As VA Leans on AI, VetsForever Launches The Readout to Make Sure Veteran Files Got a Fair Read

New service gives veterans a fast, independent look at the VA file behind the rating, flags missing or overlooked evidence

Dallas, Aug. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VetsForever, a veteran-run law group providing VA-accredited representation to veterans navigating the VA claims process, today announced the launch of The Readout, the first standalone service designed to quickly retrieve and analyze a veteran's complete VA claims file (C-file). 

The launch comes as the Department of Veterans Affairs works to reduce its claims backlog, with roughly 80% of its approximately 600,000 pending disability claims stalled in the evidence-gathering phase. That’s the point where missing C&P exam notes, unclaimed secondary conditions, incomplete records, or overlooked favorable evidence can result in denials or lower disability ratings. At a July 2026 House Veterans' Affairs hearing, lawmakers raised concerns about whether staffing reductions could limit human oversight as the VA expands its use of AI in claims processing. While VA officials testified that AI supports rather than replaces claims processors, the agency's own Office of Inspector General has found automated systems failed to identify favorable evidence in veterans' files.

“Too many veterans receive a low rating or denial and assume the VA had all of the information needed to make that decision,” says Trinidad Aguirre, U.S. Navy veteran, co-founder and CEO of VetsForever. “The reality is veterans are getting denied or underrated for missing or overlooked details like C&P exam notes, diagnoses, and service-connected evidence. The Readout is a personalized expert assessment of their own file to support faster, stronger appeals, not generic internet advice that may not apply.”

A C-file is a veteran’s unique fingerprint with the VA and many veterans have never seen theirs. VetsForever VA-accredited representatives have authorized access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), allowing the team to quickly retrieve a veteran's complete claims file, analyze the record, and deliver a detailed findings report to the client.

Built and offered exclusively by VetsForever, The Readout is intended for veterans who received a VA claim denial or rating below 100% and want a better understanding of why that decision was made. VetsForever retrieves their file in days instead of months and reviews the hundreds of pages to give veterans a plain-language report.

Incorporating proprietary technology into the analysis process allows VetsForever to scale the firm’s expertise and experience to serve exponentially more veterans. The technology powering The Readout operates within VetsForever's secure, HIPAA-compliant environment and is used alongside expert attorney review to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. 

“As a VA-accredited attorney, I’ve represented thousands of veterans before the VA to secure the benefits they’ve earned,” says Jake Pugh, retired U.S. Air Force JAG Officer, co-founder and Chief Legal Officer of VetsForever. “The Readout distills that deep understanding of the complex VA legal system and complies with all legal, ethical and privacy standards mandated by VA accreditation.” 

The Readout is a one-time, flat-fee offering where clients keep the report for their files and determine what they want to do next. Veterans who wish to appeal VA decisions after reviewing their reports may receive a $500 credit toward legal representation. 

Since its founding in 2022, VetsForever has advocated for veterans and their families across 46 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and overseas. It has helped secure more than $11.5 million in awarded backpay and proudly served nearly 3,400 veterans to date. 

Individuals interested in The Readout can visit vetsforever.com/readout to learn more and schedule an introductory call with a VetsForever advocate. 

###

About VetsForever

VetsForever is a law group providing legal representation through VA-accredited representatives (VA Accredited Attorney Number: 55664). The company was founded in 2022 by 100% service-disabled veterans Trinidad Aguirre, Chris Ward, and Jacob Pugh and is certified by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association. VetsForever advocates for veterans throughout the complexity of the VA claims process to get them the benefits and compensation they earned. For more information, visit vetsforever.com. Connect with us on Facebook,  LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Attachments

• VetsForever Launches The Readout
• VetsForever Co-Founders

Renee Cossman
renee@cossmanpr.com