Protections for Veterans Seeking Benefits

The act makes it a deceptive trade practice under the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act" for a person who consults with, advises, or assists a veteran in connection with a claim for veterans' benefits (veterans' benefits matter) to:

• Receive compensation in excess of the lesser of $9,200 or 25% of the amount of any past-due benefits the veteran actually receives after the person procures an increase in the veteran's monthly benefits;
• Receive compensation in connection with a claim filed prior to a veteran's release from active duty or within the one-year period following a veteran's release from active duty;
• Guarantee a successful outcome in a veterans' benefits matter;
• Fail to memorialize the payment terms and certain disclosures in a written, signed contract;
• Omit certain disclosures from advertising or make false representations about accreditation;
• Fail to take various security measures related to veterans' personal information; or
• Provide services in connection with an appeal or review of the veterans administration's initial decision in a veterans' benefits matter, unless the service provider is accredited by the veterans administration.

The act requires the attorney general or district attorney to transmit any civil penalty collected for a violation of the veterans' benefits matter provisions to the state treasurer for deposit in the Colorado state veterans trust fund.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)