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.
David C. Kruger
Senior strategy Advisor
Mr. Kruger joins the Veteran’s Legal Center after an extensive 24-year career in the USAF where he served in both the enlisted and officer corps, with deployments for OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/STORM as well as OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Upon retirement, David continued his service with the Department of Veteran Affairs as a Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR) for nearly a decade in the San Diego Regional Office, where he gained expert knowledge in the application of the United States Code (USC), 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 3 and 4, and internal VA guidance (Live Manual and Policy letters).
David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems Management, an MBA, and a Masters in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. David is a passionate advocate for veterans and knows how important VA benefits are for veterans and their families.
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.
Jason Ettleman
Senior Strategy Advisor
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Jason Ettleman has dedicated his career to serving veterans, first as a U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst and later as an expert in VA benefits and claims adjudication.
At 17 years old, Jason enlisted in the U.S. Army as an All-Source Intelligence Analyst, serving 10 years on active duty and reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC) before his honorable discharge. His service took him across the world, with assignments in Germany, Fort Stewart (GA), Miami (FL), and Fort Riley (KS) as part of the 1st Armored Division, 3rd Infantry Division, USSOUTHCOM, and 1st Infantry Division. He deployed to Albania, Kosovo, and Iraq, gaining firsthand experience in high-stakes intelligence operations and mission strategy.
After leaving the military, Jason returned to San Diego as a full-time college student using his GI Bill, where he also began working at the VA Regional Office as a work-study student. This experience ignited his passion for veterans’ benefits advocacy, leading to a decade-long tenure at the San Diego VA Regional Office as a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) from 2009 to 2017. In this role, he handled pre-discharge claims, pre-rating development, and claims promulgation, developing an in-depth understanding of VA processes.
Seeking a more direct role in assisting veterans, Jason joined the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) as a Senior National Service Officer, where from 2017 to 2021, he guided veterans through the VA claims process from application to final adjudication. He later returned to the VA in 2022 as a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) at the Los Angeles Regional Office, applying his expertise to evaluating and deciding disability claims.
In 2024, Jason was excited to return home to San Diego and bring his years of experience in VA claims processing, advocacy, and decision-making to the Veteran’s Legal Center. As a Senior Strategy Advisor, he leverages his deep knowledge of VA regulations, rating criteria, and claims development to help veterans secure the benefits they have earned. His extensive experience within both the VA and veteran advocacy organizations makes him a powerful advocate for those navigating the complex VA claims process.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Sociology from National University and an Associate’s Degree in Intelligence Studies from Cochise Community College. He has completed the VA VSR Challenge Course, Senior VSR Exam, VA Rating Course Curriculum, and VA annual accreditation certification courses, ensuring he remains at the forefront of veterans’ benefits law and policy.
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.
Patrick Holland
Strategy Advisor
With over 28 years of experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations, Patrick Holland brings a wealth of expertise to the Veteran’s Legal Center, helping veterans navigate complex legal and administrative challenges in securing their benefits.
Patrick’s career began in federal law enforcement, where he conducted and supervised investigations into fraud, illicit trade, and regulatory violations—many of which resulted in landmark legal resolutions. As a Special Agent, Country Attaché, and Head of Desk at Europol for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Patrick worked with law enforcement agencies worldwide, tackling organized crime networks, fraudulent medical product distribution, and regulatory violations. His leadership at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague and participation in global policy initiatives sharpened his ability to advocate for justice at the highest levels.
Patrick’s investigative background, policy development experience, and strategic approach to problem-solving now serve veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the benefits they have rightfully earned. His ability to interpret complex regulations, analyze evidence, and advocate on behalf of clients makes him a powerful asset to the Veteran’s Legal Center.
With a lifelong dedication to public service and advocacy, Patrick applies his investigative expertise, strategic planning skills, and commitment to justice to help veterans cut through bureaucratic red tape and secure the support they deserve.
Veronica Casillas
Support Staff/Paralegal
Veronica, a proud San Diego native and graduate of Chula Vista High School where she served as class president, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Veteran’s Legal Center. After a distinguished six-year career in the United States Air Force as a Supply Journeyman Specialist with assignments at Whiteman AFB, MO, and March ARB, CA, she transitioned to a career in human resources. Veronica returned to her hometown following her service, reconnecting with her roots and her family, including her mother, a proud U.S. Navy veteran. A true entrepreneur, she also holds licenses in cosmetology and barbering. Veronica’s dedication to serving veterans makes her a natural fit at the Veteran’s Legal Center, where her commitment and expertise shine.