Elizabeth Fay Genatowski

The Project

Elizabeth expanded the work of LAFLA’s Veterans Justice Center by providing direct legal services to Veterans to promote economic and employment stability. Elizabeth will advocate for Veterans in such areas as Veterans Benefits and Military Discharge Upgrades; performing community outreach and staffing clinics; and identifying and managing cases for pro bono placement.

Los Angeles County is home to more homeless and very-low-income Veterans than any other state in the country. According to a recent study, Los Angeles County Veterans face multiple and complex challenges to self-sufficiency. Pre- 9/11 and post-9/11 veterans reported significant physical and psychological health concerns, as well as impaired functioning, yet appear not to have obtained a commensurate VA disability rating.

Fellowship Highlights

During Elizabeth’s Fellowship, Elizabeth:

• Participate in various LAFLA clinics for low income veterans, during which she will conduct intake interviews, provide counsel and advice, and ascertain whether LAFLA should retain the veteran for further representation
• Assist veterans in obtaining discharge upgrades
• Assist veterans in applying for VA benefits including, but not limited to, service connected compensation and non-service connected pension
• Provide holistic representation to veterans by identifying additional areas for advocacy and referring the veterans to the appropriate advocate within LAFLA Veterans Justice Center or to an outside organization