VA Disability Lawyer in Goldsboro NC

Family is reunited with army mom

If the VA denied your disability claim or assigned a rating that doesn’t match the impact your condition has on your life, it can feel like a punch in the gut. Veterans in Goldsboro, including many retired from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, face these frustrations every day.

At Hardison & Cochran, we step in when the system may fail veterans. We focus specifically on VA disability appeals and rating increases. We do not handle new applications. If you’ve already applied and received a denial or feel your VA disability rating is too low, we offer a 100% free and confidential consultation to discuss your options.

If we agree to help you with your claim, there is no upfront cost and no payment unless we win for you. Contact us today at Hardison & Cochran to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you fight for the benefits you’ve earned.

Why Do VA Disability Claims Get Denied?

The VA system is notoriously complex and full of paperwork, red-tape, and deadlines. Even legitimate claims often get denied or low ratings because of:

  • Missing or incomplete medical records
  • VA examiners downplaying symptoms
  • Lack of “service connection” evidence
  • Errors in how the VA interprets or applies regulations
  • Failure to attend scheduled Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams

You don’t need to accept their decision. You have the right to appeal a denial or a low rating.  Our legal team serving Goldsboro veterans is here to help you.

What We Do for Veterans Who Have Been Denied in Goldsboro, NC

Whether you’re dealing with the fallout of a denied claim or you suspect your rating is too low, here is how we help the veterans we serve:

  • Review your VA file for errors and weak spots
  • Help gather any missing medical or service documentation
  • Build and present a strong case for appeal
  • Choose the right appeal route (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or direct appeal to the Board)
  • Deal with the VA so you don’t have to

This administrative process is filled with paperwork and documentation, and it is very time-sensitive. We’re here to take the burden of all that off your shoulders to make sure you have a strong case for approval or a higher rating.

Who Is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?

To receive VA disability compensation, a veteran must:

  • Have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with a discharge other than dishonorable
  • Suffer from a current physical or mental condition
  • Be able to show the condition was caused or worsened by their military service

Even if your condition didn’t show up immediately after discharge, you may still qualify if the link to service can be established.

Can I Still Work and Receive VA Disability?

Yes. Holding a job does not automatically disqualify you from receiving VA disability compensation.

What If My Rating Is Too Low?

You can challenge any part of a VA decision, including:

  • The percentage rating assigned to your condition
  • The effective date (the date your benefits start)

You must appeal within one year of the VA’s decision. If your condition worsens over time, you can also file for an increased rating, even after the original decision.

Can the VA Lower My Disability Rating?

Yes, but not without following strict rules. If the VA believes your condition has improved, they may schedule a new exam. If they plan to lower your rating based on the results, they must send you a notice and give you time to respond or provide new evidence.

Will I Get Back Pay If I Win My Appeal?

If your appeal is successful, the VA may owe you retroactive pay from the date you originally filed your claim or from the date your condition worsened. That can mean thousands of dollars in back payments, depending on how long the appeal process took.

Why We Serve Veterans in Goldsboro, NC

Goldsboro has a proud military history, and Seymour Johnson AFB continues to be a central part of the community. Whether you served in the Air Force or another branch, if your condition is tied to your service and the VA isn’t recognizing it properly, we want to help.

Talk to a VA Disability Lawyer Serving Goldsboro, North Carolina

If you’ve already applied and been denied, or if your current rating doesn’t reflect the reality of your condition, you don’t have to fight the VA system alone. Working with an experienced Goldsboro VA disability lawyer can make all the difference. We’ll guide you through the appeals process and fight for your benefits. Contact us today at Hardison & Cochran to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the VA benefits you deserve.