(Pictured: M-VETS Student-Advisor Jonathan Moeller) The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) assisted an Air Force Reservist with securing the return of his $3,300 security deposit wrongfully withheld by his Landlord. After the Reservist was separated from active duty in late 2019, he provided notice to his Landlord of his intent to terminate his … Continue reading “M-VETS Assists Air Force Reservist in Securing Return of Security Deposit”
Author: Tim MacArthur
M-VETS Helps a Survivor of Military Sexual Trauma Clear Erroneous UCMJ Titling Decision
In July 2020, the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) successfully cleared the name of a survivor of military sexual trauma from the Army Crimes Records Center (CRC) database. The survivor is an Army veteran who served on active duty in the 1990s. Two of her fellow soldiers sexually assaulted her while she was … Continue reading “M-VETS Helps a Survivor of Military Sexual Trauma Clear Erroneous UCMJ Titling Decision”
Veteran Substance Use Dependence and Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Options
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”
What Virginia Renters Need to Know About Failure to Pay Rent During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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”
Licensing and Easing the Burdens of Transition
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”
Fifteen Years of Department of Defense Efforts to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault within the Military: The Accomplishments and Shortcomings
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”
M-VETS Wins $55,000.00 in Disability Compensation for Retired Air Force Veteran
The Antonin Scalia Law School Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) secured Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) disability compensation for a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. M-VETS argued in a brief before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals the veteran was entitled to service connection and disability payments for a condition caused by military service. … Continue reading “M-VETS Wins $55,000.00 in Disability Compensation for Retired Air Force Veteran”
COVID-19 and Veterans Benefits: What Veterans Should Know
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”
2019 Amendments to the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act benefit Virginia Renters
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”
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR PTSD – WHY LEGISLATIVE REFORM IS NEEDED TO PROTECT FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS
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”