I chose to work with Berry Law because my executive director recommended them…read more I left active duty in 2008 and I just never filed for disability even though I knew I would qualify but the process seemed so daunting, even for me who is a social worker. It took me a little over 2 months from start to finish. Berry law pretty much did everything and held my hand through the process. Basically I just had to show up at the appointments that they made for me. I will be using them again to try to get to 100% disability.

STAY AWAY from Berry Law. Theyre attentive up from and then they get a mind of their own and dont…read morecommunicate with you. I had one lawyer send a damn easy form to get my case approved when they already know that it was denied a few months earlier. Their response was we do that to see where we're at. Theyre waisting your time and theirs. Everythnig was done via email, NO PHONE CALLS, Screening or discussion of way forward. Berry Law is lazy So found Veterans Guardian waaaay better at communication skills and i went form 70 - 90. I told them I've moved on and no longer want their services, I've received 4 emails and a phone call acknowledging my request, OH BUT WAIT, they sent me a second request today to fill out a form to continue on. They DO NOT LISTEN or care about you. All they want to do is make a fast buck and move on with as little work as possible.

I ultimately reached 100% Permanent & Total, and I appreciate the assistance that helped finalize…read moremy VA claim. However, I want to share something extremely important for other veterans to understand before signing a contingency agreement with any VA disability law firm. The fee structure in my case was explained using language like the following: "Our fees are all inclusive in the percentage of the Fee Agreement... 33 percent of any backpay award or supplemental awards based off of our work." Based on wording like "based off of our work," many veterans (including myself) will reasonably interpret that to mean the fee applies to the backpay generated during the time the firm is actively working on the claim. However, what I ultimately learned after having to research VA disability law myself--because the explanation in both the conversation and email was ambiguous to me--is that contingency fees in VA disability cases can apply to the entire retroactive payment created by the rating increase, even if the effective date goes back long before the firm became involved. For example, in my situation: * I began working my VA claim in June 2024 on my own, gathering records, medical evidence, and spending significant time navigating the process myself. * I hired the firm in December 2025. * A supplemental claim filed shortly after resulted in my rating reaching 100%. * Because the VA maintained the effective date back to June 2024, the retroactive payment covered a much longer time period. Under the contingency agreement, the firm's 33% fee applied to that entire retroactive amount, even though the firm had only been involved for a shorter portion of the overall claim timeline. To illustrate how different this can look depending on timing: I referred another veteran to the same firm who was also moved from 90% to 100%, but because his claim had only been active for a short period of time, his retroactive payment -- and therefore the fee -- was dramatically smaller. My purpose in sharing this is not to criticize the contingency model itself, but to help other veterans clearly understand how retroactive benefits and attorney fees can interact, especially when a claim has already been active for many months or years before legal representation begins. My advice to other veterans considering legal representation: * Ask very clearly how contingency fees apply if your claim is backdated months or years before the firm becomes involved. * Request a simple example showing how the fee would be calculated in that scenario. * Make sure you fully understand how the effective date of your claim affects retroactive payments and attorney fees. The VA disability system is extremely complex, and legal assistance can absolutely help veterans achieve the benefits they deserve. I simply hope that sharing my experience helps other veterans make fully informed decisions before signing a contingency agreement. In simple terms for veterans who may already be close to 100%: if your claim has been open for a long time and a firm helps push you over the threshold, the fee may be calculated from years of backpay -- not just the months they worked on the case -- so be sure you fully understand how that works before signing.

They made me wait 2 MONTHS without contacting me after the initial consultation. They don't return…read morecalls either so I had to schedule a phone appointment. Guess what? They call you from a SPAM number that automatically gets blocked from the Verizon Call Filter. They literally tell you to call back the main number WITHOUT an extension in the voicemails so it's impossible to get in contact with them. I absolutely despise Berry Law. I'm a veteran in the MHICM and PRRC programs. These people didn't even have the audacity to tell me they dropped my case. They didn't even provide a reason either.

I had a great experience with the Law Office of Brett Mccarthur. I found myself in a little bit of…read morelegal trouble and gave him a call. Despite how bad things could have gone for me, he was professional and precise. He was very communicative with me in a way that I could understand the law and its process. His guidance was very clear, and his courtroom presence was impressive. I believe my outcome went well because of his knowledge and preparation of the case.

I hired Mr. McArthur to represent me and was very pleased with his services. He was very…read morecommunicative with me, and explained the ins and outs of the case, and the law, throughout the proceedings. He was easy to talk to, and made me feel comfortable. When we got to court, he was very prepared and did an outstanding job. If you are looking for a lawyer, look no further!