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

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.

SESSION 1 – Veterans Disability Law Essentials: Navigating VA Benefits and Claims | 1:00pm – 3:10pm

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).

BREAK | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

It 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.

BREAK | 3:10pm – 3:20pm

SESSION 2 – VA Disability Advocacy: Evidence, Ratings & Appeals | 3:20pm – 4:20pm

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.