Legislative Hearing on: Discussion Draft, Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act; Discussion Draft, Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2025; and Discussion Draft: To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for certain fee agreements for services rendered in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of initial claims and supplemental claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs

2025-03-05

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Source: Congress.gov

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You ready, buddy?  Okay.  Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will come to order.  Before we start, I have just been told that one of our colleagues, Mr. Sylvester Turner, he's actually from Texas, was the former mayor of Houston, passed away.  I'm not sure if it was last night or this morning, but may we please have a moment of silence for our fallen colleague.   Thank you.  Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Turner family.  Not how I want to start my day off,   Thank you all for joining us today.  We're here to discuss three bills that would each reinstate criminal penalties for anyone who takes advantage of veterans who are filing claims for VA disability compensation.  Last week, I personally heard from veterans advocates just firing on the bad actors for charging $30,000 or more to assist veterans for filing their claims.  I think we can all agree that veterans should never, ever have to pay $30,000 or more for assistance filing a VA disability claim compensation claim.   VA disability compensation claim.  I've also heard from veterans that they want the freedom to choose who helps them file their initial claims.  Under the current law, companies are not allowed to charge a fee for assisting veterans with claims at the start of the claims process, limiting their options.  At today's hearing, we'll be discussing H.R.  1656, the PLUS Act, which would reinstate fines and jail time for companies that violate laws regarding representation of veterans pursuing VA benefit claims.   Plus Act would also allow VA accredited agents and attorneys to charge a limited fee to assist veterans with filing their initial claims for VA disability compensation.