Fighting for Veterans Across Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. With Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story nearby, thousands of service members transition into civilian life here every year. For many, the journey doesn’t end when service does — it continues in the fight to obtain the disability benefits they’ve earned.
Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doesn’t make the process simple. Claims are delayed, ratings are undervalued, and appeals can stretch on for years. Veterans in Virginia Beach deserve better.
Our firm focuses exclusively on veterans disability law. Every day, we help veterans file claims, appeal denials, and secure the compensation that makes a difference in their lives. Whether you served locally, overseas, or years ago, we’re here to stand with you and guide you through the process.
Understanding VA Disability Benefits
VA disability benefits are tax-free monthly payments available to veterans with service-connected conditions. The system is supposed to support those who sacrificed for their country, but in practice, it’s full of obstacles.
Some of the most common conditions veterans in Virginia Beach seek benefits for include:
PTSD and mental health conditions from combat, deployment stress, or military sexual trauma (MST)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) caused by training accidents, blasts, or shipboard incidents
Hearing loss and tinnitus from aircraft noise at Oceana or shipboard machinery
Orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries from years of physically demanding service
Respiratory conditions and cancers tied to asbestos, burn pits, or chemical exposure
Gulf War Illness and chronic conditions impacting thousands of veterans from that era
Secondary conditions such as sleep apnea linked to PTSD or musculoskeletal injuries
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for veterans unable to work due to service-connected disabilities
Even with strong medical evidence, claims are often denied or rated far too low. That’s where we come in.
The VA Disability Claim Process
For Virginia Beach veterans, the VA process can feel overwhelming. Here’s how it works:
Initial Claim
Submit your application with supporting documentation.
Supplemental Claim
Add new evidence after a denial.
Higher-Level Review
Request a senior reviewer to reconsider your case.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
Present your case to a Veterans Law Judge.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
Appeal further if necessary.
Every stage has strict timelines, and missing a step can reset the process. Having an advocate ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Example: A Virginia Beach Veteran’s Claim
Consider a veteran who served at NAS Oceana exposed to constant jet engine noise. He files a hearing loss claim, but the VA denies it, citing lack of evidence.
On appeal, he adds:
Audiology exams from the Hampton VA Medical Center
Service records proving his assignment on the flight line
A medical opinion linking his condition to noise exposure
Low disability ratings that undervalue severe conditions.
Complex appeals requiring strong evidence and persistence.
The VA reconsiders and grants service connection at a fair rating.
This scenario illustrates a common challenge for Virginia Beach veterans — strong cases that still require appeals and additional support.
Challenges Veterans Face in Virginia Beach
The veteran population here is massive, and that comes with unique obstacles:
Overcrowded VA system
High demand leads to long delays in decisions.
Denials of legitimate claims
Many first-time applications are rejected.
Low disability ratings
Veterans may be compensated at a fraction of what they deserve.
Difficulty proving service connection
Especially for conditions like PTSD, TBI, or toxic exposure.
Financial stress
Families often struggle while waiting months or years for benefits.
How We Help Virginia Beach Veterans
We cut through VA red tape and fight for veterans across Hampton Roads. Our services include:
Preparing strong initial claims with medical and service evidence
Appealing denials at every level, from supplemental claims to BVA hearings
Securing higher ratings when disabilities are undervalued
Pursuing TDIU benefits for veterans unable to maintain employment
Coordinating medical documentation with independent specialists
We work on a contingency basis: you pay nothing unless we win.
Our Values: Why Veterans Choose Us
Our work is guided by the principles that matter most to veterans:
Compassion
We respect your story and your service.
Dedication
We don’t give up after a denial; we fight until you get answers.
Experience
Veterans disability law is all we do.
Results
Our focus is on winning the benefits you’ve earned.
What Makes Virginia Beach Unique for Veterans
Virginia Beach is home to:
Naval Air Station Oceana, the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base
Dam Neck Annex, supporting SEAL training and combat systems
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, a hub for amphibious operations
A thriving retiree community, with tens of thousands of veterans living locally
Access to Hampton VA Medical Center and other regional VA resources
These unique elements mean Virginia Beach veterans often face claims related to aircraft noise, combat training injuries, PTSD, and musculoskeletal conditions. High demand on the VA system here also leads to longer wait times and tougher battles.
Special Focus: Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
MST is an issue that impacts both men and women, and unfortunately it remains underrecognized. Veterans in Virginia Beach who experienced MST may face PTSD, anxiety, and other long-term struggles. These cases require careful documentation and advocacy. We ensure MST survivors are treated with dignity and that their claims receive the serious attention they deserve.
Special Focus: Gulf War Illness
Many Gulf War-era veterans live in Virginia Beach and continue to experience chronic conditions such as fatigue, memory issues, and pain. Although some conditions are “presumptive,” meaning automatically linked to service, the VA still denies many claims. We help veterans navigate this process and secure rightful benefits.
Common Scenarios for Virginia Beach Veterans
Denied for hearing loss
A veteran’s claim is rejected despite years around jet engines. On appeal, audiology records and service documentation lead to approval.
Undervalued back injury
A sailor receives a 10% rating for back pain. After submitting updated medical records and testimony from family, the rating is increased to 40%, significantly raising compensation.
PTSD claim delays
A Marine veteran struggles to prove service-related PTSD. With buddy statements and mental health evaluations, the VA finally grants benefits.
These examples show that persistence and proper representation often change outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call Today for a Free Consultation
You served your country. You shouldn’t have to fight the VA alone. If you’re a veteran in Virginia Beach struggling with a denied claim, low rating, or delayed benefits, we can help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your claim, explain your options, and fight to secure the benefits you’ve earned.
Call now or fill out our online form — and take the first step toward the support you deserve.
