• NOVA Training

  SPRING CONFERENCE 2012
  
  Spring Conference 2012
  Denver, Colorado
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  NOVA WEBINAR

  Watch this space for future Webinar training opportunities.

  The Beginner's Guide to Veterans Law DVD

  The Beginner's Guide to Veterans Law is essential for those just beginning a veterans law practice. Learn practical advice from seasoned practitioners. On sale now!

• Latest News

  NOVA Leadership Change
  The National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA) has named Paul Sullivan, the former Executive Director of Veterans for Common Sense (VCS), as NOVA's new Executive Director.
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  9th Circuit Court of Appeals Reverses Ruling
  In Veterans for Common Sense v. Shinseki, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's conclusion that the courts are powerless to provide remedies for the delays in the VA claims adjudication system.
  After noting that the inexcusable long delays to adjudicate claims and to resolve appeals violates the due process rights of veterans, the court concluded that, if neither the VA nor Congress will act, courts should impose time limits on the VA. More..
  NOVA Challenges PTSD Regulation
  NOVA has filed our reply brief in the Fed Cir lawsuit challenging the PTSD regulation contained in 38 C.F.R. Section 3.304(f)(3).. More...
  The Freeman Case
  In the Freeman case, in which NOVA appeared asamicus curiae, the CAVC determined, that actions by the VA regarding fiduciary appointments and activities, under 38 YSC Sections 5502 and 5507 and the implementing regulations are subject to judicial review. More..
  NOVA Challenges PTSD Regulation
  NOVA has filed our reply brief in the Fed Cir lawsuit challenging the PTSD regulation contained in 38 C.F.R. Section 3.304(f)(3).. More...
  VA Found in Civil Contempt
  For the first time since its creation in 1988, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims found the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in civil contempt for failure to expeditiously handle a veteran's claim after the Court had issued a previous decision on the case. The Harvey case was argued by NOVA President Katrina Eagle.
  More..
  Agent Orange Regulations Finalized
  Final Agent Orange regulations are effective August 31, 2010 and apply to pending claims. More...

• Useful NOVA Links

  • NOVA BOD & Staff
  • NOVA Committees
    NOVA Membership
    
  • NOVA Seminars
    NOVA Webinars
    NOVA Beginner's Guide to Veterans' Law DVD
    Claims Process
    
  • Professional Advocacy
  • VA Accreditation
    VA Regulations
    
  • Veterans Seeking Legal Assistance

Mission Statement

To develop and encourage high standards of service and representation for all persons seeking benefits through the federal veterans benefits system.

A Message From NOVA's President

If you have found NOVA's website, you may be an attorney who is interested in learning about veterans' law. You might be an attorney who practices veterans' law and who is interested in locating colleagues who also practice in this niche field. You might be a non-attorney who is accredited by the VA to represent veterans and their families. Or you may be a veteran looking for an attorney or advocate to assist you with your appeal for VA disability benefits. Regardless of what motivated you to find NOVA's website, you've come to the right place, and we thank you for visiting. 

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• Board of Directors and NOVA Staff

Are You a Veteran Who Needs Legal Assistance?

If you are a veteran seeking service-connected disability compensation and need legal advice, it is important that you are represented by an attorney or non-attorney agent who has been accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Click here to see why a Veteran needs legal representation.
• Click on this link to find a NOVA Advocate in your area. 

VA Accreditation

Effective June 23, 2008 all lawyers and representatives who intend to
assist claimants for VA benefits in the preparation, presentation, or
prosecution of new claims must first become accredited by the VA.
Representation which was initiated before June 23, 2008 may continue
without accreditation. The accreditation final rule, which was published
in the Federal Register on May 22, 2008, and which explains how to
obtain and maintain accreditation can be accessed from this website, as
can a link to the accreditation application form, VA Form 21a.

Sustaining members of NOVA can also access on “the Wiki”, General
Counsel Opinions regarding accreditation and suggested forms for
submission of mandatory CLE and certification of good standing.

•VA Regulations/ Federal Register

NOVA Advocates Seminars, Webinars, and Other Training

Seminars

NOVA is committed to organizing and presenting legal seminars twice annually for the improvement of attorneys and non-attorney agents. These seminars are intended for practitioners new to the area of veterans’ law, as well as for the more advanced practitioners.  More...

DVD

In addition to our live seminars we offer our training DVD, “Beginner’s Guide to Veterans Law” which is essential for those just beginning a veterans law practice. More...

Webinars

Future Webinar events coming soon.

NOVA and Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement (CVA) Pro Bono Program

In July 2009, the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc. (NOVA) and Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement (CVA) rolled out its national collaborative pro bono program. This national colloboration was implemented to fight homelessness among veterans.

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NOVA Membership

Membership in NOVA is open to any individual who represents claimants in the VA compensation and pension system and who is admitted to practice and is in good standing before the CAVC, and/or is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Law students, professors, and Veterans Service Organization Representatives are also welcome to join NOVA.

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