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”

By Spring 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Josh Morrow Veteran issues have been a prominent issue in society for many years, so much so that the federal government budgets over $240 billion to help our Veterans combat these issues. Moreover, in FY 2020, Virginia’s Office Of Veterans And Defense Affairs budgeted roughly $70.7 million towards helping Veterans … Continue reading “Small Businesses Supporting Veterans: A Practical Solution To Helping Veterans Within The Community”

By Spring 2020 M-VETS Student-Advisor Holly Kresge Since the introduction of the human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) to the United States in the 1970s, the medical field has made significant advancements in the treatment of HIV. Prior to the 1990s, testing positive for HIV almost certainly led to death. However, people living with HIV today can … Continue reading ““Outmoded and at Odds with Current Science:” Updating U.S. Military Policy on Servicemembers Living with HIV”

By Fall 2019 M-VETS Student-Advisor Allison Hemmer The number of homeless veterans has steadily declined, with the most recent Point-In-Time (PIT) Count conducted by the VA showing that the rate of homelessness in veterans has dropped 50 percent since 2011.[1] In addition, the PIT count showed a 2.1 percent decrease since the 2018 PIT.[2] This … Continue reading “Why Increased VA Funding in Mental Health Programs Have Lessened Veteran Homelessness”

By Fall 2019 M-VETS Student-Advisor Cassie Bowns Since 2001, nearly three million United States service members have been deployed to either Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn.[1] Of those three million service members, approximately 30% have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).[2] Upon returning from service, veterans diagnosed with PTS … Continue reading “The Necessity of Reintegration Programs for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress”

By Summer 2019 M-VETS Student-Advisor Lillia J. Damalouji Stolen valor, or the act of falsely claiming military service or displaying falsely-earned military decorations, medals, or badges, is an extensive problem throughout the United States that has sparked a myriad of governmental responses. In a year-long nationwide operation jointly conducted by the Department of Justice and … Continue reading “Preserving the Honor of United States Armed Forces’ Awards and Decorations: The Stolen Valor Act”

By Summer 2019 M-VETS Student-Advisor Jacquelyn Cabada Branscomb History In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt put out a call for Filipinos to fight alongside the American forces against the Japanese invasion of the Philippine Islands.[1] During that time, the Philippines was still a commonwealth of the United States. Under this Presidential Military Order on July 26, … Continue reading “From Corregidor To Congress’ Corridors: The Fight For Filipino WWII Veterans’ Benefits”