Intel File SHK-011 // Claim Defense
Do Not Get Played
Claim sharks love confused veterans. If someone promises a guaranteed increase, demands your VA login, or charges sketchy fees to "coach" your claim, your alarm bells should be screaming. Education only. This is not legal advice or claim representation.
Do not hand your claim, your login, or your back pay to someone just because their ad sounds confident.
Threat identification
Red flags.
If you hear any of these lines, slow down and verify before you share anything or sign anything:
- "Guaranteed increase"
- "We know how to get you 100%"
- "Give us your VA.gov login"
- "Pay us from your increase"
- "We are not representatives, we are coaches"
- "Do not talk to a VSO"
Nobody can guarantee a VA rating or an increase. Anyone asking for your VA.gov credentials is asking for control of your identity, your records, and your money.
Safe route
The better path.
- Use VA-accredited help for claim-specific assistance.
- Verify accreditation before sharing sensitive information.
- Keep control of your VA.gov account.
- Read decisions carefully before reacting.
- Learn the process before fear makes decisions for you.
VA accreditation exists so you can check that the person touching your claim is actually authorized to do it. Confusion makes you a target; a little education makes you a hard one.