Andrew Kuhlenhoelter

Indiana University, J.D., 2021
Brigham Young University, B.A. Philosophy and International Business, 2016

As a member of the Army National Guard, there is often a deeper feeling of connection when Andrew opens a veteran client’s C-file for the first time. “I know what a DD214 is because I have one, too. I’ve seen how burn pits are affecting veterans’ health. And I’ve seen veterans battle the VA for their benefits. It’s not just something written on a page. It all comes a bit more naturally.”

Andrew first joined the Indiana Army National Guard approximately seven years ago. It was something he had always wanted to do but the timing had never been quite right. It wasn’t until 2018, after he had completed his B.A. in Philosophy with a Minor in International Business and was taking a gap year before law school, that he finally had the perfect opportunity.

He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law in 2021. Law school had been his plan for years, after coming to the conclusion that being a lawyer would be a good way to help people when they need it most.

After law school, Andrew completed the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Moore, Georgia in January 2022. He was actually at Fort Moore when he received notice that he passed the bar exam. He also spent time working at the Marion County prosecutor’s office in law school and was employed as a staff attorney for the local Department of Child Services (DCS) before being hired on at Woods & Woods.

Now, Andrew feels like practicing VA disability law is the perfect intersection between his two worlds. He says Woods & Woods feels like a great fit, too, because the business operates a little like the military in its efficiency.

“There are systems and procedures in place. Things aren’t just left up to chance; there’s a clearcut way to analyze and work the claim and try to get the best possible outcome time and time again. In the military, they use a phrase: ‘Hope is not a course of action.’ That’s how we see it at Woods, too.”

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife of ten years, and their three children.

Advice from the attorney

Andrew understands applying for VA benefits and asking for help can be challenging, but encourages veterans to trust the process.

“Woods & Woods is great at what it does. It can be hard after being in the military and fighting the VA for years to trust and to believe that you’ll ever receive a just outcome. But try to be patient. Working with this team, there is hope.”