MEDIA ADVISORY: Veterans Clinic Symposium will explore challenging system of benefits, appeals and psychological concerns

November 9th, 2018

WHAT:           For many veterans, securing benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs proves challenging and time-consuming. According to recent estimates from the VA, veterans can wait up to seven years for resolution of an appealed claim.

The University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic is hosting a symposium that will address the complex and challenging VA benefits system. “Finding Footing in a Changing Landscape: The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017” will include information for lawyers who assist veterans as well as a presentation on military service and the psychological effects on veterans.

WHEN:           8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9

WHERE:         Hulston Hall, Room 7, on the MU campus

WHO:             This event is free and open to the public. Members of the public also can submit questions and listen remotely. Registration is requested but not required. Visit http://law.missouri.edu/ to learn more.

Members of the media who wish to cover the symposium are encouraged to reach out to Liz McCune from the MU News Bureau at mccunee@missouri.edu.

The following is a list of select presentations:

Welcome

8:15 a.m.
Angela Drake, director, MU Veterans Clinic

The Current Path for Veterans

8:30 a.m.
Doyle Shields, former clinic client, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Daniel C. Hartman, chief of staff, Missouri Attorney General’s Office

Keynote presentation: Guideposts from the Court: Avoiding Detours and Anticipating Road Blocks

12:15 p.m.
Hon. Margaret Bartley, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Bumps in the Road: Military Service and the Psychological Effects on Our Veterans

2:45 p.m.
Jared E. Ebert, MU assistant professor, Emergency Medicine; captain, Missouri Army National Guard Medical Corps