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North Carolina Military Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Military Law and Personal Injury for North Carolina on
Q: I am active duty military in the Marines and I had an accident occur during liberty hours and off base so I went to the

ER and had surgery done and now I’m home recovering in North Carolina can they come and take me away even if I use TRICARE and present a doctors note to them?

(I am currently stationed in Yorktown VA at the naval base)

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 10, 2025

I'm sorry about your accident. I hope you and everyone else involved are okay. I'll defer to my colleagues who practice military law for issues involving returning to duty and related matters. But those aspects of the question aside, it's worth keeping in mind that depending on fault... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Military Law and Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I protected under EEO as a Member of the National Guard or as a veteran

I have been denied vacation time 2x. Other employees are receiving their vacation time . I reported being singled out and said I was filing a complaint. That I no longer wished to be under my current supervisors. They moved me to another correctional facility under what feels like retaliation.

Brandon L Newberry
Brandon L Newberry
answered on Jun 20, 2024

Yes, as a member of the National Guard or a veteran, you are protected under Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws. Two key federal laws provide these protections:

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA):

USERRA prohibits civilian employers from...
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1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Discharged from the airforce under an ELS due to fraudulent enlistment, but completed BMT with honors, what can I do?

My nephew was discharged from the airforce under an ELS due to fraudulent enlistment because of mental health issues from middle school and ADHD that was never disclosed to his parents, he has graduated high school with and went to BMT at 17 years old and completed it with honors and was even... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 17, 2024

In cases of an Entry-Level Separation (ELS) from the military due to issues like fraudulent enlistment, re-enlisting can be challenging but not always impossible. Your nephew's first step should be to obtain a copy of his discharge paperwork, specifically the DD-214 form, which will detail the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: I was discharged in 2008 with a medical discharge and 10% rating. My first claim I went to 40%

In under two years of being discharged I was and still am 90 P/T and unemployable. Do I qualify for a medical retirement?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

It's important to understand that medical retirement from the military and VA disability compensation are separate matters. Medical retirement typically applies to service members who are found unfit for duty due to a medical condition, and it often depends on the length of service and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Are individuals in the Army medboard process exempt from height and weight requirements?

I am currently going through the Army medboard process. I've already completed the MEB and PEB phases and was found unfit for duty. Recently, I was required to do a height and weight measurement, which I failed, resulting in a flag. I am trying to find out if there is a regulation that states... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2025

When you are going through the medboard process, it can feel confusing when different parts of Army regulations seem to overlap. Since you’ve already been found unfit for duty through the PEB, your career is essentially moving toward separation or retirement rather than continued service. In that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Elder Law, Public Benefits, Social Security, Military Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Seeking medical and financial assistance as separated spouse of 100% disabled veteran.

I am separated from my husband, who is a 100% disabled veteran, for about a year now. I am a right leg amputee and need medical and financial assistance. I have not applied for any help yet, and there are no separation papers or divorce plans. How can I access the support I need?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 20, 2025

Since you are still legally married and not divorced, you may be able to access certain benefits tied to your husband’s status as a 100% disabled veteran. The Veterans Affairs system allows spouses to receive health coverage through CHAMPVA if they are not otherwise eligible for TRICARE. You may... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Military Law and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: How to claim funds from deceased veteran uncle's fiduciary account with no will?

My deceased uncle, a veteran, had a fiduciary account managed by the Veterans Administration. There's a significant amount left in his checking account, which has been turned back over to the VA. My brother and I are the only heirs, but we're getting conflicting information from the VA on... View More

Charles Evan Lohr
Charles Evan Lohr
answered on Jun 11, 2025

You will need to open an estate to access the funds. There are some time limits that need to be followed.

Evan Lohr

Attorney

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Family Law and Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: How can a father disestablish paternity in NC if previous tests conflicted?

I had a DNA test when I was 14 weeks pregnant, which confirmed him as the father. In 2023, he did another DNA test that indicated he is not the father, but he didn't inform me of this result until November 2024, after I served him with a child support order. We have a court-ordered DNA test... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 19, 2025

In North Carolina, disestablishing paternity after previously acknowledging or establishing it can be quite challenging, particularly given your unique situation with conflicting DNA tests and an existing custody arrangement.

Your case presents several complex factors that could affect the...
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Q: Is it legal for hotel housekeeping to enter my room, after me clearly stating to them I didn’t need housekeeping?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2024

In most jurisdictions, hotel staff have the legal right to enter your room even if you decline housekeeping, primarily for security and safety reasons. This right is typically outlined in the hotel's terms of service that you agree to when booking.

However, hotels should follow proper...
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1 Answer | Asked in Military Law, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I responsible for my husbands debt while we are going through separation and divorce? We live in NC.

He purchased a house but did not place my name in deed. What are my rights? I have lived in another state and my kids and I didn’t move until about 1-2 yrs after his house purchase.. What is your advice?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2024

In North Carolina, debts accumulated during your marriage are generally considered joint responsibilities, even if only your husband’s name is on them. This means you might be held accountable for these debts during and after your divorce. However, if the debt was for his personal expenses and... View More

Q: I’m a disabled veteran that was in the VA’s CWT Program and the supervisor of the ground’s tried to fight me can I sue

I’m a disabled veteran that was in the VA’s CWT Program and the supervisor of the ground’s crew tried to get me to fight him not once but twice and there were witnesses to both incidents but the VA police now has my picture posted on the wall of the hospital saying “be cautious”! I’ve... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 2, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the experience you had at the VA hospital. As a disabled veteran, you have certain rights and protections under the law, and it may be possible to pursue legal action in this case. You may want to consider contacting a lawyer who specializes in disability rights or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Does only the judge have to sign a temporary custody agreement due to military deployment (this is after he deployed)

On the order filed against us, they crossed out where the plaintiff, defendant and her attorney would have signed. Are they not required to sign the “motion” that was filed? My husband had primary custody of my stepdaughter that I have raised for the last 8 years and BM moved to NC when she... View More

LTC (Ret) Sean F. Mangan
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answered on Sep 12, 2022

A custody agreement may be formed between parties without the involvement of a court, but it carries no enforcement mechanism if a court is not involved. When co-parents are getting along, these are routinely formed without a court's involvement. In some cases the agreement is entered as a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: I want to back out of the National Guard what are my options?

I recently enlisted in the National Guard, I haven't been to basic training yet. I've thought about this a lot and I just realized It's truly wrong for me, I jumped into it while simply excited (I'm 17). Is there a way out without legal repercussions?

Philip D. Cave
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answered on Feb 22, 2022

It may be possible to void your contract. There is a procedure to do that.

I usually recommend you visit this website for more precise advice on how best to do that.

https://girightshotline.org/

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I? And how fast can I adopt my younger brother?

I am in the military, and I want to adop my 15 year old brother. He lives with my stepfather and my mother lives in mexIco. I’m stationed in NC and my brother lives in California. How can I adopt him so I could bring him to live with me.

Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
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Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
answered on Jun 19, 2021

The adoption process is a state law issue and if he currently lives in California then you will need to speak with a family law attorney there. Adoption may not even be necessary, depending on the purpose of the adoption. You may able to just have a custody order. You should also research what... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: I have a question regarding Tennessee national guard

How the state handles issue with the national guard.

Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
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Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
answered on Jun 10, 2021

Unfortunately your question is not clear. What issues do you want to know how the state handles? You mentioned the TN National Guard but it appears you live in NC. Which state are you referring to?

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can you presume that a 5-17 discharge for a medical reason would also trigger VA disability rating?

Being discharged for "adjustment disorder" and concerned that although its honorable, they will not document it properly and I'll not be entitled to treatment if I need it, or any other VA benefits, like GI Bill or a disability rating. Should I hire an attorney to make sure that... View More

Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
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Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
answered on Mar 29, 2021

An attorney cannot assist you with your discharge paperwork. If your discharge is ultimately honorable (not all 5-17 discharges are honorable) then your should be taken through the process of getting a VA claim started.

You should make sure that any medical conditions are noted on your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: 100% disabled veteran. Him and wife divorce. They have 1 kid and a house. Is she entitled to his disability if divorce.

He had been getting 100% military disability before they married.

Paul Ylvisaker
Paul Ylvisaker
answered on Jan 4, 2021

No. By federal law is not divisible or an asset of the marriage to be divided. However, the income can be used in calculating child support in most states.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I protected under USERRA?

I am prior service. I met with a national guard recruiter 2 weeks ago and was informed I need to go to meps to swear in. I gave my boss verbal and written notice for both Monday and Tuesday that day and again that following Monday. I worked half a day on Tuesday and went to meps and came back to... View More

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Oct 8, 2020

It is my understanding that you are not protected by USERRA for your trip to MEPS. Unfortunately, you are only protected for the time you are actually serving. I would look at this as a good thing, your employer was probably going to be very difficult once it came time to fulfill your guard... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: I have received medical board findings. I was found unfit and can the military hold me for AdminSep?

I went through the PEB and got my findings. They found me unfit and got medical retirement from the military. I have an EAS Date 45 days from now. My unit is pursing an AdminSep for pattern of misconduct. The characterization is General Under Honorable. Can the military hold me past my new EAS... View More

R. Davis Younts
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R. Davis Younts
answered on May 17, 2020

There may be some specific nuances in your case but as a general rule you cannot be held past an EAS date solely for the purpose of admin sep proceedings. The issue with your case is that if the start the misconduct based separation process fast enough then your case will be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for North Carolina on
Q: Will I get my GI bill if I'll get separated for a mental condition?

I enlisted in the army, infantry, just over a year ago. Got deployed, came back. During a period of depression I went to behavioral health and was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. I didn't behave in any misconduct, I fullfilled my duties so far, but I dont know how to take it anymore. If I... View More

Sabra M. Janko
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answered on May 6, 2020

I am sorry to hear about your situation. As for discharge, if your discharge is honorable that will not prevent you from receiving GI benefits if you are eligible based on length of time of service.

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