This is about claim sharks and is a second warning. Two years ago, my initial article was simply titled "Scamming Our Veterans."

Claim sharks are individuals or organizations that advertize themselves as supporters of veterans who are having difficulties shepherding their disability claims through the Veterans Administration (VA). These bottom feeders will do virtually anything for money, of course. Their pretend concern for veterans knows no bounds except for the ability of the veteran to pay for a service that is otherwise provided free of charge through Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Another difference between a VSO and these unscrupulous firms is accreditation, but scruples are only one of many things they lack. 

The May/June 2025 edition of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Magazine reported on VFW Chief Al Lipphardt's testimony before a joint hearing of the House and Senate VA committees. Lippardt told the representatives, "Honor the contract."

Lipphardt testified about the VFW’s ongoing efforts to advocate against unaccredited, predatory claims consultants — also known as claim sharks —who charge veterans for assistance with VA disability claims. “The VFW and other accredited VSOs provide this service at no cost, as required by statute,” Lipphardt said. “Unfortunately, criminal penalties for unaccredited claims agents were eliminated from the United States Code nearly 20 years ago, providing a loophole through which these predatory claims agents built this market sector.” Lipphardt called for Congress to pass legislation to reinstate these penalties and urged the committee to advocate for passage. “Several of these predatory companies have made statements that there is no avenue for them to seek VA accreditation, but this is false,” Lipphardt said. “There are no restrictions for these consultants to be accredited by VA, but they refuse to do so because they would no longer be able to charge exorbitant fees.”

My activity on social media sites that are linked to military organizations or retired and former "members of" type groups attracts the attention of the unaccredited claim sharks. They, like their real-life ocean counterparts, can smell a disability claim prospect from miles away. Consequently, the number of ads I receive from these thieves is astounding, and their pitches are attractive, especially to those who try to deal directly with the VA, which is becoming more and more difficult as the VA is stripped of personnel under the government in Washington. At the same time, claims filed at the VA have been increasing due to the passage of the PACT Act the largest expansion of VA healthcare in history. 

A simple search on the Internet will reveal any number of such organizations who claim they can assist you with your claim. Pictures may show some beefy, bearded, ex- or retired military who have ostensibly formed a corporation to assist fellow veterans in the claims process while questioning the competency of VSOs. Some may be legitimate, that is, presenting up-front their credentials as having been accredited by the VA. Be aware that prior military service is not a qualification for legitimately assisting in filing a claim, but, if you don't see that accreditation, run the other direction! 

As I have mentioned in previous articles directed to former military, there are over 14,000 veterans in Whatcom County alone. We should stand in solidarity by warning our fellow soldiers that scams abound. If you know a veteran or a family of a veteran, give them a copy of this article. You can also post a link to this article on social media platforms.  

Get the word out!