Veterans’ Rights Project Success Stories

An older veteran with neurological health issues came to the Veterans’ Rights Project feeling very anxious. He was unable to work due to his disabilities and had applied for Social Security Disability (SSD). While waiting for these benefits, he attempted to apply three separate times for public assistance over the course of a year. Although the client had no income and assets, he was unsuccessful in obtaining benefits. As the time period for requesting a fair hearing had already passed, Staff Attorney Susanna Laruccia made an appointment to meet the client at the local Department of Social Services (DSS). She assisted the veteran through every step of the application process for food stamps, cash assistance, and rental assistance benefits ensuring that he received reasonable accommodations from DSS throughout the process. Once the client was receiving public assistance Ms. Laruccia represented the veteran at his SSD hearing and received a fully favorable decision including retroactive benefits.

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A veteran who was found 100% disabled by Veterans Affairs (VA) and has TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) status sought Staff Attorney Catherine Mendolia’s services with a consumer debt issue. The veteran, while out of state visiting their children, became ill and had to seek emergency medical assistance. The provider was considered an outside provider of the VA system. Although the visit should have been covered due to the emergency status, the veteran still notified the VA of the visit in order to alert them. Little did he know, the VA never provided payment, and the bill went to collections. Through months of zealous advocacy, Ms. Mendolia ensured the VA paid the outstanding bill resolving his consumer debt issue.

Thank you to Veterans’ Rights Project Staff Attorneys Susanna Laruccia and Catherine Mendolia for their dedication to and advocacy for our Long Island Military Veterans.

Remember our services are free of charge! Call and ask for the Veteran’s Rights Project. Nassau County residents call: 516-292-8100 Suffolk County residents call: 631-232-2400