Product Description

This training is for legal services advocates, lawyers in private practice, social and health services workers, veterans, lay advocates, legislative aides, and anyone else who wants to learn about the basics of state and federal veterans’ benefits. The training covers state veterans’ benefits under G.L. c. 115 (administered by the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services), and federal benefits for healthcare, service-connected disability compensation, and non-service-connected pensions (administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). The session covers the basic application process, eligibility rules for veterans (military discharge status, financial eligibility, disqualifying conditions, refund status), and the disability requirements for benefits. It also covers the basics of filing an appeal and upgrading a less than honorable discharge.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 am - 9:40 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Anna Schleelein Richardson, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  
• 9:40 am - 9:55 am

  The Transition to Civilian Status & and a General Overview of Veterans Benefits

  Dana Montalto, Esq., Harvard Law School/Legal Services Center , Jamaica Plain
  SCOTT D. PITTA, Esq.,
  
• 9:55 - 11:05 am

  Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

  Anna Schleelein Richardson, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  
• 11:05 - 11:10 am

  Break
• 11:10 - 12:15 pm

  Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Benefits

  Anna Schleelein Richardson, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  Lynette Gabrila, Wachusett Veterans' Services District , Gardner
  
• 12:15 - 1:15 pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:15 - 2:00 pm

  Character of Discharge & Access to Veterans Benefits

  Dana Montalto, Esq., Harvard Law School/Legal Services Center , Jamaica Plain
  Lynette Gabrila, Wachusett Veterans' Services District , Gardner
  
• 2:00 - 3:20 pm

  M.G.L. c. 115 – Massachusetts Veterans Services’ Benefits

  Betsy Gwin, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  Lynette Gabrila, Wachusett Veterans' Services District , Gardner
  
• 3:20 - 3:30 pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty