Absolutely the best attorney for getting your VA benefits. After 7 years of denial, I found Brendan Garcia of VetLaw, He reviewed my case, set up a plan , scheduled my video hearing in front of a Veteran law judge, flew out to Phoenix to be there with me during the hearing. Hired a doctor to help draft a report to help my case. When all the smoked cleared, I’m now collecting max disability monthly, back pay beyond my wildest dreams. Brendan Garcia never stopped. He is an expert in Veterans law. Best decision of my life was to have him on my side. Bar none, Brendan is a terrific VA benefits attorney!
Helping North Carolina Veterans Dealing With VA Denials
The VA-accredited veterans disability claim lawyers of VetLaw have spent the past decade vocally advocating for injured veterans to receive the benefits they are owed. For us, the appeals process is routine.
However, we recognize that many North Carolina veterans may be struggling with seemingly endless paperwork littered with confusing jargon. Additionally, there is the challenge of choosing between multiple appeals pathways. We are seasoned representatives with a limitless work ethic who are ready to take charge of your appeal.
At VetLaw, our veterans disability appeals attorneys can provide the legal assistance you need to make a convincing case for VA benefits after receiving a denial. Give us a call at (855) 434-2492 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
How North Carolina Veterans Can Show They Are Entitled to VA Benefits
It’s one thing to know that your disability qualifies you for VA benefits, but proving that you meet the minimum requirements to collect disability benefits like a housing stipend or Special Monthly Compensation is a whole other issue.
If your North Carolina veterans disability claim was denied by the VA, it’s likely because one of the following conditions was not met or validated.
1. Show That You Belong in the Category of Eligible Veterans
Disability benefits are contingent upon several factors. This includes serving the minimum number of years you agreed to, or at least 2 years active duty.
North Carolina veterans also need to show that they had an other-than-Dishonorable discharge from the military to be entitled to certain housing, medical, educational, and job-related benefits.
Veterans of the National Guard or a Reserve branch have more specific service requirements. These limitations generally restrict benefit eligibility to disabilities related to active duty events.
2. Document Your Current Disability
While you can file a VA disability claim at any time, you need to be currently experiencing the disability or a related Secondary Condition to obtain benefits. North Carolina vets should provide medical records detailing a diagnosis for a mental or physical condition.
Then, the VA must agree that your current symptoms fit the description of 10% impairment (or a higher percentage) for your service-related condition. Otherwise, your disability is not compensable at its current status according to VA requirements.
3. Verify Your Injury’s Service Connection
VA disability benefits help to offset costs that arise from injuries or illnesses that an individual incurred because their military service put them at risk. For their part, vets must reasonably argue a causal relationship between a new or aggravated health condition and their service.
When there is a known health risk associated with a particular job or circumstance, the VA makes it easier for vets with the presumptive condition to show a service connection.
In 2022, the VA included additional presumptive conditions under the PACT Act. However, the VA doesn’t restrict North Carolina veterans to this list of injuries and illnesses when they claim a disability.

North Carolina Veterans Disability Appeals Attorneys Recommend Contemplating a VA Appeal
Don’t be surprised if the VA denies your claim the first time you file, even if you know that your disability was caused by the conditions of your military service.
Remember, the VA has a finite budget and staff. Consequently, the VA often returns claims with inconsistencies or incomplete evidence to the veteran to correct in the interest of preserving time and resources.
That said, the VA processed 2 million disability claims in 2023. Sometimes they get it wrong, too. Regardless of why the VA denied your claim, your next attempt can benefit from the informed perspective of a North Carolina veteran disability benefits denial lawyer.
At VetLaw, our skilled North Carolina VA disability claims attorneys take a proactive approach to building appeals for our clients, leaning on our years of experience in veterans law. Don’t let the time commitment, mountains of paperwork, or fear of another denial become an impediment to your claim.
Get in touch with VetLaw to help you prepare for your appeal.
Know What to Expect From the VA Appeals Process
How you choose to appeal the VA’s decision can impact your wait time, as well as the likelihood of a successful resolution. VA-accredited veterans disability appeals attorneys can advise you on the most suitable choice based on your personal priorities.
If you are a North Carolina vet and the VA denied you before February 2019, then you can file a Legacy Appeal. When you submit a Notice of Disagreement, you need to indicate whether you partially agree with the VA’s denial or completely disagree.
After that, you can pursue an appeal with a regional VA office in North Carolina and potentially take your claim in front of a judge on the Board of Veterans Appeals.
For more recent claims, the VA appeals process looks a little different. North Carolina veterans can go straight to the Board. They can also file a Supplemental Claim to provide new evidence that strengthens their claim, or a Higher-level Review to dispute the basis of a VA decision.
Veterans may be eligible to dispute a BVA decision by appealing their case to the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims. However, the CAVC reserves decision reviews for specific types of cases. It only accepts claims involving a disagreement over the interpretation or application of VA law in a veterans disability claim.