Troutman Pepper Works with Pro Bono Client National Veterans Legal Services Program to Help Traumatically Injured Veterans

WASHINGTON – Troutman Pepper recently worked with the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) to submit comments with recommendations to proposed changes to a veterans’ benefit program called the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI), which provides short-term financial support to help eligible service members recover from severe injuries. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopted some of the proposed recommendations, which will ease the process for veterans who are seeking TSGLI benefits.

The Troutman Pepper team representing NVLSP consisted of Partner Kim Phan and Associates Jessica Ring and Bryan Rizza. Rizza is an officer in the United States Army National Guard.

After Troutman Pepper submitted comments on February 27, 2023, the VA reissued two forms: SGLV-8600 and 8600A for TSGLI benefits, incorporating some of NVLSP’s recommendations. Of note, the VA increased its estimated time burden, and the initial claims form now includes a brief list detailing examples of supporting evidence that Servicemembers should include.

In the VA’s response letter to NVLSP, the VA acknowledged that due to an “unintentional oversight,” they did not respond to NVLSP’s comments prior to finalizing the initial, unchanged forms. Without the Troutman Pepper team’s persistence, the VA may never have reviewed or implemented the recommended changes.

“We are thrilled the VA incorporated NVLSP’s recommendations that will ultimately make it easier for more veterans to apply for these critical benefits,” said Phan, who led the pro bono team. “This work has the potential to impact so many deserving people, and we’re proud to play a small part in making a difference in their lives.”

“We are delighted that the VA adopted NVLSP’s changes and grateful for Troutman Pepper’s assistance and dedication to ensure that our veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve,“ said Zach Outzen, NVLSP Equal Justice Works Fellow, sponsored by the Lavan-Harris Charitable Fund.

The NVLSP is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 22 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.4 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation’s definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts.

Each year, Troutman Pepper attorneys dedicate thousands of pro bono hours in support of nonprofits, immigrants, military veterans, children, the wrongfully convicted, civil rights and social justice initiatives, and so many more. Learn more at troutman.com/pro-bono.

About Troutman Pepper
Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with more than 1,200 attorneys strategically located in 23 U.S. cities. The firm’s litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices advise a diverse client base, from start-ups to multinational enterprises. The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions to clients’ most pressing business challenges, with depth across industry sectors, including energy, financial services, health sciences, insurance, and private equity, among others. Learn more at troutman.com.