The SIU School of Law Veterans’ Legal Assistance Program (VLAP) provides pro bono legal services to honorably discharged
Illinois veterans appealing disability claims with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. VLAP is a start point to partner with regional
veteran service organizations and local Department of Veterans Affairs offices to assist in the relief of caseload backlog.

The program was initiated under the direction of Peter C. Alexander, Former Dean and Professor of Law, SIU School of Law, and is funded through
a grant from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. The initiative is, “another opportunity to advance the mission of the law school,” Alexander said.
“It allows us to provide expertise and services to a population that has been underserved—and that is very consistent with the goals of the law school.”

Program goals

• Provide legal assistance to area veterans who cannot afford or do not have access to legal representation in the appeals of claims for
  compensation for service-connected disabilities.
  
  
• Provide pro bono opportunities to students at SIU School of Law demonstrating interest in public service legal work. Assist and facilitate
  the training of local attorneys in the area of veterans’ claims before the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and provide them with
  pro bono opportunities.
  
  
• Facilitate the training of local attorneys and offer assistance in the area of veterans' claims before the US Department of Veterans
  Affairs, while providing them with pro bono opportunities.

Claims Assistance

• The Director of VLAP collaborates with regional Veterans Affairs and service organizations to screen and accept cases suitable to resolution
  by student volunteer case managers. Consideration will be given to residency of the veteran, complexity of the claim, ability of the claimant to
  afford legal representation outside of VLAP and the likelihood of claim resolution during a reasonable period. Initial claims preparation and
  the maintenance of a steady but manageable caseload will be priorities for the program.
  
  
• VLAP student workers provide necessary forms and instructions for preparation of claims, and answer telephonic or email requests for
  information. It is expected that this will further relieve caseload backlog for veterans’ assistance offices and provide prompt administrative
  assistance to veterans.
  
  
• VLAP bridges the gap between the theoretical study of the law and its practical application. “This is another opportunity for our students
  to engage in service learning,” in the words of former Dean Alexander. Students will handle claims from the initial interview with the veteran
  through case preparation. Volunteer case managers in the program will complete a comprehensive writing assignment dealing with
  the factual and legal issues presented, and recommending a course of action. Students may also accompany a veteran to a
  Board of Veterans Appeals hearing, under the supervision of a staff attorney.