//works
$qty = '959';

// Looping thru the start Numbers
for ($i = $qty; $i >= 0; $i--) {
    if($i == $qty){
        $newNo1 = $this->orderData->check_number;
    }


    //Does NOT work
$qty = '1000';

// Looping thru the start Numbers
for ($i = $qty; $i >= 0; $i--) {
    if($i == $qty){
        $newNo1 = $this->orderData->check_number;
    }