GUARD VA Benefits Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to protect veterans from fraudulent schemes related to their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits claims. It reinstates penalties for individuals who charge unauthorized fees for assistance with preparing, presenting, or pursuing these claims. Specifically, the bill targets those who solicit, contract for, charge, or receive fees for VA benefit claims, outside of specific exceptions outlined in the law. The goal is to deter exploitation of veterans seeking assistance.
Key provisions
- Reinstates penalties for charging unauthorized fees for VA benefit claims.
- Targets individuals who solicit, contract for, charge, or receive fees related to VA claims.
- Penalties are assessed under title 18 of the United States Code.
- Excludes fees authorized under sections 5904 and 1984 of title 38.
- Updates the title of the section to ‘Penalties’.
Who is affected
- Veterans
- Individuals seeking VA benefits
- Representatives assisting with VA claims
- Organizations providing assistance with VA claims
Notable changes
- Reinstates penalties previously in place for charging unauthorized fees.
- Clarifies the scope of prohibited fees to include those related to claim preparation, presentation, and prosecution.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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138 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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