In what federal officials are calling “unprecedented,” the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges against 324 individuals, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in connection with over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud schemes targeting federal health programs. This historic 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown spanned all 50 federal districts and included civil and criminal charges for a range of schemes, from fake durable medical equipment claims to opioid trafficking. The crackdown also highlighted fraudulent billing within Veterans Affairs programs, underscoring the risks veterans face when medical care systems are exploited. Our Austin, TX medical malpractice VA disability lawyer understands how these systemic issues can directly affect veterans’ access to proper care and compensation.
Among the largest schemes revealed was “Operation Gold Rush,” a transnational effort that submitted over $10.6 billion in fraudulent Medicare claims for urinary catheters and other durable medical equipment (DME), often without ever contacting patients. Foreign actors laundered proceeds through cryptocurrency and shell companies, while some U.S. bankers were charged for facilitating money movement. In Arizona, $650 million in Medicaid fraud involved addiction treatment centers, with services either not provided or substandard, often targeting vulnerable populations, including Native Americans and the homeless. Other schemes included $1 billion in fraudulent wound care claims and nearly $2.4 million in DME fraud against disabled veterans in South Carolina.
The takedown also encompassed deceptive telehealth claims totaling $1.17 billion, AI-generated patient consents, and opioid distribution fraud, illustrating the sophistication of modern health care crimes. CMS, the DEA, FBI, and HHS-OIG coordinated the action, seizing $245 million in assets and blocking billions in improper payments. DOJ officials emphasized that the operation not only punishes fraudsters but also protects patients, including veterans, from systemic abuse.
Protecting Veterans From Medical Malpractice And Fraud
For veterans, these large-scale fraud schemes are more than news headlines—they can directly impact access to benefits, quality care, and VA disability compensation. When medical providers commit errors, overbill, or fail to deliver proper care, veterans may face delays in receiving necessary treatment or service-connected disability benefits. Our VA medical malpractice attorneys help veterans get through these complicated situations, making sure their claims for injuries caused by negligent care are properly documented and fairly evaluated.
Our veterans healthcare negligence lawyers focus on instances where VA hospitals or affiliated providers fail to meet the standard of care, from surgical errors to medication mismanagement. Cases like those highlighted in the DOJ’s takedown, particularly fraudulent billing and substandard service, demonstrate the importance of experienced legal guidance for veterans seeking compensation for service-connected injuries.
When medical errors interfere with a veteran’s health or delay access to benefits, our Austin medical malpractice VA disability attorneys step in to hold institutions accountable. Veterans suffering from complications due to misdiagnosis, improper procedures, or falsified records can work with our legal professionals to secure rightful disability ratings and compensation.
Our veterans malpractice claims lawyers at Glover Luck LLP also provide critical advocacy for veterans in regard to VA regulations and medical standards. We help veterans challenge improper claim denials, verify that service-connected conditions are recognized, and pursue claims that protect both their health and their earned benefits.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by negligent VA care or fraudulent medical practices, contact Glover Luck LLP today. Our Austin medical malpractice VA disability lawyers are ready to review your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve. With countless 5-star reviews, veterans know they can trust us to support them through and through. We’re available 24/7, and we’re ready to take on your case. Making sure that veterans receive the care and benefits they earned through service is our mission, and we are committed to standing alongside those who have served our nation.
