George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School

Author: M-VETS

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

Housing Our Homeless Veterans: The Conversation Surrounding America’s Heroes

Written By Spring 2024 M-VETS Student Advisor Mark Rasmussen.

Americans are feeling their belts tighten as their wallets get emptier due to rising inflation and cost of living. This has turned homelessness in America into a hot topic of conversation. As we see the surge of undocumented migrants coming over the southern border, it has started to create an amplified call to address the homelessness issue with many states wondering how they are going to house those migrants that are coming in. Read more