethical compliance and financial oversight. 

Claim sharks became prominent in 2006 when U.S. Congress repealed the criminal penalties for unaccredited organizations that charged veterans a fee for claims assistance. This decision allowed these predatory individuals and companies to operate without any kind of accountability — other than ineffective cease-and-desist letters. The majority of companies that received warnings to cease predatory activities continued to charge veterans — sometimes more than $20,000 for assistance with a disability claim.

READ MORE: Who Is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?

Restores and Enhances Enforcement Authority

The GUARD VA Benefits Act restores the ability of law enforcement entities to enforce federal law as it applies to the criminal penalties for unaccredited individuals and companies that charge veterans fees to help with their disability claims. The bill proposes fines up to $500 and up to two years in prison for unaccredited companies or individuals that charge veterans. Veterans who encounter a claim shark can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or state bar association.

Promotes Accountability 

In addition to making the law enforceable against these predatory entities, the GUARD VA Benefits Act promotes accountability and reliable help for veterans that need help with their claims. This accountability helps ensure that veterans have qualified and accredited legal support to rely on when they need help, rather than paying exorbitant fees for minimal assistance. 

READ MORE: Will VA Disability Benefits Change in 2026? 

Are you a veteran that needs help with a disability claim? Have you heard about the claim sharks and predatory agencies that take advantage of veterans in need? The GUARD VA Benefits Act is a step in the right direction for veterans who need help and many want to know — what is the GUARD VA Benefits Act? VA Benefits Attorneys is here to help answer your legal questions and help you receive the disability benefits you deserve. 

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