Page 9 - Katten 2021 Pro Bono Annual Review

Katten Helps Remove Barriers for Veterans Discharged for Misconduct

With a greater understanding that veteran misconduct is often the result of mental health problems arising out of experiences
in war, military review boards now review and upgrade certain categories of discharge.

This spring, Chicago Litigation partner Nicole Saleem answered a call from
in-house counsel at Societe Generale Americas, one of the largest foreign banking
organizations in North America, to work together on several Veteran Advocacy
Project (VAP) cases. The VAP empowers veterans who face barriers to housing,
health care and income to rebuild their lives, assisting those who have been
dishonorably discharged from the military for misconduct and do not have access
to essential veteran benefits because of the nature of their discharge.

In addition to Nicole, those working on briefing packets to upgrade discharges
for former service members include Chicago Financial Markets Litigation and
Enforcement partners J. Matthew Haws and Elliott Bacon, New York Private
Credit counsel Constance Fratianni and Washington, DC Aviation associate
Brett Seifarth.

It was an honor to assist our Transgender Veteran Wins
client for a second time in Second Appeal in Benefits Case
having her benefits substantially
increased. She is a trailblazer in Through the National Veterans Legal Services Program,
seeking protection for others." Katten partner Claudia Callaway assisted a transgender
veteran in her 70s win a second benefits appeal.
The benefits involved those covering procedures related to a
facial scar the veteran sustained during her military service.

After six months of pro bono work on the case, an appeals
judge reversed a prior finding and awarded several years of
recognition to the scar, resulting in a meaningful lump-sum
payment and increased monthly payments to the veteran
going forward.

Claudia Callaway
PARTNER, WASHINGTON, DC

KATTEN 2021 PRO BONO ANNUAL REVIEW 7
KATTEN 2021 PRO BONO ANNUAL REVIEW