7379. Clinic: Veterans Benefits Advocacy

Students in this clinic advocate for low-income veterans who are in recovery from mental health issues and are represented by the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center. Under the supervision of attorneys accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), students assist clients in obtaining service- and non-service-connected disability benefits, relief from repayment of VA overpayments, and review of discharge status to obtain access to VA benefits. In the seminar portion of the clinic, students receive training in the applicable law, client interviewing, and other applicable lawyering skills. Fieldwork consists of reviewing military and medical records, meeting with clients, researching relevant regulations and case law, and drafting initial and appeal briefs for clients. Scheduling permitting, students may appear at and participate in a VA hearing. Students will also be required to engage in guided reflection on their fieldwork experience. Evening Division students will be given enrollment priority. There are no prerequisites, but some background in veterans' law, disability law and/or military law is helpful but not essential. Current employees of the federal government must contact the instructor or the Associate Dean for Experiential Education before enrolling in this clinic.