I Hate The Va

[ballroommarine1]

I took their little test, I've talked to their counselors and those cocksuckers wont give me therapy or meds. They did a sleep study FINALLY after 2 years and oh no shut sherlock maybe I'm not so "normal" after all. But my therapist said that my "condition" isn't life threatening and that I should seek personal help. Alright dick head let me get right on that with all this money I have... not. Why? Oh yea because you idiots denied my disability claim after 25 months. Dipshits.... sorry if I post a lot yall... I haven't been able to talk this shit out til I found this forum.

 

[Jimmy1]

Go for it mate, it does good to get it all out.

 

[Grizzly]

Did you dispute your denied claim with them?

 

[JarHed]

OK, you'll have to take a ticket to the 'We HATE THE VA Club'. I know it's not funny and I'm not making a joke but we're all there, sadly, in the same boat. Don't let it get you too pissed off or discouraged, it's what they want. Then you'll go away. Don't do that, they have what you need and you deserve to get those services.

I'd suggest this; get involved with a service org, like the DAV or American Legion, ect. They have people that can help you with your claim, they were a great deal of help for me. It's kind of what they're there for. If your docs suck, apply for another one, it's your right to do so and the form to do it is simple.

You have to be a bulldog, I think you get the analogy, about your own care. Stay the course, do a bit of research as info is powerful. Keep it simple; exercise, try to eat right, don't drink or use too many drugs as they affect sleep and life in general. Stay the course, we're here to help. Hang in there.

Semper Fi

JarHed

 

[ballroommarine1]

Thanks jarhed, and grizzly I just found out so I'll definitely be disputing it. I don't walk like a retard or wake up with back pain every day for nothing! :-)

 

[Grizzly]

The others may able to shed more light. But you definitely need to appeal it. Get yourself a VSO or an attorney. Dont wait too long. I think there is a time limit on your appeal.

 

[19K30]

The VA definitely sucks. They changed meds on me, dropped my kidney doctor----etc

 

[Spock]

Marine,
As Jar noted, the bureaucracy, both DoD & VA, etc, thrives on troops trying to do deal with these things alone because the system will overwhelm an individual which saves them money for budgets expenses for the b-crats & their lube friends. First they push people out of the service before they can document anything and then deny entrance into the VA system. And even if many times it is not on purpose it is a result of the system.

Two suggestions:

1) Get someone in your corner, get an organization, the more the better, that will fight the VA. Every state has a Vets Affairs office that provides you with a free rep that advocate on your behalf to the VA but they're still Govvies and you need to find a good one and keep on their case. Then I would still learn look into the other orgs mentioned, even if it costs some: DAV, Am Legion, disability lawyer, etc.

2) Be clear beforehand of the purpose of each VA appt and stick to "your" goal. If it is for a disability than don't treat it like a physical, be sure to speak to how the symptoms affect you each day & your ability to live & work each day.

 

[JarHed]

I'll just add that I spent a lot of years full of rage and anger toward the VA, it hurt me more than it hurt them. Believe me when I say that I'm not in love with them now either. But I changed my tack, realized that I had to work with the system the way it was and in a way that would best help me. The 'best help me' part is the one I'd emphasis.

There's help out there, seek it out and use it. It's not gonna' come to you. Be proactive, it's your life that you want to make better and you can. And here's a thought; where to you want to be in 5 years? That's a good goal to think on and can give you something to strive for. Never, ever quit; stay focused and keep moving. I'm sure you've heard that stuff before.

Jar

 

[Spock]

I agree and should clarify you need to understand what moves them. When I wrote "stick to your goal" it is doing that within what the VA is looking for: know how to explain your situation in their terms, make their job easier to help you.

 

[Grizzly]

Everything they have said is superb advice. If you have a service connected disability then you are entitled to receive compensation by law. That statement makes it all sound very simple. You'll have to take the fight to their level. I gave up once a long time ago on a denied claim (not PTSD) I was too young and naive to fight them. I let it go. Like you, I chocked it up to just thinking I'm screwed. Oh well, move on. Now I have more problems.

This time I decided to go for the full gambit. I hired a VA attorney. The attorney gets 20% of any awarded back pay I receive. It could be a lot of money. But to me I'm it's worth it to know it's done right and they are working in my best interest. The more they gain for me, the more for them. If I am awarded anything, it money I didn't have already anyway. I'm paying nothing out of pocket.

Caveat...I am employed full time. I'm fortunate. I don't need any compensation from the VA. Nor could I afford to live off of it. I want the health care treatment. I want some insurance if and when I'm unable to work. I have presumptive symptoms that are showing signs of getting worse. Hopefully if enough scream, some legitimate truth and treatment will surface.

 

[ballroommarine1]

Thank you everyone. It means a lot that there are other service members behind me. I am grateful to you all and I will look into a VA attorney. As much of a headache it may all be with the process, it will be worth it in the end. If I need any further assistance I now know where to turn and I am eternally appreciative of you all.