The Antonin Scalia Law School Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) secured $123,000.00 in Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) disability compensation for a veteran due to his service in Vietnam. M-VETS argued in a brief before the DVA that the veteran was entitled to service-connection and disability payments for a condition presumptively caused by … Continue reading “M-VETS Secures $123,000.00 in DVA Disability Compensation for Vietnam Veteran”
Author: M-VETS
A World Without Roe: What Effects Overturning Roe v. Wade May Have on Women in the Military
Written by Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Blake Pendleton. In early May 2022, a draft opinion of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization et al. was leaked to the public.[1] According to the draft, the Supreme Court appears set to overturn Roe v. Wade later this summer, effectively eliminating federal constitutional protections of abortion rights.[2] … Continue reading “A World Without Roe: What Effects Overturning Roe v. Wade May Have on Women in the Military”
Title 32 and Title 10 Stateside Deployments for Army National Guard Servicemembers
Written By Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Stephanie Whiteley. The Army National Guard is unique from the other military branches. Unlike the active-duty Army or the Army Reserves, Army National Guard Servicemembers (“SMs”) play a dual role. They support both state and federal missions. Whether a SM responds to a state or federal mission determines … Continue reading “Title 32 and Title 10 Stateside Deployments for Army National Guard Servicemembers”
Plan Ahead: The Process and Pitfalls of Buying Back Your Military Time
Written By Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Stuart Cerutti. For many United States Servicemembers, their commitment to this this nation does not stop at the end of their military career. Many service members continue their commitment to the United States by acting in different role within the United States Federal Government.[1] The transition from the … Continue reading “Plan Ahead: The Process and Pitfalls of Buying Back Your Military Time”
Should I Talk to Someone? Counseling FAQs: A Mental Health Resource Guide to Counseling and Substance Abuse Recovery for Active-Duty Personnel
Written By Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Hannah Petruzzi. **Military Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, then press 1; or text 838255 to access online chat[1]** Awareness of mental health issues, especially those pervasive throughout the armed services, has grown substantially over the last decade.[2] Prior research found high rates of mental health problems among United States servicemembers … Continue reading “Should I Talk to Someone? Counseling FAQs: A Mental Health Resource Guide to Counseling and Substance Abuse Recovery for Active-Duty Personnel”
Time in Grade Requirements for Officer Retirements: How Long Must I Serve in Grade to be Eligible for Retirement at my Current Rank?
Written by Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Carl Chandler. Most soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guardians are aware that in order to be eligible for retirement at their current rank, they must serve for a set amount of time in that rank before applying for retirement. However, recent changes wrought in military personnel law have … Continue reading “Time in Grade Requirements for Officer Retirements: How Long Must I Serve in Grade to be Eligible for Retirement at my Current Rank?”
MST: What is it and what can we do to help?
By Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Besa Bucaj. MST What is it? Military Sexual Trauma or “MST” refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service.[1] Sadly, MST is somewhat common in the military, as 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men have stated they experienced MST.[2] While the rate of … Continue reading “MST: What is it and what can we do to help?”
Changes are Coming and Have Come to Sexual Assault Prosecutions in the Military
Written by Spring 2022 M-VETS Student Advisor Doug Boyle. Introduction/Proposed Reforms Sexual assault in the military has been a major public issue, particularly over the past decade. The issue was prominently highlighted by the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Specialist (“SPC”) Vanessa Guillen. In April 2020, SPC Guillen was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas … Continue reading “Changes are Coming and Have Come to Sexual Assault Prosecutions in the Military”
M-VETS Finalizes Adoption of Army Veteran’s Granddaughter
(Pictured: Student-Advisor Doug Boyle) The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) assisted an Army Veteran and his wife in adopting their teenaged granddaughter who has lived with them for more than twelve years. In 2009, the Veteran’s wife was granted legal custody of their granddaughter. When the granddaughter’s biological mother moved out-of-state, the Veteran … Continue reading “M-VETS Finalizes Adoption of Army Veteran’s Granddaughter”
M-VETS Secures Honorable Discharge for Navy Veteran
The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) successfully argued before the Navy Discharge Review Board for a Navy veteran to receive a fully Honorable conditions discharge, change in the narrative reason for separation, and an upgrade to his Reenlistment Code. Filed in 2021, the M-VETS’s request was recently approved by the Navy Discharge Review … Continue reading “M-VETS Secures Honorable Discharge for Navy Veteran”