Veterans Legal Advocacy Project
A joint project of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida,
Equal Justice Works, and the Cobb Cole Law Firm
For more information on any VA Benefits, call:
Shelly Campbell - (386) 255-6573 x 2441.
veterans@clsmf.org | www.clsmf.org
About the Project
- Iraq and Afghan Veterans click here
- Service Connected Disability Compensation
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Non-Service Connected Pension
- Special Monthly Pension Benefits in addition to Pension
- Dependency & Indemnity Compensation
- Education/Training
Service Connected Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a monthly benefit paid to veterans who are disabled because of an injury or illness that is service connected. Service connected means the injury/illness was incurred or aggravated during active military service. The amount of compensation varies depending on the percentage of disability. To be eligible a veteran must show he was discharged other than dishonorably and served the required amount of time.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation helps veterans with service connected disabilities become and maintain employment. If eligible, this training may pay training costs and monthly benefits to help with living expenses.
Non-Service Connected Pension
Non Service connected pension is a monthly benefit paid to veterans or their spouses who are permanently and totally disabled. The injury does not have to be service related but the veteran's income must be under certain guidelines.
Also, if the veteran or surviving spouse is over 65, unable to work, and under income guidelines, they may be eligible.
Special Monthly Pension Benefits in addition to Pension
Housebound benefits are paid in addition to low income pension if a veteran or surviving spouse is housebound or substantially confined to their dwelling.
Aid & Attendance is a benefit paid in addition to low income pension if a veteran or surviving spouse is in need of regular aid and attendance.
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation
Spouses an d Dependents may be eligible for survivor's benefits if the veteran's death was a result of disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on active duty or the veteran was rated permanently and totally disabled from a service connected injury for a specified period of time.
Education/Training
Veterans may be entitled to benefits for training and/or education based on dates of their enlistment and length of service.
For Iraq and Afghan Veterans
Ensuring that the lives of those who served in Afghanistan and/or Iraq are enriched as a result of legal assistance.
Our Mission | Services We Provide | Who is Eligible?
Our Mission
There are over 1.7 million veterans in the State of Florida, and over 1,200 veterans who served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan residing in Brevard, Orange and Seminole alone. The VETERANS ADVOCACY PROJECT was developed to assist those veterans, and their family members, who are in need of civil legal assistance.
The VETERANS ADVOCACY PROJECT will provide legal advice, counsel, referral, education, and representation to veterans, free of charge, regardless of their income.
Services We Provide
Legal advice and representation including but not limited to:
- Filing claims and appeals with the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability compensation and/or pensions
- Filing appeals with United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- Defending inappropriate discharge, discharge characterization or disability rating
- Applying for dependent and survivor benefits
- Accessing other public benefits; Unemployment, Social Security, Disability, Food Stamps, etc.
- Access to healthcare and mental health resources
- Filing claims with Veterans Affairs for increased disability ratings.
Who is Eligible?
Veterans who served in Afghanistan, (Operation Enduring Freedom) or Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom), and their family members, who reside in Brevard, Orange and Seminole counties and are in need of legal assistance.
