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Commission reviews proposal to curb 'claim shark' fees on VA claim filings
Summary
The North Las Vegas Veterans Community Commission discussed drafting state legislation modeled on a recent California law to require upfront disclosure of fees by private agencies that file VA claims, after staff raised concerns about veterans being charged for services that should be free.
The North Las Vegas Veterans Community Commission spent part of its May 27 meeting on concerns that private agencies are charging veterans fees to file VA claims. Walter Escano of the Veterans and Community Resource Center said the practice has been “a concern for us” and described repeated complaints from veterans about being charged for filing assistance. "This topic has been brought up many times for our community," Escano said, urging vigilance against predatory practices.
Marie Holcomb told the commission the issue was discussed at a recent legislative symposium and that advocates plan to draft a bill for the next legislative session modeled on California’s recent rules. "So it will be a bill going forward to the legislative session that will go in session next year," Holcomb said, describing proposals to require providers to state fees up front and to curb fee practices by requiring transparent disclosures. Commissioners requested staff and the resource center compile supporting data to inform the proposed legislation.
