VETERANS' LAW OVERVIEW Veterans' law deals with certain special rights that veterans are entitled to as a result of their service in the armed forces. The Executive Branch of the United States government created the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer and enforce these laws. Most of the laws that apply especially to veterans deal with retirement, disability, healthcare, vocational and educational services, and death benefits for dependents of veterans. Common issues that arise in the area of veterans' law include some of the following:
 

• Determining whether a veteran's injuries were sustained or aggravated as a result of military service.
• Determining whether a veteran is entitled to receive certain benefits.
• Determining the amount of benefits that a veteran is entitled to.
• Procedure for challenging the denial of a veteran's claim for benefits.
• Determining whether conduct by a veteran has resulted in a forfeiture of entitled benefits and services.
•          

Veterans' law is a very specific and detailed area of the law, and more complex and difficult issues than those listed above are likely to arise. However, to offset this complexity the Department of Veterans Affairs makes itself very accessible to veterans, and makes information regarding important aspects of veterans' law easily attainable.

RELEVANT LAW

The majority of the rules and regulations addressing A law can be found in Title 38 of the United States Code. All of the laws under this title are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, its officers and subsidiary departments. Due to the complex and specialized nature of veterans' law, attorneys who practice it must have their qualifications approved by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Veterans' Law?
  Obviously, if you are a veteran you are still subject to most of the same criminal and civil laws as the rest of us.  However, there are certain laws that apply specifically to … more
• What Is The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (Scra)?
  The SCRA was created in 2003 completely replaced the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) of 1940.  The SCRA (and previously the SCCRA) protects those persons who serve … more
• What Types of V.A. Benefits Are Available In Terms of Medical Treatment For Veterans?
  There are several different types of benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) can offer.  These benefits sometimes depend on the status of the person in question … more
• Who Is Eligible For Benefits And Services Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
  Generally, anyone who has served in the military, and was discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable.  Anyone who has enlisted with any branch of the military after … more
• Am I Entitled To Legal Protections Under The Scra?
  It depends.  Those who qualify for the protections of the SCRA include the following: ­ Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and active service … more

Free Legal Forms

• 26-1880 Request for A Certificate of Eligibility
• VA Advance Directive: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will
  This advance directive form is an official document where you can write down your preferences about your medical care. (VA FORM 10-0137 DEC 2006 (RS)
• Department of Veterans Affairs Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements for Grantees Other than Individuals
  This form should be completed by an employer who receives a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs. (VA FORM 10-0143 SEP 2006)
• Statement of Assurance of Compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  This form must be completed by employers receiving grants to assure that they are not discriminating against an individual with a handicap. (VA … more