Citizen Soldier Law

06/11/2026

Did you know a combat-related finding from a PEB does not automatically qualify you for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)?

Understanding the difference between a PEB combat determination and a CRSC award is critical to protecting the benefits you've earned.

Read our latest blog to learn more:

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Recently, several clients have reached out to ask questions about Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). In each case, the client had been medically retired and received combat designation codes from the Physical Evaluation Board...

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating our incredible paralegal, Danielle Keens, on graduating from Rutgers with a degree in Criminal Justice! 🎓

Danielle’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others continues to make a tremendous impact at Citizen Soldier Law every day. We are proud to celebrate this major achievement and excited to see all that lies ahead for her future. Congratulations!

04/20/2026

Burn pit exposure is finally being recognized, and it could mean tax-free compensation through CRSC for affected veterans.

If you’ve developed health issues, you may qualify under “instrumentality of war” and restore lost retirement pay. Read more here:

On March 6, 2026, the U.S. Army settled Smoke et al. v. Driscoll, a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Army veterans who were denied a combat related designation by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) for unfit disabilities presumed...

04/06/2026

Navigating the IDES, MEB, PEB, or LOD process isn’t just paperwork, it’s your future on the line. One missed record, deadline, or detail can have lasting consequences on your benefits and career.

Learn why having an experienced advocate matters and how the right legal guidance can help protect what you’ve earned:

When you’re injured and facing the Disability Evaluation System (IDES), a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), or a Line of Duty (LOD) determination, the process can feel overwhelming—especially when the...

03/25/2026

We are proud to share a powerful win for one of our nation’s heroes. The Air Force Board of Corrections has granted a Vietnam veteran disability retirement retroactive all the way back to 1978.

This case is a reminder that it’s never too late to fight for the benefits our service members earned through their sacrifice. Persistence, advocacy, and the right legal support can truly change lives.

👉 Read more about this incredible outcome:

What a win....

02/18/2026

Did you know that medical history, prior misconduct, or dependent status may require an enlistment waiver before joining the military? Understanding the waiver process, and presenting strong character references and supporting documentation, can make a difference in eligibility. Learn more here...

Enlistment Waivers: What an important consideration and there is a process for those with medical issues or misconduct. Hopefully this helps and contact the retired and stills serving Sergeants/ NCOs and retired Judge Advocates at our firm for a more in depth review of your goals.

02/12/2026

We are honored to receive another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review from one of our valued IDES clients! At Citizen Soldier Law, we are committed to providing dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate representation to the service members and veterans we serve. Thank you for trusting us to stand by your side.

★★★★★

02/04/2026

Catchers and pitchers reporting—baseball season is officially underway! ⚾
Kicking off the season with great company, great views, and the same teamwork and strategy that drive success both on and off the field. Looking forward to everything this season has in store.

Citizen Soldier Law Team Bonding Flashback!

02/03/2026

Know your rights in the military disability process. 524 hearings offer service members in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) a valuable second review of line-of-duty determinations that can make a real difference in their disability benefits outcomes.

If you or someone you love is navigating IDES and uncertain about how your medical conditions were evaluated, it’s worth learning how these appeals work and why having experienced guidance matters.

This is a fairly new development and we recently met with a client for his military-related disability case. The Gentlemen had terribly injured knees and back and expressed his frustration with the military's response to his medical...