(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
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
(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
(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
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
(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
