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Hillsborough County Veterans Protection Ordinance

A county ordinance makes it a civil violation to help with a VA claim without VA accreditation, or to charge for that help except as federal law allows. A veteran or anyone who sees it can complain to the county's consumer protection agency.

Also called: claim shark, VA accreditation, consumer protection, Chapter 16, Ord. 11-12, 38 USC 5904, fee for claims help.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

Chapter 16, Article III of the Hillsborough County Code, the Veterans Protection Ordinance (Ordinance 11-12 of 2011), makes it a violation for anyone to act as a representative, agent or attorney on a VA claim without recognition or accreditation by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. 5902, 5903 or 5904, or to solicit, contract for, charge or receive any fee for claims help unless the person is accredited under section 5904 and the fee is one federal law permits. Complaints. Anyone who sees or is subjected to a violation, whether or not a veteran, may file a written complaint with the county's Consumer Protection Agency, which can investigate, negotiate an assurance of voluntary compliance with a civil penalty, bring the case before a hearing officer, seek an injunction and restitution with the Board's approval, and refer it for prosecution. Free help instead. The county's Veteran Community Services and the State's service officers help with claims without charge.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Hillsborough County Veterans Protection Ordinance
GateRule
Any veteran with a VA claimProtects any veteran; anyone may complain. No rating is needed.

Sources

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.