Free · know your rights before you sign

Is that claim company legit — or a claim shark?

Predatory companies charge veterans thousands for help that’s free and, for an initial claim, illegal to charge for. Spot the warning signs and verify anyone — in 60 seconds, no login.

Run the 60-second check Verify in the VA database

What anyone can legally charge you

No one can charge you to PREPARE or FILE an initial claim.
Only VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees, and only for work AFTER VA issues an initial decision (e.g., an appeal). Charging to prepare or file your first claim is unlawful under 38 U.S.C. §5904 and 38 CFR §14.636.
Accredited VSOs are always free.
Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion, county/state VSOs, and others) represent you at no cost — including filing your initial claim.
Fees, when allowed, must be reasonable — not a cut of your back pay schemed around the rules.
After an initial decision, an accredited agent or attorney may charge a reasonable fee (often a percentage of past-due benefits). A flat or percentage charge for the INITIAL claim, or a 'coaching/consulting' fee structured to dodge §5904, is a red flag.
A representative must be VA-accredited to act on your behalf.
Accreditation (38 CFR §14.629) means VA has vetted them. Verify anyone in the official VA OGC accreditation search before you sign anything.

Spot a claim shark

Check anything the company has done. We’ll give you a read — for your eyes only, nothing is saved.

Charges a fee — or a percentage of your back pay — to file your claimCharging for an initial claim is unlawful; a percentage-of-back-pay cut for filing is the classic claim-shark model.Says it is not 'representing' you, just 'coaching' or 'consulting'This wording is used to dodge the rules on who can charge fees. If they're guiding your VA claim for money, the fee rules still apply.Guarantees a specific rating, a 100% rating, or a dollar amountNo one can guarantee a VA outcome. Guarantees are a sales tactic, not a legal reality.Pressures you to sign quickly or discourages using a free VSOUrgency and steering you away from free, accredited help are designed to protect their fee, not you.Is not listed in the VA OGC accreditation searchAn unaccredited company cannot lawfully represent you before VA. Verify before you sign.Asks for your VA login (ID.me / Login.gov) or banking detailsA legitimate representative does not need your VA.gov password. Sharing it puts your benefits and identity at risk.

No flags selected:

No red flags selected — still verify the company in the official VA accreditation search before signing anything.

Verify the company or representativeSearch the official VA Office of General Counsel accreditation database — the only authoritative source.

Ask before you sign

Are you VA-accredited? What is your name as listed in the VA OGC accreditation search?
Will you charge me anything to prepare or file my initial claim? (The answer should be no.)
Exactly what is your fee, when is it charged, and is it for work after a VA decision?
Will you put your fee agreement in writing, and may I take it to a free VSO for a second opinion?
Do you guarantee any outcome? (A yes is a red flag.)

Build a stronger claim — and keep 100% of your benefits

VA Disability Pro is self-service software. We help you prepare your own claim and never take a cut. A free accredited VSO can file it for you at no cost.

See what you can claim — free Find a free accredited VSO

• We are a self-service software tool — not your representative and not a law firm.
• We never charge you to file a claim, and we never take a percentage of your benefits.
• We help you prepare and organize your own claim; you submit it yourself through VA.gov or a free VSO.
• We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

General information about VA accreditation and fee rules (38 U.S.C. §5904; 38 CFR §§14.626–14.636), not legal advice. Always verify a representative in the official VA OGC accreditation search. VA Disability Pro is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.