Veterans Practicum II

Course Catalog Number:
5753
Course Credits:
2
Course Type:
Practicum
Course Priority:
General Enrollment Course
Graduation Requirements:
Experiential Learning
Full Year Course:
No

Course Description

This course is a continuation of the fall semester Veterans Practicum course but enrollment in the prior course is not a pre-requisite. The course consists of a one-hour a week classroom component and a 52-hour clinical component. While the first semester  course focused on VA disability benefits, the second semester covers other benefits available to veterans. These include the veterans insurance programs, the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act, VA aid and attendance benefits, VA education benefits, VA housing benefits, Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX), and the veterans preference in hiring. Obtaining attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) and on contingent fee from retroactive awards will also be covered along with how to read a VA claims file. Several classes may be devoted to special topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The clinical component involves working with veterans on their VA disability claims, advocating for correction of military records before various defense department boards, and participating in related Federal Court litigation.