Agency partnership provides free legal representation for eligible veterans in VA appeals cases over claims
A new partnership between the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) will provide free legal representation for eligible Michigan veterans and their families in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, according to a press release.
“Michigan veterans will now have access to an unprecedented level of representation by a national legal team who will defend their rights at the highest legal levels, to ensure fairness in the disability benefit arena,” said Zaneta Adams, director of the MVAA, which serves as the central coordinating agency for Michigan’s 550,000-plus veterans.
When disability claims are denied by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans have the right to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). The CAVC provides veterans an impartial judicial forum for review of administrative decisions by the Board of Veterans; appeals that are adverse to the veteran’s claim of entitlement to benefits for service-connected disabilities, survivor benefits and other benefits such as education payments and waiver of indebtedness.
Through the new partnership, NVLSP will provide free legal representation in support of appeals cases. This process begins when NVLSP reviews a case in which a veteran’s appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), the highest authority within the VA, is denied and determines there are grounds for an appeal to the CAVC.
When this is the case, NVLSP offers to represent the veteran or the veteran’s family at no cost. The partnership between the MVAA and NVLSP makes this free legal service available to veterans in Michigan for the first time. In addition to NVLSP’s assistance to veterans with claims appeals, NVLSP will also assist Michigan veterans with discharge upgrades, which will help veterans access benefits they may be wrongfully denied due to a less than honorable discharge.
For more information, visit michigan.gov/mvaa
Meijer achieves gold-level status as a VeteranFriendly Employer
Meijer achieved goldlevel status as a VeteranFriendly Employer from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for its commitment to hiring, retaining and supporting military veterans, according to a press release.
Meijer is the first retailer to earn the MVAA’s prestigious Gold-Level VeteranFriendly Employer status and is only the 20th employer to receive the goldlevel status, an achievement reached by just 3 percent of the more than 532 Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employers.
“Given the numerous Michigan team members identifying as veteran or active-duty service men and women, this recognition means a lot to us,” said Tim Williams, vice president of Diversity & Inclusion at Meijer.
“Our focus is not just on hiring those who served, but also offering a workplace that values the unique strengths their service provides and offers the resources they need to thrive.”
For more information, visit michigan.gov/mvaa
Michigan Veterans Facility Authority seeks to fill two seats on the board
The Michigan Veterans Facility Authority (MVFA), a nine-member board that governs Michigan Veteran Homes, is looking to fill two seats on the board as soon as possible. Board members will serve a fouryear term, according to a press release.
“We are looking for candidates that have professional knowledge, skill or experience in long-term care, healthcare licensure, finance or medicine,” said David Henry, chair of the MVFA Board.
“Our ideal candidate is a veteran or veteran advocate with healthcare experience. They can be based anywhere in Michigan but with the recent addition of our Macomb County home, we would love to have more representation on our board from the east side of Michigan.”
For more information, call Beth Simonton-Kramer at 616-498-5357 and visit www.michigan.gov/mvh
News and upcoming events in the area
• The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency unveiled the 2022 National POW/MIA Recognition Day poster at the 123rd annual VFW National Convention on July 19. There are two sizes of posters available, 11×16 and 20×30, which can be ordered in specific, incremental quantities. To order posters, visit dpaa- mil. sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaFamWebPosters
• The Veterans Crisis Line has a new, easier-toremember number — dial 988, then press 1. Learn more at www.veteranscrisisline.net
• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 28, and Fish Dinners are available from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, July 29, at 130 E. Drahner Road, Oxford. Fish variety and chicken dinners are $9 to $11.50. For more information, call 248-6289081.
• Lake Point Community Church Veteran’s Ministry to host 14th Annual BBQ and family picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, email Bob.tenbosch@gmail.com or call 248-417-2451.
The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send information in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@ aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.