Javier Andres Amador Centonzio
About Javier
Biography
I decided to become a lawyer in honor of my friend, Sgt. Jessie Davila, who was killed in action while we were deployed to Iraq. His sacrifice inspired me to dedicate my career to serving veterans and their families.
My legal journey began with internships at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Regional Counsel, and The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program (TVC), where I also had the privilege of contributing to the National Veterans Legal Services Program’s Veterans Benefits Manual. After law school, I was honored to clerk for the Hon. Robert N. Davis at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, an experience that deepened my understanding of veterans law.
To expand the services I could provide to my clients, I returned to law school and earned an LL.M. in Elder Law, allowing me to guide veterans and their families through both disability benefits and estate planning needs.
Today, I am proud to serve as Managing Partner at Girard & Centonzio, Veterans Disability Lawyers, where I lead a dedicated team focused on VA disability appeals — including Higher-Level Reviews, Supplemental Claims, Board appeals, and cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Our mission is simple: to ensure veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned through their service.
If you know a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran who has been denied VA disability benefits or is struggling to secure the proper rating, my team and I are here to help.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
20%-30%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for < 1 year
State: Texas
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
Licensed in Kansas for 4 years
State: Kansas
Acquired: 2022
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 5 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 6 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 13 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Girard & Centonzio, Veterans Disability Lawyers LLC
901 New Hampshire, Suite 201, Lawrence, KS, 66044
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Javier Andres Amador Centonzio's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews
Posted by Jacob | January 05, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
The best representative I ever had!
I was provided with the number to reach Javier through a friend, and I am beyond grateful for the connection that was made. From the very first conversation with Javier, he addressed my concerns, listened to my previous failings with the VA, and proposed the next steps for representation. Javier and ...
Posted by Oswald | November 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
When all hope is gon
Attorney centenzio is an all out, do or die practitioner, he knows veteran law. Attorneys like him are definitely hard to obtain, he's definitely the best or one of the best attorneys for for veterans compensation. My particular case is definitely a case that hadn't been dealt with by veterans admini...
Posted by Veda | February 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Probate and Car Accident
I hired Javier to handle a probate I was dealing with and he diligently worked with the banks and lawyers to make the process less stressful and was willing to wait for us to sale the property before we paid our fee. As we were working with him on the issue, my husband and I was in a car accident and...
Posted by Debbie | July 19, 2016 | Probate
Invaluable in helping me through a difficult time.
Javier was invaluable in helping me through a difficult time. After my husband passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack at the age of 63, I was devastated. On top of everything, to learn that because we didn't have our wills completed I would need to probate his estate, I didn't know which w...
Posted by Steve | October 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Elder Law
Javier Andres Amador Centonzio
Mr. Centonzio provided us with legal advice that eased our worries, concerns and anxiety concerning an elder law issue. He was thorough and gave us sound advice in a timely manner. We now know what direction to take concerning our loved one.
Javier Andres Amador Centonzio's Lawyer Endorsements
"Having worked with Mr. Centonzio on numerous occasions over the past 5 years, I can safely say that he is the lawyer I would hire if I needed help. Whatever your legal problem is, Mr. Centonzio will make it his mission to solve it as soon as possible. He consults & counsels his clients on all of the options, every step of the way. Further, he is not afraid to fight for his clients' interests -- as evidenced by his decorated military service in the United States Marine Corps, and by his unwavering commitment to helping fellow veterans receive their earned VA benefits. In short, you can rest assured if you entrust your legal issue to Mr. Centonzio. There is no better attorney for the job."
"I endorse this lawyer. Whenever someone comes to me for help with a veterans issue, or I have a question regarding the same, I always consult Mr. Centonzio. As a veteran himself, he is truly invested in and passionately represents all of his clients."
"I endorse Javier. He is a dedicated attorney who works tirelessly for his clients."
"I know Javier as both a friend and a fellow attorney. He is an attorney who listens to the issues, focuses on the problem, and helps to provide solutions. He is trustworthy and dependable. I highly recommend Javier for anyone who needs help with estate planning, probate, veterans benefits, or any of the related areas of law."
"Javier is a valued friend and the one I call when I have questions about veterans law. I trust Javier and his competency enough to rely on his advice regarding my own father and his aging issues. I have known Javier since we attended law school together in 2011. His passion for people caught my attention and his dedication and zealous advocacy sets him apart. His service to our country continues as he applies the same loyalty, duty, and selfless service principles when representing clients. I am honored to be a part of the legal profession because of patriots like Javier Centonzio."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Javier Centonzio is not only skilled in his area of law, but truly cares about his clients and generally, all people around him. I have known Javier for over 5 years and cannot think of one negative thing about him professionally or personally. There is no doubt in my mind regarding his capabilities as a lawyer. He is passionate about his work and is a leader in the community. I endorse him 100%."
"Javier has a great depth of knowledge concerning Veterans' Benefits, and is a great resource to me for information. I appreciate his professionalism and dedication in his service to Veterans and their families."
"Javier is an excellent attorney, who is extremely compassionate in serving the needs of his clients. I would not hesitate to refer my friends and family members."
"I have worked with Javier and not only admire his work ethic and dedication to his clients but also his ability to formulate creative solutions for his clients. I would recommend Javier and would refer my friends and family members to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Javier is an outstanding attorney. He is particularly skilled in elder law and VA planning. I would not hesitate to recommend him."
Personal injury lawyer
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Elder law lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Guardianship lawyer
Elder law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Pro Bono Advocate of the Year, National Organization of Veterans Advocates
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Chairman's Award - Volunteer Attorney of the Year, The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Park Promising Young Professional Award, Park University
2012
Walter Mann Award, Stetson University College of Law
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Partner, Girard & Centonzio Veterans Disability Lawyers LLC
2018 - 2024
Founding Partner, Centonzio Law, PLLC
2015 - 2018
Partner, Weylie Centonzio, PLLC
2014 - 2015
Of Counsel, Hill Law Group, Pa
2013 - 2014
Associate, Bosley & Bratch
2012 - 2013
Judicial Law Clerk, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
2004 - 2009
Enlisted Infantryman, Army National Guard
2003 - 2005
Locomotive Engineer, Union Pacific Railroad
1999 - 2003
Enlisted Infantryman, United States Marine Corps
Associations
2013 - Present
Marine Corps LeagueLife Member
2013 - Present
National Organization of Veterans' AdvocatesMember
2018 - 2023
Bay Pines FoundationBoard Member
2015 - 2024
Florida Bar, Military Affairs CommitteeMember
2015 - 2016
Veterans Benefits Committee, Florida Bar Elder Law SectionCo-Chair
2015 - 2022
Wounded Warriors Abilities RanchBoard Member
2013 - 2020
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2012 - 2014
Veterans Claims Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
The Board of Veterans Appeals decision was vacated, and the matter remanded
Education
2014
LL.M - Master of Laws
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
Hot Topics in Veterans Benefit Planning
2018
2018 VA Pension Rule Changes
2018
VA Compensation Benefits
2017
Veterans Disability Compensation
2017
Advanced Topics in Veterans Benefits
2016
Veterans Benefits
2016
Estate Planning and Veterans Benefits
2015
Issue Spotting in Veterans Benefits Claims
2015
2015
Incorporating VA disability appeals into an Elder Law Practice
2015
Obtaining Veterans Benefits
2014
Career Opportunities in Veterans Law
Publications
2019
2018
2017
2011
2011
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
How can I, a resident of AZ, file an Order to Show Cause & Verified Complaint to the Superior Court of Middlesex County, NJ?
10 Mar 2023
? i have section 8 but about to inherit my families home its paid for how can i keep my section 8
14 Mar 2023
How do I receive trust fund money from my deceased relative?
14 Mar 2023