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thedrifter
12-03-02, 05:04 PM
Subject: Volunteer Lawyers Needed

News Release
Veterans Need Your Help: Volunteer Lawyers Needed

Lawyers contact: david_addlestone@nvlsp.org
http://www.nvlsp.org/
or
http://www.vetsprobono.org

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Case Evaluation and Placement Component
601 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 1010
Washington, DC 20004-2935
Direct Phone: (202) 628-8164
Fax: (202) 628-8169
Toll Free: (888) 838-7727
Internet: http://www.vetsprobono.org
Email: vetsprobono@rcn.com


Since 1933, veterans of the United States Armed Forces have been frustrated
by laws which prohibited judicial review of denials of their claims for
federal veterans benefits. With the landmark Veterans' Judicial Review Act
now in place, veterans who have been denied benefits by the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) can now appeal to a new federal appeals court--the
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The new Court has sparked an enormous demand by veterans seeking judicial
review. More than 20,000 veterans or their dependents have filed appeals in
the Court. Most cases involve claims for VA disability benefits.

Unfortunately, for many veterans the promise of effective judicial review
has proved elusive. More than 70% of those who have appealed to the Court
have been unable to secure representation. This is in large part because
they are unable to afford an attorney.

Unrepresented veterans are obviously at a significant disadvantage in
litigating against the VA General Counsel's Office, which represents the VA
in all Court proceedings. Mentally and physically disabled veterans
especially disadvantaged.

What Is the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
In 1991, the Court responded to the problem of its large pro se caseload by
asking Congress to reallocate part of the Court's own budget into efforts to
secure representation for needy claimants.

Sempers,

Roger

thedrifter
12-03-02, 08:48 PM
More on Veterans for Lawyers....................

http://www.veteranslawyers.com/

<A HREF="http://www.nvlsp.org/">NATIONAL VETERANS LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM</A>
or
http://www.nvlsp.org/

Sempers,

Roger