Veterans are denied benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs for a variety of reasons. Service connection for disability compensation, misconduct while in service, and absence of evidence are commonly disputed issues for Veteran’s applying for benefits. SALSA’s Veterans Legal Services Program engages local attorneys to represent Veterans appealing disability compensation denials, character of service determinations, and VA debt management center actions. Veterans may be ineligible for legal services subject to income and asset limitations. Veterans requiring assistance should apply for assistance here to confirm eligibility.

Discharge Upgrades

Most Veteran benefits require an “Honorable” characterization of the Veteran’s service. However, many times due to circumstances outside the Veteran’s control, less than Honorable discharges are unjustly issued. Every military branch provides an avenue to upgrade an other than honorable military discharge. Applications for upgrades can be very complicated, require documentary evidence and/or an appearance before the upgrade board itself. SALSA’s Veteran Legal Services engages local attorneys to assist Veterans with their upgrade application development and submission.

Members of the Texas Veterans Legal Aid Coalition created a video series on special legal issues that impact veterans.

Learn more about this important areas by clicking on the videos below.