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.
Montana Crow is a Veterans disability litigator whose advocacy has shaped outcomes at the highest levels of Veterans law. As co-counsel in Duran v. McDonough before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, she helped secure a precedent-expanding decision affecting Veterans suffering from degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Her results-driven representation has earned her a Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum rating and the AVVO Clients’ Choice Award. In addition to her courtroom victories, Montana directs Berry Law’s Summer Associate Internship Program, building and training the next generation of Veterans advocates.
Rooted in a family legacy of military service, she leads a high-performing platoon focused on maximizing ratings, protecting effective dates, and forcing accountability within the VA system.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, Cum Laude, 2020; B.S., Iowa State University, 2017.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Eric Smith is a decorated Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and a fierce champion for Veterans' rights. He brings a unique strategic advantage to his clients, having previously served as an appellate attorney at the VA Office of General Counsel where he represented the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This internal knowledge of the VA’s legal strategies allows Eric to provide fierce, expert advocacy for fellow service members who have been denied benefits.
Military Service: U.S. Army Reserve (2012–Present), Major; Adjutant General and Public Affairs officer.
Education: J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 2021; B.F.A., Chapman University, 2012.
Bar Admissions: District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Morgen Krecklow is an attorney committed to guiding former service members through the complexities of the VA system with clarity and respect. As the spouse of an active-duty U.S. Marine, she has a firsthand understanding of the unique sacrifices made by military families. Morgen is meticulous in her advocacy, presenting a comprehensive picture of each Veteran’s story to ensure they receive the benefits they earned.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2025; B.A., Hillsdale College.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Lou Traore is a Veterans Disability Attorney who specializes in developing long-term case strategies to reduce Veteran stress and confusion. In her three years with Berry Law, she has achieved high-impact results, including increasing a Veteran’s rating from 10% to 90% after years of stagnation in the VA system. As a military spouse, Lou is deeply committed to reducing the stress service members face by applying a disciplined approach to evidence-supported appeals.
Education: J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law, 2024.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; District of Nebraska.
Jamie Robinson is a VA Disability Attorney with over six years of experience in federal litigation and complex civil matters. He previously served as appellate counsel representing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and practiced vaccine law in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Jamie uses this high-level experience to hold the government accountable and ensure the VA complies with its legal obligations to Veterans.
Education: J.D., Catholic University School of Law; B.A., Virginia Tech.
Bar Admissions: District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Allison Schwach is a Veterans Disability Attorney who draws on her background as a criminal defense lawyer to zealously advocate for those who feel voiceless. Having previously secured dismissals and not-guilty jury verdicts, Allison applies that same relentless commitment to holding the VA accountable in the appeals process. Her practice includes securing survivor’s benefits for military spouses, ensuring the families of those who served are never forgotten.
Education: J.D., Drake University Law School, 2022; B.S., Iowa State University, 2017.
Bar Admissions: Iowa; Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Taylor Loy is a VA Disability Attorney dedicated to correcting VA errors through precise evidence research and medical literature analysis. She is known for her grit and approachable nature, often diving deep into files to identify case-specific facts that overturn previous denials. Taylor’s advocacy has achieved life-changing results, including a win that enabled a client to purchase their first home.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2021; B.A., Buena Vista University, 2019.
Bar Admissions: Iowa; Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Thomas "T.J." Kroh is a VA Accredited Attorney who specializes in holding the VA accountable to its own specific regulations and rules. He graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law and was recognized with a CALI Award for International Law and National Security Law. T.J. has an established track record of securing major awards for Veterans that have allowed his clients to become debt-free or purchase their first homes.
Education: J.D. with distinction, University of Nebraska College of Law; B.A., Benedictine College.
Bar Admissions: Missouri; Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Shannon Mangram is a Veterans Disability Attorney at Berry Law with a background in leadership education and community development. She distinguished herself academically as a three-time Moot Court Outstanding Oral Advocate and a recipient of the Judge Laurie Smith Camp Scholarship. With a family including a Korean War Veteran and an Army Drill Sergeant, Shannon applies a service-based philosophy focused on active listening to achieve high-impact results for Veterans. She leverages her experience as a senior certified law clerk in civil and criminal law to provide fellow Veterans with the expert legal recognition they have earned.
Education: J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law; M.S., University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Bar Admissions: Iowa; 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.
David Ossian is a Marine Corps Veteran who is resolute in his mission to never leave a fellow Veteran behind. David served in aviation electronics during Operation Desert Storm and spent seven years fighting his own battle for VA benefits. This victory fuels his drive to win and gives him a deep compassion for Veterans suffering from PTSD and toxic exposure. He remains actively involved with the Marine Corps League and VFW, using his decades of legal experience to secure life-changing wins for fellow Veterans.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (1987–1993), Corporal; Aviation Electronics Technician with service in Operation Desert Storm.
Krystal Klicko is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who brings an internal knowledge of the VA claims process from her previous tenure at the Veterans Benefits Administration. She earned two Air Force Achievement Medals during her service and graduated with distinction from her Master's program. Krystal’s professional expertise in toxic exposure was demonstrated when she identified the link between a client’s terminal cancer and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, resulting in a 100% disability grant.
Military Service: U.S. Air Force (2003–2009); Aerospace Control and Warning Systems with a deployment to Iraq and service in Japan and South Korea.
Sarah Ferdico is a Case Manager known for her organizational skills and ability to build compelling appeals for increased disability ratings. Her husband is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army who had to fight for 100% service connected benefits. Seeing the challenges he went through, Sarah draws on her firsthand experience as a military spouse in making the benefits process smoother for the Veterans she serves.
A.J. DeLong is a passionate advocate who has served Veterans at Berry Law since 2018. He manages a high-volume caseload of over 600 clients, specializing in drafting precise regional and Board-level appeals to secure service connection for complex disabilities. With a deep personal connection to the military through two Veteran grandfathers, A.J. focuses on ensuring servicemen and women receive the essential monthly compensation they earned through their sacrifice.
Paige Gottsch leverages nearly 12 years of professional nursing experience to build powerful, evidence-based disability claims for Veterans. Her extensive medical background provides unique insight into complex service records, allowing her to deconstruct medical terminology and advocate for accurate disability ratings. Paige is dedicated to restoring Veterans' hope and trust through tenacious advocacy, treating every client with the same level of care she would give her own family members.
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.
Michael Loutzenhiser is an Air Force Veteran who assists clients with general questions and the overall navigation of the VA process. Having left the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant, Michael understands the value of hard work and teamwork. He is currently navigating the VA process personally, giving him an inside perspective on what veterans and their families experience every day.
Military Service: U.S. Air Force (1998–2005), SSgt; 2S071 Material Management specialist.
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.
Alexandria Bourquin specializes in keeping Veterans informed with accurate and timely case updates. With deep knowledge of the Veteran experience as a military spouse, she uses her strong communication skills to facilitate information between clients and their legal teams, ensuring that every Veteran feels supported and prioritized.
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.
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.
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.
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.
