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.
David Hoeser is a former U.S. Army Sergeant (2010–2017) serving as a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist and Unit Armorer. He completed a combat deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His military decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
David is a VA Accredited Attorney and Platoon Leader at Berry Law. His professional record is defined by high-impact victories, securing 100% permanent and total ratings and substantial retroactive back-pay awards for his clients. He was named a Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion-Platinum and has received the AVVO Clients' Choice Award for four consecutive years.
Military Service: U.S. Army (2010–2017), Sergeant; Carpentry and Masonry Specialist with a combat deployment to Afghanistan.
Education: J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law 2020; B.S., University of Nebraska – Omaha, Summa Cum Laude, 2017.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Taylor Finke comes from a dedicated military family, with a grandfather who served in the Korean War, cousins who served in Iraq, and a brother serving in the Air National Guard after the U.S. Air Force. Witnessing the challenges her family faced with the VA deepened her commitment to supporting Veterans. Taylor is relentless in scrutinizing VA actions and strategizing a way forward to get the best possible outcome for clients.
Education: J.D., University of Nebraska Law, 2024; B.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2019.
Bar Admissions: Nebraska; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Tom Dvorak views every Veteran as an American hero and strives to be a "hero to our heroes." Before joining Berry Law, Tom spent three years as an adjudicator at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, giving him a unique perspective into how VA decisions are made. As the son, grandson, and nephew of Veterans, Tom is deeply committed to ensuring those who served are not shut down by a complex system and procedural roadblocks.
Education: J.D., University of Baltimore School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, 2018; B.A., Eastern University, 2014.
Bar Admissions: Georgia; Maryland.
James Reed is a VA Accredited Attorney with over a decade of legal experience in high-stakes advocacy. He has successfully represented Veterans in legal hearings across 32 states, leveraging logic and strategic reasoning to navigate the complex VA appeals process. With grandfathers in World War II, uncles who served in Vietnam, and a father-in-law who served in the Marine Corps, advocating for Veterans is James’ way of honoring these role models and serving those who fought for our freedoms.
Education: J.D., Baylor Law School, 2013.
Bar Admissions: Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Maria (Victoria) LaVilla is a VA Accredited Attorney with extensive experience in criminal prosecution and complex litigation. Before joining Berry Law, she served for five years as an Assistant District Attorney and prosecutor in Montgomery County, where she successfully won numerous trials. Victoria specializes in developing persuasive appeals to correct VA errors, secure earlier effective dates, and maximize disability ratings.
Education: J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston, 2020; B.S., University of Houston, 2017.
Bar Admissions: Texas; 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.
Craig Alderton is a Case Manager and former Army Combat Medic who uses his medical training to identify critical evidence in service records that the VA may have overlooked. He knows how military medical records are created and documented, and how small details can make a big difference in a VA claim. He is skilled at deciphering complex medical documentation and drafting persuasive legal arguments citing evidence that the VA may have missed or disregarded.
Military Service: Army National Guard (1998–2021), SFC; 68W Combat Medic with deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Barry Rodgers is an experienced Case Manager who brings his background in law enforcement and military service to his legal work. He specializes in reviewing VA decisions and drafting appeals to ensure Veterans receive maximized compensation. One of his most notable professional achievements involved successfully assisting a homeless Veteran through multiple appeals and a Board decision to secure the benefits necessary for stable housing.
Military Service: U.S. Army (1992–2008).
Devin Lovgren is a Sergeant First Class in the Nebraska Army National Guard with 20 years of service. Throughout his military career—including deployments to Iraq and Korea—Devin has held diverse leadership and counseling roles that directly apply to his advocacy for Veterans. After Berry Law helped him win his own complex VA case, he joined the firm to help other Veterans bridge the gap between their lived experience and the VA’s requirements for benefits.
Military Service: Nebraska Army National Guard (2006–Present), SFC; Flight Operations and Senior Religious Affairs NCO with deployments to Iraq and Korea.
Jacob Fry is a Marine Corps Veteran and Berry Law’s Veteran Appeals and Camp Lejeune Task Force Coordinator. During his service as a Rifleman, Jacob completed two combat deployments to the Sangin and Musa Qala districts of Afghanistan. After navigating his own path to VA benefits with the help of Berry Law, he dedicated his career to ensuring all Veterans are awarded the rating they deserve. Jacob is the current Commandant of the Marine Corps League Cornhusker Detachment 370 and remains active in multiple Veteran service organizations.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2008–2012), Corporal; 0311 Rifleman with deployments to Sangin and Musa Qala, Afghanistan.
Jason Gibson is a Marine Corps Veteran who retired as a Master Sergeant after two decades of service and deployments to Djibouti and Afghanistan. Serving as an Aircraft Mechanic, Door Gunner, Tail Gunner and Career Recruiter, Jason’s military background taught him the values of accountability and teamwork—principles he now applies to managing complex disability appeals at Berry Law.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (2002–2022), Master Sergeant; 6113 CH-53E Flightline Mechanic and Career Recruiter with deployments to Djibouti and Afghanistan.
Matt Bartling brings over 26 years of military experience to his role as a case manager. A retired U.S. Army Major, Matt served in infantry and CBRNE units, with a combat deployment to Iraq. Having successfully navigated the medical board process with legal representation, Matt is committed to ensuring his fellow Veterans are not discouraged by VA actions, and refuses to accept "no" from the VA as a final answer.
Military Service: U.S. Army (1992–2018), Major; Infantry and CBRNE Officer with a deployment to Iraq.
Sarah Hardy is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who brings a relentless drive for perfection to her work as a VA Accredited Advocate. Though her time as a Marine Diesel Mechanic was cut short due to medical discharge, she has used that experience to fuel a career dedicated to helping her brothers and sisters in service. Having fought for three years to secure her own VA benefits, she empathizes deeply with the struggles Veterans face and works tirelessly to reduce their stress by ensuring every claim is properly documented.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps, LCpl; Diesel Mechanic.
Sean Shepherd is a VA Accredited Advocate and Marine Corps Veteran who has earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He now applies the strategic planning skills he developed over two decades in the service to overcome VA denials. With a wife who is a fellow Marine, and having navigated the VA process himself while at Berry Law, Sean understands the fight Veterans go through for the benefits they earned.
Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (1999–2021), Master Sergeant; Utilities and Operations Chief with deployments to Afghanistan, Morocco, and Norway.
Jeff Thomas joined Berry Law in 2023 following a distinguished career in military human resources. He leverages nearly four decades of administrative expertise to support our legal team and ensure the accurate management of Veteran claims. Jeff is dedicated to guiding Veterans through the complexities of the benefits system with the same discipline he maintained throughout his military tenure.
Military Service: Nebraska Army National Guard (1983–2021), Chief Warrant Officer 4; Human Resources Warrant Officer with a deployment to Afghanistan.
Katie Domzalski brings five years of experience at Berry Law to her role as a Case Manager, where she specializes in providing personalized, one-on-one support to Veterans. She leverages her deep knowledge of the VA process to guide clients through every stage of their claim. Katie’s commitment to service is personal, inspired by her grandfather’s service in the Korean War. She is a dedicated advocate who helps Veterans feel heard and finds deep reward in every rightful win for benefits.
Hanna Sonenberg is a Case Manager with a strong professional foundation in the medical field. She uses her clinical insight to thoroughly review medical records and advocate for service connection for complex disabilities. Inspired by her Veteran father, Hanna has a history of successfully resolving long-delayed cases, ensuring that Veterans and their families obtain the resolutions and financial security they were previously denied.
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.
