Boozman, Blumenthal Lead Bicameral, Bipartisan Veterans Claims Education Act

Press Release

U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), senior members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, along with Reps. Scott Peters (CA-52) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2022 to provide educational resources for veterans filing an electronic claim and to steer veterans to work with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-accredited entities. This will limit the ability of predatory companies to unfairly profit off veterans trying to access their hard-earned benefits.

"Ensuring veterans have the resources to make informed decisions about filing VA claims is an important way to assist the heroes who have worn our nation's uniform. This legislation will safeguard veterans from becoming victims of entities aiming to make a profit off of their service. I'm proud to support this effort to strengthen claims education," said Boozman.

"This legislation informs veterans of legitimate information sources when they make disability claims, so they can avoid scams and frauds," said Blumenthal. "Across the country, bad actors have tried to exploit those seeking their rightfully-earned benefits by charging veterans for free services. Our measure allows applicants to report profiteering and helps identify where they can get VA-accredited help filing their claims. I'm proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral effort to protect our veterans and get them the services they deserve."

"The emergence of an industry that promises to maximize the benefits awarded from the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans, but actually scams individuals undermines the promise America has made to its veterans and their families," said Peters. "Veterans should never feel pressured into signing contracts with companies committed to enriching themselves at the expense of our veterans. America can do better. The Veterans Claims Education Act provides individuals filing benefits claims without VA accredited services with the information they need to access readily available and free resources."

"Our servicemembers dedicate their lives to protecting our country, and it's our duty to ensure they are properly cared for both during and after their service," said Miller-Meeks. "Our bill will provide veterans with the information and resources they need to navigate filing a claim with the VA without falling victim to bad actors. It's sad to think there are entities looking to take advantage of veterans, but I am proud to join this bill to put an end to their efforts."

Specifically, the bill requires the VA to:

Inform all veterans filing a claim that there are accredited entities that can assist them.
Provide the web address of an online search tool that lists accredited entities that can assist veterans with filing a claim.
Provide a publicly accessible web address where veterans can file a complaint to report entities that are unaccredited and target veterans by charging a fee for their services.

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