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Veterans Disability Law Essentials: Navigating VA Benefits and Claims (2026 Edition)

2026-05-29 13:00:00

2026-05-29 13:00:00

3 Credits

Master VA disability law — from eligibility and service connection to strategic appeals — and immediately strengthen your advocacy for veteran clients.

2026-05-29 13:00:00

Master VA disability law — from eligibility and service connection to strategic appeals — and immediately strengthen your advocacy for veteran clients.

2026-05-29 13:00:00

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

Key topics that will be covered

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn VA disability law from basic eligibility and service connection through advanced rating maximization strategies, AMA appeal lane selection, evidence development, and ethics requirements.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical frameworks for crafting persuasive nexus opinions, challenging inadequate C&P exams, applying PACT Act toxic exposure strategy, and protecting effective dates throughout the appeals process.

VA structure
Understand the organizational structure of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Service connection
Establish disability links through presumptive, non-presumptive, and causation theories.
Nexus opinions
Craft persuasive medical nexus opinions using required language and independent opinions.
Rating maximization
Apply combined ratings math, TDIU strategy, and staged ratings effectively.
AMA strategy
Select the correct appeal lane and preserve effective dates throughout the appeals process.
Ethics & fees
Navigate VA accreditation requirements, contingency fee limits, and client expectation management.

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn VA disability law from basic eligibility and service connection through advanced rating maximization strategies, AMA appeal lane selection, evidence development, and ethics requirements.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain practical frameworks for crafting persuasive nexus opinions, challenging inadequate C&P exams, applying PACT Act toxic exposure strategy, and protecting effective dates throughout the appeals process.

Agenda

SESSION 1

Veterans Disability Law Essentials: Navigating VA Benefits and Claims

SESSION 2

VA Disability Advocacy: Evidence, Ratings & Appeals

clock 1:00 pm - 3:10 pm EST

Veterans Disability Law Essentials: Navigating VA Benefits and Claims

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Richard W. “Rick” Rousseau

Rousseau Legal Services

This session provides a general guide to the laws, processes, and procedures governing VA disability compensation benefits, including eligibility requirements, how to file a claim, and how to appeal denials under the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA).

It also explores VA benefits structure, disability eligibility, and service connection theories, including presumptive and non-presumptive claims. It covers ratings, effective dates, TDIU, SMC, dependency benefits, and key steps in the claims process, from filing to appeals.

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Richard W. “Rick” Rousseau

Rousseau Legal Services

clock 3:20 pm - 4:20 pm EST

VA Disability Advocacy: Evidence, Ratings & Appeals

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Richard W. “Rick” Rousseau

Rousseau Legal Services

This advanced session covers winning VA disability strategies, including nexus opinions, C&P exam challenges, and PACT Act claims. It details rating maximization via TDIU and combined math, while providing expert guidance on evidence building and navigating the AMA appeal process.

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Richard W. “Rick” Rousseau

Rousseau Legal Services

01 02
Prev
Next

speakers

Joe Ervin

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Kevin Foley

Reminger Co
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Grant H. Lawson

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Richard W. “Rick” Rousseau

Rousseau Legal Services

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Lisa Cunningham, Esq., is an experienced client advocate focusing her practice on Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability Benefits. As a managing attorney at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, P.C., she oversees a team with more than 40 years of combined disability practice experience. She represents clients throughout the entire disability process, from initial applications through multiple levels of appeal, providing advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom. In addition to her legal practice, Lisa is an active speaker who lectures on disability law, ethics, and professional development, contributing to education within the legal community.

Education & Credentials

Lisa Cunningham earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore, where she was a Moot Court team member and received the Dean’s Citation Award for Outstanding Achievement. She also earned first place in the National Law Review student writing competition and is licensed to practice law in New York State.

Recognition & Leadership

Lisa Cunningham has been recognized for her academic and professional achievements, including receiving the Dean’s Citation Award for Outstanding Achievement and winning first place in the National Law Review student writing competition. In her leadership role as managing attorney, she oversees a team with decades of combined experience in disability law.

Professional Involvement

Lisa Cunningham is actively involved in legal education and professional development, frequently lecturing on Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability Benefits, ethics, and related topics for both public audiences and fellow attorneys.

Experience

Lisa Cunningham’s experience centers on representing clients in Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability matters, guiding them through every stage of the claims and appeals process. As managing attorney at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, P.C., she leads a team with extensive experience in disability practice while providing direct advocacy for clients both in and out of the courtroom. Her work emphasizes comprehensive representation, ensuring clients receive support from initial filings through complex appeals.

Lisa Cunningham

LCD Law PLLC

Lisa Cunningham, Esq., is an experienced client advocate focusing her practice on Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability Benefits. As a managing attorney at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, P.C., she oversees a team with more than 40 years of combined disability practice experience. She represents clients throughout the entire disability process, from initial applications through multiple levels of appeal, providing advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom. In addition to her legal practice, Lisa is an active speaker who lectures on disability law, ethics, and professional development, contributing to education within the legal community.

Education & Credentials

Lisa Cunningham earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore, where she was a Moot Court team member and received the Dean’s Citation Award for Outstanding Achievement. She also earned first place in the National Law Review student writing competition and is licensed to practice law in New York State.

Recognition & Leadership

Lisa Cunningham has been recognized for her academic and professional achievements, including receiving the Dean’s Citation Award for Outstanding Achievement and winning first place in the National Law Review student writing competition. In her leadership role as managing attorney, she oversees a team with decades of combined experience in disability law.

Professional Involvement

Lisa Cunningham is actively involved in legal education and professional development, frequently lecturing on Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability Benefits, ethics, and related topics for both public audiences and fellow attorneys.

Experience

Lisa Cunningham’s experience centers on representing clients in Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability matters, guiding them through every stage of the claims and appeals process. As managing attorney at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, P.C., she leads a team with extensive experience in disability practice while providing direct advocacy for clients both in and out of the courtroom. Her work emphasizes comprehensive representation, ensuring clients receive support from initial filings through complex appeals.

Richard W. “Rick” Rousseau

Rousseau Legal Services

Colonel (Ret.) Rick Rousseau is a former Army Judge Advocate (JAG) with a distinguished 27-year career in active-duty military service, followed by private legal practice focused on veterans’ benefits law. Throughout his military career, he served in a variety of leadership roles, including twice as Staff Judge Advocate for Fort Hood, and as a full-time law professor at The Judge Advocate General’s School, where he taught estate planning, taxation, and veterans’ and survivor benefits. He also deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After retiring from military service, Rick practiced as a partner at the Criss & Rousseau Law Firm and now continues his work through Rousseau Legal Services, concentrating on assisting veterans with benefits-related matters.

Education & Credentials

Rick Rousseau earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Texas at Austin, a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law, and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law. He also holds an LL.M. in Military Law with a specialty in Administrative and Civil Law from The Judge Advocate General’s School, U.S. Army, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. In addition, he is a graduate of the Army Command & General Staff College and the Naval War College.

Recognition & Leadership

Rick Rousseau held significant leadership roles during his military career, including serving twice as Staff Judge Advocate for Fort Hood. His leadership also extended to academia as a full-time law professor at The Judge Advocate General’s School, where he trained future military attorneys in key areas of law.

Professional Involvement

Rick Rousseau has been actively involved in both military and civilian legal communities through his teaching, service, and legal practice. He educated military attorneys on estate planning, taxation, and veterans’ benefits, and continues to serve the legal needs of veterans through his focused practice in veterans’ benefits law.

Experience

Rick Rousseau’s experience spans 27 years as an Army Judge Advocate, where he served in multiple legal and leadership roles, including Staff Judge Advocate and law professor. He deployed three times in support of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his military career, he practiced as a partner at Criss & Rousseau Law Firm from 2015 to July 2025, after which the firm became Rousseau Legal Services. His current practice focuses on veterans’ benefits law, drawing on decades of experience in military, administrative, and tax law.

Plans

Proven CLE solutions for every legal professional

Access type Individual Purchase Basic Premium Most Popular Corporate CLE Plan
Price
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
$395/year
One-time purchase
Custom
based on firm size
Access type Pay per class Unlimited annual access Unlimited access for all firm members
Number of Available Webinars 1 1,000+ 1,000+
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited 500+ 500+
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included Included Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included Included Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included Included Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events Included Included
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Included Included
Instant Certificates After Completion Included Included
Personalized CLE Platform Included Included
Live Conferences Included
Bootcamps Included
Individual Purchase
Basic
Premium
Corporate CLE Plan
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
Access type Pay per
class
Number of Available Webinars 1
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Instant Certificates After Completion
Personalized CLE Platform
Live Conferences
Bootcamps

Why Attend

Why this 
program matters

Attorneys who handle VA disability claims must understand a complex, regulation-driven system where procedural missteps and evidentiary gaps directly determine whether veterans receive the compensation they earned.
45%
of PACT Act presumptive disability claims reviewed in a 2024–2025 VA OIG audit contained processing errors, where unnecessary exams led to improper denials of legally presumed service-connected claims.
791
days is the average wait time for veterans selecting the Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing docket, meaning choosing the wrong AMA appeal lane can delay cases by more than two years.
30.4%
of American Legion–represented BVA appeals were granted in 2025, highlighting that many VA regional office decisions are incorrect and continue to drive prolonged appeals and extended timelines.
100k+
VA disability claims remained backlogged as of January 2026, with 551,895 pending nationwide and an average 85.16-day processing time, increasing delays when errors occur in claim development.

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MCLE Credits

Alabama
Approved
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Pending
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Pending
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Pending
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Not Eligible
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Alabama

Requirements

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Formats

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