Released 1/29/13 | Tags: Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR), Supporters, Veteran's Benefits
NVLSP LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AT WWW.NVLSP.ORG TO HELP VETERANS, MILITARY FAMILIES, ATTORNEYS & ADVOCATES
New website offers information on VA claims, training, publications and pro-bono legal help applying for Combat-Related Special Compensation or the Physical Disability Board of Review
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 29, 2013
WASHINGTON - The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) launched a new website today at www.nvlsp.org to help veterans, service members, survivors and military families better access its pro-bono services. Two NVLSP projects to help combat veterans are featured on the new website’s home page.
Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) Project: Lawyers stand ready to assist veterans who were medically separated from the military between 9/11/2001 and 12/31/2009 with a combined disability rating of 0%, 10%, or 20% in applying to the PDBR for a ratings review and possible upgrade to military retirement benefits. Approximately 77,000 veterans are eligible to apply to the PDBR, a review board set up by Congress to help veterans who may have been wrongfully lowballed on disability claims. NVLSP and its pro-bono advocates stand ready to help veterans apply to the board and present their best possible case for an upgrade.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Project: Attorneys are also ready to help veterans apply for CRSC. CRSC is a federal benefit available to veterans who are medically retired for disability (either because they are on permanent disability retirement or the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL). CRSC can provide a veteran with hundreds of dollars per month in additional tax-free compensation in addition to whatever compensation the veteran is receiving from the VA or the military. NVLSP estimates that more than 100,000 veterans from all war eras may qualify for CRSC compensation. Unlike some military benefits, CRSC is not paid automatically. A veteran must submit a detailed application and supporting documents. NVLSP and its partner attorneys are ready to help veterans apply.
Servicemembers will also appreciate the opportunity to download for free the American Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide, a 605-page treatise loaded with information to help service members, veterans and their families. The guide offers information on navigating the VA, filing for service-connected disability compensation, understanding the VA claims and appeals process, accessing VA educational assistance and vocational rehabilitation, understanding VA programs for family members and survivors, knowing re-employment rights for those in military service, gives advice for veterans in the criminal justice system and their attorneys, gives information about upgrading less-than-fully-honorable discharges and correcting military records, offers tips for coping with disability separation and medical retirement, shares information about voting rights issues and common family law issues service members encounter, and many more topics.
Attorneys and advocates can also learn about NVLSP’s training program. For the past 26 years, one of NVLSP’s primary goals has been to train advocates in veterans’ law so that they can efficiently help veterans secure benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The goal of these trainings is to teach advocates how to obtain the correct amount of VA benefits for deserving veterans (and their family members).
Attorneys and advocates who rely on NVLSP to publish the latest information on veterans’ disability benefits will also find the new online store and publications area much easier to navigate. They can read about NVLSP publications and resources, and purchase the well-known Veteran’s Benefits Manual, the nation’s definitive guide on veteran disability benefits, as well as NVLSP’s basic training course and The Veteran’s Advocate newsletter.
ABOUT NVLSP
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans’ service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1980. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 25 million veterans and active duty personnel by providing them the federal benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVSLP offers training for attorneys and other advocates, connects disabled veterans and active duty personnel with pro-bono legal help to secure disability benefits, publishes the nation’s definitive guide on veterans’ benefits, and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies, and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org.
Media contact: Ami Neiberger-Miller, 703.887.4877, ami@steppingstoneLLC.com. Please note: This is not an NVLSP office number for veterans. If you are a veteran seeking to talk with NVLSP, please call 202.265.8305.
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