Eva Puorro has had helping veterans on her radar for quite some time. She is an experienced litigator, having practiced in New York and Connecticut for many years, and more recently worked for a startup company that provides expert medical opinions and for veterans and veterans’ advocates. When Eva saw the opportunity to volunteer at CVLC in 2014, she jumped at the opportunity. Her work with CVLC initially involved exposure cases and most recently involves helping veterans with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Her experience with CVLC has provided her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges that veterans face. She remarks that working with CVLC “made me realize that veterans are dealing unique challenges that most people are not aware of.” They need someone to listen to and support them, because it means a lot to veterans when people believe in them.

Eva has channeled her empathy into making a difference in the lives of those who have served and now devotes her practice solely to helping veterans and their families. Volunteering at CVLC has been a “great way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices”. She describes her time helping Mr. Smith, a Vietnam War veteran, get 100% service connected for a heart condition. Because of Eva’s work, Mr. Smith had newfound independence, and purchased his own car, rather than relying a bus for his personal transport. “It was one of the most satisfying moments of my career,” she recalls. She finds meaning in her work with veterans by being able to “take some of their burden off their shoulders,” because the process can be overwhelming to navigate alone. Eva looks forward to continuing her work with CVLC.