06/12/2026
A critical provision hidden in state law actively hurts our veterans. Part IV (Section 4) of Session Law 2025-72 (SB 118) creates a state-level loophole that helps unaccredited, for-profit companies charge disabled veterans steep fees for filing initial VA disability claims.
This isn't just wrong—it flies in the face of federal law and a major local court victory:
It Violates Federal Law: Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 59, strictly mandates that no individual may assist veterans with claims unless accredited by the VA, and completely bans charging fees for initial claims applications.
It Defies Federal Court Precedent: On May 20, 2026, a federal judge right here in North Carolina ruled in Ford v. Veterans Guardian (Case 1:23-cv-00756-CCE-LPA) that these unaccredited "consulting" fee models are unlawful. Read the full federal court decision