June 2025

 In town for a training, the oral argument, or just for fun?

Kick off the summer with us on Thursday, June 26, on our L St. rooftop!

Stop by for some beverages from Honor Brewing, small bites, and meet other Veteran advocates, mission partners, and maybe even some members of the Court!

We look forward to seeing you!

Questions? Email Leila Hashemi.

Memorial Day Appellate Advocacy Training

The Veterans Consortium held its semi-annual "Appellate Advocacy before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims" training on May 28.

We hold these trainings around Memorial Day and Veterans Day to serve as a reminder that these holidays were made to honor and remember those who have served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation.

We are grateful for all of our volunteers, past and present, and their dedication to our program and, most importantly, our Nation's Veterans. Your pro bono spirit does not go unrecognized. Thank you for your service.

This past training was led by Veterans Consortium Appellate Advocacy Experts, Courtney L. Smith, Esq., and Gina D'Amico, Esq. And we had more than 180 attorneys attend, all eager to learn more about Veterans Law. Attendees were taught how to best advocate for Veterans in their appeals of denied service-related benefits and other best practices before the Court.

The training also featured special guests from the Court: The Honorable Margaret Bartley, Chief Deputy Clerk of Operations, Michael Burnat, and Lead Appeal Processing Clerk, Abie Ngala.

Congratulations to our newly trained volunteers!

Good luck on your first case!

Helping to End Veteran Homelessness

The Veterans Consortium attended the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans' (NCHV) annual conference this year.

For 35 years, the NCHV has worked to end Veteran homelessness nationwide, and reduce the factors that cause it.

It was a pleasure meeting and speaking with Kathryn Monet, NCHV's CEO, a tireless ambassador of the homeless Veteran community. As first-time attendees, we look forward to establishing a partnership with the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans' and continuing to assist Veterans in need.

Welcome Aboard!

Join us in welcoming new team member Hannah Zacaroli!

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Virginia Tech and recently completed her Paralegal Certificate at George Mason University.

Hannah's commitment to Veterans runs in the family. Her grandfather is a U.S. Army Veteran who was wounded in combat during the Korean War. Due to his experience, Hannah's grandparents spent their time mentoring other combat-wounded Veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Hannah will be serving as a Client Services Specialist as part of our Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Practice. Her grandmother says she's thrilled Hannah will be following in their footsteps in serving Veterans in need.

Steve Jordon

Executive Director

#theyfoughtforus

#vetsprobono

When the VA denied a U.S. Army Veteran’s claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected leg nerve disabilities, they turned to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims for help.

With the support of their Veterans Consortium pro bono attorney, they secured a joint motion for remand, requiring the VA to reevaluate the case and consider key legal provisions—giving the Veteran another opportunity to pursue the benefits he deserves.