Practice Before the Veterans Administration (2009)

3.0 MCLE CREDITS (3.0 MCLE credits in professional practice for all attorneys, including newly admitted (less than 24 months).

This program covers the eligibility requirements and claims procedures necessary to obtain benefits and how to incorporate advice regarding veterans’ benefits to your care-planning consultations.  The program includes an overview of the two major VA disability benefits:  Pension and Compensation.  Speakers discuss benefits ranging from needs-based pension programs (Aid & Attendance), to geriatric programs, to compensation for service-related disabilities and compensation available to eligible surviving spouses and an overview of the appeals process from the filing of a Notice of Disagreement to the appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Agenda

Part 1 (Recorded April 21, 2009)
Rules of Attorney Representation of Veterans
Basic Eligibility for VA Benefits
Claims Procedures
   Veterans’ benefits for the elderly and/or disabled client:  Attorney accreditation requirements; when fees are allowed and fee agreements. Learn the eligibility requirements and claims procedures necessary to obtain benefits and how to incorporate advice regarding veterans’ benefits to your care-planning consultations. 

Speaker:
Richard Paul Cohen, Esq. Executive Director of the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Washington, D.C.

Part 2 (Recorded April 28, 2009)
Pension (38 U.S.C. Chapter 15)
Disability Compensation (38 U.S.C. Chapter 11)
   Ascertain the distinction between the two major VA disability benefits:  Pension and Compensation.  Overview of benefits ranging from needs-based pension programs (Aid & Attendance), to geriatric programs, to compensation for service-related disabilities.

Speaker:
Felicia Pasculli, Esq., CELA, The Elder Law & Special Needs Practice of Felicia Pasculli, Esq. , Bay Shore, New York.

Part 3 (Recorded May 12, 2009)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) (38 U.S.C. Chapter 13)
Right to Appeal
   DIC is a monthly payment available to eligible surviving spouses and may be obtained in conjunction with Aid & Attendance.
   Overview of the appeals process from the filing of a Notice of Disagreement to the appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Speaker:
Michael Viterna, Esq., Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, Northville, Michigan

There is a two-part accreditation process for attorneys provided by the VA attorney representation law.  for more information about the accreditation process, please go to www.va.govor contact the Office of General Counsel at orcaccreditation@va.gov. Attorneys must apply for accreditation with the V before computing this program.