Legal Services
SWAN frequently connects active duty and veteran servicewomen with organizations that can provide pro-bono legal services and limited liability legal advice to address a wide variety of concerns. These concerns range from needing legal counsel, to seeking assistance with benefits appeals, discharge upgrades, or discrimination cases. Many of these organizations cater to all service members and their families, while some specialize in the issues more pertinent to women.
Discharge Upgrade
Whether a veteran thinks they were unjustly released less than honorably or thinks that their post-service conduct supports an upgrade, there are organizations offering legal services and counsel in order to make the upgrade process easier to navigate.
Discrimination
Veterans and active duty service members sometimes experience discrimination, whether it is related to gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, or any other cause. SWAN connects service people with resources that can help. Whether someone was wrongfully discharged, harassed, denied benefits, or otherwise due to discrimination there are legal services that can offer pro bono representation, case advice, or in-depth information about an individual’s legal rights.
Benefits/VA Claim Assistance
If a veteran’s local VA issues a disability benefits claim decision that the veteran thinks is unfair, that veteran has the right to appeal the VA decision. These resources will assist a veteran either by locating or providing pro bono legal representation or by providing information and guidance that will help them successfully appeal a claims benefit decision on their own.
Military Sexual Trauma
Survivors of MST often face an unfair justice system or mismanagement of cases. Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to helping our service members find justice. These resources can help appeal a denial of service connection for PTSD related to MST, act as legal representation in the military justice process, discharge status upgrades specific to MST, or assistance filing grievances.