The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the second-largest federal agency, and it offers a myriad of programs and benefits to the millions of military veterans who served the United States. Traversing the regulatory landscape of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the benefits it offers is often a challenging task for any veteran, especially if doing it alone.
One area that can be especially difficult relates to VA disability benefits. Veterans frequently aren't aware that they are eligible to receive benefits for injuries, disabilities and chronic illnesses that were sustained during, or as a result of, their service. And when veterans do try to receive these benefits, an initial denial by the VA often leaves veterans frustrated and confused about what options remain available. This is where knowledgeable advocates can play a big role in helping veterans fight to receive the benefits they have been promised by the U.S. government for answering the call to service.
This manuscript discusses a wide range of issues related to VA disability advocacy, including some of the more challenging types of claims, such as mental health claims based on personal trauma and claims for conditions and illnesses related to Gulf War service. It also discusses other important issues relevant to advocating for veterans and military members, such as military disability retirement pay and associated family law issues, as well as early lease termination and housing dispute resolution.
Learn how to navigate these complex areas of law and regulation in order to better help fight for those who fought for us.
Topics include:
- Military Disability Retirement Pay and Issues in Family Law
- Claims for Service Connection for Mental Health Conditions
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
- Gulf War Conditions: Special Issues and Considerations
- Historical Military Drug Policy: Discharge Upgrades and VA Benefit Issues
- Military Lease Termination
- Moving Beyond Agency Review: Representing Veterans in Federal Court
ASSOCIATED CLE PROGRAM
Manuscript originated from Helping Our Heroes: Representing Veterans Before the VA, BVA, CAVC and DoD (2021 Military & Veterans Law Section Program), November 18, 2021