Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What’s Unique in MEBs, PEBs and IDES for Airmen?
We have decades of experience with Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard cases and we love serving both Reserve, Guard and Active Duty personnel. Indeed, active duty IDES is more straightforward so if you are Reserve Component, you might consider having that experience that our law firm provides, at your side. Just… Read More »
Injured Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Office of Soldier’s Counsel Stripped of Active Duty Legal Representation If Reserve Component
Reservists are reportedly no longer getting trained legal counsel for their military injuries in MEBs and PEBs. So far the Army has not made it official but clients and government lawyers who we know have reported that budget cuts have resulted in this affront and disrespect for those who served in Guard and Reserve…. Read More »
Feres Doctrine – Federal Tort Claims Act in the Military
Some background information on this issue since we researched it ourselves for clarity. This is not legal advice so please contact a lawyer who is experienced in this area. Servicemembers cannot file a lawsuit in most cases if a claim with the Branch Claims Office is unsuccessful. This process has not borne much fruit… Read More »
An Overview of Administrative Action Not Considered Punishment – yeah right!
General Officer Memorandum of Record (GOMOR) or Letter of Reprimand. Must there be an investigation? If there wasn’t an AR 15-6 Investigation, unless something that was done that was extremely obvious and problematic, that would be one of the bases to remove such an action from your records. One inquirer recently asked whether a… Read More »
Does PTSD Qualify as a Legal Defense for Veterans Facing Criminal Charges?
Many veterans returning from military service often face tremendous challenges as they reintegrate into civilian life. For many, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly affects their behavior, decision-making, and ability to cope with stress. Some veterans turn to alcohol and drugs as a way of coping. Unfortunately, sometimes, this can lead to encounters with the… Read More »
Why Might You Be Disqualified From Owning a Gun in NJ?
Our legal team in NJ is well-equipped to defend your rights to own, possess and carry a firearm. Feel free to call us or complete an intake form for the team to review your matter without charge. For Veterans and military, you may be assured of our professionalism by the well over 100 years… Read More »
Widows – Don’t Lose Hope
(This is not legal advice but a general summary-Do not rely on this post for benefits as timely and accurate filing matters.) Department of Veterans Affairs Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Those Left Behind — It includes children, parents and spouses If you are a survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related… Read More »
Supreme Court Expands CRSC Access by Overruling Six-Year Limit on Backpay
In a landmark June 2025 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Soto v. United States that military retirees who qualify for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) are not limited to six years of retroactive payments, reversing the federal government’s longstanding interpretation of the Barring Act. The Issue at Hand Simon Soto, a former… Read More »
COMBAT RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION – SO FAR, NO CHANGE
SOTO SUPREME COURT DECISION (2025) To cut to the chase, CRSC is alive and well and the eligibility criteria have not changed. Next thing you know the “Supremes,” as lawyers sometimes call them, will be ruling on MEBs, PEBs, LODs and IDES. Despite the Soto decision, applicants still have to apply and your… Read More »
New DoD Guidance Offers Hope to Service Members Discharged Over COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal
On May 7, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued critical guidance to its Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NRs), paving the way for former Service members to repair their military records and potentially return to service following discharges related to COVID-19 vaccine refusal. This action stems from… Read More »
