An article in Philadelphia Lawyer showcases fruitful efforts by Neha Yadav Chiaramonte, ’12, a staff attorney and Duffy Fellow with the Homeless Advocacy Center, on behalf of homeless veterans.

The article notes that Chiaramonte won a 40-year legal battle on behalf of one client, who had been fighting the Veteran’s Administration to treat him for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder since completing his service in Vietnam. Chiaramonte helped the former combat veteran arrange to receive compensation and treatment from the VA.

Chiaramonte also helped a decorated Air Force veteran who saw combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom secure monthly disability benefits as well as back benefits totaling nearly $88,000 after representing him before both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records.

Both men had been denied benefits after receiving “Other Than Honorable” discharge designations from the military. 

The article notes that soldiers can be discharged OTH for minor infractions or because they suffered from PTSD while still on active duty. HAP has greatly expanded its presence in two city shelters for homeless veterans to advocate on behalf of former service members.