Terrell Murrell, Why I Became a Veteran Coach

Terrell Murrell is one of our Veteran Coach who helps guide you through the process of submitting your VA claim. He is sharing his process of joining VA Claims Insider Elite, to becoming one of our Veteran Coaches.

This is why I became a Veteran Coach:

I would have to say that I started out like most of us do in this process. I was misguided and lead to believe other things from the people who was supposed to help me, and like so many of us Veterans, I was seeking guidance. I was on the internet searching for answers after being turned down on my VA claim the first time. I just fired off a bunch of claims for things I “thought” I should be rated for and it got me nowhere.

I remember a day in the spring of 2017 when I was on Google searching VA claims. I went on my Instagram shortly after that, and an ad on my newsfeed was Brian Reese. I said to myself… what do I have to lose by looking at this video? My answer was simple, nothing! As I watched what he had to say I got more intrigued with the possibility that it was hope for me after all, so I joined the VA Claims Insiders. This program allowed me to educate myself on the VA process in what I thought was a much simpler way.

I learned terms like:

• Nexus
• Lay/Buddy Statement
• New Material Medical Evidence
• DBQ
• C&P
• And of course, the VA Math for Ratings

As I went through this self-paced option, Brian was working behind the scenes to create something much larger than I could ever imagine was possible. A process where you would be assigned to a Veterans Claim Expert who not only would be here to guide you through the process but would complete your claim with you.

He sent out a blast message on Facebook about who would be interested in the beta testing of this new program and I immediately threw my name in the hat. I was so excited that I wanted to be one of the first to go through the process. After a few weeks I was selected for the process and I couldn’t have been more excited!

I was assigned a Veteran Coach by the name of Rick. He was attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable… so yeah… my expert. We started having initial conversations about the plan of attack for my claim and the steps we needed to take to get me the VA rating I deserve for me and my family. Rick took the time and spoke with me any time I needed him. It didn’t matter if it was day or night, he made himself available to me. After we created our plan of attack, I was given an outline of how we should proceed.

Rick walked me through:

• Ebenefits
• MyHealthyVet
• My medical records for ratable conditions

After about a month we were ready for fire off the first claim. I was scheduled for several C&P exams for my Migraines, PTSD, and Tinnitus. Rick was right there for me through the whole process. He spoke with me right before and after my exams.

We waited about 45 days and then the decision came through Ebenefits… I was a disabled Veteran. I was service connected for my Tinnitus but my migraines (rated 0% but service connected) and PTSD (deferred) would have to wait until a later date.

I want to be HONEST. I was still frustrated, but Rick vowed to stay by my side until the end. I filed a reconsideration and I begin to wait. This process took me all the way through the summer of 2018. I finally got the decision I was looking for in July of 2018 when my migraines came back at 50% service connected.

I knew that after separating from the service six years ago that I could have not done any of this without VA Claims Insider Elite Program!

But wait, we have more. I was still a part of the group and learned so much during the process I felt the need to help other through the process. Again, Brian put another post on Facebook asking for those of us who would like to help other Veterans… that’s right… Veterans helping Veterans get the VA compensation that you deserve. And once again I raised my hand high!

Terrell Murrell, Veteran Coach, how can I serve you?!