Classification 17: Fraud Against the Government -- Veterans Administration Matters

This classification was established in 1921 for investigation of possible fraudulent activity by or against veterans, primarily in the areas of loan benefits, educational or training allowances, hospitalization benefits, and pension and insurance benefits. Although the Bureau has maintained primary investigative jurisdiction in this area, the Veterans Administration, the Secret Service, and the Labor Department also have been responsible for investigating some aspects of criminal fraud by or against veterans. In 1945 a jurisdictional dispute ensued between the FBI and the Veterans Administration that was not resolved until 1954.

In general, the FBI has not aggressively sought prosecution of fraud by veterans. The Attorney General has advised U.S. Attorneys that veterans are not to be prosecuted except in aggravated instances. Moreover, the applicable statutes for this classification include protection of veterans' benefits.

NARA online catalog descriptions of holdings for Classification 17: Fraud Against the Government -- Veterans Administration Matters

Some records under Classification 17: Fraud Against the Government -- Veterans Administration Matters are not yet described in NARA's online catalog. Please contact NARA's Special Access Program at specialaccess_FOIA@nara.gov with your reference request.

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