Veterans' Rights
Reentering civilian life after service can present unique, long-term legal challenges for veterans.
Serving our country can be a great honor for many Americans. However, many veterans have experiences while serving that can lead to physical and mental health challenges later in life. Veterans with an honorable or general discharge are entitled to disability compensation, pension programs, free or low-cost medical care, and education support.
Navigating these benefits can be confusing and overwhelming. There are also veterans who are not entitled to these benefits because of less than honorable discharges, yet a lawyer may be able to get their status changed to secure the benefits they need and protect their legal rights.
Our lawyers navigate the complex systems of resources and benefits to which veterans are entitled. Veterans who receive their medical care at VA Medical Centers, as well as veterans who choose to use public hospitals, can greatly benefit from NYLAG’s services. Obtaining legal assistance through onsite VA legal clinics or community outreach clinics increases accessibility to invaluable benefits for all veterans.
$200K
in life-changing benefits awarded to veterans of the U.S. armed forces through NYLAG’s advocacy last year
Services
Our veterans fought for us and we will fight for them. Here is how our lawyers can help:
- Accessing life-changing veterans’ and other government benefits
- Navigating the interactions between veterans benefits and other government benefits
- Ensuring veterans have access to safe, affordable housing
- Combatting consumer and student debt
- Preparing advance directives, including wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies
- Addressing legal issues impacting needed health care
Need free legal services or financial counseling?
Help us provide free legal help to veterans.
NYLAG stands with veterans.
Ahead of Veteran’s Day, Brownsville honors local vets at 4th annual parade and resource fair
Ryan Foley and Sian Azzinari of NYLAG’s Veterans Practice spoke with the Brooklyn Paper about the importance of community events to reach veterans in need of legal support.
Testimony: Aging Vets Need Access to Legal Services During COVID Digital Divide
NYLAG’s Ryan Foley and Ruth Stein press for increased access to free legal services to address the digital divide older Veterans experience when seeking help with complex, intersecting legal issues affecting their health.
Testimony: VA’s Increasing Shift to Independent Contractor Exams Harms Trauma Survivors
NYLAG’s Samantha Kubek challenges the inadequacies of the Veterans Affairs’ independent contractor examinations, particularly for veterans suffering from mental health concerns.
