March is Fraud Prevention Month and VA is committed to protecting Veterans’ hard-earned benefits from claims predators by raising awareness among Veterans, their loved ones and advocates about the tactics used by claim predators. Veterans and beneficiaries should be cautious of unaccredited individuals offering to gather evidence in support of a benefits claim because they cannot lawfully assist or charge a fee to do the following:
· Consult or give advice to VA claimants.
· Collect evidence for a claim.
· Prepare and file an initial or supplemental claim.
· Submit requests for higher level review.
· Submit an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
