Veteran’s Legal Center
At the Veteran’s Legal Center, our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to ensuring that those who have served our country receive the VA disability benefits they rightfully deserve. We understand the unique challenges that veterans may encounter in navigating the complex process of securing these benefits.
With a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, our firm is steadfast in advocating for veterans to receive the compensation they have earned through their service.
Craig A. Candelore, CLS-F
Managing Attorney
Mr. Candelore, the founding attorney of the Veteran’s Legal Center, is a seasoned legal professional with over three decades of experience guiding clients through the complexities of veteran law. His expertise stems from a rigorous academic background, graduating with honors from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree and then pursuing a Master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Mr. Candelore’s legal acumen was further honed at the University of San Diego School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude. A member of the California State Bar Association, Mr. Candelore is also accredited by the Department of Veteran Affairs to represent claimants nation-wide at the VA, Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), and Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
Kristen Singh
Attorney
Kristen Singh was born and raised in San Diego, California. After graduating high school, Ms. Singh attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After graduating, Ms. Singh obtained her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. Ms. Singh is an experienced Civil Litigation attorney and Family Law practitioner who is dedicated to strategically helping clients achieve their legal goals.
Ms. Singh has successfully represented clients in a broad range of family law, personal injury, criminal law, bankruptcy law, veterans law, and immigration law. She has the oral advocacy skills needed to represent her clients effectively and persuasively. Ms. Singh is passionate about helping her clients navigate through stressful and confusing times. Understanding these expected disruptions, she strives for compassionate and effective legal representation to guide each client through the VA disability claim process.
In addition, as a dual citizen of Ireland, she is instilled with a sense of global relativism and unique international character. As a complement to Kristen’s extensive studies and real-world law experience, she has an enhanced understanding of the nuances that connect different sectors of society and help form the foundation of familial relationships. Ms. Singh’s experience serves as a testament to her dedication to the compassionate advocacy that is the hallmark of our practice at the Men’s Legal Center. While a native of San Diego, her interest in world travel has taken her to over 23 countries throughout western, central, and eastern Europe.
Ben Rosinski
Strategy Advisor
Raised in Starke, Florida, Ben Rosinski began his military journey in the United States Navy in the summer of 1995, enlisting as an undesignated Airman. He later specialized as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate, serving with distinction for 29 years and rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.
Military service runs in Ben’s family—his grandfather served in the United States Coast Guard, and his father was a member of the United States Air Force. Throughout his naval career, Ben was a dedicated advocate for his fellow Sailors, ensuring they received the support and guidance needed to succeed.
Now, in his second career, Ben brings that same commitment and leadership to the Veteran’s Legal Center, where he helps veterans and their families secure the benefits they have rightfully earned. His passion for advocacy continues as he works to navigate the complexities of the VA claims process, ensuring that those who served receive the care and compensation they deserve.
Joy Punaro
Support Staff/Paralegal
Born and raised in Stockton, California, Joy has always held a deep respect for the military. Her family’s history of service runs deep, her father served as a Lieutenant in the Army during World War II, stationed in Germany, and later served on the draft board for many years. Joy’s uncle, a Colonel, flew a B-26 on D-Day, and her cousin, a Warrant Officer, served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
In 2016, Joy met Col. Craig Candelore, a dedicated family law attorney and founder of Honoring Our Troops (HRT), a nonprofit committed to providing legal assistance to veterans and their families. Joy became involved with HRT as its secretary, a role that allowed her to contribute to its mission while learning the complexities of VA disability cases.
That experience led Joy to her current role at the Veteran’s Legal Center, where she assists veterans in navigating the VA disability claims process. With over 40 years of experience in customer service, Joy is passionate about helping those who have served our country receive the benefits they deserve.