David P. Sheldon law firm Archives

Honoring Service: Legal Team Wins Medical Retirement for Dedicated USPHS Officer

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 by Becky Haugen

April 4, 2025

Senior Public Health Service Officer Secures Medical Retirement with Legal Representation from the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A senior officer in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps has successfully obtained a medical retirement following an in-depth review by the Medical Review Board and final approval by the Office of the Surgeon General. The officer was represented by Annie Morgan, Senior Military Defense Attorney at the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC.

The officer served the nation with distinction for more than a decade, including frontline deployments during public health emergencies. Despite a history of exceptional service, the officer developed service-connected medical conditions that rendered continued service untenable. After a thorough review, the Medical Review Board recommended permanent medical retirement, which was approved with an effective retirement date.

Annie Morgan, the officer’s legal representative, praised the outcome:

“This result reflects both the strength of our client’s record and the importance of advocating for the rights of officers who can no longer serve due to medical conditions that they incurred while in service. We’re proud to stand beside those who’ve sacrificed their health in service to this country.”

This case marks yet another success for the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, which is nationally recognized for representing USPHS members, service members, officers, and federal employees in complex legal and administrative matters, including medical retirement, disability evaluation, courts-martial, and correction of military records.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon

Located in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is a premier military law firm dedicated to defending the rights of U.S. service members and federal employees across all branches and uniformed services. The firm specializes in military justice, administrative law, disability and retirement proceedings, and appeals before military and federal courts. Led by founding attorney David P. Sheldon and supported by a team of seasoned litigators, the firm brings decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Contact:

Law Offices David P. Sheldon, PLLC
202-546-9575
militarydefense.com

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. Individuals facing legal or administrative challenges should consult with a qualified attorney who is experienced in military and Federal law to receive guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.

Federal Court Rejects Army’s Denial of Reservist’s Application for Retirement Benefits

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Becky Haugen

Federal Court Rejects Army’s Denial of Reservist’s Application for Retirement Benefits

Federal Judge Finds Army’s Decision Arbitrary, Siding with Plaintiff Represented by Law Offices of David P. Sheldon

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 3, 2025 — A federal court has sided with a retired Army Reserve officer in her challenge to the Army’s decision to separate her just four months shy of qualifying for military retirement. The case, brought under the Administrative Procedure Act, was remanded for further proceedings after U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan ruled that the Army’s reasoning for denying retirement benefits was “arbitrary and capricious.”

The plaintiff, a decorated Lieutenant Colonel with nearly 18 years of honorable service, had sought a modest extension of her service to reach the 20-year retirement threshold. Although her original position was deemed “overstaffed,” she successfully pursued a transfer to an understaffed Civil Affairs unit only to be discharged days before the transfer was finalized.

The Army Board for Correction of Military Records unanimously recommended correcting her records to reflect 20 years of service and to award retroactive retirement pay. But in a move the court called confusing and unsupported, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army overruled that recommendation in a single paragraph. The court determined that the Army’s rejection lacked any meaningful explanation and misunderstood key facts in the case.

“This case isn’t just about one soldier, it’s about fairness and accountability in how the Army treats its own,” said Dylan Thayer, the plaintiff’s attorney and partner at the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, a D.C.-based firm known for championing military rights. “We’re proud to fight for service members who’ve earned the benefits they were promised.”

The court’s decision sends the matter back to the Army for further review, giving the plaintiff a renewed chance to secure the retirement benefits she should have rightfully received.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon
Based in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is one of the nation’s premier military law firms. With a track record of defending the rights of service members across all branches, the firm handles courts-martial, correction of military records, medical retirement claims, and constitutional rights cases. Visit www.militarydefense.com for more information.

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon Successfully Negotiates Settlement for Defendant in Civil Suit

Posted on January 30, 2025March 25, 2025 by Becky Haugen

Press Release

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon Successfully Negotiates Settlement for January 6th Defendant in Civil Suit

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued “a full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.” While this historic order relieved January 6th defendants of criminal liability, many continue to face civil lawsuits stemming from the events of that day.

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon recently represented one such defendant in a high-stakes civil case seeking $10 million in damages, including claims for wrongful death.

Thanks to the diligence and skill of our legal team, several claims against our client were dismissed. The plaintiff filed a stipulation of dismissal with regard to our client, reaching a settlement for a significantly reduced amount.

At the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, we believe that everyone deserves high-quality legal representation. If you are a defendant in a civil suit in federal or D.C. Superior Court, contact our office today to learn how we can help protect your rights.

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
100 M St SE, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 546-9575
www.militarydefense.com

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this press release is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. Service members facing legal or administrative challenges should consult with a qualified attorney who is experienced in military law to receive guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.