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.
Stephanie Costello is a VA-accredited attorney with five years of concentrated experience in complex VA appeals. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and AVVO Clients’ Choice Award recipient, she applies command-level knowledge of the Appeals Modernization Act and evolving VA regulations to advance difficult claims.
A published author on the Appeals Modernization Act, Stephanie leverages regulatory precision to overcome systemic roadblocks. Her advocacy has secured critical benefits and stability for Veterans, including advancing claims that enabled treatment and housing access for those facing severe mental health challenges.
Beyond her litigation practice and role as a Platoon Leader, she mentors emerging attorneys to elevate the firm’s impact and maintain rigorous advocacy standards across every case.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2017; B.A. in English, University of South Florida, 2013.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; Iowa; U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska; U.S. District Court for the District of Iowa; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Andy Blevins is Senior Counsel at Berry Law, a Navy veteran, and an Army spouse, who was recognized as Command Sailor of the Year and as a Tenth Fleet Sailor of the Year runner-up. He brings more than 13 years of experience in veterans' law, policy, and advocacy, having served in roles at the White House and across the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, and the Interior. A former CEO and COO of two national veteran service organizations, Andy has contributed to landmark amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and has testified before Congress more than 50 times on issues including veterans’ benefits, military transition, and access to health care. His honors include the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the White House and recognition as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the National LGBTQ Bar Association.
Military Service: U.S. Navy (2007–2011), PO2; Cryptologic Technician and Information Assurance Officer with duty stations at NWS Charleston and NCTS Guam.
Education: J.D., Willamette University College of Law; M.B.A., Willamette University; B.A. (Writing), University of Colorado.
Bar Admissions: U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; Maryland; District of Columbia.
Jamie Pamela Rasmussen is a Veterans Disability Attorney and Air Force Veteran who translates Veteran stories into powerful legal arguments. Having served as a Cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, she understands the military experience and is dedicated to helping fellow service members gain the compensation they deserve. Jamie is an accomplished author with numerous publications in legal journals and historical presses, focusing on military and legal history.
Military Service: U.S. Air Force (1999–2002), Cadet; Service at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Education: J.D., Michigan State University College of Law, 2007; M.S., University of Missouri, 2019.
Bar Admissions: Missouri; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Michael Wilson is a Veterans Disability Attorney who brings nearly 20 years of elite appellate expertise to his practice. Before focusing on VA disability, Mike established himself as one of Nebraska’s premier appellate attorneys, winning numerous landmark cases before the Nebraska Supreme Court. He has been honored by Martindale-Hubbell with an AV-Preeminent peer rating—the highest professional distinction available—every year since 2021. Mike achieved immediate impact at Berry Law, with one of his first appeals resulting in a backpay award of over $100,000 for a Veteran and his family.
Education: J.D., Michigan State University College of Law, 2005; B.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2001.
Bar Admissions: Iowa; Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Naoyo Mori is a Veterans Disability Attorney who combines a high-level scientific background with legal expertise to advocate for service connection. Before entering the legal field, Naoyo earned a PhD in Medical Sciences and served as a lead epidemiologist and subject matter expert in occupational health and safety at the DOE’s Hanford Site. This unique experience allows her to deconstruct complex medical evidence and chemical exposure data to support claims for fellow service members.
Education: J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, 2021; PhD, University of Tokyo; M.S., California State University, Northridge; B.S., Sophia University.
Bar Admissions: Maryland; District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Rob Willard is an accomplished VA-accredited attorney with over 22 years of legal experience and a practice that spans every level of the VA appeals process. His career is defined by public service, including 12 years as an elected County Treasurer and time as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. An Eagle Scout and Ingram's "40 Under Forty" honoree, Rob views his work as a way to repay the debt owed to his ancestors who served in the American military from Valley Forge through Vietnam.
Education: J.D., University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law, 2003; B.A., University of Missouri.
Bar Admissions: Missouri; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Angela St. Pierre is a VA Accredited Attorney based in Washington, D.C., specializing in complex litigation and disability claims before the CAVC. She was a recipient of the Equal Justice of America Law Student Fellowship and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Before joining Berry Law, Angela represented government executives in federal employment litigation and assisted in matters before the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Education: J.D., American University Washington College of Law; B.A. Cum Laude, Whittier College.
Bar Admissions: District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Shelbe Stroh is a Veterans Disability Attorney who brings a strong foundation in legal research, advocacy and client-focused problem solving to Berry Law. She has extensive hands-on experience as a senior-certified law clerk at the Sarpy County Attorney's Office and was a member of the Clifton Builders Program for high-potential leaders. Shelbe focuses on building strategic arguments through meticulous record reviews to honor the sacrifice of Veterans.
Education: J.D., Creighton University School of Law; B.S. with distinction, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Bar Admissions: Missouri; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Andrew Liesener is an attorney specializing in drafting appeals for service-connected compensation. Having worked at the Social Security Administration, he learned the ins and outs of government benefit programs and is known for his efficiency in writing persuasive arguments for healthcare and compensation for Veterans. Andrew is dedicated to ensuring that the VA fulfills the promises made to those who served.
Education: J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School.
Bar Admissions: Wisconsin; 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.
Travis Ford is a Case Manager and Marine Corps Veteran who applies the lessons of combat to his advocacy for fellow service members. Having served as an infantry squad leader and mortarman with deployments to Haditha, Iraq and Sangin, Afghanistan, Travis brings a "one team, one fight" mentality to every case file. Having navigated the VA disability process himself, he is committed to ensuring no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of service connection and has successfully helped clients secure 100% P&T ratings.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2007–2011), Corporal; 0341 Infantry Squad Leader and Mortarman with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Kacey Petit is a VA Accredited Case Manager who offers a unique inside perspective on cases having served as a Veterans Service Representative Rater at the VA. As a military spouse and mother, she uses her professional background to understand exactly how claims are evaluated, helping families secure maximum ratings for service-connected disabilities.
Mitski Avalox is a Case Manager dedicated to helping Veterans navigate the complex appeals process with a personal touch. She is committed to providing clear communication and reassurance to her clients, believing that since Veterans served our country, it is her honor to serve them once they are home.
Annalee Sorensen is a Case Manager who uses her background in psychology and meticulous record review to draft detailed, compelling appeals for Veterans. She finds great fulfillment in being a voice for those who defended her freedoms and strives to be a vital part of each client's support system through their most difficult experiences. Fluent in sign language, Annalee once aspired to be an interpreter before choosing a career in legal advocacy.
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.
