Legal and Legislative Response
For-profit consultants exploit a legal loophole to charge veterans for assistance with VA disability claims, despite federal laws prohibiting non-accredited entities from doing so. Recent attempts to regulate this industry have stalled in .
While states like , , and New York have passed laws to curb this practice, others like have favorable regulations for the industry, highlighting a split in legislative action across the country.
Industry and Veterans' Perspectives
Critics, including Missouri state Rep. , argue that for-profit consultants exploit veterans, with proposals for criminal penalties against such practices. Meanwhile, some veterans find the service worth the cost, citing inefficiencies in the VA system.
The for-profit consulting industry defends its existence, advocating for veterans' right to choose their helpers and calling for transparent practices. , a veteran and industry leader, emphasizes the need for better business practices rather than criminalization.