How do you become a veteran in BFBC2?

You have to have one of the previous BF games and use the code on the game to get veteran status.How do you become a veteran in BFBC2?
You have to have one of the other BF games. I think there is atleast one for free. Or jsut call up support and tell them that you can't get it to verify. They will give you free veteran. That's how I got lv 6 vet.

PS: The M1 Garand is alright, but is surpassed by the M14 when you unlock it.