If you've searched "help with VA claim" even once, you've probably seen a dozen companies promising to get you a higher rating. Some are legit. Some aren't. And from the outside, it's hard to tell the difference.
Here's what actually matters before you hand your claim, or your trust, to anyone.
VA accreditation lets someone file a claim on your behalf or represent you directly before the VA.
Some companies are accredited. Some, like UVBA, are not, and that's a deliberate choice, not something to hide. Our FAQs page covers more of the basics, and we've also written a full breakdown of what VA accreditation actually means if you want to go deeper.
It's important that they tell you plainly, upfront, and explain what they actually do as a result. If a company is vague about whether they're accredited, or what that means for your claim, that's worth pausing on.
Look for a fee structure that's specific, in writing, and easy to explain back to a friend. Is it a flat fee no matter what happens? A percentage of your increase? Is there a cap?
And the question that matters most: what do you owe if your rating doesn't go up at all?
A provider that only gets paid when you actually benefit has a very different incentive than one who gets paid regardless.
Ask them to walk you through an actual example, using real numbers, not just a percentage. If someone can't explain their own fee in plain terms, that's a sign, not a technicality.
Be cautious of anything that sounds like a guarantee. No one, including us, can promise a specific rating, a specific timeline, or a specific dollar amount. Every claim is different, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either overpromising or doesn't fully understand your situation yet.
The same goes for pressure. A company pushing you to sign something today, or acting like the offer disappears if you wait, isn't treating you like someone who deserves time to think it over. Take that as a signal, not a deadline.
Every claim carries some risk. Nobody, including us, can promise a specific outcome. What you can ask for is honesty about that risk going in, and a clear answer about what support looks like if things stall or don't go your way.
Reviews, track record, and specifics beat vague promises every time. "We help Veterans" isn't the same as showing real numbers or letting you read what other Veterans actually experienced. Ask how long they've been doing this, how many Veterans they've actually worked with, and whether you can see reviews somewhere you don't have to take their word for.
Before you agree to anything, ask for the fee structure, the scope of what they'll actually do, and how they'll communicate with you, all in writing. A legitimate provider will hand this over without hesitation. If something only gets explained verbally, or the paperwork is vague about what you're actually paying for, slow down.
We think every Veteran deserves straight answers to every one of these questions, not just the ones that make a company look good.
Here's ours: we're not VA accredited, and we don't file or represent claims before the VA. You can read more about our team and how we work. What we focus on is being there for the questions along the way, explaining what a new rule or a confusing letter actually means, and making sure you're supported and guided through every step, not just handed a form and left to figure out the rest. We've supported 4,145+ rating increases and helped 1,268+ Veterans reach a 100% rating, backed by 147+ five-star Google reviews. We don't charge a fee unless your monthly compensation actually increases, and the fee is capped.
Every claim is different, and our track record doesn't promise what yours will look like. But it's exactly the kind of transparency and support you should be asking anyone for, before you sign anything.
Once you've found someone you trust, our rundown of what to gather before you ask for help is a good next step.
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