NAVR Highlights Cost to Veterans, Applauds VA Transparency, and Calls for Reform in Claims Assistance

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association for Veterans Rights (NAVR) today welcomed the Department of Veterans Affairs’ decision to publicly disclose payments made to VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents, calling the move an important first step toward addressing rising costs to Veterans and reforming a claims assistance system that too often rewards delay over timely outcomes.

According to newly released VA data, nearly $395 million of Veterans’ disability compensation backpay was paid to accredited attorneys and claims agents over the past 12 months, with a monthly average of approximately $32 million. While many accredited representatives provide ethical and professional services, the scale of these payments illustrates how prolonged claims and appeals timelines can significantly increase costs to Veterans while delaying access to earned benefits.

“Transparency is the first step toward reform,” said Peter O’Rourke Sr., President of NAVR. “By releasing this data, the VA is acknowledging the need to better understand how cost structures and incentives impact Veterans. That transparency creates the foundation for meaningful change.”

As Rep. Jack Bergman, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, recently noted: “Veterans should not be losing hundreds of thousands of dollars of their earned benefits to attorneys whose work is done after they submit the claim; building up years of backpay money to pay them out when the work was completed in hours.”

As part of his ongoing efforts to address this issue, Bergman introduced H.R. 3132, the CHOICE for Veterans Act, which expands access to the type of assistance that best fits each Veteran’s needs when filing an initial claim, including support from private claims professionals at a capped cost.

Veterans currently have several options when pursuing their initial claim for disability compensation. They may file claims independently, work with Veterans Service Organizations to file their claim, or utilize the services of private claims-consulting companies. When claims proceed into the appeals process, representation by accredited attorneys or agents is highly encouraged by VSOs and Veteran advocates, and fees are first withdrawn from a Veteran’s accumulated backpay, often growing larger the longer a claim remains unresolved.

NAVR has long advocated for a transformation in claims assistance, supporting free-market solutions paired with strong consumer protections. This includes private assistance models that charge a one-time, contingent on success, capped fee tied to a Veteran’s benefit increase, emphasizing early, accurate claim development and predictable costs, helping many Veterans avoid years-long appeals and extended uncertainty.

NAVR has spearheaded state-level efforts nationwide to distinguish good actors from bad actors, working with policymakers to promote transparency, ethical standards, and accountability while protecting Veterans from misleading or exploitative practices.

“Our goal is to protect Veterans’ rights and options,” O’Rourke added. “It is to ensure Veterans receive timely, accurate help, avoid unnecessary delays, and retain as much of their hard-earned benefits as possible. This VA action is a positive first step, and there is more work ahead.”

About NAVR:

The National Association for Veterans Rights (NAVR) is a national trade association committed to promoting ethical and transparent business practices among companies engaging with the service-disabled Veteran community. NAVR advocates for businesses that empower Veterans with professional and transparent solutions while advancing support for Veteran-owned businesses.