Carpenter Chartered

Verified

Social Security & Disability Lawyer

4.2(54 Google reviews)

1525 SW Topeka Blvd D, Topeka, KS 66612, United States

Information last updated October 12, 2026

Practice Areas

Social Security & Disability Civil Litigation

About Carpenter Chartered

Carpenter Chartered is a private, public-interest law firm established in 1983, dedicated to serving U.S. military veterans and their loved ones worldwide. The firm's primary mission involves assisting clients in securing benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Key practice areas include VA disability compensation, VA survivor entitlements, VA caregiver benefits, and pension claims. The firm represents veterans in claims involving combat, service-connected medical conditions (physical or psychiatric), conditions worsened by service, inability to work or perform daily activities due to service-connected conditions, and exposure to environmental hazards like herbicide agents. Carpenter Chartered also focuses on legal reform, pursuing systemic pro-veteran changes and handling high-impact appeals. Its attorneys have achieved precedential victories before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The firm provides full-service representation, guiding clients from initial claims through all levels of appeal.

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: Kenneth M. Carpenter — Founder, Of Counsel, President of Carpenter Chartered
Kenneth H. Dojaquez — Shareholder and Director of Litigation
John D. Niles — Managing shareholder
Sara N. Huerter — Shareholder and Director of Agency Operations
Emily I. Salomone — attorney
Katy S. Clemens — attorney
Alyssa M. Gilbert — associate attorney
Laura A. Chapman — Associate Attorney
Services listed: VA Disability Compensation, VA Survivor Entitlements, VA Caregiver Benefits, Legal Reform, dependency and indemnity compensation ("DIC"), pension, Caregiver Program benefits
Consultations: Free initial consultation
Offices: PO Box 2099 1525 Southwest Topeka Boulevard Topeka Kansas 66601

Source: carpenterchartered.com · checked October 12, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Photos

Details & Amenities

Highlights

Appointments recommended

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible toilet

Amenities

Toilet

Carpenter Chartered — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carpenter Chartered located?+

Carpenter Chartered is located at 1525 SW Topeka Blvd D, Topeka, KS 66612, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Carpenter Chartered handle?+

Carpenter Chartered handles Social Security & Disability, Civil Litigation. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Carpenter Chartered?+

Call Carpenter Chartered at +1 785-357-5251 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Carpenter Chartered well rated?+

Carpenter Chartered has a 4.2-star rating based on 54 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

8 reviews

Davonte Robinson· via Google
I rarely leave reviews, but I feel obligated to warn other veterans. After receiving my VA decision (no earlier effective date granted and no back pay), I emailed my assigned representative multiple times for guidance on next steps, November 19, 20, 23, and 26. I never received a response. It's now February 10, 2026, and I still have no update, no clarification, and no closure communication. The only outreach I've received since then was about potential attorney fees tied to back pay that was never awarded. My experience felt like once there was no retroactive money involved, communication stopped. If you're considering this firm, make sure you fully understand how communication is handled after decisions are issued, especially if the outcome isn't favorable.
8 months ago
Anita· via Google
I highly recommend Carpenter Chartered. I have felt so relieved to deal with Katy who has been extremely professional and focused, giving me hope for a critical denial resolution in my favor. Chuck
6 months ago
Jason Allison· via Google
They took on my case to get money from the VA administration, due to our family for the long-term care of a veterans wife. They indicated it would be pretty straightforward and simple. That was in 2020. Since then every couple of years it seems like they get a newbie person to give this case to. They then call and ask me the same questions over and over and ask for more information even though I sent them everything I had six years ago. Finally I just said please leave me alone. My mom's been dead for six years and I don't wanna keep telling you guys the same thing anymore.
7 months ago
S Bradley· via Google
Carpenter Chartered made my filing simple and easy. Adam Perry guided me through every step in the process to secure my benefits. So glad I called Adam. I couldn't have done it alone!
6 months ago
Matthew Barnes· via Google
Kenny Dojaquez is an inept attorney, who's only goal is to drag out your case for as long as possible, and collect 30%. Along the way, you'll be ignored and made to feel like you're inconveniencing him at every turn. He's cost me years of waiting and thousands of dollars. Not to mention stress and heartbreak due to his bogus legal advice. He also refuses to take accountability for anything, and will blame the VA and…you! Nothing is ollllddd Kenny's fault tho. I think he mentioned he was veteran? If true he should be embarrassed. Don't waste your time with him, just do it yourself.
6 months ago
M M· via Google
Unfortunately my experience was not as positive as most. Initially I spoke with Mr Niles. His knowledge and competence seemed off the charts. However then I was assigned Emily as my attorney. After a couple of months it was clear that she lacked the specialized SMC experience required to successfully navigate my claim. During a phone conference she admitted that she would have to research SMC in order to understand some of my questions. Not exactly what you want to hear. In the end I decided to move forward myself without representation. Samantha was amazing throughout the process and quickly notified me that all fees for all services were waived. Can't say enough about her professionalism. If you decide to go with Carpenter Chartered I highly recommend you ensure the assigned attorney is knowledgeable about your specific circumstances. I probably could have made the effort to try and go to John and discuss my concerns. Perhaps I should have. At that point though I just felt like I would do better myself.
9 months ago
David Albright· via Google
I have been represented by Katy Clemens and Carpenter Chartered since Sep 2024. My case is very complicated and considered a legacy case. Without Katy's tenacity, professionalism, and caring, my case would have died long ago. She is also fearless when knocking heads with the VA. I am very fortunate for being one of Katy's clients. David Albright
6 months ago
Byron Davis· via Google
I've worked with a couple Attorneys and they both have been great. Currently I'm working with Adam Perry He keeps me updated and always responds back. For me they have done a great job. I've recommended them to every Veteran I know.
6 months ago

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