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SAVA hears veterans’ complaints about VA personnel and predatory ‘claims’ firms; committee directs staff to seek federal review
Summary
Public commenters told the committee about alleged misconduct at a regional VA facility and the rise of private firms charging veterans high fees for disability claims. The committee voted to ask staff to send materials to General Gibson and request follow-up from the Veterans Affairs Division and federal partners.
Public comment at the State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee raised two distinct veterans-related concerns: allegations of problematic personnel behavior at a VA facility and repeated pleas to curb private companies that charge veterans for claim services already provided free by state Veteran Service Officers.
Dave Kesler said staff at a VA facility reported safety and conduct problems tied to a radiology director who had been suspended and later returned; Kesler provided written materials alleging mishandled equipment and delayed performance work.
Duane Cunningham, Adjutant for the American Legion of Montana, described “claim sharks” who market to veterans and charge steep fees — sometimes ongoing percentages of benefits — for services the Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD) provides for free. Cunningham said the practice both harms veterans financially and undermines trust in the benefit system, and he urged stronger oversight and more state-funded service officers to reduce demand for paid intermediaries.
Committee members discussed possible policy responses: expanding the number of state-funded veteran service officers, drafting disclosure or licensing requirements for paid representatives, and pursuing federal-level conversations. Roger Hagan, vice chair of the Veterans Affairs Division board, said the board had not previously reviewed these specific allegations but offered the board’s cooperation and suggested federal inspector general channels for complaints involving federal employees.
Representative Schubert moved to direct staff to draft a letter to General Gibson asking him to look into the VA personnel allegations and report back; the committee passed the motion. Members also directed staff to add predatory third-party veteran representative activity to the committee’s legislative tracker for future study and possible bill drafting.
Ending: The committee requested staff follow up with the Veterans Affairs Division and General Gibson, and to include the predatory-practice topic on the committee’s legislative agenda.
