Area Veterans Service Officer Wayne Kleinschmidt is warning area veterans and their families to be wary of organizations or unauthorized persons who want to file a claim for veterans benefits.
Kleinschmidt said there have been individuals trying to steal information from veterans by claiming to represent groups that can assist with the filing of benefits on a veterans behalf.
“All reputable veterans service officers have ID badges,” Kleinschmidt said. “It is illegal for any group or anyone to charge you to file your VA claim for benefits. It is also illegal to ask for a portion of your VA compensation or VA pension for the same service.”
Reputable veterans service officers provide this service to veterans for free, Kleinschmidt said, adding that expenses for supplies and the like are paid for by the state, federal government or in the case of the VFW, DAV and other Veterans organizations, through donations or fundraising events.
Persons wanting more information can call Kleinschmidt at 660-359-2078 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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