I am pleased to announce that I am spearheading a second one-day free legal clinic for veterans in Virginia Beach. The clinic will be held on September 15th at the Old Dominion University Higher Education Center and sponsored by the university’s Student Veterans Association. The clinic goal is to assist as many area veterans as possible in understanding and applying for their federal benefits.
As a lawyer, I am grateful for this opportunity to assist our veterans. Applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be burdensome, frustrating and confusing. It can also take an extremely long time – with the current number of pending claims hovering at one million, it is now taking regional offices upwards to nine months to render an initial decision. I can’t fix the problems with the VA, but at least I can help veterans understand the process better and minimize mistakes that can delay receipt of benefits.
The set-up of this clinic is similar to the previous one that took place on April 14th. That previous clinic was intended as a one-time affair, but we decided to hold another event. Turnout was incredible, veterans followed up with thanks and a request for a second clinic, and the participating attorneys were enthusiastic about a repeat performance.
Veterans who attend the free legal clinic will receive an individual consultation with a veterans lawyer, view a helpful power point presentation, and receive a packet of benefits information. More information about the clinic is available at the clinic website: http://vavetslegalclinic.wordpress.com. Also, the prior clinic was covered by the VETERANS LAW JOURNAL, which can be accessed at: http://www.cavcbar.net/Spring_2012_VLJ.pdf.
If you have any questions about the clinic or would like to receive an electronic or hard copy of the clinic materials, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
