Veterans Guardian, a company founded by U.S. Army veterans Scott Greenblatt and Bill Taylor, has grown rapidly to assist thousands of veterans with benefits claims. However, their business model has faced criticism from lawmakers and attorneys general for charging veterans thousands of dollars for services that are typically provided for free by veterans service organizations. The company has been accused of fraudulent practices, including coaching veterans on how to present symptoms to VA medical examiners and charging fees that violate federal law.
Despite facing legal challenges and accusations of wrongdoing, Veterans Guardian has spent millions of dollars on lobbying efforts to fight back against attempts to regulate their industry. The company has allies in Congress and state legislatures, and has even proposed legislation that would benefit them, such as capping fees and allowing individuals who charge veterans for preparing disability claims to get VA accreditation. The company’s aggressive lobbying tactics have been met with resistance from lawmakers and veterans advocates who are working to enforce existing laws and protect veterans from fraud and abuse.
The VA disability claims process is complex and often frustrating for veterans, leading some to seek assistance from companies like Veterans Guardian. However, veterans are encouraged to utilize free services provided by veterans service organizations, claims agents, and lawyers who are accredited by the VA. The VA has issued cease and desist letters to unaccredited companies like Veterans Guardian, but without criminal penalties in place, these companies continue to operate outside the law. Lawmakers are working to address this issue and protect veterans from predatory practices in the industry.
