Fighting for Veterans Across Hampton Roads
If you’re a veteran living in Norfolk, you’ve given your service to this country — and you deserve the full benefits you’ve earned. Unfortunately, for too many service members, the reality of dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is full of frustration. Claims are delayed, benefits are denied, and appeals can drag on for years.
At our firm, we focus exclusively on veterans disability law. That means we spend every day helping veterans in Norfolk and across Hampton Roads navigate the VA system, fight back against denials, and secure the benefits that make a difference in their lives. Whether you served at Naval Station Norfolk, deployed overseas, or in another branch of the military, we are here to stand with you and guide you through the process.
Understanding Veterans Disability Benefits
VA disability benefits provide tax-free monthly compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities. But while the benefit is designed to support those who sacrificed for our country, the system for obtaining it is notoriously complex.
Some of the most common conditions Norfolk veterans seek benefits for include:
PTSD and mental health conditions from combat, deployment stress, or military sexual trauma (MST)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) caused by IEDs, ship accidents, or training mishaps
Hearing loss and tinnitus from ship machinery, jet engines, and gunfire
Orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, knee and shoulder injuries from years of service
Respiratory illnesses and cancers linked to burn pits, asbestos, or Agent Orange
Gulf War Illness and toxic exposures still affecting veterans from past deployments
Secondary conditions like sleep apnea or depression caused by service-connected disabilities
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for veterans unable to work due to their conditions
Even with clear service connections, many claims are denied or underrated due to missing medical evidence, incomplete records, or VA errors.
The VA Disability Claim Process
Many Norfolk veterans first encounter problems simply trying to understand the VA’s multi-step process. Here’s how it typically works:
Initial Claim
File for disability compensation with supporting evidence.
Supplemental Claim
If denied, submit new evidence for reconsideration.
Higher-Level Review
A more senior reviewer re-examines the case.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
Take the case before a Veterans Law Judge.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
In rare cases, elevate to federal court.
Each step comes with strict deadlines. A missed date can reset your entire claim. Having experienced representation ensures your case stays on track.
Example: A Norfolk Navy Veteran’s Claim
Take the example of a Navy veteran who spent years working around loud ship engines. After discharge, he struggled with severe tinnitus and hearing loss. He filed a VA claim on his own, but the VA denied it due to “insufficient evidence.”
With legal help, the veteran was able to add:
Audiology records from the Hampton VA Medical Center
Service records showing his ship assignment and duties
A medical opinion linking his condition to service noise exposure
Low disability ratings that undervalue severe conditions.
Complex appeals requiring strong evidence and persistence.
On appeal, the VA granted service connection and a higher rating that significantly increased his monthly compensation.
This type of scenario is common in Norfolk — and shows why representation matters.
Challenges Norfolk Veterans Face
Norfolk’s veteran community is one of the largest in the nation, but that also means the system here is crowded. Veterans often face:
Initial claim denials for minor technicalities
Low ratings that undervalue serious conditions
Years-long appeals without guidance
Difficulty gathering records scattered across VA systems or old military files
Financial hardship while waiting for benefits to come through
The VA process is overwhelming, but you don’t have to fight it alone.
How We Help Norfolk Veterans
We work every day to cut through the red tape and fight for Norfolk veterans. Our services include:
Filing strong initial claims with the right medical and service evidence
Appealing denials at every stage, from supplemental claims to the BVA
Pursuing higher ratings when the VA undervalues your disability
Handling TDIU cases for veterans unable to work
Coordinating medical evidence with independent doctors and specialists
Most importantly: you pay nothing unless we win.
Our Values: Why Veterans Choose Us
Instead of focusing on attorney bios, we highlight the values that guide our work:
Compassion
Every veteran’s story matters. We listen, we care, and we fight.
Dedication
We don’t quit after a denial. We see your claim through every appeal
Experience
Veterans disability law is all we do. We know how to navigate the VA system.
Results
Our mission is simple: to secure the benefits you earned through your service.
What Makes Norfolk Unique for Veterans
Norfolk is not just another city — it’s home to:
Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, supporting special operations forces
Thousands of retirees from every branch of service in Hampton Roads
The Hampton VA Medical Center and Norfolk Vet Center, both serving local veterans
Close access to Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Newport News, where many veterans live and seek care
Because of this, Norfolk veterans face unique challenges — crowded VA systems, common ship-related injuries like hearing loss and back strain, and high demand for disability support.
Special Focus: Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
MST affects both men and women who served, and too often it goes unrecognized by the VA. Norfolk veterans who experienced MST may struggle with PTSD, depression, and other long-term effects. Claims require sensitive handling, strong medical evidence, and often lay testimony. We fight to ensure MST survivors are not left behind.
Special Focus: Gulf War Illness
Many veterans from the Persian Gulf War era — including some who call Norfolk home — continue to face unexplained chronic conditions like fatigue, joint pain, and memory problems. The VA recognizes many of these illnesses as “presumptive,” but claims are still denied. We help veterans connect their conditions to service and pursue full benefits.
Common Scenarios Norfolk Veterans Face
Many veterans in Norfolk share similar experiences when dealing with the VA:
Denied Claims
A veteran applies for hearing loss benefits after years of service around ship engines. Initially denied, the claim succeeds on appeal once medical records and service documentation are added.
Low Ratings
Another veteran is granted benefits for chronic back pain but at a rating far too low to reflect his daily struggles. Updated medical records and lay testimony lead to a higher rating and fairer compensation.
These situations show that denials and low ratings are not the end. With persistence, strong evidence, and proper representation, Norfolk veterans can and do secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call Today for a Free Consultation
You’ve already fought for your country. You shouldn’t have to fight the VA alone. If you’re a veteran in Norfolk struggling to get the disability benefits you deserve, we are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your claim, explain your options, and fight to secure the benefits you earned through your service.
Call now or complete our online form — and take the first step toward getting the support you deserve.
