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MEDIA STATEMENT - SB 974

Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO)

Federal Court Opinion Confirms Long‑Standing MAVO Position on Unaccredited Claims Consultants

The Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO) is highlighting a recent federal court opinion that directly supports what MAVO has stated from the beginning: it is illegal and a violation of federal statute for unaccredited individuals or companies to charge veterans for assistance, advice, or consulting related to VA benefits claims.

In Military‑Veterans Advocacy v. Jeff Landry, Case No. 24‑00446‑BAJ‑RLB, a federal judge in Louisiana issued the first opinion to explicitly affirm that federal law prohibits these unaccredited "claims consultants” from charging veterans—regardless of whether they describe their services as "advice,” "consulting,” or "coaching.”

Although the ruling is not binding in Missouri, it is persuasive federal case law and provides powerful clarity in an area where predatory actors have attempted to confuse lawmakers and the public. For years, these companies—often called "claims sharks”—have argued that they fall outside federal law because they are "not accredited” and "only advise.” The court rejected that argument outright.

"MAVO has said from Day One that these practices violate federal law,” the organization stated. "This opinion vindicates our position and gives Missouri lawmakers clear legal guidance. If anyone doubts it, they can now look directly at what a federal judge said.”

MAVO is distributing the court’s opinion to Missouri legislators and the Missouri Attorney General to support ongoing efforts to protect veterans from unlawful fees, misleading claims services, and predatory practices.

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LEGISLATOR QUICK CARD - SB 974

Protecting Missouri Veterans from Unaccredited "Claims Sharks”

The Issue

• Unaccredited, for‑profit "claims consultants” are charging veterans for VA benefits help.
• These services are illegal under federal law, regardless of whether they call it "advice,” "consulting,” or "coaching.”
• Veterans are paying thousands for services accredited VSOs provide for free.

 

Federal Court Confirmation

• Military‑Veterans Advocacy v. Landry (Case No. 24‑00446‑BAJ‑RLB).
• First federal opinion to explicitly affirm that unaccredited individuals cannot charge for VA benefits assistance.
• Confirms MAVO’s long‑standing position: "It violates federal statute.”
• Not binding in Missouri, but persuasive case law that clarifies the law for policymakers.

 

Why Missouri Must Act

• Claims sharks continue operating in Missouri, misleading veterans and lawmakers.
• Veterans are being financially exploited and receiving incorrect or harmful advice.
• State‑level protections can reinforce federal law and stop predatory practices.

 

What MAVO Is Asking

• Acknowledge the federal prohibition on unaccredited claims assistance for compensation.
• Strengthen Missouri statutes to prevent predatory actors from targeting veterans.
• Support accredited VSOs—trained, certified, and authorized to assist at no cost.
• Use the federal opinion as guidance: "If you don’t believe us, look at what a federal judge said.”

 

Bottom Line

Missouri veterans deserve protection from illegal fees and deceptive claims services.
The federal ruling gives lawmakers the clarity needed to act decisively.

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Rock the Rotunda

 

📣 Announcement: Launch of the New MAVO Website

The Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO) is proud to announce the launch of our new official website — a modern, accessible, and mission‑focused platform designed to strengthen our advocacy for Missouri’s veterans.

This new site brings together MAVO’s statewide coalition, legislative priorities, and veteran‑focused initiatives in one clear, easy‑to‑navigate home. Visitors can now explore:

Current state and federal legislative

priorities.

Testimony, position papers,

and policy updates.

Resources for veterans, families,

and service officers.

Upcoming events, hearings,

and calls to action.

MAVO’s history, mission,

and member organizations.

 

Current state and federal legislative priorities

The website reflects MAVO’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and strong advocacy. It ensures that lawmakers, partners, and Missouri veterans have direct access to the information they need to support meaningful change.

This launch marks an important step forward in our mission to protect and advance the rights, benefits, and well‑being of every veteran in Missouri.

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Dates to Remember:

 March 9th - 1100 hours - Rock the Rotunda Veterans Rally.  Come make your voice heard