July 25, 2022
The Firm’s pro bono service on behalf of veterans was recognized in the National Veterans Legal Services Program’s 2021 report.
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) recently recognized Willkie’s work in the Lawyers Serving Warriors® pro bono program dedicated to supporting service members, veterans and their families.
The organization’s 2021 report highlighted Willkie’s pro bono representation of an Air Force veteran who had been denied disability benefits for diabetes despite his exposure to herbicides during his military service, from 1972 to 1982. A Willkie team filed a brief on his behalf before the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Board of Veterans' Appeals and secured an entitlement to service connection for his diabetes due to presumed herbicide agent exposure.
Altogether, in 2021, Willkie, a new NVLSP partner, handled three Combat-Related Special Compensation cases, one discharge upgrade case, and the above appeal.
The following Willkie attorneys were recognized by NVLSP for their pro bono contributions: partners Krystyna Blakeslee, Weston Eguchi, Amanda Burke and Erik Lindemann; associates Connor Burns, Ari Blask, Nicholas Chanin, Courtenay Cullen, D. Jason Kelly, Tyler Kuhn, William Montemarano, Ryan Peloquin, Ciara Sisco and Cassandra Vangellow; and law clerk Logan Kenney.
The full report can be viewed here.
