Doug Pine – Elite Member Success Story
Peace That Comes with Security in an Uncertain Time. This is the Elite Member Success Story of Doug Pine.
On August 3, 2020, Doug Pine underwent a fourth surgery on his lower back. After four decompression procedures, the Marine Corps veteran has opted to have a fusion performed. “It has just got to the point where I’ve decided I have to be able to function,” says Pine. “If I can’t function, then you know what, that effects the quality of my life.”
Pine will be off his feet for three months rehabbing. As a civilian employee for the Army Corps of Engineers, Pine will be putting his 15-year career on hold. His wife, due to her own medical conditions, has not been able to work full-time for a decade. Pine’s daughter, 16, has college aspirations. Coupled with a global pandemic, you would not l blame Pine for feeling stressed.
However, Pine has a peace of mind that comes with having a 100% rating after working with the Veteran Coaches at VA Claims Insider.
As dependents of a 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran, Pine’s wife and daughter have access to a host of resources, including medical care.
Knowing now that my wife and daughter have medical care, is great. I don’t have to worry about it.
Doug Pine – Elite Member of VA Claims Insider
Pine didn’t arrive at this place without a fight. After exiting the Marine Corps in 1999, Pine submitted several claims for service-related conditions that were summarily denied. He worked with several free veteran services, but found no success. “After several years of doing the claims myself, I got to a point where it was just a brick wall,” says Pine. “I was getting frustrated, I just got to the point where I didn’t want deal with it anymore.”
Looking for answers online, Pine came across the VA Claims Insider YouTube Channel. The educational resources and access to independent medical opinions finally helped Doug achieve the results he truly deserved after 20 years of denials.
“I went from 90 to 100%, 15 days,” says Pine. “My coach pointed me in the right direction. I got in touch with a mental health counselor and did what I needed to do.”
He empowered me going through the whole process, finally finding the right people.
Doug Pine – Elite Member of VA Claims Insider
Watch Doug’s Video Testimonial
Pine had developed a reputation in his workplace for reliable advice relating to VA claims. “We’re mostly veterans there and I’m the one that most people in my workplace go because I’ve dealt with so much and I get them all pointed in the right direction,” he says. “I told them, if you ever really want help, VA Claims Insider is there to help you.”
Even with his decades of experience, working with his coach gave Pine a fresh perspective. “I just needed a push in the right direction,” he says. “Trying to find the right path forward and accessing the right resources was the hardest part for me.”
Now with his rating guaranteeing a monthly stipend, he can make the best decisions for himself and his family without worrying about losing his income. “I always have a paycheck coming in, regardless of how long I’m out from my normal job, it is a great thing.”
Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of VA Claims Insider Elite Members like Pine get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. If you are interested in learning more about the VA Claims Insider Elite Membership, or have general questions about your VA claim, click here to get started today and a Veteran Coach will be in touch within minutes.
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About the Author
Brandon Dyer was an active duty soldier and a member of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). He supported ceremonial missions as a military photojournalist in the national capital region.
After honorably discharging in 2017, Brandon worked as a government contractor for the Department of Homeland Security, supporting first responders in his role with Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate.
Today as a contributor to VA Claims Insider, he supports veterans by telling their stories and helping them reach their goals with quality information and analysis.