Part 2: Best VA Claims Companies 2026 - How New State Laws Affect Who You Can Pay For Help

California just banned most paid unaccredited help starting January 2027. Florida kept real options open with smart rules.
Heres exactly what it means for you depending on where you live.

In Part 1, we reviewed the top VA claims companies. Two of the highest-rated options stood out with very different approaches:

Veterans Advocate Center (run by Stacey Michelon, a former long time veteran caregiver) earned high marks for strong local outreach, community involvement, and unique insights from a caregivers perspective. They also have a highly rated YouTube channel offering practical VA claims guidance.

VCAnalytics.ai is run by Monte Fisher, a retired CPA focused on veterans advocacy, education, and exposing fraud, waste, and abuse in the VA system. It delivers a more personal, direct approach with fewer handoffs combining AI-powered analytics and 25+ years of forensic accounting experience to help veterans make smarter, optimized claims decisions.

For more information or assistance:
Veterans Advocate Center monte@veteransadvocacycenter.com
VCAnalytics.ai vcanalytics@pm.me

California SB 694: New Restrictions on Paid Assistance

In February 2026, Governor Newsom signed SB 694, the Veterans Benefits Protection Act. Effective January 2027, the law prohibits unaccredited individuals and companies from charging any fees to prepare, present, or prosecute VA claims for California veterans.

Key clarification: Accredited lawyers, accredited agents, and accredited VSOs remain fully allowed to provide paid assistance. The restrictions apply specifically to unaccredited helpers.

For California veterans considering virtual or remote help (including services based in the Philippines or elsewhere): The law generally follows the veteran's location. Paying an unaccredited virtual helper is now restricted.

California has faced documented challenges with fraud and waste in programs for autism services, childcare (ghost daycares), hospice care, and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).

Florida SB 910: Balanced and Regulated Approach

Florida took a different path with SB 910. Non-accredited help is allowed with strict rules: payment only if they win an increase, fee cap, written contract, transparency, background checks.

Quick Comparison

Aspect	California (SB 694)	Florida (SB 910)
Unaccredited Paid Help	Restricted (Jan 2027)	Allowed with rules
Virtual Help from PH	Generally restricted for CA vets	Allowed if rules followed
Veteran Choice	Limited	Broader choice

What This Means for You

California vets: Youll mostly need to use free accredited VSOs or accredited paid reps. Remote unaccredited help will likely no longer be an option.

Florida vets: You still have more flexibility to hire experienced help just make sure they follow the new rules.

While California's law claims to protect veterans by limiting unaccredited paid assistance, the state has repeatedly used a similar playbook in programs for autism services, childcare, hospice care, and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) where significant fraud, waste, and oversight problems have come under fire. This raises legitimate concerns about whether the new restrictions will truly benefit veterans or simply expand reliance on a tax-funded system with a mixed track record.

Florida's approach focuses on consumer safeguards while allowing more flexibility and choice.

California vets has the new law already affected your options?
Florida vets using a paid consultant under the new rules?

Drop your state + one quick sentence below or email us directly. We reply to every message.