Happy Veterans Day!

Ross Law would like to thank all of those that have served our country. As a Veteran himself, Jeremiah Ross, knows first hand the challenges service members endure on a daily basis. Thank you Veterans for all of the sacrifices you have made.

Ross Law is honored to zealously advocate for veterans and their families. A recent example of this was our litigation against USAA who wrongfully denied a veteran’s family member PIP insurance benefits after a car crash. We will continue to fight on behalf of those that have fought for us. Happy Veterans Day and Happy Birthday Marines!

Jeremiah Ross on the Left

Happy Veterans Day! Veterans day events in Portland

I usually work most holidays, but tomorrow Ross Law will be closed in honor of veterans day and the Marine Corps Birthday.  Over the next couple of days, I will be remembering the good and bad times I had in the Marine Corps and National Guard. I will also reach out to those that I served with, and take time to remember those that paid the ultimate price of freedom.   Please thank a veteran this weekend and remember all they have done for us. 

If you are in Portland you are in luck as there is plenty to do this weekend in honor of Veterans Day. 

• The Oregon Zoo gives military veterans, active duty service members, and family members a free day at the zoo on November 11.
• There is a Veterans Meetup on at 3:30pm on November 11, 2017, at Rontoms lounge in Portland. 
• The Trailblazers are having Military Appreciation Night on November 10, 2017. 
• The Portland's Veteran's Day Parade will be kicking off at 930AM on November 11, 2017 in the Hollywood neighborhood.

For a complete list of Veterans Day events throughout Oregon click here.  For a list of businesses that have chosen to honor veterans by providing discounts, free services, or discounts, click here.

 If you are a Veteran in need of legal help, please call me at 503.224.1658.  If I can't assist you, I will do my best to find you someone that can assist you with your legal issue.

HELPFUL LINKS FOR VA BENEITS

Another attorney was kind enough to provide the following links to assist veterans in obtaining benefits.  Ross Law LLC is not affiliated with any of these groups, nor does Ross Law LLC ensure the accuracy of the information contained on the linked website(s). 

• War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center – New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/ Depression and Trauma http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/depression-and-trauma.asp Appealshttp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05..doc
• Board of Veteran’s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ 
• CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ 
• CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
• Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/ 
• Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
• Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/ 
• Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
• Classified Records – American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
• Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07..doc
• Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
• Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/ 
• Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
• Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
• Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02..doc
• Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01..doc
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ 
• Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
• Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/ 
• Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
• Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
• EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOCand http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
• See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet..doc
• EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
• Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
• Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/ 
• General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
• Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/ 
• Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
• Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
• Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
• Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041..pdf
• Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04..doc
• Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/ 
• HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/ 
• Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
• Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/ 
• Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/ 
• M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
• M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
• M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
• Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
• Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
• Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/ 
• MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
• My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/ 
• NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/ 
• National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/ 
• National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
• Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
• OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/ 
• Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/ 
• Parkinson’s Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf  and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/ 
• Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
• Pension for Non-Service Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html and,http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html  and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html
• Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
• This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005: http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
• Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
• Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans’_Illnesses_Appendices.doc Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
• Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
• Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
• Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
• Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/ 
• Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
• Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/ 
• Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/ 
• Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
• Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
• Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
• Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
• REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness..asp?formName=3288-form.xft
• Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
• Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
• http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
• Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
• Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html
• Title 38 Index Parts 0-17
• http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
• Part 18
• http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl
• Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart A “Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
• Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also �§ 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl Title 38 PART 4–SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B–DISABILITY RATINGS
• http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38
• Title 38§ 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART A “SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart �“General Policy in Ratinghttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=38
• U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/ 
• VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
• VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
• VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
• VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
• VA Life Insurance Handbook ¬” Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
• VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
• VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
• VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/ 
• VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/ 
• VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
• VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/ 
• VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/ 
• VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
• Vet Center Eligibility – Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
• Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/ 
• Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/ 
• VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ 
• VHA Programs – Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13 http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx> 
• VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/ 
• VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans ¬(tm) Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
• Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ 
• Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
• VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
• WARMS – 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
• Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
• Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/ 
• What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
• WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

Please remember this post is for informational purposes only.  

ROSS LAW SALUTES VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES…

Ross Law LLC would like to take this opportunity to thank military Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made for this Country.  Ross Law is honored to assist military veterans with legal issues they may be facing and offers military Veterans discounted fees for DUII Defense.  If you are a Veteran and have a legal issue, feel free to contact Ross Law LLC  503.224.1658 to briefly discuss the issue  with Jeremiah Ross. 

Please remember this post is for informational purposes only and does not create an Attorney Client relationship.  Please discuss your matter with an Attorney or a Veterans Service Representative and do not rely solely on this post.  

UPGRADING A MILITARY DISCHARGE TO OBTAIN AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE….

I recently represented a veteran who was seeking to upgrade her discharge characterization.  Our hard work paid off and we were able to convince the Discharge Review Board to upgrade her discharge to an Honorable Discharge.  This was not an easy task, but it was necessary in order for her to apply for certain Veteran’s Benefits and apply for employment in a certain field.

Most people are aware that a veteran receiving anything less than an Honorable Discharge is at a disadvantage in the civilian world.  Many employers, professional licensing boards, and Universities may not be willing to take a chance on a veteran with anything less than an Honorable Discharge.   More importantly, the type of discharge a veteran receives will affect the types of Military Benefits and Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits. The type of discharge effects everything from monthly VA disability compensation to GI Bill education benefits and VA Home Loan eligibility.  The type of discharge a Veteran receives can equate to thousands of dollars in annual benefits. 

Discharge types fall in a few different categories: Honorable, General under Honorable Conditions, General under less than Honorable Conditions, Bad Conduct Discharge, Dishonorable and Dismissal. Each service has a process to follow to to submit a request to upgrade the discharge.  The two major issues that each Discharge Review Board addresses is whether or not: 1) the discharge was proper and 2) whether or not the discharge was equitable. 
Many Veterans are under the impression that they can simply fill out a VA Form, such as a VA Form 293, and submit a few buddy letters and their discharge will be upgraded.  While this may be the case for some Veterans, most Veterans will need substantially more.   This is where either the local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) or an Attorney can assist.  

Veteran Service Officers may have the time and means to successfully assist the Veteran in the discharge upgrade, but they may not.  Attorneys, such as myself, will have the time to dedicate to your matter, but they charge for their services in most cases.  

An Attorney, such as myself, can review the reason for the discharge and work to convince the Discharge Review Board the command made a procedural error in the discharge process, or that the Veteran was not guilty of the offense the discharge was based on.  Secondly, the Attorney can argue that even if the discharge was proper, it was not fair under the circumstances. Attorney’s and representatives will also submit supporting documentation in the form of letters of reference, medical records, transcripts, and criminal records to supply the Board with the necessary documents to render a favorable decision. 

Statistically the odds are stacked against a veteran seeking a discharge upgrade.  However, that does not mean the veteran should not seek to obtain an Honorable Discharge.  The benefits of obtaining a discharge upgrade far outweighs the cost. If you have a question relating to a discharge upgrade and are in the state of Oregon or are in Southern Washington please feel free to contact Jeremiah Ross and Ross Law LLC at 503.224.1658.

Also, please remember this post is for informational purposes only.  The law is constantly changing and this post should not be relied on for legal advice.  Please consult with an Attorney or Veteran Representative prior to making any decisions relating to a discharge upgrade.  Lastly, this post does not create an Attorney Client relationship.  Call Ross Law LLC If you have any questions relating to this post or any other post on this blog, including personal injury post, DUII post, and Auto Fraud Post.