Richard C. Raugust v. Eric K. Shinseki

HAGEL, Judge:

Richard C. Raugust appeals through counsel a March 20, 2008, Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) decision denying him basic eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care benefits. This appeal is timely, and the Court has jurisdiction to review the Board’s decision pursuant to 38 U.S.C. §§ 7252(a) and 7266(a). The case was sent to a panel to address an issue of first impression, which is whether the statute and regulation establishing a mandatory 24-month minimum service period before a veteran is eligible for basic VA medical care violates the constitutional…