Getting VA Claim Help Without Falling for a Predator

Start with accreditation

An accredited representative who works through a VSO (Veterans Service Organization, a recognized group that assists veterans) can help you with VA benefit claims for free. An accredited attorney or claims agent, by contrast, can charge fees for some services. Before you send your records or sign any forms, ask for the representative's full name, organization, accreditation type, and fee agreement.

It helps to know the difference between the main types of help:

• A VSO representative works through a recognized Veterans Service Organization. The VA says accredited VSO representative services for VA benefit claims are free.
• An accredited attorney or claims agent may charge fees. Fee terms matter, so read the agreement and save a copy.
• A self-help tool can help you organize documents, deadlines, forms, and case notes. It does not replace an accredited representative or attorney for case-specific representation.

The VA warns against several red flags. A claim predator (a company or individual that takes advantage of veterans) may do any of the following:

• Charge high fees to file initial claims.
• Demand a portion of your benefits.
• Promise a certain rating.
• Promise unusually fast claim timing.
• Pressure you into a binding contract.
• Refuse to provide accreditation information.

Search the name through the VA's accredited representative tool before you pay anyone. Keep your personal records private until you have checked the helper, since VA files can include medical, financial, military, and identity documents.

What to check before paying

Start by searching the VA accreditation tool, then work through a short set of questions before you hand over any money.

Ask the person the following:

• Whether they are a VSO representative, an attorney, or a claims agent.
• What services are included.
• What the fee covers.
• Whether any part of the fee depends on future benefits.

Get every fee term in writing, and save your emails, contracts, text messages, and payment receipts. If a company already has your documents and something feels wrong, collect the contract, the payment proof, your communication records, and any document the company prepared.

What Owedify does and does not do

Owedify is a guided self-help tool. It helps you organize your decision letter, your deadline, your evidence list, your notes, and your filing path. It does not act as an accredited representative, and it does not make case-specific legal decisions for you.

This matters because the tool supports your preparation and organization while keeping you in control of your personal records.

First steps

Once you have done that, organize your VA decision letter, your evidence, your deadline, and your review path before you file or ask anyone for help.