Firm News Archives

A Veteran’s Fight for Justice Continues in Federal Court Against the U.S. Navy

Posted on October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 by Becky Haugen

A decorated U.S. Navy veteran has taken his fight for justice to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, challenging what he contends is an unfair and unlawful disability rating that stripped him of the retirement benefits he earned through combat service. Represented by attorney Dylan Thayer of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, the case asks the appellate court to correct a series of errors by the Navy’s Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR).

A Story of Service and Sacrifice

This veteran served honorably as a Petty Officer First Class in covert reconnaissance squadrons, flying dozens of combat missions across Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. His role placed him in direct danger, tracking enemy positions, calling in strikes, and witnessing devastation at close range.

One mission in particular, an air campaign that resulted in over 180 enemy combatants killed in action, left lasting scars. In the months that followed, he developed the hallmarks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): intrusive memories, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. By 2007, Navy doctors determined his PTSD was permanent, ending his career as a flight technician.

Despite his clear diagnosis, the Navy awarded him only a 10% disability rating, far below the 50% rating mandated by federal law (VASRD § 4.129) for service-related PTSD severe enough to cause separation from service. That rating meant severance pay instead of medical retirement, a decision that has denied him lifetime benefits for over 15 years.

A Long Legal Battle

The veteran sought relief through the PDBR, which in 2022 admitted his PTSD was service-connected and warranted a retroactive 50% rating. Yet the Board simultaneously cut his rating back to 10% without ever conducting a follow-up medical examination, contradicting both statute and regulation.

Federal district court upheld the Navy’s decision earlier this year, prompting the veteran to appeal. His case now rests with the D.C. Circuit, where his attorneys argue that the Navy’s actions were arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law and that the proper remedy is full medical retirement.

“This case is about more than numbers on a chart,” said Dylan Thayer, lead counsel. “It is about honoring the sacrifices of those who served in combat, ensuring that the law is applied fairly, and correcting years of injustice.”

Broader Implications

The outcome of this appeal could have lasting implications for thousands of veterans who were medically separated with low ratings between 2001 and 2009, a period Congress has acknowledged was plagued by systematic under-rating of combat-related disabilities.

For this veteran, the case is deeply personal. “After everything he gave in service to his country, he deserves the benefits promised under law,” Thayer added.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this release does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is unique, and results depend on the facts and circumstances of each matter.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., is a nationally recognized boutique law firm representing service members, federal employees, and veterans in complex military and federal employment matters. With decades of combined experience, the firm advocates for those facing injustice in courts-martial, boards of inquiry, correction boards, security-clearance cases, and federal appeals.

Army Family Files Federal Lawsuit Over Privacy Act Violations After Unlawful Release of Records

Posted on September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 by Becky Haugen

A married Army couple has filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging the Department of the Army unlawfully released sensitive personal information protected under federal law. At the heart of the case is a military police report that contained unredacted details about the family, including Social Security numbers, Department of Defense identification numbers, dates of birth, and the names of their minor children.

The couple contends that the release of this information, without their knowledge or consent, directly violated the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, which prohibits government agencies from disclosing personal records contained within a “system of records” absent a written request or authorization. The law makes clear that any intentional or willful release of protected data that causes harm opens the door to civil liability.

Here, the unredacted report was transmitted to a third party during a private custody dispute. Not only was the disclosure made without any lawful basis, but the Army itself later conceded through its Installation Management Command that the report had been released in violation of federal law. The complaint alleges the release was willful and intentional, even occurring after the Army employee responsible received a system-generated warning about disseminating personally protected information.

Legal precedent strengthens the family’s claim. In Doe v. U.S. Department of Justice and Chambers v. U.S. Department of the Interior, the D.C. Circuit confirmed that unlawful disclosures causing adverse effects, such as financial costs or emotional distress, are actionable. The complaint cites these principles in establishing all four required elements of a Privacy Act damages claim:

The police report was a record within a system of records.
The Army improperly disclosed the record.
The disclosure was willful and intentional.
The plaintiffs suffered adverse effects, including more than $20,000 in legal fees and lasting emotional harm.

“This is not just a technical violation,” said their counsel, Dylan Thayer of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC. “When the Army released a document it was explicitly forbidden to share, it violated a fundamental promise of privacy and accountability. The consequences for this family were immediate and severe.”

The lawsuit seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, and other relief under the Privacy Act, sending a clear message: military families, like all Americans, are entitled to the full protections Congress enacted to keep their personal information secure.

Disclaimer

This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or sharing this content does not create an attorney–client relationship.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC is a premier boutique law firm based in Washington, D.C., representing service members, veterans, federal employees, and their families nationwide. With decades of combined experience, the firm advocates for justice in military, administrative, and federal courts.

Federal Medical Malpractice Settlement Reached After Administrative Denials, Federal Filings, and Painstaking Advocacy

Posted on September 25, 2025September 26, 2025 by Becky Haugen

Federal Medical Malpractice Settlement—Fox Army Health Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

A Life Forever Changed: Settlement Brings Justice, But Not the Years Lost

After years of relentless legal battles, a long-awaited settlement has been reached in a medical malpractice case brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) against the United Army. Represented by attorney Dylan Thayer of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, the client, a retired service member and federal civilian employee, faced a devastating medical injustice that will forever shorten his life.

For years, the client entrusted military medical providers with his annual flight physicals, a critical requirement for his career. These examinations were supposed to safeguard not just his professional readiness, but his health. Yet, despite his family history of prostate cancer and his repeated disclosures of that risk, military medical providers at Fox Army Health Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama failed to perform the basic and recommended PSA testing for three consecutive years.

The consequence was catastrophic. By the time the cancer was discovered, it was Stage 4 and terminal, with metastasis spread to the bones and spine. His prognosis, once filled with promise and years of service ahead, was now tragically shortened.

The Veteran pursued justice not for financial gain, but for accountability and recognition of the harm done. His fight exposed systemic failures in military healthcare, failures that left him without the chance for earlier treatment that could have extended his life.

“This is a case about accountability and dignity,” said Attorney Dylan Thayer. “Our client trusted the system designed to protect him, and the system failed him. While the settlement offers some measure of justice, it comes at a heartbreaking cos, years of life lost that no legal resolution can restore.”

The settlement marks the conclusion of a legal journey that spanned years of administrative denials, federal filings, and painstaking advocacy. It is a victory that carries both relief and sorrow: relief that justice has been recognized, and sorrow that justice came too late to change the ultimate outcome.

This case highlights a critical reminder for military and civilian healthcare systems alike: adherence to medical standards is not optional. The costs of negligence are not measured in dollars alone, but in human lives and the time unjustly taken from them.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC:

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., is a national law firm dedicated to representing service members, veterans, and federal employees in matters involving military justice, administrative law, federal employment, and medical malpractice. The firm has built a reputation for delivering results in complex cases where the stakes are life, liberty, and livelihood.

Disclaimer:

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this release does not create an attorney-client relationship.

OPINION: Silencing Women in Service Weakens America’s Strength

Posted on September 24, 2025September 25, 2025 by Becky Haugen

OPINION: Silencing Women in Service Weakens America’s Strength

By the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

A Step Backward

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to shut down the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) is not just about ending an advisory group. It is part of a broader push to reshape the image of the military under a narrow “warrior ethos.” In doing so, it risks violating the rights of service members and weakening national security.

For nearly 75 years, DACOWITS gave women in uniform a voice inside the Pentagon, flagging problems with equipment, training, health care, and readiness. Its closure silences that voice. Even more troubling, it signals a willingness to roll back decades of progress where women have earned the right, through law and sacrifice, to serve in every capacity, including combat.

And this was not theoretical progress. DACOWITS directly shaped the military’s ability to function effectively. As of 2025, approximately 94% of DACOWITS recommendations have been either fully or partially adopted by the Department of Defense since its creation in 1951. Those changes, from equipment design to personnel policies, had real, measurable impacts on readiness and national security. Closing the committee risks losing a proven engine of reform.

The Legal Reality

Hegseth does not have the legal power to remove women from combat or other positions simply because of their sex. Congress repealed combat-exclusion laws years ago, and the Supreme Court has made clear that discrimination based on gender requires an “exceedingly persuasive justification.” Any attempt to bar women would trigger immediate lawsuits and constitutional challenges under the Fifth Amendment’s equal-protection guarantee.

Uniformed service members—whether Army, Navy, Space Force, NOAA, or the U.S. Public Health Service—fall under Title 10. That means their rights are protected by federal law, and any blanket policy to exclude them based on sex would be unlawful.

Security Consequences

This is more than a legal fight. Removing women from full participation in service threatens national security. Research consistently shows that diverse teams perform better, especially in complex missions overseas and at home. By closing down advisory committees and silencing voices, the Pentagon narrows its talent pool at a time when recruiting and retention are already at crisis levels.

For non-armed services like the USPHS and NOAA, which often deploy alongside the military in disaster zones or global health missions, the chilling effect is real. Labeling inclusion efforts as “woke” undermines critical coordination and risks sidelining officers who are already vital to national response efforts.

A Dangerous Precedent

Beyond the issue of gender, the new directive restricting service members’ ability to speak at outside events and panels further shortens the lines of communication between the Pentagon and the public. When commanders control not just operations but also outside speech, transparency suffers. Service members—military, federal, or Tribal—are left with fewer avenues to raise concerns, seek reforms, or expose wrongdoing.

The Path Forward

Commanders and service members who find themselves targeted by discriminatory policies are not without recourse. They can:

File Equal Opportunity complaints
Pursue Inspector General investigations
Petition their respective Boards for Correction of Military or Naval Records (ABCMR, BCNR, etc.)
Seek judicial review where appropriate

Our firm stands ready to defend these rights. Title 10 protections apply across the spectrum of uniformed service, and no secretary can erase them by memo.

Conclusion

Rolling back opportunities for women under the guise of “readiness” is both unlawful and unwise. America is strongest when all who are willing and able to serve are judged on merit, not gender. Shuttering transparency and silencing voices threatens readiness, justice, and the very values the military and federal service are sworn to uphold.

References, Resources & Citations

Politico, Hegseth shutters Pentagon women’s advisory group, clamps down on outside appearances (Sept. 2025) Politico
Hegseth dissolves women’s military committee over ‘divisive feminist agenda’ (The Guardian, Sept 23 2025) The Guardian
Hegseth ‘proudly’ terminates Women, Peace, and Security program supported by Trump (Washington Post, Apr 2025) Center for Strategic and International Studies, Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 and DoD Implementation (2017–2024 reports) Washington Post
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), commentary on WPS strategy rollbacks (2025) GIWPS
Department of Homeland Security Report on the Implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act (2022) DHS
Department of State Implementation Plan for the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security Department of State
Women, Peace and Security: Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan (DoD, 2020) Policy Brief
Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68) Congress
DACOWITS Annual Reports to the Secretary of Defense (archival, 1951–2024) DACOWITS
Title 10, U.S. Code, governing armed and uniformed services Cornell
Department of Defense Inspector General and GAO reports on military recruiting and readiness (2023–2025) GAO Readiness Reports

Army Veteran Wins Medical Retirement After Long Fight for Justice

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Becky Haugen

After more than a decade of pain, appeals, and repeated denials, a U.S. Army veteran has finally secured justice. On September 12, 2025, following a formal hearing before the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), the Board recognized what years of medical evidence had already made clear: the veteran’s combat-related injuries rendered him unfit for service and entitled him to a medical retirement.

This decision marks the end of a grueling journey that began with a Humvee accident in Iraq in 2008, where the soldier sustained traumatic brain injury, multiple orthopedic injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Rather than receiving the disability evaluation process required by Army regulations, he was left in limbo for years on temporary medical profiles, eventually separated at the end of his service contract in 2011 without the medical retirement he deserved. Despite his documented conditions, which later earned him a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Army refused to grant him retirement benefits. For over a decade, he fought through the Army Board for Correction of Military Records and multiple PEB reviews, compiling an extensive record of medical evidence, VA ratings, and legal arguments to prove what should have been recognized years ago, that he was permanently unfit for service. The member even filed suit in District Court, obtaining a remand, which led to his ultimate victory.

“This case demonstrates the perseverance of a soldier who refused to let bureaucracy erase his sacrifice,” said Attorney Dylan Thayer, who represented the veteran. “Our client gave everything for his country, and after years of struggle, the system has finally acknowledged that he was entitled to a medical retirement from the very beginning. It is an honor to stand by him in securing this result.”

The Board’s decision not only restores the veteran’s dignity but also grants him critical benefits, including retirement pay, health care, and backdated entitlements. It sends a broader message that service members should not have to fight for years to obtain the care and recognition that the law already promises them.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., represents U.S. service members, veterans, and federal employees in military and federal employment law matters, including courts-martial defense, PEB/MEB representation, ABCMR appeals, and security clearance defense. The firm is dedicated to correcting injustices and protecting the rights of those who serve.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this release does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces Overturns Airman’s Conviction; Restores Honor and Career

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Becky Haugen

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC announced today a significant victory before the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF), which unanimously reversed the wrongful conviction of an Airman wrongfully convicted of cocaine use. The unanimous decision found that prosecutors had wrongfully failed to disclose exculpatory evidence under Brady v. Maryland.

This decision likely secures more than three years of back pay and allowances for the Airman and, most importantly, removes his criminal conviction, ensuring he will be honorably discharged.

From Injustice to Vindication

The young Airman faced a devastating court-martial conviction in 2021 at Little Rock Air Force Base after the government withheld and destroyed critical evidence that could have exonerated him. While one of his co-accused was acquitted and another not even charged, the Airman was left with a court martial conviction, “bad paper” discharge, denied appellate review, and forced to rebuild his life working at a Home Depot.

After his initial Article 69 petition was denied, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC took the case pro bono. When the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction, Senior Military Defense Attorney Annie Morgan, argued the appeal before the CAAF in Spring of 2025.

This morning, the CAAF issued its unanimous decision, ruling that the lower court erred in dismissing withheld exculpatory evidence, a clear violation of Brady v. Maryland. The Court found the government’s destruction of investigative files and failure to disclose evidence fundamentally undermined the fairness of the trial.

A Voice for All Service Members

“This case reaffirms that every service member, no matter their rank, deserves a fair trial,” said Annie Morgan, Senior Military Defense Attorney at the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon. “Our client stood alone for years, but today the Court has restored his honor and ensured that justice prevails.”

Case Impact

The Court set aside both the findings and the sentence, underscoring that suppressed evidence of potential innocent ingestion and investigative misconduct should have been disclosed.

This ruling strengthens due-process protections across the armed forces and sends a clear message that the government must honor its constitutional discovery obligations.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., is a nationally recognized firm representing military service members, federal employees, and veterans. With a focus on courts-martial defense, medical retirement boards, and appeals before military and federal courts, the firm is committed to safeguarding the rights, careers, and honor of those who serve.

Disclaimer

This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is created by this announcement.

Army Chaplain Files New ABCMR Petition Following Court Victory

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Becky Haugen

A Step Forward in Restoring Honor and Correcting Injustice

An Army Chaplain has filed a new application with the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) seeking the removal of a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) from her official record. This filing follows her decisive federal court victory earlier this summer, when the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found that the Army’s prior refusal to grant relief was “arbitrary and capricious” and remanded her case to the Board

A Career of Service, a Battle for Justice

The Chaplain’s story is one of resilience, faith, and dedication to the soldiers she served. After joining active duty in 2016, she rose to become a Battalion Chaplain in the 101st Airborne Division. Her record included consistent high marks for performance and leadership, along with deep personal commitments to the spiritual and moral well-being of her troops

In 2022, following an administrative dispute with a subordinate soldier, she received a GOMOR. While the Army initially attempted to end her career, a Board of Inquiry later determined she should be retained, recognizing that her conduct did not rise to the level of separation. Even so, the reprimand remained in her permanent record, a stain that hindered her advancement despite subsequent “highly qualified” evaluations and strong endorsements from peers and leaders

In February 2024, the ABCMR itself unanimously recommended removing the reprimand, citing her remorse, strong performance, and the unfair severity of the GOMOR. But in April 2024, that recommendation was overturned by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army. The Chaplain challenged the decision in federal court, and on July 14, 2025, the District Court sided with her, ordering the case returned to the Board for proper reconsideration

Moving the Ball Forward

Now, with her latest ABCMR filing, the Chaplain is seeking to finish what began three years ago: the full restoration of her record and her honor.

“This case is about more than one reprimand,” said her attorney, Dylan Thayer, of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC. “It is about ensuring that a decorated chaplain’s career is not defined by an isolated incident, especially after she has demonstrated unwavering integrity, remorse, and continued excellence in service.”

For the Chaplain, the filing is not simply about personal vindication. It is about correcting the record so that her service is remembered for what it truly is faithful, compassionate, and dedicated to the soldiers she was called to serve.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., is nationally recognized for its representation of service members, veterans, and federal employees. The firm has extensive experience in military law, corrections of military records, courts-martial defense, and federal employment litigation.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Army Officer Files for Correction of Military Records After Career-Ending Injustice

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Becky Haugen

Attorney Dylan Thayer of The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC filed a petition on behalf of a former U.S. Army officer, seeking long-overdue correction of her military records. The filing alleges that administrative delays, wrongful documentation, and unjust proceedings led directly to the premature end of the officer’s Army career.

The case centers on the Army’s mishandling of a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) issued in 2017. Although the officer accepted responsibility and demonstrated years of exemplary service afterward, including letters of support from commanding officers and strong performance reviews, her record was never corrected in time to prevent an unfair separation. Even the issuing general later confirmed that the reprimand had “served its intended purpose” and should have been removed.

Despite this, bureaucratic delays allowed the reprimand to influence promotion and retention boards, effectively ending the officer’s military service in 2021. The filing argues that the Army Board for Correction of Military Records must now grant relief, including reinstatement, retroactive promotion consideration, and the removal of the unjust reprimand.

“This case is about fairness, justice, and the Army’s duty to uphold its own regulations,” said Dylan Thayer, counsel for the officer. “Our client gave years of honorable service and demonstrated rehabilitation, yet her career was cut short by administrative errors that the Army itself acknowledged were unjust.”

The petition also details the severe toll the separation has taken on the officer’s mental health, including treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Advocates argue that correcting her record is not only required by law but essential to restoring the integrity of the Army’s personnel system.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

Based in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC represents service members, veterans, and federal employees in matters involving military justice, medical boards, security clearance actions, and corrections of military records. With decades of experience, the firm is committed to protecting the rights and careers of those who serve.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this release does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC.

Air Force Veteran Wins Long-Fought Battle to Restore Her Honorable Service

Posted on September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 by Becky Haugen

After nearly a decade of fighting to correct an injustice, a former Airman Basic has finally succeeded in having her military discharge upgraded to “Honorable.”

The Airmen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2012, where she excelled serving in Germany supporting Patriot Express missions. Her career trajectory shifted, however, after a transfer stateside in 2015. There she endured domestic abuse at the hands of her spouse and faced a devastating lack of support from her chain of command. Instead of receiving protection, the Airman was pushed into marital counseling that worsened her trauma. The abuse, combined with untreated medical issues, led to severe sleep disorders and adjustment disorder with depression. These conditions caused her to be late for work on multiple occasions, incidents her command labeled as “misconduct (minor infractions).” She was separated with a “General” discharge, stripping her of the full recognition and benefits.

Despite this, the Airman never gave up. She built a successful civilian career, proving that the issues she faced were rooted in circumstances beyond her control—not a lack of dedication or ability. She then pursued every available appeal, courageously telling her story to military review boards even after initial denials.

On May 29, 2025, the Air Force Discharge Review Board voted to correct the injustice. The Board found her prior characterization inequitable, upgrading her discharge to Honorable, changing her narrative reason to Secretarial Authority, and revising her reentry code.

“She carried this stigma for years, but knew her service was honorable,” according to her attorney< David P. Sheldon, who represented her before the Board. “This upgrade means the record finally reflects the truth.”

Her persistence not only restores her dignity but also highlights how survivors of abuse and trauma within the ranks are too often punished instead of supported.

The case was part of the Johnson et al. v. Kendall class action settlement, which required the Air Force to review thousands of discharges under more compassionate standards of equity and clemency

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., represents service members, veterans, and federal employees nationwide. The firm is dedicated to ensuring fairness in military justice, protecting veterans’ rights, and correcting injustices in service records.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes vary based on specific facts and legal circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.