Judge Orders Veterans Guardian to Pay Triple Damages
A North Carolina federal court found the Pinehurst-based claims consultant unlawfully charged veterans fees for disability claim help.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Military Jobs
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A North Carolina federal judge ruled that Veterans Guardian, a Pinehurst-based for-profit veteran disability claims consultant, violated the state's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act by charging veterans fees while helping them file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The company must pay class members triple the fees they were charged.
Why it matters
The ruling affects veterans who paid for disability claim assistance that other free resources can provide, and it reinforces limits on unaccredited claims agents. For North Carolina readers, it shows how state consumer protection law can be applied to veterans' benefit services.
Class members paid over $250 million in fees during the class period covered by the ruling, which ends October 1, 2025. The total damages owed by Veterans Guardian have not yet been calculated by the court.
The players
Veterans Guardian
A Pinehurst-based for-profit veteran disability claims consultant founded in 2017 that helps veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Judge Catherine C. Eagles
The federal judge in the Middle District of North Carolina who issued the ruling finding the company violated state consumer protection law.
The details
Judge Catherine C. Eagles found that Veterans Guardian acted as an unaccredited claims agent in violation of federal law and unlawfully charged veterans fees while helping them with disability claims. Every class member received new or increased VA benefits, but the court found the fees were improper, and the court found the company did not violate the North Carolina Debt Collection Act.
Timeline
October 1, 2025: Cutoff date for fees covered by the ruling.
August 2026: A federal court found Veterans Guardian illegally charged clients fees.
November 12, 2026: Veterans Guardian issued a statement to The Pilot.
Roadmap
The ruling applies North Carolina's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which triples awards in consumer protection cases, to a company that charged veterans for disability claim help. It follows federal rules limiting who may act as an accredited claims agent for VA benefits.
Veterans who paid Veterans Guardian fees may be eligible for triple damages once the court sets the final amount. Free assistance with VA disability claims is available through the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.
The takeaway
Veterans filing disability claims can seek free help from accredited veterans service organizations before paying a private consultant. Checking whether a claims agent is accredited by the VA is a practical first step.
Further reading
For related coverage, browse Military Jobs news on North Carolina veterans' employment and benefits.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Pilot Newspaper.
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