House VA subcommittee debates bills to curb paid claims consultants, expand accreditation

The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a hearing to consider three proposals that would reinstate criminal or civil penalties for unaccredited firms that assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims and to change rules about when fees may be charged. The measures discussed were H.R. 1656 (the PLUS Act), H.R. 1732 (the Guard Act) and a committee discussion draft; the record was left open for the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit views.

The bills matter because witnesses and members said veterans are paying large sums to private companies for help with claims and because a 2006 statutory change removed penalties for unaccredited preparers. Ranking Member McGarvey said the hearing’s goal was “to ensure that our veterans can access their earned benefits without delay and without being ripped off.” Chairman Littrell opened the session and noted VA officials were not present; the subcommittee said it would keep the record open for VA views.

Witnesses split into two main camps. Veterans service organizations, accredited attorneys and…