Case Results

The Law Office of Shannon James represented a USPHS officer who faced involuntary termination due to an unwarranted adverse action. The officer sought to protect career status and benefits and to pursue the appropriate medical/retirement pathway.

After reviewing the officer’s record, medical documentation, and the governing USPHS personnel and disability retirement procedures, we developed an administrative strategy to (1) contest the proposed adverse action, (2) correct deficiencies in the agency’s process and supporting rationale, and (3) present a well-documented request for disability retirement consistent with the officer’s medical circumstances.

As a result of our advocacy, the involuntary termination was avoided, and the officer was granted disability retirement. This outcome preserved the officer’s earned retirement-related benefits and provided a more appropriate resolution based on the officer’s record.

This case reflects The Law Office of Shannon James’ commitment to protecting USPHS officers in high-stakes administrative proceedings and to securing the benefits and outcomes they have earned.

Our firm recently assisted a USPHS Lieutenant (LT) in successfully transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to dependents after previously encountering administrative barriers.

After a detailed review of the officer’s service record and applicable policies, our team identified errors in the initial determination and developed a strategic approach. We guided the client through the necessary administrative process, including submission of supporting documentation and an appeal to a higher authority.

As a result of our advocacy, the client’s eligibility was recognized, and the transfer of education benefits was approved, securing valuable educational funding for the officer’s dependents.
This outcome highlights our firm’s commitment to ensuring all service members receive the full benefits they have earned through their service.

The Law Office of Shannon James successfully represented a retired Captain of the U.S. Public Health Service in resolving complex issues surrounding the transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Our client was initially denied the ability to transfer education benefits to their dependents, resulting in significant debt through the U.S. Treasury. Through persistent advocacy, we secured the removal of those debts and ensured that the officer’s dependents regained access to the educational benefits that had been unjustly withheld. The Law Office of Shannon James remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of veterans and their families.

The Law Office of Shannon James proudly supported a United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Lieutenant Commander through the Medical Review Board process. Facing debilitating medical conditions and significant emotional stress, the officer relied on our legal guidance and advocacy to navigate the complex system. As a result of their documented medical impairments, the officer was awarded a 90% disability rating, securing the benefits and recognition they rightfully earned through dedicated service.

Represented a Commander who had a very serious false allegation made against him.  The Commander was found innocent of any wrongdoing and was promoted to Captain. 

Represented a Lieutenant Commander in the Public Health Service receive a medical retirement after 7 years of service rather than having to face a Review Board for possible elimination.

Helped an officer receive years of constructive service credit promised for prior civil service time which was denied a mere two weeks before the officer’s planned retirement.

Helped an officer receive education credit which is now being applied to the officer’s retirement pay multiplier.

Successfully removed a military client from a lifetime sexual assault registry, helped an E-7 to retain his Navy Enlisted Classification, and helped an Ensign to permanently remove an adverse FITREP from his record, and get retroactive promotions with backpay.

Helped a client who unfairly received a Letter of Reprimand (LOR) for lack of readiness get all relief requested by the PHS Board for Corrections (BFC).  This issue may be a precedent for many other egregious PHS decisions regarding the readiness notification process not being followed by Commissioned Corps Headquarters (CCHQ).