The Mayer Law Blog

Some Notes on PTSD

Posted June 23rd, 2015

Post-traumatic stress disorder is suffered by many, many former servicemembers. It can arise from many different sources. It is a sad byproduct of combat and military service. However, many individuals are becoming callous to these claims. After all, many claim PTSD, and some are merely seeking to get money from the federal government. It is… Read More

Good News From the Navy Discharge Review Board

Posted February 11th, 2015

Another piece of good news recently arrived. A former Navy Sailor was upgraded from Other Than Honorable conditions to a General, Under Honorable Conditions. This veteran worked for several years in order to create a fantastic resume’ and became a valuable member of his community. This certainly helped to create a great case for a… Read More

Shopping for a Military Lawyer? Part 2: Discharge Upgrade Lawyer

Posted November 14th, 2014

In one of the more obscure areas of military law, we have those who handle discharge upgrades. Few lawyers want to take these cases because they are largely technical, rather boring, and not as sexy and flashy as a court-martial. For some reason, and I don’t know why, I’ve come to enjoy helping with discharge… Read More

Shopping for a Military Lawyer? Part 1: Courts-Martial

Posted November 10th, 2014

Judging from a cursory Google search, looking for a military lawyer can be an ominous task. Yet, you’re probably searching for a lawyer who will represent you at a time when you are the most vulnerable, desperate, and in need of someone competent to stand by your side. Here are a few things to help… Read More

Social Media: A Cautionary Tale

Posted February 28th, 2014

Just a reminder to everyone out there: be careful on social media. It can cause irreparable damage to your career, your case, your potential for obtaining a discharge upgrade, your future relationships, and a whole lot more. Most military lawyers will tell you the same thing. Be careful out there. Once you post something, it… Read More

Navy FOIA Program

Posted January 8th, 2014

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a tool used by military lawyers frequently on behalf of their clients. During appeals, where discovery requests are limited or not allowed, it can be an invaluable tool when assisting with administrative actions, discharge upgrades, or other non-court-martial actions. Yet, even those requests can be imprecise and subject… Read More

Reserves as a Safety Net?

Posted January 6th, 2014

Staying on active duty is tougher now that it ever has been. With drawdowns in every branch, many who were once competitive for promotion and advancement are rethinking their career prospects. Luckily for many, Reserve and National Guard options expand whenever the active components contract. If you are facing release from active duty, be sure… Read More

The VA Claim Conundrum

Posted December 26th, 2013

VA claim appeals cases are an interesting subject among those of us who dedicate all or most of our practice to being a military lawyer. Most, like me, avoid these cases. In our estimation, not-for-profit advocacy groups and volunteers seem to be effective and successful. Additionally, finding a VA appeal that is worthwhile and not… Read More

Things are about to get ugly for Army Captains and Majors

Posted December 17th, 2013

In the latest rounds of cuts, the Army plans to cut several thousand Company and Field Grade officers. These mid-range officers will be subject to administrative separation. No doubt, military lawyers will be watching these developments. It will be interesting to see if they pursue less-than-honorable characterizations for any with derogatory information. Stay tuned. Via… Read More

Honorable Discharge: The Goal

Posted December 9th, 2013

We always try to allow someone to continue their career in the military. If that doesn’t work (or is impossible), then our goal is always an Honorable Discharge. Today, we are thrilled that a good person will receive one of those, despite being accused of fraudulent enlistment. This is great news for a military lawyer… Read More