Sidley Pro Bono Team Wins Benefits for U.S. Army Medic

A Sidley pro bono team in Chicago secured Combat-Related Special Compensation for a medically retired veteran of the U.S. Army. Our client suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and tinnitus, as well as numerous orthopedic injuries as a result of his 19 years of military service. The client was deployed once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan where he served as a combat medic. He received the Combat Medical Badge for “performing medical duties while engaged in active ground combat operations under enemy hostile fire to liberate Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

The Sidley team proved that his mental health diagnoses and tinnitus were the result of armed conflict, entitling him to more than US$2,400 per month in additional, tax-free compensation for life. The team consisted of alum Charlie Hu, Simon Saddleton, and paralegal Julia Krimmel.a