For more than three decades, Navy veteran Vernon Wingfield lived with memories from the Persian Gulf War that he could not fully explain or process. Like many veterans, he pushed forward, raised a family, navigated divorce, and tried counseling never realizing how deeply his service continued to affect him.
When Vernon finally filed for VA disability, he expected understanding. Instead, he faced repeated denials. In 2025, his journey stands as a powerful example of how knowledge, guidance, and the right strategy can change everything.
Understanding VA Disability Claims for Veterans
VA disability compensation exists to recognize and support veterans whose service caused or worsened physical or mental health conditions. Yet the system is complex, highly procedural, and often overwhelming for veterans filing claims on their own.
Many veterans believe telling their full story is enough. In reality, VA claims require precision, medical alignment, and a clear understanding of how symptoms are evaluated.
“The VA disability system isn’t about proving toughness it’s about documenting impact,” explains a former VA claims analyst familiar with Gulf War-era cases.
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Overview: Vernon Wingfield’s VA Disability Journey
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Branch of Service | U.S. Navy |
| Service Period | 1988–1993 |
| Conflict | Persian Gulf War |
| Initial VA Rating | 10% |
| Final VA Rating | 70% |
| Year of Increase | 2025 |
| Support Program | VA Claims Insider Elite |
Background: From Farm Life to the Persian Gulf
Vernon grew up on a farm in upstate New York before relocating to southern Louisiana after high school. College never felt like the right path. With his father having served in the Navy, Vernon enlisted in 1988.
He trained as an electrical and interior communications specialist and deployed during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. His service involved high-risk ship operations, including transfers between moving vessels at sea.
One moment stayed with him forever witnessing a bus explosion during a mission in Saudi Arabia.
“Trauma isn’t always one event it’s the accumulation of exposure,” notes a military mental health clinician who treats Gulf War veterans.
After separating from active duty in 1993, Vernon continued his service in the Louisiana National Guard and inactive reserve, totaling more than a decade of service.
Years of Confusion and Silent Struggle
Like many veterans, Vernon questioned whether his experiences were “bad enough” to count. He carried anxiety, emotional weight, and unexplained reactions for years without clarity.
It wasn’t until his second wife who came from a medical family connected the dots.
“You’ve got PTSD, anxiety, and unresolved trauma,” she told him.
“You don’t have to carry this alone.”
Her encouragement led Vernon to file his first VA disability claim in 2020.
Denied Again and Again: Filing VA Claims Without Guidance
Vernon’s initial VA claims were denied repeatedly. He filled out every form he could find, submitted statements, and filed VA Form 21-0781 but nothing worked.
The problem wasn’t a lack of evidence. It was a lack of strategy.
“Veterans often over-submit without focus, which makes it harder for examiners to identify service connection,” says a retired VA examiner.
By trying to include everything, Vernon diluted what mattered most. Each denial added frustration and self-doubt.
Discovery That Changed Everything
After his third denial, Vernon did what many veterans eventually do he searched online for answers. That search led him to VA Claims Insider.
Through educational content, Vernon finally understood how VA disability ratings actually work and why his previous claims failed.
“For the first time, I felt like someone was actually in my corner,” Vernon recalls.
Working With a Veteran Coach: A Turning Point
After enrolling in the Elite Program, Vernon was paired with a Veteran Coach. This changed how he approached every part of the claims process.
The most powerful lesson came before a VA exam.
“You have to talk about your worst days that’s what the exam is for,” his coach explained.
Years of military conditioning had taught Vernon to minimize pain and “suck it up.” But VA exams require honesty, not resilience.
“Examiners don’t evaluate how well you cope they evaluate how your condition impacts daily life,” explains a veteran disability advocate.
How the Strategy Changed Vernon’s Outcome?
Instead of listing every possible issue, Vernon focused on:
- Clearly documented service-connected conditions
- Symptom severity during bad days
- Consistency between medical records and statements
He also learned why the “spray and pray” method submitting unfocused claims often leads to denial.
This strategic shift made all the difference.
VA Disability Rating Increase: 10% to 70%
| Rating Stage | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Initial Filing | 10% VA rating |
| Multiple Appeals | Denied |
| Elite Program Strategy | Focused claims & exam prep |
| Final Decision | 70% VA disability rating |
“This wasn’t just about compensation it was about validation,” Vernon says.
Why This Matters for Veterans in 2025?
Vernon’s story reflects a larger reality: thousands of veterans remain underrated or denied not because they lack merit, but because they lack guidance.
A higher VA rating can mean:
- Monthly, tax-free compensation
- Access to expanded VA healthcare
- Financial stability for families
- Emotional acknowledgment of service-related trauma
“Recognition is often as healing as compensation,” notes a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran care.
Recent Context: VA Claims in 2025
In 2025, VA disability claims continue to rise, especially among Gulf War-era and post-9/11 veterans. Processing times remain lengthy, making accurate initial filings more important than ever.
Veterans who understand the system and prepare correctly stand a significantly higher chance of success.
Final Thought
Vernon Wingfield’s journey from confusion and denial to clarity and acknowledgment is more than a success story it’s a roadmap.
His experience proves that veterans do not need to fight the VA alone. With the right education, coaching, and mindset, life-changing outcomes are possible.
FAQs
Can VA disability ratings increase after denial?
Yes. Veterans can refile, appeal, or submit supplemental claims with stronger evidence.
Why do many VA claims get denied?
Most denials happen due to missing medical nexus, unclear symptoms, or unfocused claims.
Does PTSD qualify for VA disability?
Yes, if it is service-connected and properly documented.
Is 70% VA disability considered high?
Yes. A 70% rating significantly increases monthly compensation and benefits.
Do veterans need help filing claims?
While not required, guidance greatly improves accuracy and success rates.
