By Summer 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Cameron Williams Military veterans have struggled trying to overcome substance use disorders (SUDs) for over two centuries of American conflicts. Beginning after the Revolutionary War soldiers consumed two substances we consider relatively benign today, alcohol and caffeine[1]. After the Civil War, many veterans were addicted to medications and drugs such … Continue reading “Veteran Substance Use Dependence and Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Options”

By Summer 2020 M-VETS Student Advisor Jonathan Moeller The coronavirus has disrupted virtually every area of life. With uncertainty about the economy and thousands of Commonwealth residents out of work, many Virginians have been left wondering how they will handle their most significant monthly expense: the rent. Here’s what you need to know if you … Continue reading “What Virginia Renters Need to Know About Failure to Pay Rent During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

By Summer 2020 M-VETS Student Advisor Patrick Francescon When a military recruiter speaks to a potential recruit one of the benefits the recruiter is likely to highlight is the job skills training that they will be given in the military. Though some Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), military jobs, are difficult to pair with a civilian … Continue reading “Licensing and Easing the Burdens of Transition”

By Summer 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Ashley Close During the last couple of decades, numerous news stories shed light on the prevalence of sexual assault within the military. Following these scandals, in February of 2004, the former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld directed Dr. David Chu, the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, … Continue reading “Fifteen Years of Department of Defense Efforts to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault within the Military: The Accomplishments and Shortcomings”

By Spring 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Corey Pray The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of life in one way or another. The veterans community is included among those that have been significantly impacted. As of May 17, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports 12,208 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,005 known … Continue reading “COVID-19 and Veterans Benefits: What Veterans Should Know”

By Spring 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Michelle Yearick The Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (“VRLTA”), now codified in the Virginia Code at § 55.1-1200 through § 55.1-1262, has established the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Virginia since its enactment in 1974.[1] The VRLTA applies to all jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia and … Continue reading “2019 Amendments to the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act benefit Virginia Renters”

By Spring 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Joshua McKenney In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, frontline health workers around the world are receiving well-deserved social recognition for their efforts. But it is necessary that the law reflect equal recognition for these frontline health workers who place themselves at risk in service to their communities. Specifically, … Continue reading “WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR PTSD – WHY LEGISLATIVE REFORM IS NEEDED TO PROTECT FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS”

By Spring 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Katherine Beard Traumatic brain injuries (“TBIs”) impact thousands of military service members every year. With nearly 20,000 clinically diagnosed TBIs each year for the past five years, service members are at a higher risk of injury than members of the general public.[1] TBIs can have long-lasting, severe impacts that can … Continue reading “Scientific Developments in Detecting Traumatic Brain Injuries”