Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Veterans Disability Lawyers Fighting for Your Benefits
Since 1965, PTSD Lawyers has dedicated itself to defending the rights of veterans through personalized legal advocacy. Founded by Vietnam War veteran John Stevens Berry Sr., our firm combines decades of legal expertise with firsthand military experience, as over 30% of our legal team are veterans themselves. We specialize in navigating the complexities of VA disability claims, appeals, and ratings, leveraging our deep understanding of veterans' unique challenges.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of recovering over $300 million in backpay for 14,000+ veterans. We operate with unwavering transparency, prioritizing client needs through 24/7 availability and a contingency fee model that ensures access to justice regardless of financial circumstances.
Services
VA Disability Appeals
Increased Disability Ratings
TDIU Claims
Effective Date Appeals
C&P Exam Preparation
Board of Veterans Appeals
Court of Appeals Representation
Agent Orange Claims
PTSD Compensation
Military Burn Pit Exposure
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in veterans disability law
- Our team includes former military officers and enlisted personnel
- We've recovered $300 million+ in backpay for veterans
- We operate on a contingency fee basis - no payment unless we win
- We provide 24/7 personalized support for veterans nationwide
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Services
VA Disability Appeals
Our experienced attorneys specialize in challenging denied VA disability claims through multi-level appeals processes. We prepare compelling legal arguments supported by medical evidence and military records to demonstrate service connection. Our team handles appeals at VA Regional Offices, Board of Veterans Appeals, and federal court levels, with a proven track record of overturning incorrect decisions and securing deserved benefits for veterans nationwide.
Increased Disability Ratings
We help veterans obtain higher disability compensation by demonstrating condition severity through comprehensive evidence packages. Our attorneys analyze VA rating schedules to identify misapplications and prepare medical-legal arguments showing functional impairment. We specialize in complex cases involving PTSD, TBI, and Agent Orange exposure, ensuring veterans receive accurate ratings that reflect their service-connected disabilities' true impact.
Effective Date Appeals
Our team challenges incorrect effective dates that reduce retroactive benefits by proving entitlement timelines through service records and medical documentation. We utilize legal precedents to demonstrate when disabilities manifested and when claims were properly filed. Our attorneys have successfully recovered thousands in backpay by correcting VA errors regarding effective date calculations and claim submission timelines.
TDIU Claims
We assist veterans in qualifying for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability through detailed vocational assessments and medical evidence. Our attorneys demonstrate how service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment, even when combined ratings don't reach 100%. We prepare comprehensive packages showing occupational limitations and coordinate with medical experts to support unemployability claims.
C&P Exam Preparation
Our team prepares veterans for Compensation and Pension examinations through mock interviews and evidence organization. We ensure medical professionals understand service connection requirements and provide proper documentation. We review exam results for accuracy and challenge inadequate findings through addendum opinions or reexaminations, maximizing the chances of favorable rating decisions.
People
John Stevens Berry Sr.
Founder & Attorney
Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient with 50+ years of legal experience. Served as JAG defense counsel in Vietnam and established PTSD Lawyers in 1965. Recognized for pioneering veterans' disability law representation and maintaining AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating.
John S. Berry
CEO & Attorney
Iraq War veteran and author of 'The Next Battle' guide to VA claims. Served as Army Ranger company commander and combines military insight with legal expertise to lead the firm's strategic direction and complex case litigation.
Andrew Strotman
Attorney
Former Marine Corps infantry officer and JAG officer with extensive experience in federal court veterans' appeals. Specializes in complex legal arguments and precedent-setting cases that benefit veterans nationwide through regulatory changes.
Questions
What VA disability claims can be appealed?
We handle all VA disability claim appeals including service connection denials, incorrect disability ratings, effective date disputes, and TDIU rejections.
How long do VA appeals take?
Appeal timelines vary: Board of Veterans Appeals takes 12-365 days depending on docket choice, while federal court appeals average 18-24 months.
What evidence strengthens a VA claim?
Strong claims include service medical records, buddy statements, current diagnosis documentation, and medical nexus opinions connecting conditions to service.
Do I need a lawyer for my VA claim?
While not required, veterans with legal representation are 60% more likely to win appeals according to VA statistics due to complex procedural requirements.
How are Berry Law's fees structured?
We work on contingency - no fees unless we win your case. Our fee is 33% of retroactive benefits awarded, as regulated by VA guidelines.
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