From: Rosenbaum, Richard A. (CEO)
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 9:00 AM
To: USAtty; USStaff
Subject: Veterans Day Message
It is time to share below message on this important day. But before you look at it, please join me in congratulating Marissa Banez, a litigation associate in our New York office, for a great result this week in a pro bono case. The case has special significance today -- Veteran's Day -- because our client is an injured veteran for whom we have now successfully secured health benefits.
In 1962, our client sustained a serious knee injury while serving as a Marine in Vietnam. In 2008, without legal counsel, he filed for an increase in his service-related benefits because his injury -- getting worse with every passing year -- rendered him unable to stand or walk for any length of time. In connection with his claim (brought in a VA administrative proceeding) the VA did not obtain all of his medical records and failed to provide the medical examiner with his claims folder.
In 2010, the VA denied our client's benefits claim based on a blatantly incomplete record.
Marissa took on the appeal and wrote a strong brief demonstrating that the VA was violating clear authority in denying our client's claim. After receipt of our brief counsel for the VA conceded we were right and agreed then and there to remand the case for further proceedings.
With all the talk about deficits, occupy this or that, etc, WE CANNOT FORGET OUR VETERANS. They have put it all on the line for our freedom and do so every day, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. They are not protesting for TV cameras, they are fighting, being injured and dying in places you and I do not see every single day for OUR FREEDOM. A recent Congressional report tracking a rise in poverty indicates that among our vets between the ages of 18 and 24, a whopping 21% live in poverty! Yet they have to fight for their benefits to which they are entitled, as in this case.
I don't send this as a political statement. I send this to a law firm, OUR law firm, that I well know is full of people who really do care about each other and our country. I want to make the point to you that, without pro bono help, veterans often don't have the resources to enforce their rights. If Marissa had not taken this on, our client would not have been able to re-open his case, despite the incontrovertible evidence that his symptoms have increased such that he can barely stand or walk unassisted because he fought for our country. YOUR involvement in these cases on a pro bono basis is not simply a good thing but is essential to due process and equal access to justice for those to whom we owe so much.
So thanks and congratulations, Marissa, and here is this year's message:
It may only be one day each year on the calendar, but to all of the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country in the name of freedom, we honor your selfless courage and unimaginable strength EVERY day.
Words cannot express our gratitude for your profound heroism and our sincere hope for your safe returns home.
Happy Veterans Day.
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 9:00 AM
To: USAtty; USStaff
Subject: Veterans Day Message
It is time to share below message on this important day. But before you look at it, please join me in congratulating Marissa Banez, a litigation associate in our New York office, for a great result this week in a pro bono case. The case has special significance today -- Veteran's Day -- because our client is an injured veteran for whom we have now successfully secured health benefits.
In 1962, our client sustained a serious knee injury while serving as a Marine in Vietnam. In 2008, without legal counsel, he filed for an increase in his service-related benefits because his injury -- getting worse with every passing year -- rendered him unable to stand or walk for any length of time. In connection with his claim (brought in a VA administrative proceeding) the VA did not obtain all of his medical records and failed to provide the medical examiner with his claims folder.
In 2010, the VA denied our client's benefits claim based on a blatantly incomplete record.
Marissa took on the appeal and wrote a strong brief demonstrating that the VA was violating clear authority in denying our client's claim. After receipt of our brief counsel for the VA conceded we were right and agreed then and there to remand the case for further proceedings.
With all the talk about deficits, occupy this or that, etc, WE CANNOT FORGET OUR VETERANS. They have put it all on the line for our freedom and do so every day, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. They are not protesting for TV cameras, they are fighting, being injured and dying in places you and I do not see every single day for OUR FREEDOM. A recent Congressional report tracking a rise in poverty indicates that among our vets between the ages of 18 and 24, a whopping 21% live in poverty! Yet they have to fight for their benefits to which they are entitled, as in this case.
I don't send this as a political statement. I send this to a law firm, OUR law firm, that I well know is full of people who really do care about each other and our country. I want to make the point to you that, without pro bono help, veterans often don't have the resources to enforce their rights. If Marissa had not taken this on, our client would not have been able to re-open his case, despite the incontrovertible evidence that his symptoms have increased such that he can barely stand or walk unassisted because he fought for our country. YOUR involvement in these cases on a pro bono basis is not simply a good thing but is essential to due process and equal access to justice for those to whom we owe so much.
So thanks and congratulations, Marissa, and here is this year's message:
It may only be one day each year on the calendar, but to all of the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country in the name of freedom, we honor your selfless courage and unimaginable strength EVERY day.
Words cannot express our gratitude for your profound heroism and our sincere hope for your safe returns home.
Happy Veterans Day.
--Chuck
عدنا الى الوطن لبلدنا ، الماعز يمكنك برغي
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