VA issues advisory over non-affiliated agency

Officials with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cautioned military veterans living in places such as Mountain Home to remain wary of doing business with agencies not affiliated with their organization.

This week's advisory comes in response to concerns over an organization known as the Veterans Affairs Services, or VAS, which was gathering personal information on veterans.

The Veterans Affairs Services organization "is not recognized by the VA for purposes of assisting veterans with claims for VA benefits," according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

"This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way," said Kevin Secor, veterans service organizations liaison officer for the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "(The) VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal."

In July 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs contacted the Veterans Affairs Services organization over concerns that it created the impression that it was affiliated with or endorsed by the VA. In response, the company later added a disclaimer at the top of its website.

Since then, the Veterans Administration has not spoken to anyone with the Veterans Affairs Services organization, according to a statement from the VA.

"Veterans should always be cautious about sharing personal or financial information with anyone over the phone who is not a VA employee," said Josh Callihan, a spokesman with the Boise VA Medical Center.

According to U.S. Code, organizations like Veterans Affairs Services may provide services, like information websites, to veterans without VA recognition, according to the national veteran's agency. However, they can't help veterans prepare, present or prosecute claims for VA benefits.

Veterans seeking help from a VA-recognized organization to submit claims for benefits can find information on which ones are accredited by the Veterans Administration by going online to at www4.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.