George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School

M-VETS Student Advisor Advocates on Behalf of a Combat Veteran at Board of Veterans’ Appeals Hearing

(Pictured L-R: M-VETS Client Richard Fahlman, Student Advisor Samantha Hargis, and M-VETS Director Timothy M. MacArthur)

The Scalia Law School’s Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) advocated for a combat veteran before an administrative law judge at a hearing before the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Read more

Moving Forward: Veterans Discharged on the Basis of Gender Dysphoria

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

Hurry Up and Wait: How the VA’s Mass Firings May Stall Justice for Veterans

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

Justice for Those Who Served: The Role of Veterans Treatment Courts in Recovery and Reintegration

Written By Fall 2024 M-VETS Student Advisor Curtis Power.

Each year, roughly 200,000 veterans transition from military to civilian life.1 While many veterans successfully reintegrate without significant challenges, a disproportionate number find themselves in the criminal justice system. According to 2021 census data, veterans make up 6.5% of the U.S.
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M-VETS Student Advisor and Assistant Director Advocate on Behalf of Two Clients at Board of Veterans’ Appeals Hearings

(Pictured L-R: M-VETS Director Timothy MacArthur, Student Advisor Danny Jenkins, and Assistant Director Raphael Johnson)

It has been a busy start to the fall 2024 academic semester for M-VETS. The Clinic advocated for two (2) clients before administrative judges at hearings before the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Read more

M-VETS and GMU Center for Community Mental Health Join Forces to Help USAF Veteran Receive Monthly Disability Payments!

(Pictured: M-VETS Student Advisor Danny Jenkins)

The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) successfully advocated for a United States Air Force (USAF) veteran to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) disability payments at the 50% compensation rate for the rest of the veteran’s life. Read more

Understanding Your Rights: Active-Duty Service Members Must Know Their Rights to Claim Protection Under the Military Lending Act

Written by Summer 2024 M-VETS Student Advisor Brian Tarno.

“The MLA better protects our service men and women from predatory credit practices by expanding financial protections provided to service members, and helping ensure military families receive the consumer protections they deserve.” Read more

M-VETS Succeeds and Secures Honorable Discharge for USMC Combat Veteran

Liz Faris

(Pictured: Former Student Advisor Liz Faris)

The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) successfully argued a claim before the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) seeking an Honorable conditions discharge for a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran. M-VETS filed the application with a supporting brief and exhibits on behalf of the veteran in 2022 and recently secured an Honorable conditions discharge. Read more