First Timer

[Tunnel Rat]

Hey all I just happened onto this sight thought I would see what it was all about. About me 2 years active out of 4 (1987,88). I went SF sniper for the duration. I was in a army experiment that pushed us through the schools in groups of 4. I had the time of my life until the last mission when there where a lot of training accidents when my platoon lost 5 of 7 LOL. I did not know then how bad I was messed up. I separated out and began to drink and use recreational drugs for a long time to follow. Now I am sober and getting help from the VA but all the drugs they have me on make me feel worse and zombie like. I don;t sleep much and when it happens it's so rare all the next day I wonder what bad shit is going to happen as payment. My wife stands by me and helps when she can but at times I feel like such a burden to her. I have been trying to get seen at the VA since 1990 and finally in 2012 they admitted I was a veteran. It is so funny how that works I went places and did things for our government and in return the things I did have no records of being their other than what I had saved. I have been diagnosed with PTSD,Anxiety,Depression and Agoraphobia. I have more pills coming in that I feel like a pharmacist. I am still waiting for my rating from the VA on the diagnosis. I don;t know why it's taking so long everyone has stated those two words SERVICE CONNECTED and I don't care who you are a Doctor is not going to say that if it;s a lie. If anyone has any advice or been through any of it shoot me a post.

 

[atilla]

Only advice i can give you Brother is wait them out. Sometimes dealing with the va is like pulling teeth. Dont give up on it. Keep pressing them for answers. Even though the wars over, we still have to fight to get what we are due. Welcome home Bro. Good to have you. Take a knee and read the posts. We have Bros here from Vietnam to current and every one in between.

 

[Lurch]

Welcome and good luck. There are a lot of members on here that have death with the VA. I still have not had the honor.

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome. Not sure why there was such a trouble with your records and the VA. The drugs are rough. But there is a method and you have to wait for them to work. 3 months is an eternity it seems for them to begin to work the magic. Won't lie, it may take more than one med. everyone is different.

Be sure you get into a form of therapy whether it be one on one or a group. Treatment will be a key facet to your service connected claim but most importantly towards taming the beast. Be prepared for a wait. Get a VSO to help, but also be your own advocate. Right now the VA is trying to right many wrongs. Stay the course and don't let the f*ckers walk over you.

 

[Friday]

I spent 3 years trying to get my poor old records. Apparently they were destroyed by fire, flood, fire again, in transit to St.Louis, in transit from St.Louis, still on fire, being entered into a database and -as such- unavailable, right here (wrong person, way sexier than me), hurricane, in Atlanta (wtf?), on fire...

Ad naseam. At which point I washed my hands of the business and handed the resultant mess over to an attorney. Told him to give me about a week's notice and I'd bring a roll and go camp down in Missouri until the sodden ashes of my vagabond records could be shoveled into a wee box and handed over.

I think all he had to do was make 1 damn phonecall.

<grin> & Welcome.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Thank you all for your help and responses. I feel that things are finally turning around. I went to see my rep for the VA crap and he stated that my claim has gone from desk to now they are supposed to call me over the NOD I had filed. Does anyone have any idea what that phone call is for? The rep thinks it will be for a settlement. I just know how the VA works and it's never that easy unless they have a lot to loose.

 

[JarHed]

I just know how the VA works and it's never that easy unless they have a lot to loose.

You're right about one thing, they could f*ck up a wet dream. Having a rep or attorney is key today. Wish it wasn't so but it is. They know how to navigate the system and get things done. The VA relies on vets getting pissed off and frustrated and then quitting. Less for them to do or deal with. The system's been this way since I got out in '69 so they've had a long time to perfect their crap. At least today you can get help with your claim. Be patient, it's a long process and best of luck Mate.

 

[Grizzly]

Well the NOD (notice of disagreement) will be just more of a delay I am told as it has to go through more channels and finally a Judgement from the VARO. I'm told this is a lengthy process. I wouldn't foresee any settlement unless there was a malpractice issue.

 

[OldDoorGunner]

I think all he had to do was make 1 damn phonecall.

And that number was on his speed dial!!!!!:):):);)

Welcome Brother.......

J R

 

[OldDoorGunner]

I would get an attorney.......Better than any VSO........For some good info check this out.

Dead Link Removed

Look for info on the left side.......

J R

 

[Lee C]

Welcome from the UK