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Concern over veterans’ non-accredited providers

Over the past few months and as recently as June 1, there have been articles and letters to the editor about agencies and individuals within the county that are offering to provide assistance to veterans and their spouses or widows in obtaining their veteran’s benefits. These solicitations and proffers often come with considerable potential risks and associated financial costs.

While all genuine and sincere efforts to assist veterans and their families are applauded, safeguards should be taken to ensure that claims for pensions, disability compensation and specialized care such as assisted living or in-home aid and attendance are properly submitted by veterans service officers that are accredited through both the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These service officers are bonded and receive annual recertification and training on the ever changing Veterans Affairs policies and regulations. Every county in Ohio has such service officers.

Improper or misleading claims submissions can lead to forfeiture of benefits and massive overpayments which the federal government by law will pursue and collect from other individual benefits such as Social Security and/or federal tax returns. Most of these other non-accredited agencies or individuals are limited liability corporations and will not accept or assume any responsibility for mishandled claims. Additionally, most of these agencies charge or assess fees or contingencies for their services. Any agency or individual that charges you money for filing veteran’s claims should be viewed as a huge red flag. Claims filing or veterans advocacy through county veterans service officers are free of charge. There are no fees or charges to file a veteran’s claim.

Determining veterans’ eligibility for federal benefits is the mandate and responsibility of your county veterans service officers, who are accredited and trained to perform this service. It is a serious matter and should not be entrusted to non-accredited agencies or individuals. The consequences could be financially devastating.

Roy D. Ash

Thomas Kukulka

Chad Wright

Washington County Veterans Service Office

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