CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A Charlotte-area disabled military veteran, who uses a specially-designed bike to heal his physical and mental wounds, says United Airlines refused to repair his bike after it was damaged during a flight.

Jason Kimball landed at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport earlier in August and met a baggage handler to pick up his bicycle.

“He actually didn’t roll it out," Kimball said. "He dragged it out because the wheels were broken off.”

He said it had thousands of dollars in damage.

“It’s just a heart-sinking feeling to know that all that is gone,” he said.

Kimball filed a complaint with United, but according to an email he gave to NBC Charlotte, the airline refused to cover the costs saying he didn’t follow the airline’s rules for storing bicycle.

He's since taken his complaints to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Better Business Bureau.

He has the option to file a claim in small claims court, but he doesn’t have time to wait as he frequently competes in para-cycling events to sustain his physical and mental health.

“Cycling is probably the best medicine that veterans have experienced,” he said.

United Airlines said in a statement, “We are working with Mr. Kimball to pay for damages to his bike.”

The airline added anyone traveling on its planes with sports equipment should check its guidelines for that type of luggage.

Copyright 2016 WCNC