ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL WARNS VETERANS OF BUSINESSES CHARGING ILLEGAL FEES TO PROCESS DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIMS

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL WARNS VETERANS OF BUSINESSES CHARGING ILLEGAL FEES TO PROCESS DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIMS

November 10, 2026

Chicago - Ahead of Veterans Day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning Illinois veterans of unaccredited businesses, sometimes referred to as "claim sharks," that illegally charge veterans to assist them in preparing, presenting or prosecuting a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claim.

"This Veterans Day, I want to encourage Illinois veterans to work directly with a Veteran Service Officer, free of charge, to file any VA disabilities claims for service-related conditions, injuries or illness," Raoul said. "Unfortunately, unaccredited businesses have tried to take advantage of veterans by illegally charging them for assistance to file a claim. This is a violation of state and federal law, and I will work to hold these entities accountable as part of my efforts to protect and advocate for the brave men and women who sacrifice for this country."

"Veterans earned their benefits through service. They should never feel pressured to hand over a share of those benefits to get help filing a claim," said Terry Prince, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. "Our Veteran Service Officers and partners at the County Veterans Assistance Commissions offer free, one-on-one help. They can explain which state and federal benefits you may qualify for and help you file a claim. Before you sign a contract or pay anyone for claims assistance, visit veterans.illinois.gov to find a Veteran Service Officer near you."

Raoul explained that providing benefit services to veterans in exchange for money can violate Illinois' Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Businesses Practice.

Raoul and Prince encourage Illinois veterans to review the following information before working with any person or business to file their VA disability claim.

• All businesses and individuals, including veteran service officers, claims agents and attorneys who assist claimants in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for VA benefits must be accredited through the VA Office of General Counsel. You can validate the credentials of anyone offering to file claims for VA benefits by using the Office of General Counsel's accreditation search tool.
• Accredited representatives and attorneys may charge fees for their services for a claim requesting an increase in the rate of benefits. However, you cannot be charged an upfront fee until after a decision is made on the request.
• Attorneys' fees are regulated by federal statute, which outlines whether, when and how much the attorney may charge for their services and assistance.
• It is illegal for any business or individual to accept any form of payment for services or assistance to veterans attempting to obtain initial VA benefits, whether they are accredited or not.
• All forms needed to file for VA benefits are available free on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' website.
• The VA does not charge for any assistance provided in the preparation, presentation or processing of claims for VA benefits or services. Additionally, veteran and military benefits services are available free of charge from accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs), representatives of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs or federally chartered VSOs.

For questions or more information on service members' and veterans' rights, visit the Attorney General's website or call the Military and Veterans' Rights Helpline at 800-382-3000. The Military and Veterans Rights Bureau recently published its 2026 Benefits for Illinois Veterans Guide and also offers in-person or virtual presentations on service member employment rights, military veterans assistance, as well as fraud and scams that target veterans and their benefits. Information about future training opportunities can be obtained by emailing [email protected].