Veteran Evaluation Services Wilmington NC: Complete 2026 Guide
Veteran evaluation services in Wilmington, NC include C&P exams at the Wilmington VA Clinic (1705 Gardner Road) and through contracted providers like Carolina Prime Internal Medicine. The New Hanover County Veterans Service Office and the NC State Veterans Service Center provide free claims assistance. The annual Veterans Benefits Live event offers on-site C&P exams.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams, disability evaluations, claims assistance |
| Eligibility | Veterans with a pending VA disability claim or appeal; discharged under other than dishonorable conditions |
| Application | VA schedules C&P exams after claim filing; VSO assistance is free and open to all veterans |
| Processing Time | C&P exams scheduled within weeks to months of claim filing; VA claims average 125 days for supplemental claims |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ (claim application); DD-214; VA Form 10-10EZ (healthcare enrollment) |
| Updated For | 2026 (2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025) |
What Are Veteran Evaluation Services?
Veteran evaluation services are the medical examinations and claims assistance resources that support a VA disability compensation claim. The most common type of evaluation is the Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, a medical exam ordered by VA to assess the severity of a veteran’s claimed disability.
In Wilmington, NC, these services are delivered through a combination of VA facilities, contracted private providers, and county and state veterans service offices. The Wilmington VA Clinic provides audiology and speech pathology C&P exams. Private providers like Carolina Prime Internal Medicine conduct general medical C&P exams on contract with VA. The New Hanover County Veterans Service Office and the NC State Veterans Service Center in Wilmington provide free claims assistance to help veterans prepare for and navigate the evaluation process.
These services matter because the C&P exam is often the single most important factor in a VA disability rating decision. The examiner’s findings, recorded on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), directly inform how VA adjudicators assign a percentage rating. A well-prepared exam can mean the difference between a 10% rating and a 70% rating.
What you should do next:Â If you have a pending claim, confirm your C&P exam location and prepare thoroughly. If you have not filed yet, contact a Veterans Service Officer for free assistance.
Wilmington VA Clinic: C&P Exam Location
The Wilmington VA Clinic is located at 1705 Gardner Road, Wilmington, NC 28405-8873. It is part of the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System and serves veterans in the Wilmington area.
Services relevant to veteran evaluations
The Wilmington VA Clinic provides several services directly relevant to disability evaluations:
Audiology and Speech Pathology — The clinic provides diagnostic and rehabilitative services and conducts VA compensation and pension examinations for hearing-related conditions. Common conditions include tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, and vestibular conditions.
Primary Care — The clinic serves as a primary care access point for enrolled veterans.
Mental Health Services — The clinic offers mental health care, which may be relevant for veterans with PTSD, depression, or anxiety claims.
Specialty Services — Available services include cardiology, dermatology, optometry, podiatry, neurology, and more.
Contact information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1705 Gardner Road, Wilmington, NC 28405-8873 |
| Main Phone | 910-343-5300 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Parent Facility | Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe clinic is designated a 1c-High Complexity facility. Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) is available for eligible veterans with VA-authorized appointments. DAV vans and WAVE Transit (Wilmington Transit Authority) paratransit services also provide transportation options.
Private C&P Exam Providers in Wilmington
VA contracts with private medical providers to conduct C&P exams when VA facilities cannot accommodate the volume or when the required specialty is not available at a VA clinic. In Wilmington, Carolina Prime Internal Medicine is a known contracted provider for VA C&P exams.
Carolina Prime Internal Medicine
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1908 Meeting Ct, Wilmington, NC 28401 |
| Provider | Dr. Boyan Georgiev, MD |
| Services | General medical C&P exams |
| Notes | VA sends veterans here for medical exams related to disability claims |
Veteran reviews of this provider are mixed. Some veterans report positive experiences with quick scheduling and a calm, professional examiner. Others have raised concerns about the thoroughness of examinations and the accuracy of examiner notes. If you are scheduled at a contracted provider, it is especially important to bring your own documentation, take notes, and review the examiner’s DBQ afterward if you can obtain a copy.
Other contracted providers
VA also contracts with Sentinel Health Services and MRG Exams for C&P exams in the Wilmington area. These organizations employ physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to perform disability evaluations for veterans. Job postings for these companies in Wilmington confirm they conduct C&P exams, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) residuals examinations and general medical assessments.
Psychology and mental health evaluations
Dr. Gabriele Jones of Anchor Psychological & Counseling Services, PLLC, conducts Compensation and Pension evaluations for veterans in Wilmington. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with training in EMDR therapy and experience working with veterans and their families on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.
Veterans Service Offices in Wilmington
Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) provide free assistance with VA disability claims, including help preparing for C&P exams. Wilmington has two primary VSO locations.
New Hanover County Veterans Service Office
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 |
| Phone | 910-798-7611 |
| Services | Claims assistance, benefits information, appeals help, VA healthcare enrollment |
| Note | More than 14,000 veterans call New Hanover County home; the office assists nearly 2,000 veterans and family members each year |
The New Hanover County Veterans Service Office relocated to the Health and Human Services building at 1650 Greenfield Street. The office provides comprehensive benefit counseling, claim development, and community outreach. Services are free.
NC State Veterans Service Center – Wilmington
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3205 Randall Parkway, Suite 102, Wilmington, NC 28403 |
| Phone | 919-664-1065 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Services | Claims assistance, appeals help, benefits information |
The NC State Veterans Service Center is part of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs. It provides free assistance to veterans, dependents, and survivors in filing VA claims, appealing denials, and accessing benefits.
Wilmington Vet Center Outstation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2127 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 |
| Phone | 910-343-0076 |
| Services | Readjustment counseling, PTSD support, family counseling, bereavement counseling |
The Wilmington Vet Center Outstation is part of the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Service. It provides community-based counseling for combat veterans and their families. Vet Center services are separate from VA medical center care and do not require a VA disability claim or enrollment in VA healthcare.
Veterans Benefits Live: On-Site C&P Exams in Wilmington
The Veterans Benefits Live: VA in My Town event brings VA claims processors and mobile compensation and pension examiners directly to Wilmington. The 2026 event was held May 28–30 at the National Guard Facility, 2412 Infantry Road, Wilmington, NC 28405.
What the event offers
One-on-one claims assistance — Sit down with claims processors who can help file claims for veteran and survivor benefits
On-site C&P exams — Mobile compensation and pension examiners on site; many exams can be completed during the event without a separate appointment
Pending claim updates — Check the status of existing claims and appeals
Mental health services — Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care and the Vet Center offer mental health services, social work resources, and caregiver support
Other services — Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), VA Life Insurance, Home Loan, and Education information; homeless and low-income housing support; vocational support services
Free lunch and refreshments for all veterans
The event is free to attend. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. Veterans are seen in the order they arrive. The on-site C&P exam option is one of the most valuable features — it eliminates the wait for a separate exam appointment and can lead to faster claims decisions.
What you should do next:Â Watch for the 2027 Veterans Benefits Live event announcement on the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office website and the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System website.
How to Prepare for a C&P Exam
Preparing for a C&P exam is one of the most important things you can do to support your VA disability claim. The exam is not a treatment appointment. Its purpose is to gather information VA will use to rate your disability.
What to bring
Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or VA ID)
Appointment letter from VA or the contracted provider
Symptom notes — Write down your symptoms, how often they occur, and how they affect your daily life
Medication list — Including dosages and side effects
Treatment records — Any records not already submitted to VA
Supportive devices — Bring your cane, brace, CPAP machine, or other assistive devices
Lay statements — Written statements from family or friends describing how your condition affects you
What to expect during the exam
The exam can range from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the condition
Mental health evaluations typically last 2 to 4 hours
The examiner will review your medical records, ask questions, and may perform a limited physical exam
The examiner will complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for each claimed condition
The examiner does not provide treatment or prescribe medication
Tips for a successful exam
Describe your typical day, not your best day. If you have good days and bad days, explain the frequency and severity of both.
Be honest. Exaggerating symptoms can damage your credibility. Understating them can cost you the rating you deserve.
Focus on functional limitations. Explain what you cannot do, not just what hurts.
Mention flare-ups. If your condition flares up, describe how often, how long they last, and what triggers them.
Do not rush. Take your time answering questions. If you need to think, say so.
Ask for clarification. If you do not understand a question, ask the examiner to rephrase it.
Review the DBQ if possible. After the exam, you can request a copy of your C&P exam results from VA.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
C&P exams are the gateway to VA disability compensation. The 2026 rates took effect December 1, 2025, following a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). These amounts are tax-free at the federal level and in North Carolina.
Veteran alone (no dependents)
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Source: 91 FR 7386, effective December 1, 2025.
Veterans with dependents receive additional compensation at ratings of 30% and above. For a 50% rating with a spouse, the monthly rate is $1,241.90.
How to File for VA Disability in Wilmington
Filing for VA disability compensation in Wilmington follows the same process as anywhere in the country. The primary form is VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.
Step-by-step process
Step 1: Gather evidence.
Collect current medical records, test results, imaging, and doctor’s statements showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and functional limitations.
Step 2: Get a nexus opinion if needed.
A nexus statement links your current condition to your military service. It is essential for conditions that are not presumptive under the PACT Act.
Step 3: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ.
File online at VA.gov, by mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center, or through an accredited representative.
Step 4: Submit your claim.
Filing online is fastest. You can upload supporting documents directly and track your claim status.
Step 5: Attend your C&P exam.
VA will schedule a C&P exam at the Wilmington VA Clinic, a contracted provider, or a Veterans Benefits Live event.
Step 6: Receive your decision.
VA issues a rating decision with your disability percentage and effective date.
Where to file in Wilmington
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | VA.gov (recommended) |
| In person | New Hanover County Veterans Service Office, 1650 Greenfield Street |
| In person | NC State Veterans Service Center, 3205 Randall Parkway, Suite 102 |
| By mail | VA Evidence Intake Center, Janesville, WI |
Common Mistakes Wilmington Veterans Make
1. Not preparing for the C&P exam.
The C&P exam is not a casual conversation. Bring notes, records, and supportive devices. Describe your worst days, not your best.
2. Assuming the examiner will have all your records.
Examiners sometimes work from incomplete files. Bring copies of relevant records and a written summary of your symptoms.
3. Missing the one-year appeal deadline.
If VA denies your claim, you have one year to appeal and preserve your effective date. Contact a VSO immediately if you receive a denial.
4. Not using free VSO assistance.
The New Hanover County Veterans Service Office and the NC State Veterans Service Center provide free help. There is no reason to navigate the process alone.
5. Not attending the Veterans Benefits Live event.
The annual event offers on-site C&P exams and one-on-one claims assistance. It is free and can accelerate your claim.
6. Filing without current medical evidence.
Old records showing your condition at its mildest do not support a high rating. You need evidence reflecting your current severity.
7. Ignoring secondary conditions.
A secondary condition caused by a service-connected disability can raise your combined rating. For example, a knee injury can lead to hip or back problems that are separately ratable.
8. Not knowing the Wilmington VA Clinic’s C&P capabilities.
The Wilmington VA Clinic conducts audiology and speech pathology C&P exams. For other conditions, you may be scheduled at a contracted provider or the Fayetteville VA Medical Center.
Appeals Process
If VA denies your claim or assigns a rating lower than you believe is correct, you have three decision review options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). You have one year from the decision date to file most appeals and preserve your effective date.
| Appeal Lane | Form | When to Use It | New Evidence? | Average Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim | VA Form 20-0995 | You have new and relevant evidence | Yes, required | 125 days |
| Higher-Level Review | VA Form 20-0996 | VA made an error on the existing record | No | 125 days |
| Board Appeal | VA Form 10182 | You want a Veterans Law Judge to decide | Depends on docket | 365–730 days |
You cannot file the same appeal option twice in a row on the same issue. You can move between lanes after a decision. The Supplemental Claim lane is often the fastest when you can obtain additional medical evidence. Contact the New Hanover County VSO or NC State Veterans Service Center for free appeals help.
Common Questions
Where is the VA clinic in Wilmington, NC?
The Wilmington VA Clinic is at 1705 Gardner Road, Wilmington, NC 28405-8873. The main phone number is 910-343-5300. It is part of the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System.
Does the Wilmington VA Clinic do C&P exams?
Yes. The Wilmington VA Clinic’s Audiology and Speech Pathology clinic provides VA compensation and pension examinations for hearing-related conditions. For other types of C&P exams, you may be scheduled at a contracted provider or the Fayetteville VA Medical Center.
Where can I get a C&P exam in Wilmington?
C&P exams are conducted at the Wilmington VA Clinic (audiology and speech), Carolina Prime Internal Medicine (general medical), and other contracted providers including Sentinel Health Services and MRG Exams. The annual Veterans Benefits Live event also offers on-site C&P exams.
Who provides mental health C&P exams in Wilmington?
Dr. Gabriele Jones of Anchor Psychological & Counseling Services conducts Compensation and Pension evaluations for veterans. Sentinel Health Services also employs psychiatrists and psychologists for C&P exams in Wilmington.
How do I prepare for a C&P exam?
Bring a government-issued photo ID, symptom notes, medication list, treatment records, and supportive devices. Describe your typical day, focus on functional limitations, be honest, and mention flare-ups. Do not rush your answers.
What should I bring to a C&P exam?
Bring your appointment letter, photo ID, symptom notes, medication list, treatment records, and any supportive devices like a cane, brace, or CPAP machine. If you have lay statements from family or friends, bring those too.
How long does a C&P exam take?
C&P exams can range from 15 minutes to an hour or more. Mental health evaluations typically last 2 to 4 hours. The length depends on the condition being evaluated.
How do I get free help with my VA claim in Wilmington?
Contact the New Hanover County Veterans Service Office at 910-798-7611 or the NC State Veterans Service Center at 919-664-1065. Both provide free claims assistance, including help preparing for C&P exams and filing appeals.
What is the Veterans Benefits Live event?
Veterans Benefits Live: VA in My Town is an annual event in Wilmington that offers one-on-one claims assistance, on-site C&P exams, mental health services, and information on VA benefits. The 2026 event was held May 28–30 at the National Guard Facility on Infantry Road.
What is the New Hanover County Veterans Service Office address?
The New Hanover County Veterans Service Office is at 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. The phone number is 910-798-7611. More than 14,000 veterans live in New Hanover County.
How much does VA disability pay in 2026?
The 2026 rates range from $180.42 per month at 10% to $3,938.58 per month at 100% for a single veteran with no dependents. These amounts reflect a 2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025.
What if my C&P exam goes poorly?
If you believe the examiner’s findings are inaccurate, you can request a copy of your C&P exam results and file an appeal if VA denies your claim or assigns a low rating. Contact a VSO for help with the appeals process.
Key Takeaways
Veteran evaluation services in Wilmington, NC include C&P exams and free claims assistance.
The Wilmington VA Clinic at 1705 Gardner Road conducts audiology and speech pathology C&P exams.
Carolina Prime Internal Medicine and other contracted providers conduct general medical C&P exams in Wilmington.
The New Hanover County Veterans Service Office and NC State Veterans Service Center provide free claims assistance.
The annual Veterans Benefits Live event offers on-site C&P exams and one-on-one claims help.
Preparing for a C&P exam is critical: bring notes, records, and supportive devices, and describe your worst days.
2026 VA disability rates range from $180.42 at 10% to $3,938.58 at 100% for a single veteran.
Three appeal lanes exist for denials: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.
The Wilmington Vet Center Outstation provides readjustment counseling and PTSD support.
Contact a VSO before your exam to maximize your chances of a favorable rating.
Official Resources
Wilmington VA Clinic:Â https://www.va.gov/fayetteville-coastal-health-care/locations/wilmington-va-clinic/
VA C&P Exam Information:Â https://www.va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam/
VA Form 21-526EZ:Â https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez/
VA Disability Compensation Rates:Â https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/
VA Decision Review Options:Â https://www.va.gov/resources/choosing-a-decision-review-option/
New Hanover County Veterans Services:Â https://VeteranServices.NHCgov.com
NC State Veterans Service Center – Wilmington: https://www.milvets.nc.gov/
Wilmington Vet Center:Â https://www.va.gov/wilmington-vet-center/
VA Facility Locator:Â https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System:Â https://www.va.gov/fayetteville-coastal-health-care/
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