Are you a veteran with a less than honorable characterization of service? Is something in your military record incorrect or unjust? Call us at (314) 935-7238 or email cormacs@wustl.edu to request help.

Our Mission

The Veterans Law Clinic is dedicated to helping St. Louis area veterans request discharge upgrades and correction of military records. We understand the importance of service and we recognize the impact of negative military records. The way in which service is captured in a veteran’s military record carries extreme importance in how a veteran views his or her service. More tangibly, certain characterizations of service can disqualify veterans for benefits and services.

Our Team

The Veterans Law Clinic team consists of second and third-year WashU Law students supervised by a licensed attorney with many years of experience practicing as an active-duty commissioned officer. Our representation is entirely free for the veterans we assist.

We are eager to help veterans in the following areas:

  • upgrades of discharge characterization
  • changes to incorrect separation codes, reenlistment codes, and narratives of the reason for discharge
  • claims that a discharge was processed or issued improperly
  • assertions that a veteran would not receive the same type of discharge under current military policies
  • requests for clemency from a court-martial sentence
  • claims that post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual assault / sexual harassment contributed to the circumstances resulting in a discharge
  • requests for awards, or upgrades of an award, which a veteran should have received

Eligibility

Focusing our efforts on veterans who cannot otherwise afford an attorney, our Clinic limits assistance to veterans under the following income thresholds:

2024 Income Limits
Size of Household                           Income Limit
1                                                          $ 45,180
2                                                          $ 61,320
3                                                          $ 77,460
4                                                          $ 93,600
5                                                          $ 109,740
6                                                          $ 125,880
7                                                          $ 142,020
8                                                          $ 158,160

Veterans Law Clinic Faculty

Faculty and Staff Directory
Cormac Smith Headshot

Cormac Smith

Assistant Professor of Practice and Director, Veterans Law Clinic