VA Disability Lawyer in Jacksonville NC

U.S. military veteran welcomed home by family. Mom, children. Home.

Many veterans in Jacksonville, NC, run into roadblocks when applying for disability or pension benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Whether your condition was caused or worsened by your service, the VA system regularly hands out low ratings and outright denies claims.

At Hardison & Cochran, we focus specifically on helping veterans appeal denied VA claims and fight for higher disability ratings. If you feel like your denial wasn’t correct or have been given a rating that leaves you undercompensated, contact us for a free consultation. If we take on your claim, you pay us nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you win back pay. Contact us today to learn how our experienced team can help you fight for the benefits you’ve earned.

We Help Veterans in Jacksonville, NC, Move Forward After a Denial

Many claims for veterans disability benefits are denied due to minor errors in the paperwork or missing information – not because the condition isn’t real or service-connected. Common reasons for the denial of VA disability claims include:

  • The VA didn’t connect your condition to your military service
  • You missed a scheduled VA exam
  • Your evidence wasn’t strong or clearly presented
  • The VA made an error interpreting your file

Our legal team can dig into your VA disability case file, identify what went wrong, and appeal. We know how to build a strong, complete appeal that gives your claim the best shot at approval or getting an appropriate VA disability rating.

What Can a VA Disability Attorney Do for Me?

Appealing a VA decision is more than just filling out a form – it’s an administrative process with rules, evidence standards, deadlines, and strategy. Our firm handles:

  • Performing a detailed review of your decision and all supporting documents
  • Gathering new or missing medical and service records
  • Identifying and correcting VA errors
  • Choosing the best appeals path (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal)
  • Managing every deadline and interaction with the VA so you don’t have to

Our team stays in contact with you, keeps you informed, and represents your interests aggressively.

What’s the Difference Between VA Disability and VA Pension?

We help with both, but they serve different purposes.

VA Disability Compensation

  • For veterans with service-connected injuries or illnesses
  • No income limits apply
  • Paid monthly based on a disability rating from 0% to 100%

VA Pension

  • For veterans with non-service-connected disabilities and limited income/assets
  • Must have served during a recognized period of war
  • Must be 65 or older or meet certain disability requirements

If you’re not sure which benefit you qualify for, we can help figure that out as part of your case review.

Frequently Asked Questions from Jacksonville Veterans

How Do I Apply for VA Disability Benefits?

You’ll need to file VA Form 21-526EZ. You can do it online through the VA’s portal or by mail. A diagnosis isn’t required upfront, but thorough evidence improves your odds. If you’re denied disability benefits, that’s where we come in.

How Are Payments Calculated?

The VA assigns a percentage rating (in 10% increments) to each service-connected condition, then combines them using a formula, not simple addition. Your total rating determines your monthly compensation. If you have multiple conditions, the system can be confusing, and a lawyer can ensure your rating reflects the true impact on your life.

Can I Appeal If My Rating Is Too Low?

Yes. If your condition worsens or the VA gave you a rating that doesn’t reflect your day-to-day struggles, you can appeal. You must act within one year of the date on your decision letter.

What Is “Service Connection”?

To qualify for disability compensation, the VA must find that your condition is connected to your military service. This could be a direct link (e.g., an injury in combat), a secondary condition (e.g., sleep issues caused by PTSD), or a condition aggravated by service.

Will I Get Back Pay If My Appeal Is Successful?

In most cases, yes. The VA may owe you retroactive payments from the date you first filed your claim. That back pay can be substantial depending on how long the appeal process takes.

Do I Have to Attend a Hearing or Go to Court?

No. Most VA appeals can be handled completely by your attorney, with no in-person hearings required. If a hearing is helpful, it can often be done remotely. The only event you would be required to attend is any medical exams.

Contact a VA Disability Lawyer in Jacksonville, NC

Don’t let a denial or low rating stop you from receiving compensation that reflects your disability from your service to our country. Working with a knowledgeable Jacksonville VA disability lawyer can help you navigate the complex appeals process with confidence. At Hardison & Cochran, we understand the VA system and how to protect your best interests in the process and in proceedings. We’ve helped countless North Carolina veterans just like you seek the VA benefits they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Hardison & Cochran and take the first step toward the benefits you’ve earned.