When our nation’s veterans return home after serving their country, they should be greeted with support, not predatory financial schemes. Yet a growing industry of for-profit companies is exploiting veterans’ disability claims, charging astronomical fees for services that should be free.

The Broken Promise

Imagine working tirelessly to serve your country, only to be hit with a massive bill just to access the benefits you rightfully earned. Veterans like Adan Montalvo are facing exactly this nightmare. After waiting 52 years to receive a modest $1,102 monthly disability payment, he was slapped with a $5,500 fee from a private claims company.

Fighting Back Against Predatory Practices

California State Senator Bob Archuleta is leading the charge to ban these unethical practices. His proposed legislation would prevent unaccredited companies from charging veterans for benefit claims - a service that county veteran service offices already provide for free. These companies aren’t just charging fees; they’re essentially stealing from those who’ve sacrificed the most for our country.

A National Problem

This isn’t just a California issue. While some states like Maine and New York have banned these practices, others have welcomed these companies with open arms. Veterans are being treated like cash cows, with some companies charging up to $20,000 for claims assistance that should cost nothing.

As veterans’ advocate William Swenson bluntly stated, taking money from veterans is “absolutely scandalous”. It’s time we stand up for those who’ve stood up for us.