I am beyond grateful for the exceptional support I received from Veterans Legal Center during my VA disability claim process. From the very beginning in March 2024, to receiving my VA Rating Decision Notification letter recently, the professionalism, care, and expertise of their team made all the difference. David Kruger, Senior Strategy Advisor, and Penny Worthington, Paralegal, were nothing short of phenomenal. Their communication was always prompt, clear, and patient—no matter how many questions I had or how complex the process became. Both were incredibly thorough, ensuring I was always informed and reassured. David, in particular, spent several hours on the phone with me throughout the process, guiding me step by step. His expertise and experience were evident, but what truly stood out was his empathy. He not only explained the process in a way that put me at ease, but he also made it clear that he genuinely cared about my situation. My wife and I were comforted by his thoughtful approach, and it became easy to trust David and his team implicitly. The level of confidence, professionalism, and compassion we experienced with Veterans Legal Center is rare. David and Penny handled my case with the utmost dedication, and their ability to make what could have been a daunting process feel manageable and stress-free was invaluable. If you are a veteran seeking help with your VA disability claim, I cannot recommend Veterans Legal Center highly enough. Their team doesn’t just provide a service—they walk with you through every step, offering the support, expertise, and care that every veteran deserves. Thank you, David, Penny, and the entire team, for going above and beyond for us.
If You are Involved In
A Veterans Affairs Claim
For Disability...
...You already know the entire process can be very complicated and confusing. It is no wonder that many Veteran’s never receive their full benefits.
Josh Phelps
United States Marine Corps, San Marcos, CA
Jumped right in and went after the VA for benefits he was entitled to. Would have received them, but he passed away before he got the back pay he was entitled to. Penny, David, and Craig were so supportive and helpful getting the cremation fee reimbursed to me so quickly. Great group of people.
Phillip Vorrhees
NAVY, VALLEY CENTER, CA
I want to thank the Veterans Legal Center for recently helping me with my disability cases with the VA and having success in getting my claims rewarded. My disability I had through the VA was recently under review with the attempt of lowering my percentage and they were successful in locking the same percentage after getting me a new exam with the VA. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help of Craig Candelore and his team of experts at the Veterans Legal Center. Thanks to their guidance and insight, they made me a satisfied client. Not only do they help, but they care and appreciate you for serving our country by helping you navigate the VA legal system. If you’re a Veteran looking for some help or guidance with a Disability Claim then these are the people for you. Thank You, Steve Isenhower
Steve Isenhower
ARMY, Encinitas, CA
Mariann H.
Dependent, National City, CA
I’m so happy that I took my case about my claim to the Veteran’s Legal Center. It has been resolved for a couple of months. Thank you to Mr. David Kruger for his great help, keeping me informed every time there was progress on the claim . He is very patient and was always available to answer my call every time that I had a question. I greatly appreciate all of the office people that help make this process go smoothly. And thank you for helping people like me and those veterans that are still waiting for their benefits to be granted with your help. Thank you very much! You are all greatly appreciated for all the great work that you do.
Nora M.
Dependent, Long Beach, CA
I attempted to file my Pact Act claim directly with the VA with no results. I had just about given up when i contacted David Kruger of the Veterans Legal Center. He listened to my story and came to my house the next night. Looking back I could never completed my claim without him. He arranged for my testing and most importantly kept me informed during the whole process..He knows the VA procedure and wrote several letters to the VA on the status of my claim. The goods news is that my claim was approved. David is totally responsible for my claim’s approval. If you are considering filing a disability claim contact David. He is simply the best.
William Clark
USMC, San Diego, Ca
Josh Phelps
United States Marine Corps, San Marcos, CA
About
The Veteran’s Legal Center has Successfully Represented Thousands of Clients
Our attorneys and staff are committed to representing you in your pursuit of the VA benefits you are entitled to.
“Our advocates aren’t just VA experts, they are also experienced litigators who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs."
Accreditations
The Veteran's Legal Center
San Diego
Veteran’s Rights Law Firm
Veteran’s Legal Center
Our Process
1
Free Case Evaluation
We kick off our process by getting to know more about your case and carefully going through the VA decision you wish to appeal. Our attorneys are here to support you, and they'll gladly review your case at no cost to see how we can assist you with representation.
2
Offer of Representation
Once our evaluation of your case is complete, and we're confident in our ability to assist with your appeal, we'll extend our offer of representation. Any remaining questions you might have about the process are welcome, and we'll also take the time to clarify our contingency fee structure. When you decide to engage our services, we'll promptly send you our initial packet for your consideration and signature. This packet encompasses our fee agreement and the essential documents required to access your VA claims file.
3
Review Claims File
The VA claims file, also known as the C-file, holds all the records and documents linked to benefit claims at the VA. We conduct a comprehensive examination of the complete C-file to confirm the information available and identify any gaps. This step plays a crucial role in our process, as it gives us a clear roadmap for effectively advocating on behalf of our clients. It's important to note that the size of the C-file can vary depending on the number of claims and evidence submited.
4
Determine Strategy
Following our thorough examination of your C-file, we will provide guidance on the appeal-worthy claim(s), specify the necessary evidence to bolster these claim(s), and collaboratively outline our strategy for your case's progression.
5
Case Development
Once our strategy is in place, we'll commence the process of collecting the essential evidence required for a successful appeal. This may encompass medical opinions, vocational expert reports, psychological evaluations, lay statements, and any other supportive documentation. Furthermore, we'll prepare a comprehensive legal brief to submit alongside the requisite supporting evidence.
6
Submit Legal Brief and Evidence
We submit our conclusive brief and accompanying evidence to the VA and maintain ongoing communication with you throughout the process until a decision is reached.
1
Free Case Evaluation
We kick off our process by gettng to know more about your case and carefully going through the VA decision you wish to appeal. Our atorneys are here to support you, and they'll gladly review your case at no cost to see how we can assist you with representation.
2
Offer of Representation
Once our evaluation of your case is complete, and we're confident in our ability to assist with your appeal, we'll extend our offer of representation. Any remaining questions you might have about the process are welcome, and we'll also take the time to clarify our contingency fee structure. When you decide to engage our services, we'll promptly send you our initial packet for your consideration and signature. This packet encompasses our fee agreement and the essential documents required to access your VA claims file.
3
Review Claims File
The VA claims file, also known as the C-file, holds all the records and documents linked to benefit claims at the VA. We conduct a comprehensive examination of the complete C-file to confirm the information available and identify any gaps. This step plays a crucial role in our process, as it gives us a clear roadmap for effectively advocating on behalf of our clients. It's important to note that the size of the C-file can vary depending on the number of claims and evidence submited.
4
Determine Strategy
Following our thorough examination of your C-file, we will provide guidance on the appeal-worthy claim(s), specify the necessary evidence to bolster these claim(s), and collaboratively outline our strategy for your case's progression.
5
Case Development
Once our strategy is in place, we'll commence the process of collecting the essential evidence required for a successful appeal. This may encompass medical opinions, vocational expert reports, psychological evaluations, lay statements, and any other supportive documentation. Furthermore, we'll prepare a comprehensive legal brief to submit alongside the requisite supporting evidence.
6
Submit Legal Brief and Evidence
We submit our conclusive brief and accompanying evidence to the VA and maintain ongoing communication with you throughout the process until a decision is reached.
Veteran’s LEGAL CENTER
Your VA Claims Advocates
The Veteran’s Legal Center is a law firm that is founded, staffed, and managed by Veterans. Our expertise within the VA claims system and ability to fight for your benefits up to the Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims makes us your best choice to handle your VA claims issues.
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