GUARD Act

The GUARD Act aims to strengthen oversight of private companies that represent veterans in their disability claims process. Currently, many unaccredited firms charge veterans high, unregulated fees for assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs claims, sometimes misleading applicants or taking a significant portion of their benefits. This legislation mandates that these individuals and companies must be properly accredited by the VA, effectively subjecting them to federal fee limitations and ethical standards. For Arlington veterans and their families, this bill serves as a critical consumer protection measure. By curbing predatory practices and ensuring those assisting with claims are held accountable, the bill helps preserve the full value of earned benefits for those who served, while reducing the risk of financial exploitation in the local community.