Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Story
April 15, 1960
Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
What is this article about?
VA Regional Office manager A. W. Tate in Georgia warns attorneys against illegally charging veterans extra fees for claims representation, limiting allowable fees to $10 paid by VA, with exceptions for federal court GI insurance cases up to 10% of recovery.
Clipping
OCR Quality
75%
Good
Full Text
Lawyers Warned Against Charges In Vet Money Cases
Attorneys or other agents who have or attempt to charge any veteran or dependent for representing him in monetary claims against the Veterans Administration are subject to penal provisions of the law.
This was announced by A. W. Tate, Manager Veterans Administration Regional Office in reply to inquiries from Georgia beneficiaries of veterans benefits.
Certain fees for such services are permissible, however, in cases where the agent or attorney has been duly recognized by the VA prior to institution of the claim before the VA. Mr. Tate said recognition for handling claims is available through the office of the Chief Attorney in the VA Regional Office.
Fees for these services are fixed by statute at a maximum of $10 for any type claim presented before the VA and are paid by the VA itself.
The fees paid by the VA are deducted from the monetary benefit due the veteran or dependent at the time the claim is allowed. Charging the claimant for additional fees is in violation of the law.
Neither accreditation from the VA nor the $10 maximum fee is applicable, however, in cases where the attorney sues for GI insurance benefits before the Federal Court after administrative remedies have been exhausted. Mr. Tate explained. If the court decision is in favor of the claimant, the trial judge is authorized to fix the attorney's fee but not to exceed 10 percent of the amount recovered.
Attorneys or other agents who have or attempt to charge any veteran or dependent for representing him in monetary claims against the Veterans Administration are subject to penal provisions of the law.
This was announced by A. W. Tate, Manager Veterans Administration Regional Office in reply to inquiries from Georgia beneficiaries of veterans benefits.
Certain fees for such services are permissible, however, in cases where the agent or attorney has been duly recognized by the VA prior to institution of the claim before the VA. Mr. Tate said recognition for handling claims is available through the office of the Chief Attorney in the VA Regional Office.
Fees for these services are fixed by statute at a maximum of $10 for any type claim presented before the VA and are paid by the VA itself.
The fees paid by the VA are deducted from the monetary benefit due the veteran or dependent at the time the claim is allowed. Charging the claimant for additional fees is in violation of the law.
Neither accreditation from the VA nor the $10 maximum fee is applicable, however, in cases where the attorney sues for GI insurance benefits before the Federal Court after administrative remedies have been exhausted. Mr. Tate explained. If the court decision is in favor of the claimant, the trial judge is authorized to fix the attorney's fee but not to exceed 10 percent of the amount recovered.
What sub-type of article is it?
Legal Notice
Public Advisory
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Crime Punishment
What keywords are associated?
Veterans Claims
Attorney Fees
Va Penalties
Legal Warning
Fee Regulations
What entities or persons were involved?
A. W. Tate
Where did it happen?
Georgia
Story Details
Key Persons
A. W. Tate
Location
Georgia
Story Details
A. W. Tate, Manager of the Veterans Administration Regional Office, warns attorneys and agents against charging veterans or dependents extra fees for representing monetary claims against the VA, beyond the statutory $10 maximum paid by the VA. Exceptions apply for court cases on GI insurance benefits, where fees can be up to 10% of recovery.