A Veteran’s Plea: Don’t Harm Those Who Help Us Navigate VA benefits
A bill intended to protect veterans – SB 694 – is currently stalled in the California legislature, awaiting a january vote after passing through the Senate Judiciary adn Rules Committees. While I wholeheartedly agree with the need to shield veterans from predatory practices, this bill, ironically, threatens to do more harm than good. As an Air Force veteran, a supporter of veteran-owned businesses, and a former Department of Labor employee dedicated to veteran career advancement, I believe SB 694 is deeply misguided.
The core issue lies in the bill’s potential to criminalize the work of reputable, professional benefits consultants. These consultants, often veterans themselves, provide a vital service by assisting veterans in navigating the complex and often daunting process of applying for earned benefits. they possess specialized knowledge, undergo professional training, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to maximizing triumphant outcomes for those who served.
SB 694 would effectively force these trusted organizations to abandon veterans mid-submission,leaving them vulnerable and alone when facing potential complications. This is especially concerning given the already strained resources of Veteran Service offices. while staffed by well-intentioned volunteers, these offices are frequently overburdened and lack the capacity to handle the intricacies of every case. Moreover, manny veterans live in areas where access to these offices is limited, especially with the closure of numerous VFW posts across California.
the stakes are incredibly high.A staggering 30% of VA benefits claims are initially denied, and veterans facing denial can endure a seven-year wait for an appeal.Accuracy is paramount, and many veterans understandably seek professional assistance to ensure their applications are flawless from the start.
Why should politicians, many without military experience, dictate who can definitely help a veteran secure the benefits they deserve? Shouldn’t the veteran themselves have the agency to choose between volunteer assistance and professional guidance?
Protecting veterans from exploitation is crucial, but SB 694 takes a sledgehammer to a problem that requires a scalpel. Rather of broadly criminalizing legitimate businesses, California legislators should focus on targeted solutions: increased contract clarity, a ban on unethical practices like credential harvesting, and mandatory audits to ensure compliance.
This bill doesn’t honor veterans; it dishonors those who, leveraging their military training to help their fellow service members, are building lives and businesses in the civilian world. Let’s protect veterans from predators without sacrificing the valuable support system that already exists.
Donyale Hall is president of the frederick Douglass Freedom Alliance. She is also a U.S. Air Force Gulf War-era disabled veteran and a military mother.
