Last October, MSJDN announced its partnership with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to assist with veterans’ claims. At that time, MOAA was working to attain recognition as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). Last month, MOAA was proud to announce that it has indeed attained VSO status and will begin training representatives to assist veterans and survivors with the often complex VA claims process.

MOAA is currently seeking volunteers in the Washington, D.C. metro area for this pro bono VA claims representation program. This is a great opportunity for MSJDN members in the DC area to attain valuable experience in the area of veterans law and to provide much needed pro bono service to our military community. Former and retired military officers, and spouses and surviving spouses of current, former and retired military officers are eligible to receive training and supervision from MOAA in VA claims preparation. Federal employees, including members of the active reserves, are ineligible to represent veterans in claims per VA regulation, but members of the National Guard may participate.

If you are in the DC area and interested in this pro bono opportunity, please email Lauren Kologe, Deputy Director of Veteran and Survivor Services with MOAA, at laurenk@moaa.org with a résumé and best time to be contacted.  Online training will begin as soon as a background check is completed, and in-person veterans law training is tentatively scheduled for the week of March 31.

Finally, the Vet Law Forum originally scheduled for October 2013 and postponed due to the government shut down has been rescheduled for April 2, 2014! This no-cost event is specifically designed for law students and lawyers who serve (or desire to serve) veterans and their families on a pro bono basis and will be valuable for those planning to volunteer with MOAA.  Registration closes February 28, so please register ASAP if you would like to attend the Vet Law Forum.