Case Study: Marine Veteran Increases VA Rating from 60% to 80% in Four Months

Editor’s note: This Marine Veteran VA disability case study is based on a real VA Claims Insider Elite Member experience.

Overview

After nearly nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Ray, a proud Marine veteran, thought his VA claims journey was over. But after joining the VA Claims Insider Elite Program, he discovered how much more he was entitled to and how to get it. 

In just four months, Ray increased his VA rating from 60% to 80%, nearly doubling his tax-free monthly compensation and giving his family long-overdue financial breathing room. 

“VA Claims Insider explained the process. It was like peeking behind a curtain. I understand it now.” 

Case Summary

• Marine veteran increased his VA disability rating from 60% to 80% in just four months. 

• Nearly doubled his VA monthly compensation. 

• Gained confidence and understanding through one-on-one coaching and education. 

• Encourages others to pursue the benefits they’ve earned. 

The Challenge: Decades of Unclaimed Benefits

When Ray separated from the Marines in 1991, he didn’t think he qualified for disability compensation. 

“I didn’t make any claims. I didn’t think I deserved anything. I didn’t feel worthy.” 

It wasn’t until 2018, more than 25 years later, that relatives convinced him to contact his local County Veterans Service Office. With help from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), he filed a few claims. Two were approved, resulting in a 60% disability rating. 

For years, Ray assumed that was the end of the road. He didn’t realize veterans can file for increased ratings or secondary conditions when symptoms worsen, or new conditions appear. 

Then he stumbled upon VA Claims Insider’s YouTube channel. After seeing other veterans share their success stories, he decided to join the Elite Program and take control of his claim. 

The Solution: Education & Coaching from the Elite Program

Ray joined the VACI Elite Program in August 2022 and immediately began using every available resource. He attended Coaching Sessions, Mental Health Mondays, and Coffee with the Coaches, each designed to educate veterans on how to organize and strengthen their claims. 

At first, the process seemed overwhelming. 

“I was still a little overwhelmed when I first opened the Elite Insider Portal. But rather than quitting, I started chipping away at it. Upload this document. Watch this video. And the next thing I know, I’m checking all these boxes, and the VA set me up very quickly with two C&P exam dates.” 

With expert support from his Veteran Coach, Ray learned how to: 

• Identify potential secondary service connections 

• Gather and organize key supporting evidence 

• Prepare for compensation & pension (C&P) exams with confidence 

• Understand the logic behind VA decision-making 

The combination of personalized coaching and on-demand education helped him see the system from the inside and finally feel in control. 

The Results: Going From 60% to 80% VA Disability

Just four months after joining the Elite program, Ray received notice from the VA: he had increased his disability rating from 60% to 80%. 

That 20% jump nearly doubled his monthly, tax-free compensation, providing meaningful relief for his family during the holiday season. 

“My experience has been so valuable. VA Claims Insider is a solid group with great information. They know what they’re doing, and they’ve helped me tremendously.” 

With his higher rating secured, Ray says his family can finally relax a bit and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from financial stability. “We can finally breathe again.” 

Now, he’s helping other veterans do the same—encouraging them to pursue the benefits they’ve earned. 

“Go get your benefits. You may have to jump through some hoops. But it’s worth it.” 

Learn more about 80% VA Benefits

Editor’s note: Only the veteran’s first name was used to protect his privacy while sharing his experience. 

Key Takeaways for Other Veterans

• Don’t assume your initial VA rating is final. Conditions change, and you may qualify for an increase or secondary claims. 

• Education is key. Understanding the VA’s process can save you years of frustration. 

• Small steps make a big difference. Working steadily through your claim, even when it feels overwhelming, leads to results. 

• Expert support accelerates success. A Veteran Coach empowers you to identify opportunities and build a strong, well-documented claim. 

About the VA Claims Insider Elite Program

The Elite Membership Program supports veterans in building stronger VA disability claims through education, expert coaching, and access to medical evidence through our preferred provider network. More than 25,000 veterans have successfully increased their VA ratings and secured the VA compensation and benefits they earned through service.

Related Questions Veterans Ask

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.