TVC Services Overview for Veterans' Service Officers
TVC Services Overview for Veterans' Service Officers
17 March 2021
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
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Presentation Agenda
Welcome Remarks
Herm Brewer, President, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers
Steve Jordon, Executive Director, The Veterans Consortium
Program
TVC FEDERAL VETERANS PRO BONO PROGRAM (Nationwide)
Judy Donegan, Esq. TVC Deputy Executive Director
This pro bono program provides representation for veterans and their families appealing the unjust denial of their VA benefits from the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). TVC trains & mentors volunteers to represent them to regain eligibility for benefits. Contact: volunteer@vetsprobono.org
TVC VETERANS BENEFITS ADVOCACY PROGRAM (Nationwide)
Samantha Farish, Esq, Program Manager
The remands program assists veterans who receive a remand from the CAVC to pursue their claim again at the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). Trained attorneys identify arguments and evidence necessary to prevail at the BVA to ensure the veteran receives benefits and/or compensation earned. Contact: remands@vetsprobono.org
TVC CLIENT SERVICES (Nationwide)
Sandy Peterson, Director, Client Services
Our TVC Client Services team liases with the Court, our veterans and VSOs to ensure appeals are filed in a timely manner. We operate a national helpline for pro se appellants at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to help veterans understand the Court’s processes. Client Services also provides forms and other documents for representation, as well as resources and referrals as needed. Contact: mail@vetsprobono.org
TVC DISCHARGE UPGRADE PROGRAM (Nationwide)
Danica Gonzalves, Esq, Program Director
Dee Wallace, Program Paralegal
This pro bono program serves veterans who have received an Other Than Honorable Discharge due to conduct related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and/or other mental health issues. Contact: upgrades@vetsprobono.org
WOMEN VETERANS LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WVLAP) (Nationwide)
Chesley Roberts, Program Manager
WVLAP focuses on outreach and education to women veterans and organizations that support them. WVLAP trains female volunteers to support women veterans with their Military Sexual Trauma (MST) claims through a culturally competent approach, which informs them of their rights and the legal avenues available for their unique legal needs and challenges. In addition, WVLAP also manages the Pro Bono Legal Clinic for Women Veterans (one of only 3 in the nation) for DC, MD & VA. Contact: wvlap@vetsprobono.org
VETERANS NATURALIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VNAP) (Nationwide)
VNAP assists veterans applying for naturalization through military service. TVC volunteers are trained to assist veterans with their naturalization applications which involve gathering evidence, writing defenses when needed, and ensuring applications are properly completed. Practicing Immigration attorneys serve as Mentors to volunteers when needed. Contact: vnap@vetsprobono.org