The Platoon Leader is responsible for developing the overall legal strategy and selecting the specific course of action most likely to result in a successful claim.
Our VA Disability Attorneys manage planning, analysis and intensive written appeals to create comprehensive legal arguments.
Samantha Robb delivers decisive results in high-stakes VA disability appeals. Her advocacy has secured large retroactive awards and 100% disability ratings in complex mental health claims argued before Veterans Law Judges.
Inspired by her grandfather’s Marine Corps service in Korea, Samantha approaches each appeal with disciplined strategy and aggressive execution. As a Platoon Leader, she drives performance across her team, ensuring every case is prepared with precision and positioned for maximum compensation.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2020; B.S. in Political Science, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Magna Cum Laude, 2016.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska.
Eddie Miranda is a VA-accredited attorney and Marine Corps Veteran who served eight years as an electronics maintenance technician with a deployment to Afghanistan. He navigated the VA disability process himself, which now drives his commitment to hold the VA accountable and build strong arguments for the Veterans he serves. He has found great fulfillment in representing many of the friends he served with in uniform and helping Veterans secure the benefits they earned.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2007–2015), Sergeant; 2862 Electronics Maintenance Technician with a deployment to Afghanistan (OEF 12) and duty stations in Okinawa and Japan.
Education: J.D., Boston University School of Law, 2022; B.B.A., University of Georgia, 2018.
Bar Admissions: California; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Justin Bignell is an Army Veteran and former prosecutor who uses his extensive litigation background to build aggressive, evidence-driven appeals. He earned several awards during his military service, including two Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He now brings that same level of excellence and dedication to his legal work. After navigating his own VA disability appeal to a 100% rating, Justin now focuses on identifying VA errors and inadequate development in decisions to secure rightful benefits for his clients.
Military Service: U.S. Army (2005–2010), Sergeant; 13M Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember with deployments to Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Education: J.D., Washburn University School of Law.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Natalie Gipson is a VA Accredited Attorney who brings over 15 years of dedicated Veterans Law experience to Berry Law. Before joining the firm, she served for four years as an adjudicating attorney at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, giving her a masterly command of the VA system and the strategies required to secure benefits. Natalie has earned the Judge Henry A. Politz Scholar distinction and the Department of the Army Superior Civilian Service Award. As an Army spouse who supported her husband through more than 20 years of active-duty service, she leverages a lifetime of military perspective to ensure the system upholds its promise to those who served.
Education: J.D., Louisiana State University's Paul M. Hebert School of Law.
Bar Admissions: Louisiana; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Claire Kreiger is a VA Disability Attorney who brings a lifetime of military perspective and a decade of litigation experience to her practice. Selected as a Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for four consecutive years (2022–2025), she specializes in deep-diving into service records to connect the dots on information previously missed by the VA. As the daughter of a 23-year Navy pilot who later married into the Marine Corps, Claire possesses unique insight into the challenges faced by Veterans and their families.
Education: J.D., Ave Maria School of Law, 2015; B.S.B.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville, 2012.
Bar Admissions: Virginia; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Stacey Koller leverages a unique background in communications and technical writing to craft compelling, evidence-based written appeals for her clients. Recognizing that written advocacy is the primary way the VA reviews claims, Stacey puts her advanced training to work ensuring every Veteran has the best case for earning the compensation they deserve. She graduated law school at an accelerated pace, earned a CALI award in Trusts & Estates, and served as an extern for a Federal District Court Judge.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2024; M.S., Utah Tech University.
Bar Admissions: Utah; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Noah Marik is a VA Disability Attorney who is driven to be a reliable and positive balance to the daunting VA process. He developed a deep understanding of the difficulties military service places on civilian life while working in a Housing Justice Clinic helping Veterans face evictions. Noah has secured life-changing results for his clients, including a 100% disability rating for a Veteran whose compensation subsequently funded their daughter's college education. He graduated with distinction from law school and holds a CALI Award for excellence in First Amendment Law.
Education: J.D. with distinction, University of Nebraska College of Law, 2024; B.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Jared Roland is a VA Disability Attorney dedicated to building precise, evidence-based cases for Veterans who have sacrificed for others. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School and previously served as a prosecutor for the State of Nebraska. Jared’s commitment to service is rooted in his family legacy; his grandfather was a Lieutenant General in the Air Force who flew combat missions during the Vietnam War.
Education: J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, Magna Cum Laude, 2023.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Chellsie Willmes is a Veterans Disability Attorney who specializes in legal analysis and client counseling to maximize benefits while reducing stress. She utilizes a Master’s degree in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution to identify weaknesses in VA decisions and build compelling appeals. Chellsie has a background in Social Security Disability litigation, where she earned multiple awards in the Federal District Court for the District of Nebraska, and holds CALI awards for excellence in Juvenile Law and Wrongful Convictions.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law; M.S. in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, 2017.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Charles Clark is a Veterans Disability Attorney with 18 years of specialized experience in disability law, including tenures at the Social Security Administration’s Office of General Counsel and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Having worked within both state and federal government agencies, Charles is an expert at navigating the bureaucratic challenges Veterans face. He specializes in analyzing complex medical records and drafting persuasive briefs for VA disability claims, with a successful track record of benefit appeals.
Education: J.D., University of Illinois College of Law, 2007; M.S., University of Illinois, 2007; B.A., Rice University, 2003.
Bar Admissions: Missouri; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Johanne Brown is a VA-accredited attorney who approaches every case with meticulous attention to detail and a genuine commitment to her clients' success. She was recognized as the Distinguished Bankruptcy Law Student of the Eighth Circuit in 2024 and brings that sharp analytical focus to securing long-denied benefits. Johanne has a track record of establishing service connection for conditions the VA refused to recognize for years, resulting in substantial retroactive awards.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2023; B.S.B.A., Heider College of Business, 2021.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Alisha Caffrey is a VA Accredited Attorney and Senior Counsel with nearly a decade of experience advocating in complex cases. She was a Merit Scholar and Dean's Pro Bono Fellow at Oklahoma City University School of Law and a Presidential Silver Scholar at Texas Tech. Alisha specializes in mental health disorder appeals and litigation, often securing significant rating increases for Veterans who have fought the VA for years.
Education: J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law; B.A., Texas Tech University.
Bar Admissions: Oklahoma; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Case Managers serve as the engine of the process, executing the established plan and ensuring that every phase of your claim continues to move forward efficiently.
Steven Stienike is an Army Veteran with 30 years of military service, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. As a Case Manager and a Berry Law client himself, he leverages his extensive military background to connect with fellow Veterans through an "unspoken understanding" that builds immediate trust. Steven specializes in conducting thorough medical assessments and drafting clinical, clear appeals that preserve the legacy of those who have served.
Military Service: U.S. Army (1994–2024), Chief Warrant Officer 3; 882 Mobility Warrant Officer with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.
Jamie "MV" Meadows-Valley is a Case Manager who served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. She now uses a service-based philosophy to guide Veterans through the complex VA service-connection process. Coming from a multi-generational military family, Jamie is dedicated to ensuring that those who have sacrificed for their country are supported with advantageous legal arguments. She also serves as a peer mentor for the Pottawattamie County Veterans Court.
Military Service: U.S. Air Force (1999–2023), Master Sergeant; First Sergeant with nine duty stations and two deployments.
Aaron Topil is an experienced Case Manager who brings internal insight to the team after spending two and a half years serving at the Veterans Benefits Administration. He focuses on the relentless pursuit of benefits for his fellow service members and specializes in drafting detailed appeals and answering complex procedural questions for his clients.
Military Service: Nebraska Army National Guard (2007–2019).
The Veteran Support Squad works directly with you to gather essential evidence, answer your daily questions, and keep you fully informed throughout the duration of your case.
John Nale is a Marine Corps Veteran who served six years as a Field Artillery Cannoneer, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a disabled Veteran who successfully navigated his own appeals process, he understands the physical and mental toll of the VA process and relates to his fellow Veterans as he delivers respectful and professional service.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2008–2014), Sergeant; 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer and IED Detection Dog Handler with a deployment to Afghanistan.
Samuel Martinez Sr. is an Army Veteran who served seven years as a Sergeant, working as both a Pershing Electrical Mechanical Repairer and an Armor Crew member. With over 40 years of experience in field service engineering and trucking, Samuel brings a strong sense of teamwork and discipline to the Veteran Support team.
Military Service: U.S. Army (1983–1990), Sergeant; 46N20 Pershing Electrical Mechanical Repairer and 19E20 Armor Crew Member with duty stations at Fort Knox, Fort Polk, and Fort Sill.
Ruby Diaz is a current member of the Army National Guard and a primary point of communication for Berry Law clients. She facilitates the exchange of information between Veterans and their legal teams, using her military background in human resources to ensure that all administrative obligations are fulfilled with precision.
Military Service: Army National Guard (2014–Present); Human Resources.
Reba Ramirez served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Supply Specialist, reaching the rank of Corporal (E4) while stationed at Camp Lejeune. Having navigated the VA process herself for five years to achieve a 100% rating, Reba is committed to ensuring fellow Veterans do not feel overwhelmed and provides vital support to Veterans seeking clarity and updates on their disability cases.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2012–2016), Corporal; 3051 Supply specialist with a duty station at Camp Lejeune.
Michael Nalker served seven years in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Combat Medic, reaching the rank of Specialist (E4) while serving at duty stations including Ft. Sam Houston, Ft. Benning, and Ft. Irwin. Having personally navigated the VA process for 15 years before joining the firm, Michael is dedicated to spreading awareness and providing fellow Veterans with the reassurance and unspoken understanding between Veterans that they need to successfully secure their benefits.
Military Service: U.S. Army (2002–2009), Specialist; 91WP1 Airborne Combat Medic with a deployment to Iraq and duty stations at Ft. Sam Houston, Ft. Benning, and Ft. Irwin.
Logan Harty is a Marine Corps Veteran and proud member of Berry Law since 2021. He specializes in providing Veterans with clear explanations of the VA process to reduce the frustration of a confusing and slow system. Logan’s military background in communications allows him to ensure that all information provided to clients is accurate and thorough.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2008–2012); Communications specialist with a deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Ken Bankston is an Air Force Veteran who served as an Aircraft Electrical Craftsman. Ken now uses his discipline and attention to detail to help fellow Veterans navigate the bureaucracy and sluggishness of the VA. He is a husband and father of six who is dedicated to lifting up fellow Veterans after they have given their best years to serve our nation.
Military Service: U.S. Air Force (2003–2012), E6; 2A676 Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Craftsman with duty stations at Barksdale AFB and Eglin AFB.
Kimberly Pereira is a military spouse who understands firsthand the sacrifices that service members and their families make. With a background in Veteran-focused nonprofits, Kimberly is committed to ensuring every client feels heard, respected and supported throughout the life of their case.
Stephen Wirth is a member of the Support Squad at Berry Law and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Having navigated the VA claims process as a client, he possesses a unique perspective on the hurdles Veterans face when seeking their earned benefits. Stephen is driven by a profound sense of duty to ensure no Veteran is left without the support they deserve. He believes the most effective advocacy comes from a fellow service member, and he brings that commitment to every case he supports at Berry Law, ensuring clients feel prioritized throughout the appeals process.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2012–2017), Infantry Rifleman; duty stations in Yokosuka, Japan; Virginia; and California.
Jeremy P. England is a Support Squad member and Army Veteran who served in the Army Reserves and Ohio Army National Guard from 2005 to 2013. With combat deployments to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Jeremy brings a deep personal understanding of the frustrations Veterans face when navigating the complex VA system. As a former Berry Law client, he leverages his firsthand experience to provide empathetic, informed support to fellow Veterans, ensuring they feel guided and heard throughout the claims process.
Military Service: U.S. Army Reserves and Ohio Army National Guard (2005–2013); 92Y, deployments to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Kathy Harber brings a lifetime of military family ties to her role supporting Veterans. With a father who served in WWII and children and grandchildren who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kathy understands the multi-generational impact of service. She provides a compassionate ear and simplifies complex terms and processes, ensuring that every Veteran feels heard and acknowledged in their claim.
David Herrera works to ensure Veterans are never left in the dark regarding their appeals. He has professional experience witnessing the life-changing impact of Veterans finally reaching a 100% rating after years of struggle, which fuels his commitment to providing excellent service.
Cristina Hilker is driven to help Veterans get what they deserve after seeing the challenges they face while working in healthcare. With a large family of Marines, Sailors, and Airmen, Cristina is proud to assist the legal team and the Veterans they serve by answering complex client questions and ensuring all important documents are processed accurately.
Jadyn Keith treats every Veteran she assists like an extended member of her own family, many of whom served in the U.S. military. Jadyn uses her communication skills and empathy to assist with their case and make sure Veterans know they are not alone in this fight. She has immense respect for the resilience of the military community and takes pride in helping Veterans push forward with their claims.
Tamara Helms is a dedicated member of the Support Squad who views serving Veterans as both a duty and an honor. Inspired by the sacrifices those who have served our country have made, she brings a compassionate and relentless focus to her work at Berry Law. Tamara is passionate about advocating for the benefits Veterans have earned and deserve, ensuring every client feels heard, respected, and supported throughout the claims process.
Elizabeth Davis is a member of the Support at Berry Law, where she delivers professionalism, strict attention to detail, and genuine care to every Veteran interaction. Rooted in a strong military legacy as both a daughter and daughter-in-law to military families, Elizabeth has witnessed the immense sacrifices of service members firsthand. This deep personal connection inspires her relentless advocacy and commitment to ensuring each client feels heard, respected, and thoroughly supported.
