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
Veteran Disability Claims
We are committed to providing veterans with the legal support and advocacy they need to secure service-connected disability compensation—a vital, tax-free benefit for veterans with injuries or illnesses related to their military service. We offer comprehensive assistance to veterans throughout the disability claims process, helping them obtain the compensation they are rightfully entitled to.
- Service-Connected Disability Compensation
Service-connected disability compensation is available to veterans whose disabilities either:- Arose during their time in service,
- Were worsened or aggravated by their service, or
- Are presumed by the VA to be related to their military service.
To be eligible, veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. We work closely with veterans to ensure they fully understand their eligibility and the application process.
- Legal Representation and Advocacy
Navigating the VA’s disability claims process can be complex and overwhelming. We offer legal representation and advocacy to veterans seeking compensation for service-related disabilities. Our services include:- Evidence Gathering and Case Preparation: We assist veterans in collecting the necessary medical records, service documents, and other evidence required to build a strong disability claim.
- Application Support: We guide veterans step-by-step through the application process, ensuring their claims are complete, accurate, and thoroughly documented.
- Appeals and Unfavorable Decisions
Veterans who receive unfavorable decisions on their disability claims can turn to us for support in pursuing an appeal. We provide:- Legal Representation for Appeals: We represent veterans in appealing denied claims, helping them navigate the complexities of the VA appeals process.
Our goal is to ensure that veterans receive the full compensation to which they are entitled for their service-connected injuries or illnesses, helping them achieve financial stability and access the healthcare they need.