Comrades,
It has come to the attention of National Headquarters that individuals, including individuals claiming to act on behalf of the VFW or identifying themselves as VFW Accredited Service Officers, have been charging veterans fees for the preparation and submission of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims.
Let me be absolutely clear:this practice is illegal, unethical, and will not be tolerated within the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Federal law strictly regulates who may assist claimants before the Department of Veterans Affairs and when fees may be charged. Accredited representatives of recognized Veterans Service Organizations, including the VFW, provide this assistance free of charge. Individuals who violate these provisions may be subject to administrative, civil, or criminal penalties under applicable law.
The VFW is committed to protecting veterans from fraud and ensuring they receive competent, ethical, and authorized representation. Accordingly, any allegation that a VFW member has charged a veteran for claims assistance or has otherwise violated VA accreditation requirements will be thoroughly investigated. When misconduct is substantiated, the VFW will pursue all appropriate remedies available under the VFW National By-Laws, including disciplinary action, and will refer matters to the appropriate governmental authorities when warranted.
To help safeguard veterans and preserve the integrity of the VA claims process, I ask every Department, District, and Post to prominently share the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel Accreditation Search. This official resource allows veterans and VFW leaders to verify whether an individual is properly accredited to represent claimants before the VA.
VA Office of General Counsel Accreditation Search
https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/
Please ensure this information is disseminated to your Posts, Accredited Service Officers, and members. Encourage every veteran seeking assistance with a VA claim to verify the accreditation of anyone offering representation before sharing personal information or signing claim-related documents.
The VFW has earned the trust of America's veterans through generations of honorable service. Each of us has a responsibility to protect that trust by ensuring our members uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and compliance with the law. Those who seek to exploit veterans for personal financial gain have no place in our organization. Protecting veterans begins with protecting the integrity of the assistance we provide. Every veteran who comes to the VFW should know they will receive competent, ethical, accredited representation at no cost.
Please distribute within your respective AO’s and share on your social media channels.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to protecting those we are privileged to serve.
Dan West
Adjutant General
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
406 W. 34th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
816.968.1110
Join atwww.vfw.org/join/eligibility