Judge Rules Company Exploiting Veterans Through Unaccredited VA Claims Service

A North Carolina court has ruled that a company providing services to veterans for filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) violated federal law by operating without accreditation and charging fees. The case, which was brought as a class action lawsuit, found that Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting, LLC—referred to as “Guardian” in court documents—acted as an unlicensed agent while aiding veterans in their claims process. Federal law requires only vetted and trained VA-accredited agents or attorneys to assist with such claims, and the company’s practices were deemed illegal.

The judge’s ruling highlighted that Guardian not only acted as an unauthorized agent but also charged fees for services it provided to veterans seeking disability benefits. This decision marks one of the few legal actions taken against companies often referred to as “claim sharks,” which exploit veterans by offering services to file initial VA claims or increase disability ratings, potentially leading to higher compensation. These companies have faced criticism from advocates for at least four years, with concerns about their legitimacy and compliance with federal regulations.

Andrew Tangen, president of the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, emphasized that this ruling validates long-standing warnings about such companies. He stated, “This case represents the chief judge of a federal district court finding that the practices passed off by claim sharks as legitimate are actually not legitimate.” The decision underscores the importance of protecting veterans from exploitation and ensures that only properly accredited agents or attorneys assist them in navigating the VA claims process.