Veterans Law Practicum
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Credit: Army Spc. Evangelos Wilson
This practicum is offered during the Spring semester.
The Veterans Law Practicum (VLP) connects UB Law students with veterans in need of critical legal assistance. Supervised by experienced attorneys, VLP students will provide vital support in three core areas: securing veterans benefits, navigating disability claims, and pursuing discharge upgrades. Beyond these core areas, the VLP collaborates with local partners to address a wider range of legal challenges veterans face. The practicum empowers veterans while training future lawyers dedicated to serving those who have served our country.
David E. Coombs
Director of Veterans Law Practicum; Lecturer in Law
Discharge Upgrades
We assist veterans in petitioning for upgrades to their discharge statuses, particularly for those who may have received less than honorable discharges due to service-related factors. Our mission is to help veterans correct injustices in their military records and restore their access to benefits and services.
- Petitioning for Discharge Upgrades
Many veterans receive less than honorable discharges as a result of service-related conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Military Sexual Trauma (MST). These conditions, which often go undiagnosed or untreated during service, can contribute to behaviors that result in unfavorable discharges. We work closely with veterans to:- Petition for upgrades to their discharge statuses,
- Ensure their service-related conditions are recognized, and
- Restore their eligibility for VA benefits and services.
- Comprehensive Case Review and Evidence Gathering
We conduct a thorough reviews of veterans’ discharge records to determine the best course of action for seeking an upgrade. We assist veterans in gathering supporting evidence, including medical records, service history, and testimonials that demonstrate how service-related factors may have contributed to their discharge. We focus on building a compelling case to support the upgrade request. - Application Preparation and Submission
We guide veterans through the process of applying for discharge upgrades by helping them prepare and submit applications to the appropriate bodies, such as:- The Discharge Review Board (DRB) for upgrades based on equity and propriety.
- The Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) for more complex cases requiring corrections to military records.
Through our work, we aim to help veterans correct unjust or unfair discharges, allowing them to move forward with the recognition and benefits they deserve for their service.