At age 17, a veteran enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Rifleman. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he engaged in firefights and conducted daily foot patrols in areas mined with improvised explosive devices. For his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he earned the prestigious Combat Action Ribbon.

After returning home, the veteran struggled with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from his combat service. Following a single instance of marijuana use, he received an Other Than Honorable discharge with a narrative reason for separation of “Misconduct.” That discharge characterization barred him from accessing critical VA benefits and left him carrying the stigma of a discharge that did not reflect the totality of his service.

With screening and mentoring support from the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), DC-based Williams & Connolly attorney and Marine Corps veteran Ashwin Shandilya represented the veteran in applying for a discharge upgrade before the Naval Discharge Review Board. The brief argued that the veteran’s service-connected PTSD was a mitigating factor for the misconduct that led to his discharge.

The Board agreed. In April 2026, the veteran’s discharge was upgraded to fully Honorable, and his narrative reason for separation was changed to “Secretarial Authority.” As a result, he obtained access to the full range of VA benefits and received a discharge certificate that more accurately reflects his service and sacrifice.

Ashwin brought to this case not only exceptional advocacy, but also a deep understanding of military service. Before joining Williams & Connolly, he served four years as a Marine Corps officer and judge advocate and was recognized as the 2020 Marine Corps Defense Counsel of the Year.

This outcome demonstrates the life changing impact of pro bono representation and the difference dedicated volunteers can make in the lives of veterans seeking justice. NVLSP is grateful for Ashwin’s outstanding advocacy and Williams & Connolly’s pro bono partnership in serving those who served.

Interested in learning more about DC Pro Bono Week? Check out the 2026 Schedule of Events!

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