The Department of Veterans Affairs has established a new website and call center to help veterans who think they’ve been defrauded or charged exorbitant or illicit fees — former service members such as Navy veteran David Rouse, who recently learned he owes a company nearly $9,000 for helping with his disability claim.
A former boatswain’s mate and master of arms who served until 2015, Rouse has several service-connected conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep apnea and musculoskeletal problems, and was awarded a disability rating of 80% a few years ago.
Recently, when his life circumstances changed, he decided to apply for a ratings increase and reached out to Trajector Medical, a company he found through a targeted advertisement that specializes in collecting medical information to support VA disability claims.
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He got his upgrade within two months. But he also received an unexpected, massive bill from Trajector for $8,829.05. He said he had no idea he would be charged so much.
“I’m not saying I don’t want to pay; I’ll pay a percentage. But nearly three times my back pay? That’s highway robbery,” Rouse said in an interview with Military.com
The VA announced earlier this month that its fraud prevention and complaint program, called VSAFE, has a new website and hotline, 1-833-388-7233, for veterans…
