The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would crack down on unaccredited claims consultants, restore criminal penalties, and strengthen protections against predatory actors profiting from veterans’ disability claims.
WASHINGTON | A bipartisan group of lawmakers is advancing legislation aimed at protecting veterans from so-called “claims sharks,” predatory individuals and companies accused of exploiting former service members by charging excessive fees for assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims.
The proposed legislation, known as the Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act, would significantly tighten oversight of the VA claims process and strengthen enforcement against unaccredited agents who profit from veterans seeking earned benefits.
“These brave men and women earned their benefits, and it’s our job to stop any bad actors who try to take advantage and scam them,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., one of several lawmakers backing the legislation.
Restoring Oversight to the VA Claims Process
The legislation would require that only VA-accredited individuals and organizations assist veterans with benefit claims. It would also restore criminal penalties for unaccredited agents found engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices.
Additional provisions would:
- Close regulatory loopholes used by unaccredited claims consultants.
- Prohibit the use of robocalls and automated technologies to obtain veterans’ claims information.
- Direct the VA to establish systems to track accredited representatives and report fraudulent actors.
- Increase veteran education and awareness efforts regarding scams and predatory claims practices.
- Strengthen enforcement tools available to federal authorities investigating benefits fraud.
Veterans advocates argue that many former service members are unaware they can receive claims assistance at no cost through accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), county veteran service officers, and VA-approved representatives.
Bipartisan Support Emerges on Capitol Hill
The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act is led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., and has attracted support from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Among the Republican supporters is Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force brigadier general and member of the House Armed Services Committee.
“Our veterans should never be targeted by bad actors trying to profit off their hard-earned benefits,” Bacon said. “This bill takes a commonsense approach to crack down on predatory practices and protect veterans from exploitation.”
The measure has also gained backing from several influential veterans organizations, including:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
- National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO)
- The American Legion
Veterans Organizations Sound the Alarm
Veterans advocacy groups say the rise of claims sharks represents one of the most persistent threats facing veterans seeking compensation for service-connected injuries and illnesses.
Andrew Tangen, president of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, said veterans should never have to pay for assistance with initial claims.
“No veteran should ever have to pay for initial claim services, and those who have illegally profited must be held accountable,” Tangen said.
Tangen emphasized that accredited representatives operate under federal training, oversight, and ethical requirements designed to protect veterans from misinformation and financial exploitation.
Similarly, Disabled American Veterans National Service Director Scott Hope described claims fraud as an ongoing threat to vulnerable veterans.
“DAV strongly supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to help combat unethical individuals who prey on veterans navigating the complex VA claims process and charge fees for help that should be free and accredited,” Hope said.
National Security and Readiness Implications
While the legislation focuses on veterans' benefits, advocates argue that protecting veterans from fraud also supports broader national security objectives.
Military leaders and veteran organizations have long emphasized that confidence in the veterans’ support system plays a critical role in recruiting and retaining future service members. Ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they were promised without exploitation helps maintain trust between service members and the federal government.
Analysts note that concerns over veteran care, disability compensation, and transition assistance remain important quality-of-life issues affecting military readiness and force sustainability.
Legislative Path Ahead
The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act faces several hurdles before becoming law. The bill must advance through committee review in both the House and Senate, where lawmakers will debate its provisions and consider possible amendments before any final floor vote.
Despite the challenges, supporters remain optimistic that bipartisan backing and strong support from major veterans organizations will improve the bill’s prospects.
“Passage of this legislation would demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to honor and protect all who have served,” Hope said. “Every veteran deserves strong, honest advocacy when seeking earned benefits—not opportunists seeking to profit.”
If enacted, the legislation would represent one of the most significant efforts in recent years to combat veterans' benefits fraud and strengthen safeguards surrounding the VA disability claims process.
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-- By James W. Thomas
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