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Panel Debates Bill to Penalize Unaccredited VA Claims Consultants; Consultants and VSOs Clash
Summary
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs heard sharply divided testimony over H.3840, a bill to deter predatory, unaccredited agents who prepare VA claims; accredited veteran service officers and a national veterans organization urged enforcement, while private consultants warned the bill may be unconstitutional and urged narrower consumer protections.
Lawmakers heard sharply differing testimony on House Bill 38 40, which would impose state penalties on people and firms that prepare VA claims while falsely presenting themselves as accredited and, as written, could bar compensation for certain non‑accredited consulting services.
Christopher Deary, a long‑time accredited local veteran service officer, told the committee the bill is needed. He described seeing predatory actors who charge thousands of dollars to help elderly veterans file claims for Aid and Attendance and other benefits. "They go to nursing homes and they'll charge…
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