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From 30% to 100% VA Disability Increase: The Elite Success Story of Navy Veteran Greg Fontes
Navy Veteran Greg Fontes knows firsthand the importance of seeking support. His journey to maximizing his VA benefits was marked by struggles, self-discovery, and ultimately, success.
Now, two years after becoming a VA Claims Insider Elite Member, Fontes has increased his VA disability rating from 30% to 100%.
âHad it not been for my wife, [my Veteran Coach] Jaime Castro and his assistant Julie Ann Torres, and the good Lord,â he said, âI really donât know where Iâd be right now.â
Joining the Navy
After graduating high school at 17, Greg soon took a position working on an oil rig. However, the oil crunch of the 1980s hit hard, leaving him out of work and searching for a new direction. Motivated by a desire for stability, he drove his pickup truck down to the recruiterâs office to enlist in the Marines.
However, he was informed it would be an 11-month wait before he could get into the Marines. That opened the door for a Navy recruiter who got Fontes into the Navy through the Minority Bill.
Fontes served four years in the Navy as an electrician, but his time in service was not without challenges. A fall down the stairs in the barracks during A-school resulted in a compression fracture that would affect him for the next 40 years.
Fontes enjoyed his time in service but admits that transitioning back to civilian life was anything but seamless. His back injuries lingered, and he initially turned to alcohol to cope. He also began to struggle with anxiety and depression.
âI had always heard about it but thought, âThatâs for people other than me,ââ he admitted. However, recognizing his struggles became a pivotal moment for himâand one that led to improved relationships with his family.
Pursuing VA Benefits
Like many veterans, Fontesâ path to securing his VA benefits was full of setbacks. After learning about VA disability from friends, Fontes initially dismissed it, believing it was meant for those with more severe injuries.
Then, one day, while talking to a veteran customer on the car lot, the man put his hands on Gregâs shoulders and said, âListen, man, you put that uniform on; you deserve it.â The conversation struck a chord in Greg, and he began looking into pursuing his benefits.
Fontes stumbled through the VA claims process alone for five years, achieving a 30% VA disability rating. But then he hit a dead end.
Frustrated and unsure of how to proceed, Greg began searching for help online. When he discovered VA Claims Insider, he was struck by all of the positive reviews.
Joining VA Claims Insider
Since joining VA Claims Insider’s Elite Program in 2022, Fontesâ journey has been transforming. âEvery morning for the past week, I have to pinch myself to see if Iâm still at 100%âitâs surreal,â he said.
The support and guidance he received helped him overcome years of VA denials and disappointment.
âWithout any guidance, the claims process is so frustrating,â Greg reflected. âI canât tell you how many times I wanted to give up, but then I connected with VA Claims Insider, and here I am at 100%. Itâs just unbelievable.â
Greg emphasizes the importance of believing in oneâs worth: âSo many veterans think they donât deserve it, but they do. If you put that uniform on, you deserve it.â His gratitude for the support he received is immense. âI can’t say enough good about VA Claims Insider,â he said, âThis has been a life-changing experience.â
Paying it Forward
Fontes is now helping his ex-father-in-law get started with his Vietnam Veteran benefitsâand encouraging him to seek support.
Looking back, Greg acknowledges the military’s profound impact on his life. âGoing into the military was the single best thing that ever happened to me. I learned a lot, and I still fold my t-shirts like they taught me in basic trainingâ40 years later!â he joked. âThereâs a lot of good in the military, but itâs the help afterward that we need.â
Now, as he looks to pay it forward, Greg Fontes stands as an example of encouragement for other veterans navigating their own challenges. âIf youâre struggling,â Fontes said, âreach out for help. You deserve it.â
YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE. Weâve got your six!
If you’re tired of navigating the VA claims process alone, VA Claims Insider is here to serve you. Our Elite Membership Program offers the support and resources you need to get the benefits youâve earned.
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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.Â