Have you seen television commercials, social media posts, or other advertisements from companies telling you to “act now” to claim your Camp Lejeune or PACT Act benefits? Are you wondering if you’re eligible for the new presumptive benefits and need their legal representation? Here’s the information you need to know to protect yourself from predatory third-party companies.
How to safely file for and claim your PACT Act benefits
VA wants you to know there are some predatory companies, not recognized by VA, that are targeting you by offering to assist you with your VA benefit claim. These companies charge absurd fees or require you to pay a portion of your VA benefits. VA will never charge you to apply for the benefits you may be entitled to. If you think you’re entitled to benefits, please review the following preventive measures to help guard against fraud and scams.
- Apply directly to VA. If you plan to file a claim, you may submit your claim in person at any regional office or online. VA will help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim. There are no costs or hidden fees to file a claim for benefits.
- Be cautious of media advertisements from companies who provide information about the recent changes in law for toxic-exposure benefit claims and suggest Veterans can only obtain VA benefits with their help. These companies may not be recognized with VA and may be trying to charge Veterans illegal fees. Use the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) Accreditation Search to confirm and validate the credentials of anyone offering claims assistance.
- Do not sign a contract agreeing to pay an unauthorized company a fee to help you with your VA claim. There are accredited Veterans Service Organizations, agents and attorneys who may assist you.
- Only VA-accredited agents and attorneys may charge Veterans for assistance on their VA claim, and only when they provide assistance in connection with a proceeding after VA has made an initial decision on a Veteran’s claim. No individual or organization may charge a claimant a fee for filing an initial VA claim.
- Be cautious of companies claiming to be contacting you on behalf of VA. Contact VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 if you are unsure about the authenticity of a message you’ve received.
- Review all documents thoroughly. Never sign a blank form for someone else to complete later. They should always review the completed form before signing and retain a copy of the completed form for their records.
Helpful resources and tools
Veterans and survivors who think they might be eligible should apply for PACT Act benefits right now. Go to www.va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 for more information.
If you are ever uncertain about a contact or believe you or someone you know is a victim of VA benefits scams, please contact the VA Office of Inspector General at (OIG) Hotline (va.gov).
If you suspect a company is using predatory practices, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how to avoid scams, go to https://www.fcc.gov/veterans-targeted-benefits-scams.
Topics in this story
More Stories
An important part of financial planning is life insurance, which VA offers through a variety of whole life programs to Veterans, service members and their families.
DOD has updated installation access procedures for Veterans. New process makes entering military bases and using services easier.
This 2024 Veterans Day discounts list will continue to be updated as we learn of more nationally available Veterans Day discounts, meals or other ways businesses and organizations want to give back to Veterans.
As a Nike Ajax / Nike Hercules missile Technician. Am I covered by the pact act since I was exposed to TCE / PCE in the service? And have numerous health issues I believe are directly related to the exposures I incurred during my service.
You’re saying we should file with the VA but on the TV news it states that this case with Camp Lejeune has nothing to do with the VA, it’s a separate incident. With that said, which is it? Thank you:
People talking a lot of trash about “lawyers”, well I am willing to wager more have gotten positive results with attorney’s than all those so called VSO’s that work for the VA.
general question. while I was in bosnia 1998 we had kerosene heaters and in the morning we laugh at each others because almost everyone had black sot in the nostrils. Do you know if that qualify? Now I wonder why I have been living with severe headaches and sinus problems. Thank you in advance
Great Article I have found one that is illegal. They claim to Grantee to increase your VA Benefits, the name of the Company is called (VA Claims Insider) I have reported them. You can find them on Facebook. I only File with an accredited source such as VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, DAV, etc. that is on the Recognized Service Organization.
Well what are the scam companies names why would you not tell us in this article ? I have had my case on file since 2017 and had to get a lawyer when my VA nurse took me to the side and advised me to go that route. Sad how this system is tainted.
I sure hope the VA beefs up its actions for PACT act applicants because the last time I filed a claim it took over a year to receive
an approval on it. Then it took another 3 months to receive my benefit! People who go through the Welfare program get their money
(not a benefit) so much quicker than Veterans who served to defend the country!
Yes, it is a shame that happens, and we have to wait while they get them that they don’t deserve at All. Veteran should come first as we served out country so those can enjoy the freedom that we fought for. They will never know the true taste of freedom. Thank you for your service.
Semper Fi
Is the pact act awaiting full funding by the federal budget waiting for passage
Thank you for the information it is very helpful.
Unfortunately I assigned my case to one of these advertised firms about 3-4 months ago.
Am I obligated to stay with them
Not if you don’t want them to represent you. Fill out a form 21-22 with a organization like the VFW, DAV or American Legion assigning them as your authorized representative. They will send in your new for and from then on they represent you. Be sure to send some form of communication letting whom ever you signed with originally that you have chosen another representative for your claims. As this article stated they can’t charge you for filling out an initial claim form. Be sure to work with a non charging organization. Good luck.
To All: Stay away from (VA Claims Insiders) They are a scam, and they want a part of your VA, benefits they are not Part of the VA. if you don’t believe it check them out of disability website on Facebook.
I feel like I’m being forgotten when I have to go to all of these Dr,s and all of them do the same song and dance
I have hired a law firm to file a claim with the Navy concerning the camp Lejeune justice act the name of the firm is Keller postman out of Chicago they say they will charge me 40%. Are these firms legit
Don’t know about the firm you are dealing with but the rate they are charging is way too expensive. Veteran’s organizations can fill out your needed paper work I believe for free.
Most of the lawyers are crooked. Try the DAV, VFW, or The American Legion. You only have to join . I have a DAV lifetime membership and a lifetine Legion Membership. The DAV in my area does not have any bar or club. The rep there may be great or someone who is there drinking all day. So check it out. They don’t take fees out.
i feel its best to file with help thru one of the vet organizations first then if u get turn down i would get a va disability lawyer mine also was a social security lawyer in jersey they can only charge 20% they wont take your turn down case unless they feel u got a winner they aint taking a case and waste time taking a case they know has no merit and they only can take it in jersey after u are turn down why pay someone first take a good change with a vet organization and if turn down go get the proper lawyer peace
It’s a good article however, this info is about VA benefits not the Camp Lejeune damages lawsuits people see on TV. Maybe these 40%ers help with both types of claims I don’t know. Regarding the lawsuits which your legal team must be filed first with the Navy JAG I’d point out “they” haven’t settled even one since enrolment started in September 2022. Separate the types of claims in future articles so we are less confused. My suggestion.