Posted on Jul 7, 2022
Protect your benefits: Beat pension poachers to the punch - VAntage Point
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This was a new one to me so thought I'd pass it on.
Protect your benefits: Beat pension poachers to the punch - VAntage Point
Posted from blogs.va.govPosted in these groups: 
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Benefits
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 3
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Good share Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen . Personally, I'm leery of anyone who says they can get your disability rating increased for a percentage of the increase. I'm sure there are some that are legit, but I'd rather stick with a service organization.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
They better have Esq. after their name.
Way back when my mother was an SSI advocate - not VA disability, but she got people on social security disability. She worked for the state (because getting folks off state benefits and onto federal benefits was good for the state). She went to court and acted as a lawyer, without being bar certified. The ONLY people who were legally allowed to do what she did either worked for the state or were members of the state bar in good standing.
She, as a state employee performing official functions was not allowed to accept (let alone demand) and compensation from her clients. Not even a fruit basket in thanks.
Lawyers could take a portion (and usually did).
I would assume the law is pretty similar for VA disability.
Way back when my mother was an SSI advocate - not VA disability, but she got people on social security disability. She worked for the state (because getting folks off state benefits and onto federal benefits was good for the state). She went to court and acted as a lawyer, without being bar certified. The ONLY people who were legally allowed to do what she did either worked for the state or were members of the state bar in good standing.
She, as a state employee performing official functions was not allowed to accept (let alone demand) and compensation from her clients. Not even a fruit basket in thanks.
Lawyers could take a portion (and usually did).
I would assume the law is pretty similar for VA disability.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
I don't have any VA disability so probably safe but if they're out there with VA it's probably only a matter of time before they come up with something on military retirees.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
..."To avoid being a victim to these tactics, here are some helpful tips to remember when protecting yourself from fraud:
Be suspicious if someone offers to shift your assets around to qualify for VA pension. You may be required to repay benefits to the government.
NEVER share eBenefits, VA.gov, or other VA login credentials with anyone.
DO NOT deposit VA benefits directly into a third-party bank account unless the person is court appointed or a VA accredited fiduciary.
Remember, VA does not charge for processing a claim or request a processing fee. Use VA accredited organizations to help file your claim.
VA does not threaten or take adverse actions such as jail or lawsuits on claimants. If in doubt, call VA directly at [login to see] .
To report suspected activity, please contact the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) by calling [login to see] . You may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting http://www.consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
Protecting Veterans’ benefits against fraudulent activity is one of the best things everyone can do to honor them, their service and sacrifice."
..."To avoid being a victim to these tactics, here are some helpful tips to remember when protecting yourself from fraud:
Be suspicious if someone offers to shift your assets around to qualify for VA pension. You may be required to repay benefits to the government.
NEVER share eBenefits, VA.gov, or other VA login credentials with anyone.
DO NOT deposit VA benefits directly into a third-party bank account unless the person is court appointed or a VA accredited fiduciary.
Remember, VA does not charge for processing a claim or request a processing fee. Use VA accredited organizations to help file your claim.
VA does not threaten or take adverse actions such as jail or lawsuits on claimants. If in doubt, call VA directly at [login to see] .
To report suspected activity, please contact the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) by calling [login to see] . You may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting http://www.consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
Protecting Veterans’ benefits against fraudulent activity is one of the best things everyone can do to honor them, their service and sacrifice."
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