We Represent Veterans Nationwide. Here Are Reviews From Just a Few Of Our Satisfied Clients:
ExcellentBased on 164 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Blessed KingApril 19, 2024.Where do I begin since I've been with Savannah and Dawson I have really realized that my VA case could be settled in my favor. They were patient with me when I would get a little frustrated and they were able to explain things in a way that I understood. I cannot say enough good things about them, they have really taken me from point A to point B and now my case has been solved and I'm so grateful. I would and will recommend them to anyone. I have to add more the hits just keep coming!! Savannah and Dawson have been heaven sent.💯💯❤️💗🙏🏿Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Rod WatsonApril 10, 2024.I could have pursued bodily injury damages alone from the motorcycle accident, but I'm so glad I didn't. Don Marcari was easy to work with, and both he and his team had my back through the entire process. Additionally, they communicated often with me to keep me posted on progress. Don knows BI law, and he put the other party's insurance company in check. Trust me, you will want Don in your corner if you or a loved ever find yourself in need of a bodily injury attorney. I am incredibly appreciative of Don Marcari and his entire team at MRSB!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Michael HallMarch 27, 2024.This has been an amazing experience. They were able to get me from 90% (where I was stagnated at for several years) to 100% P&T with the VA. I can not say enough about the whole MRSB team. Heather is amazing at her job and is great at communicating with her clients. Again awesome experience. Myself and my family can't thank you enough.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Lori StewartMarch 13, 2024.Marcari, Tussotto, Spencer & Balaban really work hard at getting you the money you deserve! They are a dedicated staff & help you in anyway possible. I would definitely recommend this group!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Carolyn CroxtonMarch 12, 2024.In January 2022 my husband was in a head on collision in NC. We had no clue how to handle the legal end of this wreck when a good friend of ours suggested this law firm. I contacted them and they immediately sent a representative out to our home. David Spencer got the ball rolling kept us abreast of the procedures that was going on. His secretary Mrs. Cathy out of the Fayetteville office was always a phone call away. She answered any and all of my questions very professionally. Cathy was on top of my husbands case just as if it was her own. We are very pleased with this law firm and would not hesitate yo use them again. Mr Spencer and Mrs. Cathy {in the Fayetteville office} treated us as if we were their only clients! Thank you both for a job well done! Ed and Carolyn CroxtonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Ernest SloanMarch 12, 2024.I was nearing the end of my rope of trying to get what I'm entitled to as a burn pit victim. However, literally, one really last minute simple engine search brought me to these fantastic veteran advocates! I was stuck at 90% disabled for close to 3 years but in 5 maybe 6 short months, I'm now at 100% with close to 20 months of back pay. Thank God for these truly honest people fighting for the little guy!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Patrick HazlettFebruary 15, 2024.I was initially denied for my VA disability claim, but with the help of Savannah Gay and Dawson Rouse, they were able to get my claim approved with back pay going back several years. Savannah was very communicative throughout the process, updating me on my case and assisting when needed. I would recommend them for any VA disability claim issues, as they were accommodating in ensuring my case was addressed.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Trinity BurtonFebruary 15, 2024.I would like to personally shout out Cathy Baggett at the Fayetteville location! She was and have been very professional and fought to the very end for me. Cathy made everything a smooth and easy process by being so helpful, thank you for everything!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Brittany MoormanFebruary 13, 2024.If you're looking for some legal bulldogs look no further! They will have you informed every step of the way!! Thank you Miss.Brittany and Miss.Vicki!!✨️✨️
SENIOR MANAGING PARTNER
Donald W. Marcari
Donald W. Marcari
Senior Managing Partner
1985 | Juris Doctor
1980 | Master of Arts | Public Administration
1979 | Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Minor | Business Administration
- North Carolina, 1985
- Virginia, 1988
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 1986
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1988
- Supreme Court of Virginia, 1988
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, 1988
- U.S. Court of Appeals, for the Fourth Circuit, 1988
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), 2012
Admitted pro hac vice in several states and federal courts throughout the United States.
- Best Attorneys of America
- Virginia Super Lawyer
- North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leader in Law
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), Order of Service Award
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Virginia by the National Trial Lawyers Association (NTLA)
- Top 100 Litigation Lawyer in Virginia and North Carolina by the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA)
- AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
- Virginia and North Carolina’s Top Rated AV Preeminent Rating Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
- Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell
- Client Distinction Award from Martindale-Hubbell
- Navy Achievement Award, U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corp
- North Carolina State Bar Association
- Virginia State Bar Association
- Virginia Beach Bar Association: General District Court Liaison Committee
- Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ): Education Committee
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA): 1st District Board of Governors 201-2015, Chairman; Committee on Professionalism and Ethics, Governmental Key Contacts Committee and Vice Chairman of the Litigation Support Committee
- Brain Injury Association of Virginia
- Brain Injury Association of North Carolina
- Fellowship of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA)
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, member National Advisory Board
- Campbell Law’s Alumni Association Board of Directors
Tried cases that became the basis for the movies, “A Few Good Men,” “The Paula Coughlin Story” and book entitled “The Mother of All Hooks-The story of the US Navy’s Tailhook Scandal.” Represented a Capital Murder Client involved in an internet/cell phone scam which received nationwide publicity. Retained as an Expert to testify to the “Standard of Care” in legal malpractice cases and appeared on television shows including Unsolved Mysteries, A Current Affair and The Montel Williams Show.
- Regent University School of Law (2014 Fall Semester), Products Liability Adjunct Professor
- Georgetown University, Introduction of Law Guest Lecturer
- Florence Darlington Community College, Political Science and Local Government Adjunct Professor
- Lynnhaven Middle School Football Coach
- Princess Anne High School Moot Court Team Advisor and Coach
- Great Neck Athletic Association (GNNA): Board of Directors Vice President, Football Commissioner, Girls Basketball Commissioner and Football, Basketball, Baseball and Soccer Coach
- Carolina Academy High School Football Coach
- Volunteer Hampton Roads Co-Chairman
- Artistic American Veterans Board of Directors
- Carolina Environmental Development Construction Education Foundation Board of Directors
- Lake City’s News & Post Editorialist
In addition to his many professional obligations, Don still manages to make time to give back to the community. Don directs the mock trial teams and serves as a judge for senior projects for two Virginia Beach high schools. Both schools have honored him with the Virginia Beach Partnership in Education Award. In 2009, Don was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award at Princess Anne High School for his commitment and dedication to the students. He also spent time educating students on basic legal principles through The Road to Virginia Justice program and through an initiative to End Distracted Driving.
SENIOR MANAGING PARTNER
Donald W. Marcari
Don began his legal career as a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General trial team attorney.
As a young JAG attorney, Don represented a U.S. Marine stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba which became the basis for the movie “A Few Good Men.”
The story truly exemplifies the lengths to which Don will go to protect his clients’ rights and obtain the justice they deserve.
Don is a long-time fighter for injured Veterans and their families, helping ensure they can receive all the benefits they have a legal right to.
Additionally, Don has continued to defend service members in court martial and administrative proceedings.
Don has been fighting for seriously injured people through North Carolina since 1985 and in Virginia since 1988, concentrating on plaintiff personal injury law as well as civil litigation.
Don is a highly recognized attorney, who’s tried over 200 jury trials over his career.
Don has represented clients whose cases became the foundation for the movie “The Paula Coughlin Story” and a book titled “The Story of the U.S. Navy’s Tailhook Scandal.”
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My years of military experience and the suffering I have seen have sharpened my resolve to champion injured Veterans' interests and obtain for them the benefits they so greatly need and deserve. I am absolutely invested in zealous advocacy for my clients, many of whom are in dire circumstances.
Donald W. Marcari
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Hire You?
It does not cost you anything to hire our Veterans Benefits Law Firm as your attorneys. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us anything unless we win you an award. Our firm charges 20%, which is deducted by the VA from your lump sum payment for retroactive benefits.
How Long Will It Take To Appeal My Benefits Denial?
While it can take six months or more for a Veteran to receive a decision on his or her initial benefits claim from the Department of Veterans Affairs, appeals could take 2 years of more. The Department of Veterans Affairs lacks the funding to properly staff and process benefits applications. The number of applications from recently returning Veterans must be dealt with while the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to actively work towards providing services to prior generations of Veterans.
How Do I Increase My Disability Rating?
Great question! If the condition that you are actively receiving disability benefits for has now ultimately worsened over time, you can file an increased rating claim. It’s fairly simple, and it involves filing out an online claim form or mailing a letter to your regional office documenting the change in your condition.
View Our Office Locations Below!
All communication with the Department of Veterans Affairs can be conducted remotely; personal appearances are not required.
Our law firm is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist Veterans anywhere across the United States.
Furthermore, our clients do not need to go to a physical location or visit an office to receive our help. If there are any medical visits that are applicable to your claim, you can be seen at a facility that is close to your home. So, no matter where you are, if you need help, we’re here to fight for you the same way that you bravely fought to protect us.
Call us now! (866) 866-VETS.
Read Some Of Our Recent Blog Posts!
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