Carolina, NCCU Law Schools Collaborate on Veterans Clinic

Posted on June 24, 2020

A new collaboration between the law schools at UNC and N.C. Central University will revive NCCU’s Veterans Clinic to meet the ongoing needs of current and former service members in the state.

The partnership will support the universities’ joint effort in assisting active military personnel, veterans and their families who might otherwise not be able to afford proper representation.

“By bringing together two clinics to address the critical legal issues that prevent our veterans from receiving services and benefits they were promised, we are improving the lives of service members who have been forgotten,” said Martin H. Brinkley ’92 (JD), dean and Arch T. Allen Distinguished Professor of law. “This partnership will train law students on how to navigate the complicated process of upgrading discharge statuses and fighting for health care and disability benefits for those without a voice.”

As part of the partnership, Carolina’s law school will transfer more than $784,000 to NCCU’s Veterans Clinic, which is the remainder of a previous appropriation to UNC from the N.C. General Assembly to support programs for active duty service members and veterans.

“By working to correct deep injustices suffered by veterans, our clinics will advocate for and provide justice to citizens who are marginalized and face innumerable challenges in our current system,” said Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz.

The NCCU Veterans Clinic will handle benefit claims in various stages of appeals. Cases may revolve around disability claims, survivors’ benefits, pension and other issues.

“This partnership will provide a strong safety net to help ensure that the needs of our veterans are served,” said NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye.

Active military personnel and veterans have a significant presence in North Carolina as the state is home to five major military bases and stations. According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, North Carolina ranks No. 7 in the U.S. in its total population of veterans with more than 730,000 who reside in the state, representing nearly 10 percent of North Carolina’s adult population. Yet 7 percent of North Carolina veterans are unemployed and live in poverty.

The University’s Military and Veterans Law Clinic was formed in 2016. It serves primarily low-income former service members who are currently precluded from receiving Department of Veterans Affairs health care and disability benefits because of their discharge status. Students represent clients before military administrative boards and the VA. Students also may serve as expert veterans’ benefits consultants for active duty military defense counsel.

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