30% to 100% VA Disability Increase: One Veteran’s Life-Changing Experience

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%.

“Had it not been for my wife, [my Veteran Coach] Jaime Castro and his assistant Julie Ann Torres, and the good Lord,” he said, “I really don’t know where I’d be right now.” 

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 recruiter’s 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.

“I had always heard about it but thought, ‘That’s for people other than me,’” he admitted. However, recognizing his struggles became a pivotal moment for him—and one that led to improved relationships with his family.

Pursuing VA Benefits

Like many veterans, Fontes’ 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 Greg’s shoulders and said, “Listen, man, you put that uniform on; you deserve it.” 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, Fontes’ journey has been transforming. “Every morning for the past week, I have to pinch myself to see if I’m still at 100%—it’s surreal,” he said. 

The support and guidance he received helped him overcome years of VA denials and disappointment.

“Without any guidance, the claims process is so frustrating,” Greg reflected. “I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to give up, but then I connected with VA Claims Insider, and here I am at 100%. It’s just unbelievable.”

Greg emphasizes the importance of believing in one’s worth: “So many veterans think they don’t deserve it, but they do. If you put that uniform on, you deserve it.” His gratitude for the support he received is immense. “I can’t say enough good about VA Claims Insider,” he said, “This has been a life-changing experience.”

Paying it Forward

Fontes is now helping his ex-father-in-law get started with his Vietnam Veteran benefits—and encouraging him to seek support.

Looking back, Greg acknowledges the military’s profound impact on his life. “Going 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 training—40 years later!” he joked. “There’s a lot of good in the military, but it’s the help afterward that we need.”

Now, as he looks to pay it forward, Greg Fontes stands as an example of encouragement for other veterans navigating their own challenges. “If you’re struggling,” Fontes said, “reach out for help. You deserve it.”

YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE. We’ve 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 you’ve earned.

Ready to Get the VA Rating You Deserve?

• VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims. 
• Work directly with a VA claims coach who can help lead you to VA claim victory. 
• Connect with our preferred provider network for discounted Nexus Letters, and more.
• 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016. 
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