11/11/2026
Denied VA disability benefits, this Navy veteran fought back and is now fighting for others
Ahead of Veterans Day, High Point attorney Robert Retic shares lessons from his own struggle with the VA disability claims process.
Greensboro, NC — When disabled Navy veteran Robert Retic first applied for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, his claim was abruptly denied.
The VA representative he had worked with left the job, and Retic’s case was abandoned. Instead of giving up, Retic fought to secure the benefits he knew he had earned.
“I chose to fight,” says Retic.
Retic won his appeal and learned firsthand what it takes to advocate for veterans seeking disability benefits.
“In my own battle, I learned to advocate for myself and review the laws and medical evidence, especially mine, which made me more informed about my claims, conditions, and the process as a whole,” says Retic.
“This was the catalyst that led to me practicing veterans’ disability law.”
Retic had wanted to practice law since childhood and enlisted in the Navy because he believed it would help him reach his educational goals.
After clerking at Deuterman Law Group during law school and working with the firm’s VA disability attorneys, Retic knew he’d found his calling.
Today, as a Veterans Disability Attorney at Deuterman Law Group, Retic represents fellow veterans pursuing VA disability compensation and appealing denied claims.
“Several Veterans have mentioned to me horrible experiences they had with Veteran Service Officers, to put it lightly,” says Retic.
Four tips for veterans navigating disability claims
Drawing on his personal and professional experience, Retic offers four suggestions for veterans preparing and pursuing VA disability claims. He stresses that these are general recommendations, not legal advice.
- Understand your conditions. Take time to understand what is affecting you and how it affects your daily life.
- Document everything. Write statements describing your conditions and experiences. This helps you or your representative tell your story from your perspective. Gather and submit relevant medical records, including service treatment records, private medical records and VA medical records.
- Review Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs). Available on the VA’s website, these documents show how the VA evaluates particular conditions. They show the questions examiners may ask, applicable range-of-motion tests, and symptoms considered in disability evaluations.
- Manage your expectations. The claims and appeals process can be lengthy, frustrating and emotionally draining. Patience and persistence are essential.
Retic also draws on the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment in his legal practice and offers fellow veterans these reminders:
Honor: “Exhibit honor throughout the pendency of the claims. Put another way, be truthful about every aspect. As veterans, we tend to be so proud that we conceal or withhold things that could help your claim.”
Commitment: “Commit to this process. As previously stated, this is often a prolonged and arduous journey. However, we were trained to adapt and overcome. This process is no different.”
Courage: “Finally, dare to file a claim, advocate for yourself, and fight for what you believe in. You fought for your country. Now go forth and fight for yourself!”
Veterans Day interview opportunity
Robert Retic, a medically retired Navy veteran and Veterans Disability Attorney with Deuterman Law Group, is available for interviews ahead of Veterans Day. He can discuss his personal experience overcoming a denied disability claim, common challenges veterans encounter when seeking VA benefits, and practical steps to prepare claims and navigate the appeals process.
About attorney Robert Retic
Retic is a member of the N.C. Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA). He is a VA-accredited attorney and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
Retic lives in High Point with his wife, who is also retired from the U.S. Navy, and their three young children. They also have a 22-year-old son.
About Deuterman Law Group
Deuterman Law Group is a North Carolina-based law firm representing individuals and families in veterans’ disability, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, personal injury and employment matters. The firm advocates for clients navigating complex legal systems and is committed to education, accessibility and community service.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Robert Retic?
Ans: Robert Retic is a medically retired Navy veteran and a Veterans Disability Attorney at Deuterman Law Group.
Q2: What happened to Robert Retic’s VA disability claim?
Ans: His initial claim was denied. He appealed and won.
Q3: What records does Retic recommend for a VA disability claim?
Ans: He recommends written statements and relevant service treatment, private medical, and VA medical records.
Q4: What are Disability Benefits Questionnaires?
Ans: DBQs are VA forms that show the questions, tests, and symptoms considered when evaluating particular conditions.
Q5: Are Retic’s four suggestions legal advice?
Ans: No. The release presents them as general recommendations, not legal advice.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and shouldn’t be treated as such. Laws can change, and the outcome of a legal matter often depends on the specific facts involved. What you read here may not apply to your unique situation.
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