George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School

M-VETS Supports NSI/MINSLA Open House

(Pictured: Zach Kobokovich, Chapman Good)

The Antonin Scalia Law School Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) supported the NSI/MINSLA Open House Event on 21 October 2021. Student-advisors Zach Kobokovich, Chapman Good, and John Madigan II represented the M-VETS clinic by proving information about the legal services offered by M-VETS and their experiences in the Clinic. Read more

Military Retirement and Transition to the Blended Retirement System

Written By Summer 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Mike Smiley

Summary

Military retirees and current Servicemembers ought to be aware of the military pension system that is applicable to their circumstance and the implications it can have on their financial wellbeing. The system of service member pensions is periodically revised, most recently and radically, as of January 1st, 2018, the Department of Defense has fully implemented the Blended Retirement System (BRS). Read more

M-VETS Secures Disability Compensation for a Retired U.S. Air Force Veteran due to Exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam

(M-VETS Student-Advisors Megan Huppee (left) and Samantha Lewis (right))

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 for his service in Vietnam.   Read more

M-VETS Prevails and Secures Honorable Discharge for Army Combat Veteran

The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) successfully argued before the Army Discharge Review Board for an Army Combat veteran to receive a fully Honorable conditions discharge.  Filed in 2019, the M-VETS request was recently approved by the Army Discharge Review Board and the veteran now has a fully Honorable conditions discharge reflected on the veteran’s DD 214. Read more

Supported Decision-Making

Written By Summer 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Megan Huppee.

Introduction – What is Supported Decision-Making?

Supported Decision-Making (“SDM”) is an informal or formal way individuals can have trustworthy people help them make decisions. SDM has evolved as one alternative to guardianship. Read more

Special Victim Counsel Services Extended to Victims of Domestic Violence

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Raphael Johnson.

The Department of Defense reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and supporting victims of domestic violence by extending Special Victim Counsel services to military-connected victims of domestic violence. The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act directed the Department of Defense to extend Special Victim Counsel services to personnel previously not authorized assistance from military attorneys, uniformed and civilian. Read more

The War Within: The Uncomfortable Truth About Sexual Assault and a Pervasive Culture of Harassment in the Military

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Alana Nielson.

“I wanted to believe in the Navy’s ability to properly handle cases of sexual assault. However, after having been through the process, it became clear that while step one [reporting the assault] is for the victim, all else is done explicitly for the image of the Navy, and the process caters to the perpetrators.” Read more

Militias Recruit Veterans

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor.

During his confirmation hearing Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III promised to “fight hard to stamp out sexual assault, to rid our ranks of racists and extremists, and to create a climate where everyone fit and willing has the opportunity to serve this country with dignity.” Read more