Every so often, proposed legislation catches the attention of the Veteran community. One recent example is the CHOICE for Veterans Act (H.R. 3132), a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would expand opportunities for unaccredited, for-profit companies—often referred to as “claim sharks”—to assist Veterans with filing initial VA disability claims for a fee. This article is strictly informational and non-partisan, as it should be when we talk about Veterans’ benefits.
Before discussing the bill, it’s important to highlight one fact: Veterans already have a choice. Across Minnesota and throughout the country, Veterans can receive high-quality claim assistance at no cost through accredited County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), state Veterans departments, and nationally chartered service organizations such as the DAV, VFW, American Legion, and others. These accredited representatives undergo training, operate under long-standing professional standards, and are legally prohibited from charging for help with an initial claim.
By comparison, some unaccredited, for-profit claims companies charge hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars for services that accredited VSOs provide for free. While not all these companies act illegally, their business model can create confusion and unrealistic expectations. Some promise quick results or imply they can guarantee a specific disability rating. A “guarantee” may sound reassuring, but in the VA world, no one can guarantee the outcome of a compensation claim. If it sounds too good to be true, there’s a real chance it is.
H.R. 3132 would formalize the ability of these businesses to assist with initial claims for a fee. Supporters argue it would expand access. Opponents—including many VSOs nationwide— warn it could normalize practices that financially burden Veterans and their families for benefits they are already entitled to pursue for free.
Regardless of where anyone stands, your opinion matters, and Congress needs to hear it. I strongly encourage Veterans, families, caregivers, and supporters to contact their elected officials and share their thoughts—whether in favor of or opposed to this legislation.
For Lake County and the surrounding area, your federal delegation includes:
• Representative Pete Stauber 145 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-6211 5094 Miller Trunk Hwy, Suite 900, Hermantown, MN 55811 | (218) 481-6396 https://stauber.house.gov
• Senator Amy Klobuchar 425 Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, DC 20510 | (888) 224- 9043 www.klobuchar.senate.gov
• Senator Tina Smith 425 Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, DC 20510 | (202) 224-5641 www.smith.senate.gov
If you ever have questions about claims—or simply want to avoid paying for something you can receive at no cost—please reach out to your County Veterans Service Officer. We’re here to assist, advise, and advocate, and to ensure you have accurate information before making decisions that affect your benefits.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
