Commanders and Comrades,

Recently, a VFW Post was approached by a company offering to conduct a VA Claims Clinic at their location, including a proposal to pay for the hall rental. At first glance, this seemed like a beneficial opportunity for both veterans seeking assistance with their claims and the Post itself, which would gain rental income.

However, it was later discovered that this event was sponsored and coordinated by a known "Claim Shark." It is imperative that any company claiming to assist with VA claims be thoroughly vetted through your Department Service Officer (DSO) or their staff, or National Veterans Service (NVS). We cannot permit these companies to exploit our space to take advantage of veterans and their hard-earned benefits.

The VFW has taken significant measures to combat these predatory claims companies and their illegal practices. Many of you have joined in this fight at the state and federal level, and I thank you for your vigilance and your efforts.

We also understand that some within our ranks may disagree with this stance. Nonetheless, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the organization's strategies and positions: These are illegal practices that prey on veterans and their families and must be stopped.

Allowing such companies to operate on our premises directly contradicts the resolutions of our organization, as approved through the National Convention by an overwhelming majority of convention delegates just two weeks ago. If you or your staff are approached with such an offer, please contact your Department Service Officer to verify that you are not inadvertently "feeding the sharks.”

We all understand that these companies are trying to be clever in presenting their illicit services as a flashy and viable path for veterans. Make no mistake, they only see veterans as dollar signs, and it is our responsibility to stop them. We cannot under any circumstance let these companies normalize or legalize the financial exploitation of veterans, caregivers, and survivors.

Your Department Service Officer and their staff have access to resources to help veterans affected by these companies and their illegal practices. Please ensure any requests to assist with VA benefits at your post or events are properly vetted through your DSO or NVS staff.    

Please forward this email to those in your respective Departments.

Thank you for your diligence in serving our veterans and our communities.

Yours in Comradeship,

Dan West

Adjutant General

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

406 W. 34th Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64111

816.968.1110

www.vfw.org

Join at www.vfw.org/join/eligibility

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