Hello.

[Ned]

Yep. Get the thing started. The longer you leave it the more time the bastard has to make itself comfortable.

 

[Sarg]

First up, welcome Dave! Next, psycological injuries can be worse in some ways from physical ones. Just because you didn't bleed doesn't mean you don't hurt now. Echo the above about the VA and using it. I also highly recommend the Vet Centers, very laid back, all brothers and sisters.

I agree with Tim that there comes a time to contact your Congressmen, however, speaking from punishing experience, try going through the Hospital Administrator first. The VA can and will be very retalitory if you go over their heads. Mine was responsive but didn't help.

Additionally, keep up with that disability claim. If you're out of work, it pays for beans.

And take heart in the knowledge that it will get better but it'll take some effort on your part.

Here if you need me.

Sarg

 

[Tim Cake]

I have helped several of my troopers (formerly under my command) to get the help they deserve and have earned. Unfortunately the problem resides with the US Government in general. The push for lower taxes has caused a fiscal crisis that "drips downward" to so-called entitlement programs (another political pejorative for our benefits). The government doesn't want to pay up -- so in many instances veterans are forced into a long wait queue that seems like an eternity. Sometimes going through your Representative or Senators is the only way to get what you have earned by your combat service. Your life and continued well-being is worth more than any remediation to the national debt!

 

[Sarg]

Agreed, Tim. I had to finally go to the head dude, the Prez. to get them off my claim and out the door. After the BVA remanded back to the RO and the RO sat on it for TWO YEARS, I got desperate. And this calling our disability comp. entitlements is bullshit.

And it's worse. Altho' they won't admit it but they are now above one million claims backlogged. Appeals are taking two to five. I really think they're going to implode. I think, if they had any sense, they'd roll claims over to Social Security and staff them up to handle it. At least with SS, you get denied, you get a lawyer, you get approved.

Our young folks don't deserve what being done to them, nor can they withstand the outcomes. As you know, they're hurting and they need help now. The big difference these days from my era, is the internet. There are already class action lawsuits by Vet groups germinated on the internet.

So, I'll continue to advocate for the Vet. It's my self-assigned duty and I'll keep doing it until these gnarled old hands can't type.

Paying it forward.

Sarg

 

[Tim Cake]

You are still marching onward Sarg! Great work!

 

[Sarg]

Up, not onward, Tim. As Jimmy says, when you're in a hole the only way out is up. :-)

Sarg