Trajector Medical Lawsuit, Veterans Charged Millions Despite VA Warning Letters
Trajector Medical, a Florida-based company providing medical evidence services for VA disability claims, faces ongoing legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny. The Department of Veterans Affairs sent warning letters in 2017 and 2022 stating the company may be violating federal law by charging veterans for assistance with disability claims. One federal lawsuit was filed in 2023 by Warriors and Family Assistance Center LLC against Trajector Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Case No. 1:2023cv00290). Veterans report receiving unexpected bills ranging from $4,500 to $20,000 after their disability ratings increased.
What Is the Trajector Medical Lawsuit About?
The primary case on record is Warriors and Family Assistance Center LLC v. Trajector Inc., filed in 2023 in the Northern District of Florida. The case status as of December 2023 showed the docket was last retrieved, but current case developments beyond that date are not publicly available without PACER access.
Federal law dating back to the Civil War era prohibits charging veterans for help with initial disability claims. The VA’s position is that anyone assisting veterans with initial disability claims must be VA-accredited and cannot charge fees.
Trajector Medical maintains it operates within legal boundaries as a “medical evidence service provider” rather than a claims consultant.
VA Warning Letters: 2017 and 2022
The Department of Veterans Affairs sent two cease-and-desist warning letters to Trajector Medical (then operating as Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting).
2017 Warning Letter: VA Chief Counsel David J. Barrans wrote that the company’s marketing materials suggested it was unlawfully assisting in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims before VA. The letter stated that by assisting in preparing claims, the organization was violating laws governing accreditation.
The 2017 letter concluded with a direct order: cease all preparation of and assistance in claims for VA benefits.
2022 Warning Letter: A 12-page letter sent via certified mail to CEO Jim Hill detailed potential legal issues with the company’s fee structure and staff attorneys, warning the company to cease all preparation, presentation and prosecution of VA benefit claims or face referral to federal and state law enforcement authorities.
Trajector responded to both letters contending it wasn’t breaking the law. The company stated it received no reply from VA in the four to eight years since.
How Trajector Medical Operates
Trajector Medical positions itself as a medical evidence development service. The company’s business model centers on:
Service Structure:
- Veterans contract with Trajector for medical evidence compilation
- Licensed medical professionals review the veteran’s medical history
- The company creates medical evidence packets for veterans to submit with claims
- Veterans file their own claims with the VA
Fee Structure: Trajector charges five times the amount of the monthly increase in VA disability pay. For example, if a veteran’s monthly payment increases by $600, the bill would be $3,000.
The company maintains it doesn’t fill out forms, file claims, or prepare paperwork directly. CEO Jim Hill states veterans do the filing themselves while Trajector provides medical evidence packets to attach.
The “CallBot” System: Automatic Billing
NPR’s investigation revealed Trajector uses an automatic dialing system called “CallBot” to repeatedly dial a VA phone hotline designed for veterans to check their benefit status.
The company enters social security numbers and birthdates obtained from tens of thousands of clients into the phone hotline, which reveals each veteran’s monthly disability payment amount. When the system detects an increase, Trajector automatically sends a bill—sometimes as high as $20,000—and begins collection calls.
Veterans sign contracts stating Trajector may use their personal information to access VA reporting systems, though veterans NPR spoke to said they didn’t understand the company would monitor their accounts to send bills.
Who Are the Parties in the Federal Lawsuit?
Plaintiff:
- Warriors and Family Assistance Center LLC, a veteran service organization
Defendant:
- Trajector Inc. (operating as Trajector Medical)
- Formerly known as Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLC
Court Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Case No. 1:2023cv00290)
The company was co-founded in 2014 by Navy veteran Jim Hill and nurse Gina Uribe. Trajector operates from Gainesville, Florida, with three business locations.
Specific Allegations and Legal Issues
Federal Law Violations: Federal law mandates that anyone helping a veteran file an initial disability claim must be VA-accredited and the service must be free of charge.
When Trajector told VA they prepare the person—not the claim—VA replied: “This is a distinction without a difference.”
Contract Disputes: Veterans filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau report:
- Surprise bills after rating increases
- Difficulty canceling contracts
- Inability to obtain copies of signed agreements
- Continued billing after services ceased
- Aggressive collection calls
Lack of VA Accreditation: Critics argue the company’s operations contravene VA rules requiring VA-accredited employees to handle first-time claims without charging fees. Organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars contend such operations are unlawful.
Current Case Status and Recent Developments
December 2025 Investigation: NPR and The War Horse published a joint investigation on December 2, 2025, revealing Trajector continues operating and pursuing veterans for payment even when veterans say the company wasn’t responsible for their disability rating increase.
Federal Lawsuit Status: The Warriors and Family Assistance Center LLC v. Trajector Inc. case was last updated on public dockets in December 2023. Current case developments require PACER access to federal court records.
State-Level Actions: Ten states have outlawed claims consulting companies statewide as Congress debates federal legislation. New Jersey banned such companies in 2023, prompting Veterans Guardian (a similar company) to file a First Amendment lawsuit claiming violation of free speech rights.
Congressional Action: In May 2025, the CHOICE for Veterans Act advanced to the full House for a vote along party lines. If signed into law, the bill would allow individuals at for-profit companies to seek VA accreditation and legally charge veterans fees for disability claims assistance in all 50 states, with guardrails including a $12,500 fee cap and prohibition on overseas call centers.
What Laws Apply to This Case?
Federal Veterans Benefits Law:
- 38 U.S.C. § 5904: Prohibits charging fees for representation in initial disability claims
- 38 C.F.R. § 14.629: Requires VA accreditation for claims assistance
- Federal law from Civil War era protecting veterans’ benefits from predatory practices
Contract Law:
- Breach of contract allegations
- Consumer protection under state law
- Implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing
Federal Consumer Protection:
- FTC regulations on deceptive practices
- Truth in advertising standards
Credit Reporting: Potential credit reporting issues related to billing disputes, with concerns about impacts on veterans’ credit scores and reports. Veterans must dispute inaccurate credit information if billing disputes affect credit profiles.
Veteran Experiences: Two Sides
Positive Testimonials: Some veterans report satisfaction with Trajector’s services. Reviews on the company website and BBB show veterans achieved significant rating increases—from 10% to 100% disability ratings in some cases. Retired Army Colonel Nicholas Chimienti stated Trajector filled out all forms with correct terminology after he found free veterans service organizations unhelpful.
Negative Complaints: A veteran reported receiving an $8,829.05 bill from Trajector after a rating increase, calling it highway robbery at nearly three times his back pay. The veteran stated he did all the legwork himself and felt Trajector didn’t play the major role they claimed.
BBB complaints include:
- Bills up to $9,000 for temporary disability increases
- Persistent phone calls despite requests to stop contact
- Charges for work veterans say the company didn’t perform
- Confusion over contract terms and fee calculations
Legal Precedents in Veterans Claims Assistance
Similar Cases: In August 2023, two veterans filed a class action lawsuit against Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting, LLC, accusing the North Carolina company of being a “claims shark” that charged fees beyond what federal law permits and practicing law without a license.
The lawsuit seeks class action certification covering thousands of veterans who were Veterans Guardian clients, alleging the company provided legal discussions without having a lawyer on staff or being licensed to practice law.
Industry-Wide Pattern: Over the past 10 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs sent more than 40 warning letters to dozens of claims consulting companies, warning them to review practices and immediately cease illegal activities. Despite warnings, many companies have only gotten bigger and bolder.
What Free Resources Are Available to Veterans?
Veterans have access to free, VA-accredited assistance through:
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs):
- The American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
- State-specific veterans services
VA Resources:
- VA-accredited attorneys
- VA-accredited claims agents
- Veterans Service Officers at VA facilities
VSAFE Program: The VA’s fraud prevention and complaint program VSAFE has a website and hotline (1-833-388-7233) for veterans and family members to learn about fraud schemes and report potential scams.
Federal law requires these accredited representatives to provide initial claims assistance free of charge.
What This Means for Veterans
Before Signing with Any Company:
- Ask if the company is VA-accredited (check at va.gov)
- Understand the fee structure completely
- Know that free help exists through VSOs
- Read contracts carefully before signing
- Ask for contract copies immediately
If You’ve Already Signed: Carefully review service agreements to determine rights, obligations, and dispute resolution procedures. Assess termination options outlined in the agreement, considering legal and financial implications.
Credit Reporting Concerns: If billing disputes affect credit reporting, dispute inaccurate information with credit bureaus, maintain detailed documentation, and consider alternative dispute resolution like mediation.
Legal Options:
- Consult with an attorney specializing in veterans law
- File complaints with the Better Business Bureau
- Report concerns to VA through VSAFE hotline
- Contact state consumer protection agencies
- Explore class action lawsuit eligibility
Trajector’s Defense
Trajector Medical maintains its practices are legal and beneficial to veterans. The company argues:
- It provides medical evidence development, not claims filing
- Veterans retain complete control of their claims process
- The fee structure aligns incentives (no payment unless rating increases)
- Contracts clearly disclose fee calculations and VA system access
- The company complies with all applicable laws and regulations
- CEO Jim Hill told The War Horse that veterans deserve choices, transparency, and access to tools that work
The company holds BBB Accreditation with an A+ rating and maintains professional medical licenses through the Florida Department of Health.
What Happens Next?
Pending Legislation: Congress continues debating competing bills that would either criminalize or legalize claims consulting companies’ practices. Most previous bills died in committee.
State Actions: California and other states consider bans on for-profit claims assistance. Trajector and another company spent $235,000 lobbying against California legislation in 2025.
Regulatory Enforcement: The VA has not taken enforcement action beyond warning letters despite threatening to refer matters to federal and state law enforcement. Whether the agency will pursue criminal or civil penalties remains unclear.
Industry Impact: The outcome of lawsuits and legislation will affect the entire veterans claims consulting industry, impacting hundreds of companies and potentially millions of veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an active lawsuit against Trajector Medical?
Yes. Warriors and Family Assistance Center LLC filed a lawsuit against Trajector Inc. in 2023 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Case No. 1:2023cv00290). The case status as of late 2023 showed it was active, but current developments require PACER access to verify.
Did the VA say Trajector Medical is breaking the law?
The VA sent warning letters in 2017 and 2022 stating Trajector’s practices likely violate federal law prohibiting charging fees for initial disability claims assistance. The letters ordered the company to cease operations. However, the VA has not filed criminal charges or civil lawsuits against the company.
How much does Trajector Medical charge?
Trajector charges five times the monthly increase in VA disability pay. For a $600 monthly increase, the bill would be $3,000. Veterans have reported bills ranging from $4,500 to $20,000.
Is Trajector Medical VA-accredited?
No. Trajector Medical is not VA-accredited. The company maintains it doesn’t need accreditation because it provides medical evidence services rather than claims representation.
Can I get free help with VA disability claims?
Yes. Federal law requires VA-accredited representatives to provide initial claims assistance free of charge. Veterans Service Organizations like VFW, American Legion, and DAV offer free help. Check va.gov for accredited representatives.
What should I do if Trajector billed me unexpectedly?
Review your service agreement carefully. Document all communications. Consider disputing charges if you believe they’re incorrect. Consult with a veterans law attorney. File complaints with BBB and VA’s VSAFE hotline (1-833-388-7233). Request credit bureau disputes if billing affects your credit.
Are other companies facing similar legal issues?
Yes. Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting faces a class action lawsuit filed in August 2023. The VA has sent warning letters to more than 40 companies over 10 years. The entire “claims shark” industry faces legal scrutiny at federal and state levels.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about legal issues involving Trajector Medical based on public court records, VA documents, and verified news sources. It is not legal advice. Veterans with questions about specific situations should consult with VA-accredited representatives or attorneys specializing in veterans law.
Sources: U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida public dockets, Department of Veterans Affairs warning letters, NPR investigations (December 2, 2025), The War Horse investigations, Better Business Bureau complaints, Military.com reporting, CalMatters reporting, Congressional testimony, and official company statements.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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