Elite Success: One Veteran’s Stop-and-Go Road to 100%

Air Force Veteran Mark Walter never planned on pursuing a VA rating increase after leaving the service. After transitioning out of the military, he didn’t think he qualified for or deserved additional VA benefits. It was years before he realized he was likely underrated. 

With support from VA Claims Insider’s Elite Program and a Veteran Coach who wouldn’t let him quit, Mark doubled his VA rating from 50% to 100% in 13 months.

Recruitment to the Academy

Walter grew up in a small town outside of Houston, Texas. While still in high school, he was recruited by the Air Force Academy to run track and cross-country. Initially unfamiliar with the Academy, Mark soon realized it could be a good fit. “It would be exciting, and I would get to do things that I wouldn’t have gotten to do otherwise,” he said.

After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2006, Mark’s first assignment took him to California for training, and from there, he was stationed in North Dakota for four years. Later, he accepted an offer for duty in Alaska before eventually separating from the Air Force in late 2012. 

During his time in the Air Force, Mark served as a 13 Sierra, specializing in nuclear missiles—an area that is now part of the newly established U.S. Space Force.

A Slow Start

Like many veterans, Mark didn’t immediately consider applying for VA benefits. “It was kind of the same story as everybody,” he said, “I didn’t think I qualified. I didn’t think I deserved benefits.” He had been diagnosed with depression years prior but wasn’t aware that he could even get rated for it. “I didn’t consider going to the VA,” he said, “and didn’t know I could get benefits for it.” 

The whole process also seemed daunting, and Mark didn’t know where to start. 

It wasn’t until he came across some literature on LinkedIn in early 2024 that Mark decided to take the plunge and join the Elite Program at VA Claims Insider. “(VA Claims Insider) guided me from a 50% to an 80% VA rating. And then I stopped. That was as much as I could get done,” he explained, “The VA process is rather cumbersome, and I was ready to be finished with it.” 

Mark thought his journey with the VA claims process was over, but that wasn’t the case.

The Turning Point

Over the next few months, Mark’s Veteran Coach and assistants contacted him several times to encourage him to continue. “They asked me, ‘Have you thought about claiming some of these other things we discussed?’”

At first, Mark rebuffed the idea of exploring another VA increase. He thought he wanted to be done with the process, but his coach’s persistence eventually led to a breakthrough. 

Mark began to dig deeper into the VA’s website and other sources. He realized that there were more things he could claim. “There were a number of things that I think I have or know I have that could be claimed,” he said. This realization prompted him to re-engage with VA Claims Insider and work towards another VA rating increase.

Overcoming Challenges

For Mark, one of the biggest challenges in the VA claims process was overcoming his own mental blocks. “I didn’t think I deserved it. There’s guys out there with worse problems, etc,” he explained.

Another significant challenge Mark faced was knowing how opaque and challenging the giant VA system could be. “You just get inundated with information, and it’s impossible to figure out what you need to do,” he said.

The VA disability process was made even more difficult by Mark’s military background. As a member of the Air Force, especially in a role that involved space and missiles, Mark was part of a system where mental health struggles were often stigmatized. “There’s a culture part, and then there’s a part of like, well, the regulations say X, Y, and Z. It’s reinforced from both angles,” Mark explained. 

For years, he had avoided seeking help for mental health issues because of the stigma in the military. This made it even harder to overcome the psychological barriers to seeking VA benefits.

The Outcome

Despite the obstacles, Mark persisted. With the support of VA Claims Insider and his Veteran Coaching team, he increased his VA rating from 50% to 80% and then again to 100%. “I am pleased with the outcome,” he said. 

Mark credits VA Claims Insider for helping him through the process, especially with the persistent follow-up and encouragement from his Veteran Coach.

“I had quit, and through my coach’s persistence, I re-engaged and continued the process,” he said. 

The structure and guidance provided by VA Claims Insider made all the difference. “If I’d sat there and tried to figure it out on my own, I would’ve spent six months researching and still may not have had a clear path,” he explained.

Words for Fellow Veterans

Reflecting on his journey, Mark encourages other veterans who may be hesitant about pursuing VA disability benefits. “Don’t be ashamed of these benefits. Don’t act like you don’t deserve them or think you’re taking something from someone else. If you think you have an issue, go explore it,” he urged, “You’re not taking anything from anybody else.”

Mark also stressed the importance of getting professional help when navigating the VA claims process. “The easiest path is to find someone to help you through the VA claims journey,” he said. “You’ll probably need help.”

Mark also echoed the sentiment shared by VA Claims Insider’s founder, Brian Reese: Every veteran should be evaluated for mental health. 

“You’re leaving this environment that can be harsh and traumatic. You’ve been asked to do things that can harm you and other people physically. There’s a good chance that there are lasting repercussions from that process,” Mark said. 

He believes taking a self-inventory—and having a professional take inventory of your mental health—is crucial.

The Finish Line

Mark’s path toward a 100% VA rating wasn’t illuminated for him initially. What started with doubt and a simple inquiry turned into a complete reevaluation of his claim strategy and, ultimately, a higher VA rating. His story exemplifies how persistence, encouragement, and a willingness to continue, even when you think you want to quit, can make all the difference in finding light at the end of the VA disability tunnel.

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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.