David Leach

Practice Focus

David Leach is an attorney at Berry Law whose practice focuses on appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Based in Houston, Texas, he represents Veterans challenging adverse decisions issued by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, with an emphasis on identifying legal error, developing persuasive appellate arguments, and holding VA accountable to the standards imposed by statute, regulation, and precedent. His practice is grounded in the belief that effective Veterans advocacy requires more than compassion alone. It requires mastery of Veterans law, careful analysis of often extensive administrative records, and a strategic understanding of how federal agencies evaluate evidence and make decisions. Drawing on his background in federal appellate litigation, David works to ensure that Veterans receive the reasoned decision-making and fair application of the law that their claims deserve.

Role at Berry Law

At Berry Law, David brings a result-oriented approach shaped by years of experience litigating within complex federal systems. Before joining the firm, he spent more than a decade with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the General Counsel, where he developed extensive experience analyzing administrative records, briefing federal appeals, defending agency decisions, and working within a highly technical benefits framework. That background now informs his work before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, where success often turns on identifying legal error in a dense administrative record and explaining clearly why a Board decision cannot stand. His prior government experience gives him valuable insight into how agencies evaluate evidence, defend their decisions, and respond to appellate challenges. He applies that perspective to identify the strongest issues, develop focused appellate arguments, and advocate for Veterans whose claims were not properly decided.

David was drawn to Veterans law because he wanted to use his federal litigation experience to advocate directly for individuals rather than government institutions. After years representing a federal agency in court, he chose to dedicate his practice to representing Veterans challenging adverse VA decisions. His CAVC practice focuses on ensuring that the Board follows the law, adequately addresses favorable evidence, provides legally sufficient reasons for its conclusions, and gives Veterans the fair adjudication their claims deserve. He also places a premium on clear communication, helping clients understand what is being challenged on appeal, why it matters, and what a successful Court appeal can accomplish.

Service to Veterans

Although David is not a Veteran himself and has not personally gone through the VA claims process, he is deeply committed to serving those who have served. He has described one of the most meaningful moments in his practice as the first time he was able to call a client and explain that the Veteran had been awarded a 100 percent permanent and total rating. For David, that moment reinforced the real-world impact of this work: legal advocacy can translate into security, recognition, and life-changing support for a Veteran and that Veteran’s family.

That perspective informs how he approaches every case. He understands that behind each claim file is a person dealing not only with legal standards and deadlines, but also with pain, uncertainty, and the long-term effects of service-connected conditions. His goal is to combine disciplined legal analysis with steady client service so that Veterans feel both well represented and well informed. Colleagues and clients alike benefit from his familiarity with administrative law, his ability to work through complicated factual records, and his determination to pursue every viable path to a better outcome.

Background & Interests

His legal background includes substantial federal practice experience, including service with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the General Counsel and related appellate and litigation work that sharpened his written advocacy and procedural judgment. Those experiences prepared him well for the demands of Veterans law, where success often depends on careful record review, persuasive briefing, and the ability to identify the strongest route through a complicated administrative system.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, officiating football, weight training, competing in endurance events such as HYROX and triathlons, barbecuing, and attending live music events. Those interests reflect the same discipline, focus, and energy he brings to his legal practice. At Berry Law, he uses that drive to help pursue meaningful results and to provide the kind of steady, knowledgeable advocacy clients need during some of the most important cases of their lives.