Prohibiting compensation when assisting persons apply for VA benefits in certain circumstances

HB 2949 prohibits individuals or organizations from charging fees for helping veterans apply for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, except as allowed under federal law. It bans compensation for preparing claims, referring veterans to others for assistance, guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, or charging excessive fees - requiring all fee agreements to follow federal standards (38 CFR §14.636). This directly affects veterans’ advocates, legal service providers, and any entity offering assistance with VA claims. Violations would be treated as breaches of West Virginia’s consumer protection laws, not as new criminal offenses. The bill does not change VA eligibility rules but aims to prevent unfair fees from being charged during the application process.