Led by retired Navy Commander John B. Wells, Military-Veterans Advocacy® has built a strong record of success in both military justice and veterans’ litigation.
MVA has defended service members in cases ranging from larceny to sexual assault—achieving acquittals, overturned convictions, and restored careers. In some cases, this work has led to the exoneration of individuals wrongfully imprisoned for years.
This same “never give up” approach drives MVA’s broader mission: using litigation to correct injustice and protect the rights of service members and veterans nationwide.
Military-Veterans Advocacy® brings strategic cases in federal courts—primarily in Washington, D.C.—to challenge unlawful policies and regulatory decisions affecting service members and veterans.
These efforts have:
MVA focuses on cases that create broader impact—ensuring that victories extend beyond individual claims to protect entire groups of veterans.
Military-Veterans Advocacy® works to protect the rights of all U.S. service members and veterans—particularly those facing systemic injustice in:
MVA places special focus on groups whose service conditions or exposures have historically been overlooked or excluded.
MVA continues to pursue legal and regulatory actions to address emerging threats and systemic challenges affecting veterans.
This includes:
All focused on ensuring veterans receive the benefits and protections they have earned.
Procopio v. Wilkie
Procopio v. Wilkie was a landmark Federal Circuit case addressing whether Blue Water Navy veterans are entitled to the same presumption of herbicide exposure as veterans who served on land in Vietnam.
Military-Veterans Advocacy served as petitioner in the case, which resulted in the Federal Circuit recognizing that service within the territorial seas of Vietnam qualifies for the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange.
The decision ultimately led to the passage and implementation of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, restoring benefits eligibility for thousands of veterans.
Military-Veterans Advocacy v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Military-Veterans Advocacy has pursued litigation against the Department of Veterans Affairs to challenge regulatory interpretations and policies that improperly restrict veterans’ eligibility for benefits.
These cases focus on ensuring that the VA properly applies federal statutes, respects congressional intent, and provides fair adjudication for veterans seeking recognition of service-connected disabilities.
National Organization of Veterans Advocacy v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
This litigation addressed procedural and regulatory issues affecting the VA claims and appeals system. Military-Veterans Advocacy participated to ensure that veterans retain meaningful access to judicial review and that administrative procedures comply with statutory protections.
The case reflects broader efforts to protect due process rights for veterans navigating the VA benefits system.
If you believe you have experienced a legal injustice related to your military service or veterans’ benefits, Military-Veterans Advocacy® may be able to help.
Through litigation, advocacy, and policy engagement, Military-Veterans Advocacy® has helped advance legal protections and benefits for service members and veterans nationwide.
Federal court victories influencing benefits for thousands of veterans, including landmark cases addressing toxic exposure and veterans’ rights.
Advocacy efforts shaping VA regulatory policy, helping ensure that federal agencies follow the laws enacted by Congress.
Legal challenges to unlawful or restrictive VA rulemaking, protecting veterans from policies that improperly limit earned benefits.
Defense and advocacy for service members facing military justice issues, including wrongful convictions, improper discharges, and violations of constitutional rights.
National advocacy on emerging veterans’ issues, including predatory claim representation practices, and fairness for Coast Guard during government shutdowns.