About Kristen
Kristen McConnell earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 2020. She completed her legal studies after an undergraduate path that brought her to law school and into work defending the interests of veterans. Her training at Stetson shaped her approach to administrative procedure and benefit claims, areas she has continued to pursue in practice.
After law school, McConnell moved quickly into veterans law practice. She became an accredited attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2021, a credential that permits representation of claimants before VA regional offices and the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Around the same time she joined local and national professional organizations that align with her casework. She has been a member of the Alleghany-Bath-Highland Bar Association since 2021 and joined the National Organization of Veterans Advocates that same year.
Her day-to-day work centers on veterans benefits matters. She assists veterans and their families with claims, evidence development, and appeals processes administered by the VA. McConnell handles paperwork and hearings, communicates with adjudicators, and helps clients understand their options at each stage of a claim. Her practice requires attention to deadlines, rules of procedure and the particular evidentiary standards that apply in VA adjudications.
McConnell also participates in community and regional affairs. Since 2022 she has held membership in the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, a role that keeps her connected to local service providers and community resources. Her memberships reflect an interest in both the legal and civic networks that affect veterans’ access to benefits and services.
Licensed in Virginia, McConnell accepts veterans law matters across all U.S. states under her VA accreditation and serves clients who need representation before the Department of Veterans Affairs. She maintains a practice that emphasizes handling VA claims and appeals and continues to build experience in veterans benefits law. She currently focuses her practice on veterans law matters for clients in Virginia and nationwide.
