Berry Law

I ultimately reached 100% Permanent & Total, and I appreciate the assistance that helped finalize my VA claim. However, I want to share something extremely important for other veterans to understand before signing a contingency agreement with any VA disability law firm. The fee structure in my case was explained using language like the following: “Our fees are all inclusive in the percentage of the Fee Agreement… 33 percent of any backpay award or supplemental awards based off of our work.” Based on wording like “based off of our work,” many veterans (including myself) will reasonably interpret that to mean the fee applies to the backpay generated during the time the firm is actively working on the claim. However, what I ultimately learned after having to research VA disability law myself—because the explanation in both the conversation and email was ambiguous to me—is that contingency fees in VA disability cases can apply to the entire retroactive payment created by the rating increase, even if the effective date goes back long before the firm became involved. For example, in my situation: • I began working my VA claim in June 2024 on my own, gathering records, medical evidence, and spending significant time navigating the process myself. • I hired the firm in December 2025. • A supplemental claim filed shortly after resulted in my rating reaching 100%. • Because the VA maintained the effective date back to June 2024, the retroactive payment covered a much longer time period. Under the contingency agreement, the firm’s 33⅓% fee applied to that entire retroactive amount, even though the firm had only been involved for a shorter portion of the overall claim timeline. To illustrate how different this can look depending on timing: I referred another veteran to the same firm who was also moved from 90% to 100%, but because his claim had only been active for a short period of time, his retroactive payment — and therefore the fee — was dramatically smaller. My purpose in sharing this is not to criticize the contingency model itself, but to help other veterans clearly understand how retroactive benefits and attorney fees can interact, especially when a claim has already been active for many months or years before legal representation begins. My advice to other veterans considering legal representation: • Ask very clearly how contingency fees apply if your claim is backdated months or years before the firm becomes involved. • Request a simple example showing how the fee would be calculated in that scenario. • Make sure you fully understand how the effective date of your claim affects retroactive payments and attorney fees. The VA disability system is extremely complex, and legal assistance can absolutely help veterans achieve the benefits they deserve. I simply hope that sharing my experience helps other veterans make fully informed decisions before signing a contingency agreement. In simple terms for veterans who may already be close to 100%: if your claim has been open for a long time and a firm helps push you over the threshold, the fee may be calculated from years of backpay — not just the months they worked on the case — so be sure you fully understand how that works before signing.

Berry Law Firm provided exceptional support with my VA disability claim from start to finish. They made a complicated and frustrating process feel manageable by clearly explaining every step and setting realistic expectations. What stood out most was their communication. Natalie Gipson always listened carefully to my input, took my concerns seriously, and incorporated my personal experiences into the strategy for my case. Any time I had a question or needed clarification, she responded in a timely manner and never made me feel like I was bothering her. Natalie's updates were consistent and easy to understand, and I always knew where my claim stood. I felt like a partner in the process rather than just another file. Because of her professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care, I was able to secure a much better outcome on my VA disability claim than I ever could have achieved on my own. I highly recommend Berry Law Firm to any veteran seeking help with VA disability claims, especially if you value fluent communication, being heard, and receiving prompt, reliable responses.

Berry Law Firm provided outstanding support with my VA disability claim. The team was respectful, patient and extremely knowledgeable. They took the time to answer all of my questions and made a complicated process feel manageable. I truly felt advocated for as a veteran and would absolutely recommend their services.

I highly recommend Allison Schwach and Berry Law for VA disability claims. I had been going round and round with the VA for over 15 years. At the recommendation of another satisfied veteran, I reached out to Berry Law. Allison was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my VA disability case from start to finish. She explained the process clearly, stayed in constant communication, and made an overwhelming situation feel manageable. Her attention to detail and dedication paid off. Within 3 months, I finally received a 100% service-connected disability rating! I always felt supported and confident knowing she was advocating for me. If you are a veteran looking for an attorney who understands VA disability law and genuinely cares about you, Allison Schwach and Berry Law are an excellent choice.

I chose Berry Law because they have a reputation for success and working diligently on behalf of their client. I worked with Jamie Bell and her amazing team. They did a superb job in helping me get my claim together, gather important medical evidence, and ultimately submit my claim. They walked with me through the entire process, which I highly valued. I never felt like I was doing this alone! If you are a veteran who needs help in dealing with the VA to get the compensation you deserve, I highly recommend Jamie Bell and her team at Berry Law!