News Archives - Military Veterans Advocacy

Join MVA for the 2026 Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

Military-Veterans Advocacy invites veterans, military families and community members to attend the 2026 Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in Slidell, Louisiana.

This annual gathering provides an opportunity for the community to come together, recognize the service of America’s veterans and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship.

Event Details

The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon will be held:

Sunday, November 1, 2026
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Slidell Municipal Auditorium
2056 Second Street
Slidell, Louisiana

Admission is free, and attendees will receive a complimentary catered lunch.

Veterans from every branch and era of military service are welcome. Family members, supporters and members of the local community are encouraged to attend as well.

Supporting MVA’s Work for Veterans

The luncheon celebrates veterans while also highlighting Military-Veterans Advocacy’s continuing work on behalf of service members, veterans and their families.

MVA uses litigation, legislation and education to protect veterans’ earned benefits and address barriers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Community events such as the Veterans Appreciation Luncheon help connect veterans with advocates, resources and fellow members of the military community.

Veterans Appreciation Raffle

MVA will also hold its Veterans Appreciation Raffle in conjunction with the luncheon. The drawing is expected to take place at approximately 2:30 p.m. on November 1.

The prizes are:

First prize: Limited-edition Henry Golden Boy .22 LR rifle commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Second prize: Smith & Wesson Model 66 .357 Combat Magnum
Third prize: $250 cash

Raffle tickets are available for one for $20, five for $80 or six for $100. Winners do not need to be present. The transfer of firearm prizes is subject to all applicable federal and state laws. MVA’s gaming license number is G4201.

Proceeds help MVA continue advocating for veterans through research, education, litigation and legislative outreach.

September 16, 2026/0 Comments/by 550449pwpadmin

Events, Frontpage Article, News

Veterans Law CLE Seminar Coming to Slidell December 7

Military-Veterans Advocacy will present a Continuing Legal Education seminar designed to provide a practical, high-level overview of Veterans Benefits Law.

Navigating the Minefield of Veterans Law will be held Monday, December 7, 2026, at Sedra’s in Slidell, Louisiana.

Attorneys and other legal professionals interested in veterans’ benefits, claims and advocacy are encouraged to reserve their places.

Seminar Details

Date: Monday, December 7, 2026
Registration: 7:30 AM
Program: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Sedra’s
Address: 348 Robert Boulevard, Slidell, Louisiana
CLE credit requested: Seven hours, including one hour of ethics
Lunch: Provided

Navigating Veterans Benefits Law

Veterans Benefits Law involves a specialized system of federal statutes, regulations and administrative procedures.

Veterans and their families may face complicated questions involving service connection, medical evidence, toxic exposure, disability ratings, effective dates and appeals. Legal professionals working in this area must understand both the governing rules and the practical challenges veterans encounter throughout the VA process.

This seminar will provide an overview of Veterans Benefits Law and help participants better understand the legal framework surrounding veterans’ claims and appeals.

Why This Training Matters

The VA benefits system was created to serve veterans, but navigating it can be difficult.

Quality legal education helps attorneys recognize important issues, identify appropriate evidence and understand the procedures that affect a veteran’s claim.

The program is intended to support informed, ethical advocacy while expanding awareness of the legal challenges facing veterans and military families.

Reserve Your Place

Space may be limited. Contact Military-Veterans Advocacy for registration information and seminar availability.

Phone: 985-641-1855
Email: jessica.jordan@mvadvocacy.org

When registering, please provide any requested lunch preferences.

About Military-Veterans Advocacy

Military-Veterans Advocacy is a nonprofit organization that works through litigation, legislation and education to protect the rights and earned benefits of veterans, service members and their families.

MVA’s educational programs help legal professionals, advocates and members of the public better understand veterans’ benefits law and the policies affecting those who served.

September 16, 2026/0 Comments/by 550449pwpadmin

Legislative Advocacy, News

MVA’s Legislative Agenda for the 119th Congress

Military-Veterans Advocacy has established a legislative agenda for the 119th Congress focused on protecting veterans, service members and military families.

The agenda reflects challenges MVA has identified through litigation, policy research and direct engagement with veterans. It addresses toxic exposure, Department of Veterans Affairs procedures, appellate reform and gaps in federal law that continue to affect access to earned benefits.

Recognition for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances

Toxic exposure remains one of MVA’s central legislative priorities.

Many veterans served in locations where herbicides and other hazardous substances were stored, tested or used. Yet some continue to face significant barriers when attempting to establish that their illnesses are connected to their military service.

MVA’s legislative agenda calls for action involving veterans who served in Guam, Okinawa and the Panama Canal Zone.

Priorities include:

Establishing an earlier effective date for the recognition of herbicide exposure in Guam
Advancing protections for veterans who served in the Panama Canal Zone
Expanding recognition of herbicide exposure for veterans stationed in Okinawa
Restoring appropriate protections for Blue Water Navy veterans
Addressing toxic-exposure risks faced by military dependents

These efforts seek to ensure that benefit eligibility reflects the conditions under which veterans and their families actually lived and served.

Protecting Blue Water Navy Veterans

MVA has played a significant role in the fight for Blue Water Navy veterans exposed to herbicides during the Vietnam War.

The organization continues to advocate for policies that protect the rights established through years of litigation and legislative action. This includes preserving an appropriate definition of the theater of combat and ensuring that offshore veterans are not unfairly excluded from benefits.

MVA remains committed to defending these protections and addressing any policies that could improperly narrow eligibility.

Reforming VA Benefits and Appeals

The VA benefits and appeals process can be lengthy, complicated and difficult for veterans to navigate.

MVA’s legislative agenda includes continued reform of the system, including efforts to address judicial decisions that may restrict veterans’ ability to challenge clear errors in previous benefit determinations.

The agenda also calls for greater accountability when veterans and advocacy organizations submit formal requests for VA rulemaking. MVA supports requiring the VA to respond within a defined period rather than allowing important requests to remain unresolved indefinitely.

Timely decisions and meaningful review are essential to a benefits system intended to serve veterans.

Pay Parity for the United States Coast Guard

MVA supports the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act.

Unlike other branches of the armed services, the Coast Guard can be affected by lapses in federal appropriations because it operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. Coast Guard members should not be required to serve without timely pay during a government shutdown.

MVA supports legislation that provides Coast Guard personnel with the same financial protections afforded to members of the other armed services.

Supporting Veterans and Military Families

Military service can expose not only service members but also their families to environmental hazards. Dependents living on or near military installations may encounter contaminated water, toxic chemicals or other dangerous conditions.

MVA’s agenda recognizes the need to address toxic exposure among military dependents and ensure that affected families are not overlooked.

The organization also supports continued evaluation of emerging treatments and policies that could improve health outcomes for veterans with service-connected conditions.

From Legislative Priorities to Action

A legislative agenda is only the beginning. Advancing these priorities requires research, education, meetings with lawmakers and sustained engagement with congressional offices.

Military-Veterans Advocacy will continue working with veterans, military families, lawmakers and other advocacy organizations to promote reforms that protect earned benefits and strengthen accountability.

Support from MVA’s members and donors makes this work possible. Contributions help fund the research, travel and advocacy required to bring veterans’ priorities before Congress.

September 14, 2026/0 Comments/by 550449pwpadmin

News

Military-Veterans Advocacy Newsletter – Fall 2026

The Fall 2026 edition of View From the Bridge, the Military-Veterans Advocacy newsletter, highlights MVA’s continuing work on behalf of veterans, service members and military families.

This issue includes new resources for veterans who served in Okinawa and believe they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides, an update on MVA’s partnership with the National Association of Atomic Veterans and a look at recent advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Inside This Issue

New Okinawa herbicide-exposure resources: Learn about a public archive containing 70 successful Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions involving veterans who established service connections related to herbicide exposure in Okinawa.
A message from Chairman Jim Kuiken: Read about MVA’s recent work on Capitol Hill, fundraising initiatives and efforts to build relationships with strategic partners and sponsors.
Supporting Atomic Veterans: MVA Executive Director John B. Wells shares an update from the National Association of Atomic Veterans’ 2026 Annual Convention in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Advocacy in action: See photographs from MVA’s recent meetings and outreach in Washington, D.C.
Veterans Law CLE Seminar: Find information about the December 7, 2026 Continuing Legal Education program covering Veterans Benefits Law.
Welcome to the team: Meet Devlan Melancon Sr., Esq., a Marine Corps veteran and attorney whose experience includes veterans law, criminal law and civil litigation.
Fundraising and organizational news: Get updates on the Double Down campaign, the 2026 Riff-Raff Raffle and other ways to support MVA’s mission.
Recognition and remembrance: MVA expresses its gratitude for the service of Mike Yates and Brian Lewis.

Read the Newsletter

Explore the full Fall 2026 issue of View From the Bridge for these stories, photographs, upcoming events and additional MVA updates.

Read the Full Fall 2026 Newsletter

Support MVA’s Mission

Military-Veterans Advocacy works through litigation, legislation and education to protect veterans’ earned rights and improve access to benefits. This work is made possible by members, donors, sponsors and advocates who believe in the mission.

September 1, 2026/by 550449pwpadmin

News

John Wells Addresses National Association of Atomic Veterans Convention

Military-Veterans Advocacy Executive Director John B. Wells recently addressed members of the National Association of Atomic Veterans during the organization’s 2026 Annual Convention in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Held August 20–22, the convention brought together Atomic Veterans, their families and advocates committed to securing recognition, benefits and support for those exposed to ionizing radiation during military service. Wells spoke during the convention’s Saturday evening banquet.

A Longstanding Partnership

Wells’ appearance continued MVA’s longstanding relationship with the National Association of Atomic Veterans and its members.

The two organizations have worked together to advocate for veterans exposed to radiation during military cleanup and response missions, including those who served at:

Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands
Palomares, Spain
Thule Air Force Base in Greenland

For decades, many veterans involved in these missions struggled to obtain acknowledgment of their exposure and access to related benefits.

Recognition Under the PACT Act

Many affected veterans ultimately gained expanded recognition under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, commonly known as the PACT Act.

The law expanded eligibility for certain veterans exposed to toxic substances and radiation during military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs now presumes radiation exposure for qualifying veterans who participated in designated response and cleanup missions.

Before the PACT Act became law, MVA supported efforts such as the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act. That legislation sought to extend radiation-exposed veteran status and presumptive benefits to veterans involved in nuclear cleanup operations.

These changes represent meaningful progress for veterans who spent years seeking recognition of the risks they faced while serving their country.

Honoring the Persistence of Atomic Veterans

The NAAV convention offered an opportunity to recognize veterans whose exposure occurred decades ago but whose fight for acknowledgment and benefits continued throughout much of their lives.

“NAAV has never stopped fighting for veterans whose radiation exposure was overlooked for far too long,” Wells said. “MVA is proud of the work we have done alongside NAAV to help secure recognition and benefits for veterans who served at Enewetak, Palomares and Thule. Those victories matter, but our work is not finished.”

Atomic Veterans and their families have played a critical role in bringing these experiences to public attention. Their testimony, records and persistence have helped create greater awareness of the long-term health effects associated with military radiation exposure.

Continuing the Fight for Radiation-Exposed Veterans

Although important progress has been made, some veterans still face barriers when seeking recognition and benefits connected to radiation exposure.

Military-Veterans Advocacy remains committed to working alongside NAAV and other veterans organizations to:

Raise awareness of military radiation exposure
Protect existing benefits and presumptions
Address gaps in eligibility
Educate veterans and their families
Advocate for legislative and policy reforms
Ensure overlooked veterans are included in future protections

Partnerships between advocacy organizations allow veterans’ voices to reach more lawmakers, policymakers and members of the public. They also strengthen the collective effort to protect the benefits veterans earned through service.

MVA is honored to continue standing with the National Association of Atomic Veterans and its members.

Learn more about MVA’s toxic-exposure advocacy.

Support Military-Veterans Advocacy.

This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility for VA benefits depends on the facts and evidence of each individual claim.

August 20, 2026/by 550449pwpadmin

News

New Resources for Veterans Pursuing Okinawa Agent Orange Claims

Veterans who served in Okinawa and believe they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides may have important new information available to support their research.

Journalist and author Jon Mitchell, who has investigated herbicide use in Okinawa for more than 15 years, recently reviewed Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions involving veterans who claimed herbicide exposure while stationed in Okinawa.

His investigation identified 70 cases in which veterans were awarded service connection for conditions related to herbicide exposure.

What the Decisions May Show

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals evaluates each claim according to its individual facts and evidence. Its decisions can offer insight into the types of documentation that helped other veterans establish service connection.

Evidence referenced in successful claims may include:

Military service and personnel records
Unit histories and duty assignments
Statements describing the location and circumstances of exposure
Photographs, maps or historical documentation
Medical records identifying a diagnosed condition
Medical opinions connecting an illness to military service
Testimony from fellow service members or other witnesses

A previous Board decision does not guarantee that another veteran’s claim will be approved. Board decisions are generally specific to the individual case and are not binding precedent for other claims. However, reviewing successful cases may help veterans and their advocates understand how evidence has been presented and evaluated.

A Public Archive of 70 Successful Decisions

Mitchell created a public archive containing the 70 successful Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions identified through his research.

The archive organizes decisions by factors such as location, exposure pathway and illness. This makes it easier for veterans and advocates to locate cases involving circumstances that may resemble their own service.

Veterans may use the archive to research:

Locations in Okinawa associated with claimed herbicide exposure
How exposure was described or documented
Medical conditions involved in successful claims
Supporting evidence considered by the Board
Patterns among previously approved claims

Review the Public Archive of BVA Service-Connection Awards for Okinawa Agent Orange Exposures

Investigative Reporting from the Okinawa Times

Mitchell’s findings were also published by the Okinawa Times in two English-language investigations.

The reports examine the increase in successful compensation claims involving Okinawa service and document veterans’ accounts of herbicide use and its environmental effects.

The resources include:

Surge in U.S. Veterans Winning Agent Orange Compensation for Okinawa Service — Women Now Among Successful Claims
From Naha to the Yanbaru: Veterans’ Testimonies Detail Environmental Impact of Agent Orange Use in Okinawa

These investigations provide additional historical context and may help veterans identify information relevant to their own research.

What Veterans Can Do

Veterans pursuing an Okinawa herbicide-exposure claim should gather as much information as possible about their service, location, duties, potential exposure and diagnosed medical conditions.

Helpful steps may include:

Requesting complete military personnel and service records
Identifying specific bases, facilities and dates of service in Okinawa
Gathering medical records and information about diagnosed conditions
Locating statements from fellow service members who witnessed relevant events
Reviewing similar cases in the public archive
Consulting an accredited veterans service officer, claims agent or attorney for guidance

Veterans should not assume that a denial ends the process. Depending on the circumstances, additional evidence or an appropriate appeal option may be available.

MVA’s Continuing Advocacy for Okinawa Veterans

Military-Veterans Advocacy has long advocated for veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. MVA continues working on behalf of veterans who served in Okinawa and supports broader recognition of herbicide exposure in locations that remain excluded from current presumptive policies.

Veterans who served in Okinawa are encouraged to review these resources and share them with others who may benefit.

Learn more about MVA’s toxic-exposure advocacy.

Support Military-Veterans Advocacy.

This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every VA benefits claim depends on its individual facts and evidence.

July 24, 2026/1 Comment/by 550449pwpadmin

Legislative Advocacy, News

Why Navy Deck Logs Matter in VA Disability Claims

Military records can play an important role in establishing eligibility for veterans’ benefits. For some former Navy and Coast Guard personnel, deck logs may provide critical information about where a vessel operated and what occurred during a particular period.

This documentation can be especially important when a claim involves Blue Water Navy service, toxic exposure or another event that may not be fully described in a veteran’s individual service record.

What Is a Navy Deck Log?

A deck log is the official daily record maintained aboard a commissioned Navy or Coast Guard vessel.

Depending on the vessel and time period, a deck log may document:

The ship’s geographic position
Ports visited
Arrivals and departures
Courses and movements
Operational activities
Significant incidents
Personnel transfers
Weather and sea conditions
Other noteworthy events

Deck logs are generally ship records rather than individual personnel records. They may not identify every service member aboard or provide a complete account of every event. However, they can help document where a vessel was located on a particular date.

How Deck Logs Can Support a VA Claim

A veteran’s military personnel record may confirm assignment to a ship but contain limited information about the ship’s precise location.

When eligibility depends on service in a qualifying geographic area, that missing information can become important.

Deck logs may help establish:

That a ship operated within qualifying territorial waters
That a vessel entered a particular harbor or port
That a ship was present near a documented exposure location
That an incident occurred during the veteran’s period of assignment
That official ship activity is consistent with the veteran’s account

This documentation may be relevant to certain Blue Water Navy, Agent Orange, toxic-exposure and service-connection claims.

Deck Logs and Blue Water Navy Veterans

For many years, veterans who served aboard vessels offshore during the Vietnam War faced barriers when seeking benefits associated with herbicide exposure.

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 expanded the presumption of herbicide exposure to certain veterans who served within defined offshore waters. Establishing that a ship entered a qualifying area may require historical location data.

Deck logs can help document a vessel’s position during the veteran’s period of service. Other evidence, including military personnel records and official ship histories, may also be necessary.

What Information Is Needed for a Search?

Before requesting deck-log research, veterans should gather as much information as possible.

Useful details include:

Full name of the vessel
Hull number, if known
Branch of service
Dates of assignment
Approximate date of the relevant event or location
Claimed exposure or incident
Copies of available service or personnel records

A narrow date range is generally easier to research than an entire deployment or several years of service.

Deck Logs Are One Part of the Evidence

Deck logs can be valuable, but they do not automatically establish entitlement to VA benefits.

A disability claim may also require:

Evidence of qualifying military service
A current diagnosed condition
Medical records
Evidence connecting the condition to military service
Statements from the veteran or fellow service members
Additional unit, ship or government records

The evidence needed depends on the benefit being requested and the facts of the individual case.

MVA Deck Log Research and Records Requests

Military-Veterans Advocacy assists veterans in obtaining U.S. Navy deck logs and other official military records that may help document qualifying service.

Veterans searching for Vietnam-era deck logs, Blue Water Navy records or documentation connected to a VA disability claim can submit a request through MVA’s website.

When completing the request, provide the most accurate ship and service information available. Specific dates, locations and vessel details can help focus the research.

Request Deck Log Research and Records

Preserving the Record of Military Service

Historical military records do more than document a ship’s movements. They can help ensure that veterans’ service is accurately recognized decades later.

MVA remains committed to helping veterans locate records, understand available resources and identify documentation that may be relevant to their pursuit of earned benefits.

Learn more about MVA’s work.

Support Military-Veterans Advocacy.

This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The value of any record and eligibility for VA benefits depend on the facts and evidence of each individual claim.

July 11, 2026/by 550449pwpadmin

Events, News

Military-Veterans Advocacy Welcomes Devlan Melancon Sr., Esq.

Military-Veterans Advocacy is pleased to welcome Devlan Melancon Sr., Esq. to the MVA team.

A United States Marine Corps veteran, former law-enforcement officer and experienced attorney, Melancon brings a combination of military service, legal knowledge and personal commitment to veterans.

Service in the United States Marine Corps

Melancon is a New Orleans native and proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

During five years of military service, he completed two tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant.

His military experience gives him a personal understanding of the sacrifices made by service members and the challenges veterans can encounter after returning to civilian life.

From Law Enforcement to the Practice of Law

Following his military service, Melancon spent eight years as a law-enforcement officer.

While serving his community in that role, he completed both his undergraduate education and law degree through evening programs.

Melancon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing Management and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

Balancing a demanding career with his education reflects the discipline and dedication he brings to his work.

Legal Experience

Melancon’s professional experience includes:

Veterans law
Criminal law
Civil litigation

This background supports MVA’s commitment to protecting veterans’ rights, strengthening access to earned benefits and addressing legal and policy issues affecting the military and veteran communities.

His experience as a veteran, law-enforcement officer and attorney provides a valuable perspective on public service and advocacy.

Commitment to Veterans and Their Families

Military-Veterans Advocacy works through litigation, legislation and education to address systemic problems affecting veterans, service members and their families.

Melancon joins a team committed to ensuring that veterans receive fair treatment, meaningful representation and recognition of the sacrifices made during military service.

MVA is proud to welcome a fellow veteran whose career reflects a continuing dedication to service.

Meet Devlan and Spark

Melancon is married and the proud parent of two teenagers. His family also includes Spark, his service dog.

MVA looks forward to the experience, perspective and commitment he brings to the organization and its mission.

Please join us in welcoming Devlan Melancon Sr., Esq. to Military-Veterans Advocacy.

June 12, 2026/by 550449pwpadmin

Events, News

A Lifetime of Service Honored

How to Verify a VA-Accredited Representative

Veterans seeking assistance with a VA disability claim may encounter companies promising faster approvals, higher ratings or substantial benefit increases.

Before signing an agreement or paying for assistance, verify that the person offering help is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA accreditation is intended to ensure that representatives understand the benefits process, meet federal requirements and remain accountable for their conduct.

Who Can Become VA Accredited?

VA may accredit:

Attorneys
Claims agents
Representatives of recognized veterans service organizations

Veterans service organization representatives often provide claims assistance at no cost. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees in certain circumstances permitted by federal law, generally after VA has issued an initial decision and the matter has entered a review or appeal stage.

A company name, professional-looking website or claim of “veteran expertise” does not establish VA accreditation.

Accreditation applies to an individual—not simply to the business employing that person.

How to Verify Accreditation

The VA Office of General Counsel maintains an online database of accredited attorneys, claims agents and veterans service organization representatives.

To check a representative:

Open the VA accreditation search.
Select the appropriate type of representative.
Enter the individual’s name.
Review the search results carefully.
Confirm that the person’s location and contact information match the individual offering assistance.

Search the VA Accreditation Database

If the person does not appear in the database, ask for clarification before sharing records, signing an agreement or paying a fee.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Veterans should proceed cautiously when a company or consultant:

Guarantees a particular disability rating
Promises an approval or specific payment amount
Charges a large upfront fee
Demands a percentage or multiple of future benefits
Refuses to identify the accredited individual handling the claim
Pressures the veteran to sign immediately
Requests login credentials for a VA account
Directs the veteran to provide inaccurate or exaggerated information
Claims VA accreditation is unnecessary
Uses confusing contracts or does not clearly explain its fees

No representative can guarantee the outcome of a VA disability claim.

Understand the Fee Agreement

Before agreeing to paid representation, veterans should request a complete written explanation of:

The services being provided
The person responsible for the work
Whether that person is VA accredited
When fees will be charged
How the fee is calculated
Whether additional expenses may be assessed
How the agreement can be terminated
What happens if the claim is unsuccessful

Veterans should keep copies of all contracts, correspondence, invoices and records provided to the company.

A fee that is based on future benefits can become far more expensive than it initially appears.

Free Assistance May Be Available

Veterans may be able to receive free help with an initial VA claim through:

VA-accredited veterans service organizations
State and local veterans affairs offices
County or parish veterans service officers
Other recognized nonprofit organizations

Complex appeals and legal matters may require assistance from an accredited attorney or claims agent. Veterans should still verify accreditation and review the fee agreement before proceeding.

What Are “Claim Sharks”?

The term “claim shark” is commonly used by veterans advocates to describe unaccredited companies that charge veterans substantial fees for assistance with VA disability claims.

These businesses may describe their services as coaching, consulting, medical coordination or education rather than legal representation. Changing the label does not necessarily eliminate the risks.

Unaccredited companies may not be subject to the same training, oversight and accountability requirements as VA-accredited representatives.

Why MVA Is Addressing This Issue

Military-Veterans Advocacy has worked to protect veterans from predatory claims practices through litigation, legislation and public education.

In Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc. v. Landry, a federal court struck down a Louisiana law that sought to authorize a state system for paid veterans’ claims consulting. The ruling reinforced the importance of federal standards governing claims representation.

Read About MVA’s Federal Court Victory in MVA v. Landry.

Veterans earned their benefits through service. They should not lose a significant portion of those benefits to an unqualified or unaccountable company.

Before paying anyone for VA claim assistance, verify the individual’s accreditation, understand the agreement and ask questions.

This article provides general educational information and does not constitute legal advice. Rules governing VA representation and fees depend on the circumstances of each matter.

March 16, 2026/by 550449pwpadmin