M-VETS Team Advocate for Multiple Clients at Board of Veterans’ Appeals Hearings

M-VETS had a busy start to the fall 2024 semester, advocating for two clients before the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). The first hearing on August 23, 2024, involved a six-year litigation on behalf of a Virginia Army National Guard veteran seeking a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for a DVA home loan. Despite an initial denial due to insufficient service time, M-VETS argued that the veteran’s poorly document service-connected injury warranted an exception. While many Student Advisors (SA) worked on the case over the years, SA Danny Jenkins, under Director Timothy MacArthur’s supervision, successfully argued the motion before the BVA.

The second hearing on September 11, 2024, handled by Assistant Director Raphael Johnson, focused on increasing a disability rating from 10% to 50% for a service-connected injury. This case, pending since 2019, showcased the Clinic’s dedication to long-term client support. Both hearings provided valuable practical experience for M-VETS students and underscore the clinic’s commitment to pro bono services for veterans.

Full details are available on M-VETS’ press release.