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Marine Corps Veteran Walter Hicks has been underrated for nearly 30 years. Now, less than six months after joining the VA Claims Insider Elite Program, Walter has achieved a 100% VA disability rating and uncovered benefits he never knew existed. This is his Elite Success Story.
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The Marine
Hicks joined the United States Marine Corps on his 20th birthday, August 20th, 1984, after his first wife urged him to stop “sitting around doing nothing.” Following boot camp in San Diego, he graduated as a US Marine on November 8th, 1984.
“It was the best thing in my life. I loved serving my country. I love the Marine Corps,” Walter recalls.
As a radio operator, Walter served 13 years, traveling the world and experiencing things he would never have seen if he had stayed in Detroit. But it was his deployment during Desert Storm that would change everything.
“I didn’t know I had problems until years after I got out,” he says.
The Hidden Battle
For years, Walter Hicks thought he was fine. The 63-year-old Detroit native didn’t realize the depth of his trauma. “I didn’t know the extent of my PTSD. I thought I was normal,” he explains.
Instead, the 6’4″, 285-pound Hicks went from being an outgoing person into what he describes as “a hermit” who didn’t trust anyone and preferred isolation.
“You’re always strong, you’re never weak,” Walter explains about his Marine training. “Whatever the situation is, you get through it. No matter what, you never complain, you just keep going and get the mission done.” His military mindset kept him from recognizing the depth of his struggles for decades.
By April 2024, Hicks had managed to get to 90% VA disability but couldn’t secure that final 10%. He tried multiple times to push it higher on his own, only to be denied.
The Turning Point
Then, in April 2024, Walter’s wife heard about VA Claims Insider and encouraged him to join the Elite Program. But Walter’s Marine pride kicked in. “I said, ‘Oh no, I can get this last 10 percent. I can do it on my own.'”
He spent a full year trying. “I tried it on my own. The VA shot me down. Then I got discouraged.”
A year later, in April 2025, Walter signed up for the Elite Membership program at VA Claims Insider.
The VA Claims Insider Difference
Walter was paired with his Veteran Coach, who immediately demonstrated the unique ‘Insider’ approach. What struck Walter was the patience and respect. “No one pressured you; no one forced you,” Walter emphasizes. “They were like ‘Walter, whenever you’re ready, we’re here.'”
Walter’s coach also explained a critical difference in claim strategy. Instead of filing standard forms that “take forever to get an answer,” Walter learned to submit comprehensive claims with all evidence upfront. “When you present that evidence to the VA where they don’t have to look for it, it’s right in front of them…it’s a different ballgame.”
The most crucial lesson came in preparing for his C&P exam. Walter learned the importance of being “uncomfortably vulnerable” – a concept that would prove transformative.
A Moment of Truth
On August 28, 2025, Walter attended his C&P exam with his new understanding. “My coach explained to me, he said, ‘Walter, this is the most critical part. When you go in there, you have to let yourself be uncomfortably vulnerable.'”
For the first time, Walter allowed himself to be completely honest about his struggles. “I’m 6’4″, 285 pounds… I’m a big guy… and I’m in there and I’m just bawling,” he recalls. “I wasn’t trying to cry, but I was just telling her what happened with me for the first time in my life.”
The impact was immediate and profound. “We both were in tears.” The examiner saw the full picture of Walter’s service-connected conditions. For the first time in decades, Walter felt heard by the VA.
The Victory
Soon after, Walter received his approval: a 100% VA disability rating. Along with it came life-changing benefits he never knew existed, including property tax exemptions in Michigan and numerous other advantages. “My coach sent me a link to all the things that I’m eligible for… There’s so much more to life that opened up because I’m 100 percent.”
But the victory went beyond the rating. Walter discovered he had been worthy of help all along. “For years, I didn’t think I was worthy of these benefits. But the way the VA Claims Insider explained to me is if you serve your country, if you’re ready to give your life for this country, then guess what? There are benefits that are here for you.”
For Walter, this wasn’t just about money or benefits; it was about finally being seen and validated after decades of carrying his burden alone. The process taught him that asking for help wasn’t a weakness; it was part of completing the mission he started when he first put on the uniform.
The Gratitude
The transformation in Walter’s life has left him with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a mission to help other veterans. Walter’s appreciation runs deep. “The Elite Program is the best thing since sliced bread,” he declares. “VA Claims Insider is the real deal. You’re not going to find any other people that are more for you…not against you, but for you.”
He also emphasizes VA Claims Insider’s inclusive, family-like approach: “The way VA Claims Insider accepts you into their family is like no other. I don’t care what color, race, or denomination, religion, whatever – if you need assistance, VA Claims Insider is here for you.”
His Message to Fellow Veterans
Looking back on his 30-year journey, Walter feels a responsibility to share what he’s learned. His advice is direct and heartfelt: “If you haven’t tried VA Claims Insider, I beg you to… because they’re here for us.”
He acknowledges that veterans must be ready to be honest about their struggles. “We have to become uncomfortably vulnerable so that they can help us. We have to be willing to help ourselves.”
Walter’s passion to spread the word about VA Claims Insider stems from knowing too many veterans are still suffering in silence, just as he did for nearly three decades.
His final message is simple—and he says he would shout it from the tallest mountain if he could: help is out there, and every veteran deserves it.
Key Takeaways from Walter’s Journey
- A 100% VA disability rating (the “Hundo Club”) is possible, EVEN after decades of denials.
- Success often comes down to strategy, education, and strong medical evidence (SEM Method).
- The VA Claims Insider Elite Program provided Walter with the education, strategy, and confidence he needed to finally win his claim.
- Asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s the step that helped Walter secure life-changing benefits after nearly 30 years.
About VA Claims Insider
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you through the claims process.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.
Author
Eric Webb
Eric has written and worked in the field of Veterans Disability since 2020 and enjoys writing educational content for the veteran population. His prior work has been published in the Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). He holds a Degree in Health and Exercise Science.
