How to apply for NCDMVA Veterans Service Officers — Free VA Claims Help

Who it's for

Trained, accredited Veterans Service Officers help North Carolina veterans, spouses, and survivors file and appeal VA claims at no cost — disability compensation, secondary and presumptive conditions (burn pits, Agent Orange, Gulf War), Individual Unemployability, and survivor benefits. NCDMVA staffs Veterans Service Centers across the state, and every one of North Carolina's 100 counties has a County Veterans Service Officer. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in North Carolina: the rating drives federal compensation, and it opens state benefits like the $45,000 disabled-veteran property tax exclusion and the $10 lifetime hunting and fishing license. All services are 100% free — no one needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim. Walk-ins are accepted; appointments are recommended.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
• Any existing VA correspondence or award letters
• Medical records related to the claim

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about NCDMVA Veterans Service Officers — Free VA Claims Help. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork, any existing va correspondence or award letters, medical records related to the claim — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.