GUARD VA Benefits Act
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This bill would impose fines on individuals who charge unauthorized fees for assisting veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs claims.
What it does
This bill would establish financial penalties for individuals who solicit or receive unauthorized fees for assisting with Department of Veterans Affairs benefit claims. These fines would apply to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of such claims, as well as any attempts to commit these offenses.
Who is affected
This bill affects individuals who solicit, contract for, or receive unauthorized fees for assisting with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It also impacts veterans and other claimants seeking VA benefits by regulating the compensation practices of those who prepare, present, or prosecute their claims.
Key provisions
- Prohibition on unauthorized fees for veterans' claims. The bill establishes financial penalties for individuals who solicit, contract for, charge, or receive unauthorized compensation for assisting with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims.
- Penalties for attempted unauthorized compensation. The legislation extends the imposition of fines to include the attempted commission of seeking or receiving unauthorized fees related to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill establishes new financial penalties related to the existing Department of Veterans Affairs claims process, specifically targeting unauthorized fees or compensation for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of benefit claims.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to prevent the exploitation of veterans by imposing financial penalties on individuals who charge unauthorized fees for assisting with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of Department of Veterans Affairs benefit claims.