Built by a Marine who served 21 years, deployed to combat, and knows what it costs to wear the uniform.
I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 1990 — right out of Columbia/Burbank High School in Washington state. I didn't know what I was walking into. I figured that out fast.
I spent my career as an aircraft navigation and communications systems technician — keeping the aircraft flying, the electronics working, and the mission moving. Over time I moved from the bench to leading maintenance work centers, then to maintenance control, quality assurance, and eventually running a Lean/Six Sigma program for the Corps before I retired.
I deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. I earned the Combat Action Ribbon. I came home. Not everyone did.
I retired honorably in August 2011 as a Gunnery Sergeant after 21 years of service. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt — I believe in systems that work, processes that don't waste people's time, and eliminating every step that doesn't add value.
That last part is exactly why I built this directory.
The VA claims process is broken — not because of bad intentions, but because it's complex, slow, and built for the institution rather than the veteran. Most veterans who file their first claim leave money on the table. Not because they're lazy. Because no one showed them the map.
I've watched fellow veterans — Marines who gave everything — struggle to navigate a system designed to pay out as little as possible unless you push back the right way. I've seen some get taken advantage of by companies that charge thousands of dollars and deliver almost nothing. I've seen others leave tens of thousands of dollars per year on the table because they didn't know they could file for more.
There was no trustworthy, independent directory of who actually helps veterans and who doesn't. So I built one.
Every company in this directory has been personally reviewed by me. I check:
Companies with red flags don't get listed. Companies that get listed and later show problems get removed. I check the data at least once a year and monitor community feedback continuously.
This is not pay-to-play. No company can buy its way onto this list. Full editorial policy is available on the How We Vet page.
USMC, July 1990 – August 2011
GySgt (E-7), Honorable Retirement
6414 — Aircraft Comms, Nav & Crypto Systems Technician
MALS-12, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
B.S. Management, University of Phoenix
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
80% Service-Connected
10-Point Civil Service Preference
DoD SECRET (held during service)
This directory will always be free to use. No ads. No sponsored rankings. No company pays to be listed here — and none can pay to be removed from the rejection record if they've harmed veterans.
My name and reputation are attached to every listing on this site. If something's wrong with a company, I want to know. If my research was incomplete, tell me. The contact email is on the footer of every page.
You served. You earned these benefits. Don't let anyone — including the VA — make you feel like you're asking for too much.
Semper Fidelis,
— GySgt Dustin Ohman (Ret.), USMC
Iraq · Afghanistan · Combat Action Ribbon