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HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With military conflicts now raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, an increasing number of veterans are returning home with serious and disabling injuries. Many of these veterans have lost limbs or suffered the devastating effects of traumatic brain injuries. Under current federal law, these veterans are entitled to veterans benefits for the injuries they receive.
Unfortunately, many of these veterans are frustrated in their legal attempts to obtain compensation. Veterans who are denied benefits by the US Department of Veteran Affairs can appeal to the US Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims. More than 70% of disabled veterans who file appeals to this court do so without the benefit of legal representation. Unrepresented veterans are at a significant disadvantage in litigating against the General Counsel's office, which represents the VA in all court proceedings.
The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association is now stepping up to help these Connecticut veterans. The trial attorneys will be contributing their time and effort to assist disabled veterans of the current conflict in filing the complicated forms and paperwork necessary to succeed in the appellate court.
Acting in conjunction with the Veteran's Consortium Pro Bono Program, a project created by the combination of four national veteran service organizations, the first Connecticut trial attorney has recently completed the necessary training. Attorney Matthew E. Auger, of the New London firm of Suisman, Shapiro, Wool, Brennan, Gray & Greenberg, PC, not only has an active personal injury practice in New London, but also serves as a Captain in the US Naval Reserves. Attorney Auger will in turn train other Connecticut trial attorneys to assist with the appellate process.
All of the work performed by these Connecticut trial attorneys will be done on a "pro bono" basis, which means the attorneys are volunteering their time to assist these veterans.
Veterans of the current conflict who seek representation for their injuries before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, can obtain further information by contacting the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, 100 Wells Street, Hartford, CT 06103; +1-860-522-4345 or by email to:
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. Specific information concerning the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program and how to apply for representation can be found at their website http://www.vetsprobono.org.
SOURCE Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association |