Remembering Judge Greenberg

Yesterday, we lost a true national treasure: Judge William S. Greenberg. Since being sworn in as a judge on the Veteran’s Court in December 2012, he was a tireless advocate who held the VA accountable at every turn. While I never had the honor of meeting him in person, I’ve listened to many cases where he presided; he never gave the VA an inch of slack and consistently put the Veteran first. I know every Veteran Judge Greenberg has ever written a decision for is thankful for him.

In his memory, the Court release the following statement:

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims mourns the loss of the Honorable William S. Greenberg, who died on March 16, 2026. Judge Greenberg was the 17th Judge appointed to serve on the Court, taking his judicial oath on December 28, 2012. His death marks the second time in the Court's history that a Judge has died while in active service. Judge Greenberg was passionate about the Court's unique charge to provide full and fair judicial review of veterans' benefits claims. During his 13 years on the bench, he made clear that each matter that came before him was not just a "case" but was the true extension of a person who had served and sacrificed for their Country. Promptness in adjudicating veterans' claims was of particular importance to Judge Greenberg, who frequently cited the Supreme Court's 1792 Hayburn's Case for the proposition that delay in relief may cause distress or in extreme instances, ultimate ruin. Judge Greenberg was a proud New Jerseyan, a bold dissenter, and a larger-than-life colleague and friend. We will miss his presence, but his impact on the Court and veterans law will live on.

Judge Greenberg's full bio is available HERE.