OUR PRO BONO WORK FOR VETERANS
Working with organizations such as The Veterans Consortium (“ TVC ”), the National Veterans Legal Services Program , the Veterans Legal Advice Clinic of Houston Volunteer Lawyers , and Mission United Veterans Program of Broward Legal Aid , Blank Rome attorneys and paralegals support former members of the military with various legal needs , including accessing Department of Veterans Affairs (“ VA ”) disability benefits and helping those that experienced military sexual trauma .
A significant focus of our veterans work is on seeking military discharge upgrades . Many former servicemembers received other-than-honorable discharges due to conduct related to military sexual trauma ; combat-related traumatic brain injuries ; Don ’ t Ask , Don ’ t Tell-related policies ; and mental health issues . A successful discharge upgrade enables clients to access benefits earned through their service , including healthcare , VA disability benefits , housing , and more .
Feigenbaum Receives TVC ' s First Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust Award
In October 2023 , New York attorney Alan R . Feigenbaum was recognized in TVC ’ s Pro Bono Mission Partner Awards with the inaugural TVC DAV ( Disabled American Veterans ) Charitable Service Trust Award based on “ his excellent work , compassion , and his ability to earn the trust of his clients .” Since joining Blank Rome in 2020 , Alan has taken on seven discharge upgrade matters through TVC . “ Veterans often have a difficult time recounting their experiences and reliving the trauma when submitting applications for an upgrade ,” added TVC . “ Alan is a very empathetic communicator who reassures our clients , calmly walking them through the process and making sure they are comfortable with everything that ’ s being submitted on their behalf .”
Topper Helps Veterans Apply for Benefits , Draft Life Planning Documents
Nicole R . Topper , an attorney in our Fort Lauderdale office , provides a variety of legal assistance to veterans in need , including applying for disability and caregiver assistance benefits , which provide critical income and support for those who served and their families . There are many benefits available to veterans but , often , information about these programs is not easy to find and the application process can be confusing . She also regularly helps veterans with drafting powers of attorney and wills and creates trusts for property , which will help these families secure ownership of their homes for future generations .
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