SAN DIEGO, California — Daniel Rikkels, a 55-year-old from Chula Vista, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of helping veterans fraudulently obtain disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The indictment alleges that Rikkels, a former VA employee, instructed veterans to submit false claims since 2020.
Rikkels allegedly guided veterans to provide exaggerated and misleading claims of service-related injuries and alter documents to support their disability claims, according to the indictment. The fraudulent activities reportedly resulted in veterans obtaining millions of dollars in VA disability payments and backpay, with Rikkels receiving millions in return for his assistance.
Until June 2025, Rikkels was responsible for reviewing and approving VA disability claims. During this period, he allegedly negotiated with veterans for assistance in their claims, demanding payment while taking official action on their claims, violating government ethics laws. The indictment further claims Rikkels requested cash payments from local veterans to minimize tax liabilities, receiving $57,000 in cash from at least four veterans between February and May 2025.
On November 13, 2025, agents seized over $280,000 in cash from Rikkels, his vehicle, and residence. "The Department of Veterans Affairs and the VA disability system serve a crucial role in providing support and care to those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our country," said U.S....
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