Please support the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, a vital legislative measure designed to reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited individuals who charge unauthorized fees for assisting veterans with their disability claims. Under current law, a loophole created in 2006 has allowed "claim sharks"—unlicensed consultants operating outside VA oversight—to prey on veterans by charging thousands of dollars for services that accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) provide at no cost. The GUARD Act would restore the VA’s ability to enforce federal standards, ensuring that those who exploit the men and women who served our nation face real legal consequences. By supporting this bill, you protect the financial integrity of veteran benefits and uphold the sacred trust that veterans will receive professional, ethical representation without being subjected to predatory practices.