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
Veterans Benefits Advocacy
Our Veterans Benefits Advocacy program is dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the full range of benefits they have earned through their service. We provide comprehensive guidance and support to help veterans access federal and state programs, and we serve as advocates throughout the often-complex benefits process.
- Veterans Benefits Claims
We assist veterans in navigating the intricate process of applying for and securing benefits. Our team helps veterans understand the programs available to them, including:- Disability Compensation: Helping veterans apply for compensation related to service-connected disabilities.
- Pension Benefits: Assisting veterans with accessing financial support for those with limited income and non-service-connected disabilities.
- Education Assistance: Guiding veterans in applying for educational programs such as the GI Bill and other state and federal initiatives.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Supporting veterans in obtaining vocational training and employment resources to help them transition to civilian careers.
- Claims Advocacy and Appeals
Veterans who have had their claims denied often face an uphill battle in accessing their entitled benefits. We advocate on behalf of veterans throughout the appeals process, ensuring they receive the full extent of benefits to which they are entitled. Our team provides:- Assistance in gathering evidence and documentation to strengthen their claims.
- Legal support and representation for veterans during the appeals process, including hearings before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
- Continuous guidance to ensure veterans’ claims are accurately processed and fairly evaluated.
Through our work, we strive to empower veterans by simplifying the benefits application process and advocating for their rights, allowing them to focus on their well-being and future success.
- Veterans Affairs General Counsel: The VA General Counsel’s website hosts legal opinions that may not be available on legal research platforms like LexisNexis or WestLaw.
- Veterans Affairs Forms: This website provides access to all current VA forms.
- Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) Forms: This website offers the latest versions of DBQ forms, which are essential for documenting a veteran’s medical conditions in support of a disability claim.
- Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD): This critical section of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) details the specific requirements for assigning disability ratings to veterans. Although a regulation, the VASRD holds legal weight in defining veterans’ disabilities.
- Veterans Organizations: