PACIFIC VALOR LAW – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Text Outline Version

Effective Date: 11/10/2025

Version: 1.0

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT

IMPORTANT NOTICE – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

• By accessing website, you agree to terms
• Most current version at www.pacificvalorlaw.com/terms
• If you don’t agree, exit immediately

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Pacific Valor Law – law firm in Okinawa, Japan under SOFA

1.2 Client/You – individual or entity using website/services

1.3 Website – www.pacificvalorlaw.com and all associated properties

1.4 Terms/Agreement – these Terms and Conditions

1.5 Services – legal representation in U.S. federal law matters – VA disability claims – Social Security disability claims – Federal employee survivor benefits

1.6 SOFA – Status of Forces Agreement (U.S.-Japan)

1.7 U.S. Federal Law – laws enacted by U.S. Congress – Title 38 U.S.C. (Veterans’ Benefits) – Title 42 U.S.C. (Social Security) – 5 U.S.C. (Federal Employee Benefits)

1.8 Engagement Agreement – separate written agreement establishing attorney-client relationship

2. AGREEMENT TO TERMS

2.1 Binding Agreement – Legal contract governing website use and services – Acceptance by accessing/using website

2.2 Modifications – Right to modify at any time – Notice methods: • Updated Terms with new Effective Date • Homepage notice for 30 days • Email notice (if applicable) • Pop-up notification – Changes effective 30 days after posting – Continued use = acceptance – How to reject: stop using + notify in writing

2.3 Current Version – Available at www.pacificvalorlaw.com/terms – Supersedes all previous versions – Version history available on request

2. 2.4 Entire Agreement

• These Terms + Privacy Policy + Accessibility Statement + Engagement Agreement
• Supersedes all prior agreements
• Authorization to collect/use information per Privacy Policy
• All policies incorporated by reference

3. AGE AND CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
   3.1 Age Verification YOU REPRESENT:

• At least 18 years of age (or age of majority)
• Legal capacity to enter binding contracts
• Not under legal disability
• Authorized to bind yourself/entity IF NOT: Exit immediately
  3.2 Representation for Minors
• Parent/guardian must be client
• Parent/guardian must agree to Terms
• Minor cannot sign Engagement Agreement

3.3 Truthfulness

• All information truthful, accurate, complete
• False information consequences:
• Website access termination
• Refusal of representation
• Termination of existing representation
• Potential legal consequences

4. SCOPE OF LEGAL SERVICES

4.1 Practice of U.S. Federal Law Only

• Licensed in New Jersey
• Admitted before U.S. federal agencies

A. DISABILITY BENEFITS (Living Claimants):

• VA disability compensation (Title 38 U.S.C.)
• SSA disability benefits (Title 42 U.S.C./20 CFR)
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

B. SURVIVOR BENEFITS (Death Benefits):

• Federal Employee Survivor Annuity (OPM)
• FERS (5 U.S.C. Chapter 84)
• CSRS (5 U.S.C. Chapter 83)
• VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
• VA Death Pension
• Social Security Survivor Benefits
• FEGLI claims
• TSP survivor benefit distributions

4.2 Federal Agencies Before Which We Appear

• VA Regional Offices (VAROs)
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
• SSA Field Offices
• Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
• ALJ hearings – Appeals Council
• U.S. District Courts (Social Security appeals)
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
• FEGLI Office
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for Federal Circuit (as applicable)
  ALL U.S. FEDERAL LAW EXCLUSIVELY

4.3 What We Do NOT Do

WE DO NOT PRACTICE JAPANESE LAW:

• ✗ Japanese law or legal proceedings
• ✗ Japanese Social Security (Shakai Hoken)
• ✗ Japanese National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin)
• ✗ Japanese Employees’ Pension (Kosei Nenkin)
• ✗ Japanese survivor pension (Izoku Nenkin)
• ✗ Japanese labor/employment law
• ✗ Japanese inheritance law (Souzoku)
• ✗ Japanese family registration (Koseki)
• ✗ Japanese tax returns (Kakutei Shinkoku)
• ✗ Japanese immigration/visa matters
• ✗ Any matter requiring Japanese law license WE ALSO DO NOT DO:
• ✗ Criminal defense
• ✗ Family law (divorce, custody)
• ✗ General civil litigation
• ✗ Business law/contract disputes
• ✗ Real estate transactions
• ✗ Wills/trusts/estate planning (except survivor benefit planning)
• ✗ Tax preparation/IRS representation REFERRALS AVAILABLE TO: – Japanese attorneys (bengoshi) – Social insurance labor consultants (shakai hoken roumushi) – Certified tax accountants (zeirishi) – Other appropriate professionals