Written by Spring 2025 M-VETS Student Advisor Alexandria Ryan.
History
In 2016 at the end of the Obama Administration, the former Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, authorized transgender Servicemembers to openly serve for the first time.[1] But, the policy was short-lived when President Trump took office in 2017, and ordered the Department of Defense (DoD) to exclude transgender individuals from military service. Read more
Written by Spring 2025 M-VETS Student Advisor Samantha Hargis.
Background
The VA appeals process allows veterans to challenge decisions about their disability benefits. Historically, the system was slow and complex, often taking years to resolve appeals. In 2019, the Appeals Modernization Act (“AMA”) introduced a streamlined process with three lanes: supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and direct appeals to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (“BVA”), which offers multiple review options, including hearings. Read more
The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) successfully argued a claim before the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), a body responsible for correcting errors or injustices in Navy and Marine Corps records, seeking a fully Honorable conditions discharge for a Navy veteran. Read more
Written By Fall 2024 M-VETS Student Advisor Curtis Power.
Written By Fall 2024 M-VETS Student Advisor Danny Jenkins.
Appearing before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) for the first time can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can effectively advocate for your client and make a strong impression. Read more