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 basic application process, eligibility rules for veterans (military discharge status, financial eligibility, disqualifying conditions, refund status), and the disability requirements for benefits are addressed, along with the basics of filing an appeal and upgrading a less than honorable discharge. 

ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS

MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:35am

  Welcome and Introduction

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  Anna Schleelein Richardson, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  
• 9:35am - 9:55am

  State & Federal Veterans' Benefits: The Transition to Civilian Status & General Overview

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  Franklin J. Schwarzer, II, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  Dana Montalto, Esq., Harvard Law School/Legal Services Center , Jamaica Plain
  
• 9:55am - 11:05am

  Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

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  Dana Montalto, Esq., Harvard Law School/Legal Services Center , Jamaica Plain
  
• 11:05am - 11:10am

  Break
• 11:10am - 12:15pm

  Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Benefits

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  Anna Schleelein Richardson, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  
• 12:15pm - 1:15pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:15pm - 1:50pm

  Character of Discharge & Access to Veterans Benefits

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  Daniel Nagin, Esq., Harvard Law School/Legal Services Center , Jamaica Plain
  
• 1:50pm - 2:00pm

  State & Federal Veterans' Benefits: The Massachusetts Veterans Equality Review Board

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  Daniel Nagin, Esq., Harvard Law School/Legal Services Center , Jamaica Plain
  Patrick George, City of Watertown , Watertown
  
• 2:00pm - 3:20pm

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

  Anna Schleelein Richardson, Esq., Veterans Legal Services , Boston
  Patrick George, City of Watertown , Watertown
  
• 3:20pm - 3:30pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

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  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