The Veteran's Advocate

10/20/2025

Living Life to Its Fullest Despite PTSD as a Korea War Vet—CPL Henry “Hank” Diaz. At The Veteran’s Advocate, we believe the nation should know some of the tremendous costs paid by our military members in the line of duty.

Veterans typically don’t seek recognition. Yet, with their permission—and a little encouragement—some of our clients have allowed us to share their stories. We're honored to help bring their sacrifices, resilience, and experiences to light.

CPL Diaz served in the United States Marine Corps 1952 through 1955 and survived several harrowing Korean war combat operations. CPL Diaz was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and Koren PUC.

CPL Diaz made the most of his life, in spite of life-long severe PTSD and unaware that his symptoms stemmed from PTSD. Then, when he finally filed a VA claim nearly 60 years after his combat tour, the VA denied him because he claimed “insomnia” instead of PTSD.

Although it took years to right this wrong, our fight led to CPL Diaz receiving the full and proper compensation our nation intended him.

Despite his PTSD and many bodily injuries incurred in service to our nation, CPL Diaz has spent his life body building and operating his gym in Arizona. He recently celebrated his 91st birthday, crediting his longevity to no smoking, no alcohol, and working out every day. He is truly an inspiration for overcoming adversity and living life to its fullest.

10/20/2025

Evidence is EVERYTHING in VA appeals. But many Veterans may not even know where to start when it comes to gathering evidence to support their appeals. This guide is a start to learn more about the best evidence to file with the VA.

However, every case is unique and the best way to set yourself up for success is to seek expert advocacy. Contact us today to learn more about what evidence is needed for your case specifically!

theveteransadvocate.com/contact/

08/01/2025

Service Before Self—1SG Seth Kastle. At The Veteran’s Advocate, we believe the nation should know some of the tremendous costs paid by our military members in the line of duty.

Veterans typically don’t seek recognition. Yet, with their permission—and a little encouragement—some of our clients have allowed us to share their stories. We're honored to help bring their sacrifices, resilience, and experiences to light.

This is a summary of the sacrifices made by 1SG Seth Kastle, US Army, and his family.

1SG Kastle deployed to Qatar and Afghanistan in 2002 for eight months and again to Iraq in 2003-2004 for an additional 15 months! During his deployments in southwest Asia, 1SG Kastle was exposed not just to combat but to hazardous chemicals, toxins, and burn pits.

Six years after his deployment, 1SG Kastle experienced Sudden Cardiac Death. He was resuscitated but required an implanted defibrillator to stay alive. Adding insult to injury, the Army discharged 1SG Kastle for failing to meet medical standards. The Army stated that the heart condition had an unknown etiology and thus could not be attributed to 1SG Kastle’s service.

Years later, 1SG Kastle’s doctors diagnosed him with CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS. Basically, 1SG Kastle’s heart (and lungs) had become overrun with inflamed granulomas. Even after the diagnosis, the VA continued to deny 1SG Kastle disability compensation for his heart condition. However, after years of appeals, we are pleased to report that the VA has finally granted 1SG Kastle’s appeal. We are now in the process of appealing his discharge from the Army more than a decade ago.

1SG Kastle earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and many other awards and honors during his military service.

We recognize his family members for their shared sacrifice, and we wish them all well. We are honored by your service!

07/25/2025

Did you know that Veteran’s over the age of 75 can get advanced on the docket at the Board of Veteran’s Appeals? For most Veterans, it takes up to 3-4 years just to get your BVA hearing scheduled, but for Veterans over 75 years old, we are getting Board decisions back in just MONTHS! Even if you already filed your appeal, it is not too late to advance your case on the docket.

Aaron M. Drake is an officially accredited VA appeals attorney, licensed and authorized to represent Veterans at the local level and before the Board of Veteran's Appeals!

Contact us today for expert board advocacy! theveteransadvocate.com/contact/

07/24/2025

We recently attended a Veteran and Family Readiness Fair where we had the opportunity to meet lots of amazing people. Too many Veterans we talked to had never filed any claim for disability compensation! With a little guidance and persuasion, we walked several of them to local VSO exhibitors who assisted these Veterans in filing their first-ever claim!

[We always refer Veterans to VSOs for free, top-notch service in filing original disability claims--and encourage them to come back to us if/when the VA denies their claim and an appeal is needed]

07/16/2025

Denied service-connection by the VA? Did you know that there are three things the VA requires to grant service connection for your claim?

Learn here how you can gather evidence to show (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or illness, and (3) a medical nexus to tie your condition to your service.

Contact us today to begin work on YOUR appeal to the VA! theveteransadvocate.com/contact/

07/15/2025

Service Before Self and the Tragic Legacy of Agent Orange—SP5 Dennis Berger. At The Veteran’s Advocate, we believe the nation should know some of the tremendous costs paid by our military members in the line of duty.

Veterans typically don’t seek recognition. Yet, with their permission—and a little encouragement—some of our clients have allowed us to share their stories. We're honored to help bring their sacrifices, resilience, and experiences to light.

This is a summary of the sacrifices made by SP5 Berger, US Army, and his family.

SP5 Berger was drafted in October of 1966.

In 1967, he deployed to Vietnam, where he served in a combat zone as an ammunition specialist. He did everything that was asked of him in Vietnam. Unfortunately, during his time in Vietnam, SP5 Berger was exposed to Agent Orange.

Decades later, SP5 Berger developed Parkinson’s Disease, non-diabetic neuropathy in all of his extremities, and stage four kidney disease.

SP5 Berger now struggles to walk and can only do so with a walker. He lost his job as a chef because his hands would shake so much that he was unable to safely use the tools of his trade.

SP5 Berger has struggled severely with PTSD from his service in Vietnam. In one instance, his kids had to intervene to keep him alive.

For five years, the VA denied any responsibility for SP5 Berger’s medical conditions. In his own words. “I was done. I couldn’t take it anymore. But Aaron would not let me give up. He is the reason I got my 100% disability.”

We are pleased to report that the VA finally granted SP5 Berger’s appeal and that he is finally receiving the compensation our nation intended him to receive.

07/08/2025

Calling All Veterans! If you or someone you know has a VA Disability Claim or Appeal that mysteriously disappeared in the '80s or '90s, please contact us today to inquire about your case.

We have the legal expertise and tools to force the VA to go back and adjudicate your original claim--with the original effective date. You may be entitled to up to 40 years of backpay from the VA!

Contact Us Today! https://theveteransadvocate.com/contact

09/08/2024

Update to SSgt Kyle Matthews. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7238329668238499840-BkMO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

I’m asking if you would consider making a contribution here (and re-posting for broader reach): https://www.givesendgo.com/kylematthews-usjag Our best legal efforts are futile if this family’s most basic human needs are unmet in the immediate- and near-term. Thanks to our non-profit friends at Uniformed Services Justice & Advocacy Group - USJAG for handling the fundraising and for their tireless advocacy for injured service members, including Kyle Matthews.

Update: Air Force senior leaders ignored our final demand to rescind the illegal separation order. SSgt Matthews was discharged on August 27, 2024. This family of 8 was given no grace period to vacate their on-base housing. SSgt Matthews left with a 30-day supply of five prescription medications Air Force doctors had prescribed to treat suicidality, bipolar, and anxiety disorder (diagnoses which Air Force doctors refused to document in the official record and otherwise ignored to avoid the Disability Evaluation System process). Mrs. Matthews cared for the six children and boxed the family’s household goods largely on her own because SSgt Matthews was required “on duty” to complete out-processing. The Airmen and Family Readiness Center, the First Sergeant, the Commander, and even co-workers gave no assistance or communication during this final week the Matthews family spent in the Air Force. Because the Air Force rushed the administrative discharge, they were unprepared to timely issue a DD214. Because SSgt Matthews did not have a DD214 until just a couple days ago, he has been unable to apply for grants or benefits, whether through non-profits or the VA. He is now in a race to onboard with the VA for mental health treatment and renewed prescriptions before his medications run out, as side effects can be severe (i.e. deadly) with abrupt discontinuation.

The family finds themselves homeless, unemployed, and without healthcare. Financial relief through our legal advocacy is more than a year away (BCMR or federal suit take two years; and VA disability compensation is likely 6-24 months away, depending on what level of appeal may become necessary).

09/04/2024

Our Firm has been working on this disheartening but critically important cautionary case. The stigma surrounding mental health in the military is real. The suffering is real. The costs are real. This can happen to anyone.

The article is published on LinkedIn but is publicly accessible. We would be honored if you'd take a moment to read and share!

What do three su***de attempts and formal diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder with major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, all onset during the 14 months after a deployment, get an active-duty Airman? Kicked out of the Air Force and abandoned without be

08/27/2024

The attorneys at The Veteran’s Advocate came from active-duty military JAG employment and then continued their military service in a reserve status as they transitioned into representing service members and Veterans in private practice. They personally understand the unique experiences, culture, and legal needs of service members and Veterans. They have compassion for their clients’ lived experiences because although each military experience is unique, they’ve been there. The Veteran’s Advocate specializes in medical and disability board advocacy for current military members who are injured in the line of duty; and in handling Veterans’ disability claims and appeals before the VA. The Veteran’s Advocate attorneys maintain official Dept. of VA accreditation, as well as certification as Disability Counsel for all military departments. Rare is the law firm that has the specialized knowledge and skill to handle every aspect of an injured service member’s case, from Line of Duty determination to medical/disability evaluation, to petition for correction of records, to VA disability claims and appeals. If you or someone you know needs these services, please contact us here: https://theveteransadvocate.com/contact

08/26/2024

Excited to collaborate with Kenady Thornley and Miss Northern Utah Pageant for an important cause. To read more about Veteran’s need for mental health services, visithttps://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2021/2021-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL-9-8-21.pdf