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In January 2003, thirty-three year old, Staff Sergeant Allen Guse was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). As a result of his combat service, Mr. Guse suffered mental, back and hearing disabilities. He was medically discharged in June 2006.  More than two years later, Mr. Guse, a married veteran with three children, approached NVLSP through its Lawyers Serving Warriors program for help with his VA benefits claim.

 

After reviewing his case, NVLSP attorneys identified previous claims that may have been improperly denied. NVLSP contacted the law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in February 2009. Davis Wright was more than willing to work with NVLSP and provided pro bono service for Mr. Guse. Davis Wright attorney Lauren Giles Wishnie began working on the case for Mr. Guse. Due to the financial difficulties facing Mr. Guse, Ms. Wishnie went above and beyond in her pursuit of VA claims, aiding the veteran in pursuit of obtaining monetary benefits that were withheld by both the VA and the Department of Defense.

 

In April 2010, due to the efforts of Ms. Wishnie and NVLSP, the VA regional office in Portland, Oregon awarded Mr. Guse total disability at the 100 percent rate.  Mr. Guse, who had been receiving $728 per month in VA disability benefits was awarded approximately $21,000 in back benefits and will now receive approximately $3,082.00 per month. These tax free benefits and the free medical care that comes with these benefits will immeasurably help Mr. Guse, his spouse, and his three children.