An Analytical Brief from CAL EANGUS Leadership
A National Issue, A California Solution
A recent Washington Post investigation has renewed scrutiny on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation system, alleging widespread overreach, fraud, and inefficiencies. The report described how outdated disability rules, a surge of minor and unverifiable claims, and a lack of enforcement capacity have strained the system—making it harder for genuinely disabled veterans to access their earned benefits.
While the Post story may be controversial in tone, it underscores a truth that CAL EANGUS has long recognized: when the system becomes vulnerable to abuse, it harms both public trust and the veterans who depend on it most.
California has already taken meaningful steps to protect veterans from one of the article’s key concerns—unaccredited, for-profit “claims consultants” who charge veterans for help filing disability claims.
That effort is Senate Bill 694, the Veteran Benefits Protection Act.
What SB 694 Does
SB 694—supported by CAL EANGUS and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers—prohibits non-accredited individuals and businesses from charging veterans for assistance with filing claims to the VA.
This bill:
✅ Shuts down predatory “claims-shark” practices that exploit veterans for profit.
✅ Directs veterans to accredited VSOs and County Veteran Service Offices (CVSOs) who are trained, regulated, and free of charge.
✅ Improves claim quality and reduces the backlog caused by frivolous or poorly prepared submissions.
✅ Restores public confidence in a system built to honor service, not enrich opportunists.
Once enacted, SB 694 could serve as the national benchmark—a model for how states can protect veterans while strengthening the integrity of federal programs.
Connecting the Dots: From Washington to Sacramento
The Washington Post report noted that some veterans’ advocates and paid consultants encourage mass filing of claims for conditions like tinnitus, sleep apnea, or minor joint pain—conditions that are hard to verify but easy to claim. This practice contributes to VA’s mounting backlog, now over 600,000 pending claims, and diverts resources from veterans with severe, combat-related disabilities.
By contrast, SB 694 ensures that veterans in California are supported by trained, ethical, accredited professionals.
It’s a practical, state-level solution to a national problem—and one that reinforces California’s leadership in veteran advocacy.
EANGUS & CAL EANGUS Perspective
EANGUS President and CAL EANGUS President Josh J. Baker shared:
“We can—and must—balance access with accountability. Veterans deserve advocates, not opportunists. SB 694 represents the integrity, fairness, and care that every state should adopt to honor the men and women who served.”
Call to Action: Pass SB 694 Out of Committee
Lawmakers must act now to move SB 694 out of committee and forward to the Governor’s desk.
Every day this bill stalls, veterans remain vulnerable to exploitation by predatory actors and misinformation.
California can set the standard—demonstrating how to protect veterans’ benefits while preserving the trust, transparency, and honor of our nation’s commitment.
Once enacted, SB 694 will be the model for every other state to follow.
Learn More
📘 Read the Full Bill Text: SB 694 – Veteran Benefits Protection Act (California Legislature)
📰 Reference Article: Washington Post – VA Disability Investigation (2025)
🔗 Stay Updated: www.caleangus.org & www.eangus.org
