Veterans Disability Benefits in North Carolina

Along with its picturesque landscapes and warm southern charm, North Carolina is home to over 700,000 honorable veterans. To recognize their service to our country and show gratitude, the VA offers a long list of benefits to veterans who live in the Tar Heel State.

One of the main benefits provided by the VA is the Veterans Disability program. The program provides monthly financial compensation to veterans living with disabilities related to their military service.

How the VA Disability Program Works

The VA uses a rating system to evaluate the severity of a disability. Each condition is given a percentage, ranging from 10% to 100%. A higher percentage denotes a more serious disability, which in turn leads to a larger monthly benefit payment.

Veterans are often required to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This medical evaluation is carried out by the VA to determine the severity of a disability.

If a veteran has multiple disabilities, each disability is rated separately and then combined into a comprehensive disability rating.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Disability Benefits

To qualify for VA benefits, North Carolina veterans must meet several guidelines.

Both of these must be true:

• You have an existing condition, either physical or mental, that impacts your health, and
• Your service history includes active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.

And, at least one of the following must be true:

• You incurred an injury or sickness during your military service that can be connected to your current condition. This is known as an in-service disability claim.
  
  or
  
• An existing injury or illness from before your military service worsened due to your service — called a pre-service disability claim, or
• You have a disability that is associated with your active-duty service but it only manifested after your service ended. This is known as a post-service disability claim.

A VA disability claim's success largely depends on having solid medical evidence that links your health problems to your service time.

Your medical records need to show how your health changed or grew worse during your military service. If you can develop strong medical evidence, your chances of being awarded benefits are greatly improved.

How to Apply for VA Disability in North Carolina

Before you begin the application process for disability benefits, make sure to collect your necessary documents and medical evidence. This includes your military records, medical reports, and your DD214 form or other proof of your military separation.

Once you've gathered your documentation, you're ready to apply. The fastest and most convenient way to file a claim is online at VA.gov. Simply click on "Sign in to start your application" and follow the prompts provided.

Click here to file a VA Disability claim.

Need help? Call the VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000

After you have collected your required documents, you're ready to apply. The best way to file a claim is online at VA.gov. Simply click on "Sign in to start your application" and follow the directions provided.

You can also mail your application or visit a VA office and deliver it in person.

To apply by mail, download and fill out the Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension (VA Form 21-526EZ), and mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

To apply in person, visit your local VA office. Be sure to keep copies of all your documents for future reference.

Processing times at the VA may vary, typically ranging between 3-6 months or longer. Make your claim has complete and accurate information to help the process go more smoothly.

Appeal a Denial

If you're a veteran from North Carolina and your VA disability claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Start your appeal process by filling out a Notice of Disagreement form within a year from when you got the denial.

Collect all your medical records, important papers, and any statements from people who can support your claim that your disability is linked to your military service. Strong medical evidence can make a big difference in winning your appeal.

VA Benefits Available to North Carolina Veterans

In addition to disability benefits, the VA provides several other benefits that enrich the lives of veterans and their families.

North Carolina veterans can access the following VA benefits:

• VA Life Insurance
• Health Care
• VetSuccess on Campus
• VA Burial Benefits
• Education and Training
• VA Loans
• VA Pension
• Dependents and Survivor Benefits

VA benefits provide invaluable assistance to veterans who have honorably served our nation. If you are a North Carolina veteran dealing with health conditions linked to your service, don't delay applying for Veterans Disability benefits.

The Veterans Disability program, combined with other VA benefits, helps veterans access resources that can vastly improve their health and financial stability.

North Carolina — VA Office Locations

Veterans Benefits Administration

National Cemetery Administration

Veterans Health Administration