Learn about the DoD discharge and service connected disabilities process and how to apply for disability with the VA. You will learn about what resources exist in Illinois to assist you and what you can do if your application is denied. We will also offer an opportunity at the end to ask questions to our panel of experts. Please keep in mind this event is most pertinent to individuals living in Illinois, but the general information will be applicable to anyone with interest.
Michelle Huerta is an experienced nurse-attorney with 15 years of success providing expert legal advice based on a comprehensive analysis of complex issues and incisive interpretation of statutes and regulations in domestic relations, soldier/veteran's benefits and Social Security disability. She consistently delivers successful case strategies and courses of action to clients. And, she also develops and executes persuasive advocacy in oral and written communications in compressed timelines.
Jim Dolan is responsible for assisting Veterans and their families in accessing community resources and for community partner development. He is also the Executive Director of the Laurus Foundation and the co-founder of the Healer Warrior Initiative. The Laurus Foundation began in 2008 with the mission to advance the lives of individuals with disabilities, with a focus on finding modalities that center on the body’s remarkable ability to heal itself.
Josh Layton served for more than nine years in the United States Marine Corps, with deployments to Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He earned a rank of Staff Sergeant during his time in the service.
He began his job as a VSO in September 2018 and hit the ground running.
He said that his favorite part of the job is the veterans that come into his office. Layton said that his favorite subject in high school was history and that every veteran is a piece of history.
Martin Parsons is the Director and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Veterans' Legal Assistance Program at SIU School of Law. Assisting veterans with VA disability claims appeals, discharge upgrade petitions, and referrals for civil legal challenges.
Martin is an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veteran's benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).