VA Disability Scammers Targeting Veterans and Beneficiaries
According to a recent article in The Military Times, a VA staffer has been accused of blindly approving over 85,000 disability claims. The government has indicated that approximately $2.2 million dollars in unauthorized payments was distributed to veterans and their beneficiaries. The blind approvals occurred from at least fiscal year 2022 through 2024, when the employee was found to have authorized about 85,300 claims — 19 times the national average, and at an 84% error rate. The full magnitude of the incorrectly disbursed payments has not been assessed, with $2.2 million being only a current estimate. The report states that the Veterans Benefit Administration is working to correct the errors by year’s end.
That being said, veterans and beneficiaries need to be leary if you've received a call, text or letter from someone pretending to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs alleging you have a substantial VA debt due to overpayment? It may be a scam! The scammers use high pressure tactics to insist the debt must be repaid immediately and sometimes via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other non-traditional payment methods. VA will never demand Veterans to repay their debts in full up front, as VA offers many flexible payment plans at no additional cost. Official VA Debt Management Center (DMC) notifications will provide specific details about the debt, offer secure payment through www.pay.va.gov, and your appeal or waiver rights. If you are suspicious of a communication alleging to be VA, you can verify its authenticity by calling the National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000, the DMC at 1-800-827-0648 or any of our Kootenai County or Idaho State representives identified below. BE WARY AND DON'T PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION!
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Don't go it alone when you have "Accredited" (Vetted by the Veterans Administration) resources to assist you!
Are you curious about the eligibility requirements for filing a VA Disability Claim or would you just like to chat with a qualified professional Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) to assist or guide you through the process? Contact your County or State VSO representatives listed below to find out how to start the process.
Your Kootenai County VSO's are:
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Tom Freeman,Veteran Services Director-Accredited Veteran Services Officer (Pictured below)
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Jessica Christensen, Veteran Services Officer-Accredited Veteran Services Officer, jrchristensen@kcgov.us
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Terri Maceyka, Veteran Services Officer Assistant
Office Location, hours and phone numbers: 120 E Railroad Avenue, Post Falls, ID 83854-----Monday -> Friday, 8:30 a.m. - Noon and 1:00pm - 4:30pm, The office is closed for lunch. 208-446-1098, Fax: 208-446-1093
A Word from Tom Freeman, your Kootenai County VSO
"Our team is committed to being advocates for the Veteran and his/her family members. We are committed to giving outstanding service and assistance. Our office excels at providing information and assistance in preparation of VA Claims paperwork. We can answer your questions on VA Benefits and direct you to resources that can help you successfully navigate through the Department of Veterans Affairs. We are all Veterans in the VSO Office. We speak your language. Outside of VA related issues, we can often help point veterans and families the right direct with other veteran related issues. We cannot solve all your problems but we will always do what we can! Best of all, our services are FREE. So give us (Tom or Jessica) a call, drop-by and/or visit us. We are here for you!"
Your Idaho State VSO's are:
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Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Are you a caregiver for a Veteran who sustained or aggravated a serious injury (or illness) in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service during any service era? Do you or the veteran require assistance? The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is here to assist you. Click on the link logo above to find out more.....
Among other applicable eligibility criteria, an eligible Veteran must:
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Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or more, and
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Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:
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An inability to perform an activity of daily living.
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A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or
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A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the Veteran to function in daily life, would be seriously impaired.