Ridley Legal, PLLC
I only take on one client at a time and I focus exclusively on Veterans Law!
In my last year on Active Duty, I found navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Claims & Appeals process confusing and overly complex with the many forms and deadlines. The Veterans Service Officer (VSO) I was assigned was simply overworked, and trying to juggle my case alongside dozens of my peers at the same time. Often, days would pass before my phone calls or emails were returned while deadlines approached.
Immediately after I retired, I used my G.I. Bill to attend law school and now exclusively practice Veterans Law. I am barred in the District of Columbia and admitted to practice before all D.C. Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Additionally, as a VA-Accredited Attorney, I am licensed to represent any current or former U.S. service member with their VA claims, regardless of where they are stationed or currently residing in the world.
I provide each client, the personal representation and the individual attention on their case that this complex process requires.
When you call, I answer – no staff, no paralegals, no assistants, no call centers, and no handoffs!
Veterans Law
Veterans Law
Veterans Disability Law is a Federal Practice
Current duty station, residence, and domicile are not factors
My services are strictly limited to: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits claims (disability, pension, education, housing), military discharge upgrades, and military family law (divorce and child custody cases where the marriage license jurisdiction differs from clients' current residence).
veterans disability claims and appeals Lawyer
About Ridley Legal, PLLC
Ridley Legal, PLLC is a Washington, DC-based, solo practice, focused on Veterans Law, representing veterans’ claims and appeals. Founded by U.S. Army retiree, Brian G. Ridley, a licensed attorney, fully accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Brian represents clients from across the globe, regardless of duty station or current residence as Veterans Disability Law is a Federal practice (supersedes local and state), from his private office in Arlington, VA.
veterans disability claims and appeals Legal Team
Meet the team
Brian hails from Okinawa, Japan (Kadena AFB). He earned a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska and MS in Management in Leadership from Webster University. For over thirty years, Brian served in the United States Army as an Armor and Cavalry Officer conducting combat and reconnaissance missions at the tactical level before transitioning to become a Strategist and Joint Planner at the operational and strategic level. He has served in major combat operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan in support of six Presidential Administrations. Brian completed his final assignment in Washington D.C. as the Senior Strategist and Crisis Action Team Leader for the Joint Task Force of the National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, D.C. and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in October of 2021.
In his free time, Brian has been working on a collection of short stories, centered on comical and embarrassing moments in his life. It includes accounts of being bullied by a girl in elementary school to mishaps as the Operations Director for State funeral 41 (George H.W. Bush), where the Presidential Motorcade departed the National Cathedral without the U.S. Attorney General.
Awards & Commendations
2024 Dean’s Award - Graduating Class, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
John J. O’Connor III Fellow & O’Connor Merit Scholar
Legion of Merit
Joint Meritorious Commendation Medal (Continuity of Government & Black Swan Planning-National Capital Region)
3-time Bronze Star Awardee (Initial Iraq Invasion – OIF/OEF, Operation New Dawn, Enduring Freedom)
3-time Meritorious Service Medal Awardee
Global War on Terror Service & Expeditionary Medals
Presidential Unit Citation
Education
J.D. 2024, | Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
M.A. 2008, Management & Leadership | Webster University & U.S. Army Command & General Staff College (CGSC)
B.S. 1996 Criminal Justice | University of Nebraska
Admissions
D.C. Bar ID: 90034548
Admitted: May 19, 2025
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar #: 25-0100
Admitted: June 29, 2025
Dept of Veterans Affairs Accreditation Number: 59679
POA Code: KL8