Air Force Lab Tech's Journey: Injury, VA Struggle & Victory

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Mark Barlet, an Air Force veteran and CEO of AccessForge, for a practical and honest conversation about service-connected disability, VA claims, invisible injuries, community care, and accessibility as a business advantage.

Mark shares why he chose the Air Force, how he became a lab tech focused on clinical microbiology, and how a fall down the stairs while working night shift changed the rest of his life. After breaking his spine and undergoing emergency surgery at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Mark found himself in a frustrating position: too disabled to stay in service, but not medically retired. Like many veterans, he had to learn how to navigate the VA after getting out.

Ed and Mark talk openly about VA disability ratings, why veterans underreport symptoms, the value of medical records, nexus letters, DBQs, out-processing physicals, and why veterans should not feel guilty for filing claims. Mark also shares how his own records later helped connect narcolepsy and sleep issues to service, including medication that would otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

The second half of the conversation shifts into Mark's current work with AccessForge, where he helps businesses understand accessibility, invisible disability, customer experience, and the spending power of people with disabilities. He explains why one in five people lives with a disability, why most disabilities are not visible, and why businesses that treat disabled people as real customers can create better experiences and stronger revenue.

This is an episode about advocacy, access, documentation, disability, and helping veterans and businesses stop overlooking the people who need to be seen. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #MarkBarlet #AccessForge #VADisability #VeteranBenefits #InvisibleDisability #Accessibility #Section508 #CommunityCare #VeteransHelpingVeterans #DisabilityInclusion #AirForceVeteran #VeteranAdvocacy #LifeAfterService

Got a story worth hearing? Join Ed for Launch Your Podcast in 30 Days, a free live PodVeteran workshop on Thursday, October 29 at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET. Learn the MIC Protocol (Mission, Identity, Content) and leave with your show's mission, your listener, a title and your first 3 episodes planned. Save your seat (replay included if you can't make it live): https://podveteran.com