As reported in the Texas Tribune,1 veteran households across the nation have seen an increase of predatory advertisements by companies claiming to be “medical consultants” or “benefits coaches.” These unaccredited companies promise to help veterans with disabilities submit their benefits claims to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for a fee, but many veterans have reported they were misled into paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegally assessed fees.
Doug Lawrence, managing attorney of the Austin Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Assistance Program (VLAP) says, “Lawyers, please be aware that the veteran community is being targeted by unaccredited companies seeking to exploit and profit from delays in the veteran benefits claims review process. You can help put an end to scams like these by volunteering your time at a legal advice clinic or offering pro bono or low-cost legal services to our veterans in need.”
The Department of Veteran Affairs provides a complete list of the organizations recognized by VA through the Office of the General Counsel accreditation search. Veterans are encouraged to use this accreditation search tool, contact their local Veterans Service Officer in their county of residence, or connect with the Texas Veterans Commission to receive FREE assistance with benefits claims and questions from accredited advisors.
The Austin Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Assistance Program is funded by grants from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), Funds for Veterans Assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Bar Foundation, the Central Texas Community Foundation, and support from the board of directors and members of the Austin Bar Association who volunteer their pro bono services through our program.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Veterans Legal Assistance Program or sign up as a volunteer for a future advice clinic or event is welcome to contact program staff at 512-472-0279, ext. 110 or by email to doug@austinbar.org or leslie@austinbar.org.
Footnote
1 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/05/veterans-disability-benefits-brian-reese-va-claims-insider/