Intro

[Swamprat 3]

Hi. First post. Swamprat 3. Vietnam Vet, 66-67, 1st Inf Div, 1/18, Recon. Di An, Bearcat, Vung Tau, most of III Corps, some of II Corps, Rung Sat, Delta, and some places that don't exist. I have never talked to anyone about it, never joined any vets orgs, and am leary of it here. I recently had to go into the city (I spend a lot of time in the woods. There, I am in control. I know how to function there). I was talked into meeting a guy from the VA to try and file for medical compensation. I have two types of cancer, and diabetes, and am told I might get some money for them without much hassle. The VA guy thinks I have PTSD bad, and he us probably right, but these skills have kept me alive, and I really don't want to talk about Nam with anyone. If they owe me money, then just give it to me - I don't beg anyone for anything! Anyway, thanks for reading this. I will shut up now and go off and surf the forum here to see if it makes any sense to me to be here. This is not easy for me.

Swamprat 3

 

[woodsie]

Quick intro to you. They call me woodsie. I deployed twice, once to Saudi in 06 and then again Baghdad 08. I know I have ptsd. Thanks for checkin in, there's lots and lots of good info in here.

I may not know much about VN

 

[JarHed]

Hey Swamprat

Welcome to the forums. Lots of 'Nam vets here. I'm one also. USMC, 2/27 served in I Corps. Went over when TET happened in '68.

The VA can be a big help with your problems and conditions. I'd suggest getting with a service org like the DAV or VFW to help you by acting as an advocate for you. They make it so much easier to navigate the VA waters.

If you never applied for a claim, I can tell you a few things that I know. First is you will only get benefits from the time you apply. You won't get retro active claim money, for instance, from the time you were in the service. Only from the time you apply. Still if you're having problems they can help.

If you have any questions, ask. Lots of good people here and a ton of info.

JarHed

 

[Sarg]

Swamprat,

You're not begging anyone for anything. If these conditions, and the diabetes slam dunk with boots on the ground, are service connected, you are DUE those benefits. You earned them. No different than a combat wound. Understand living in the forest. We have about 100 men that live in the forest around here. Really worries me when the temps drop low. But they'll come in for stand downs and stock up on equipment and supplies.

Jar is right, get an advocate and file claims for your illnesses. They also have programs to help homeless Vets find living quarters. When the illnesses drag you down to where you can't take care of yourself, they have programs to have nurses come by and help out. These are all due you, courtesy of your service to our nation.

No charity. Obligation of a nation.

Sarg

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Swamprat, you made a good choice. Listen to your friend if you don't trust us - yeah you might come across a buck or two due to your illness but you earned it.

Listen, your on the right path start reading. As both Sarg and Jar said your not charity case your a wounded warrior in need of medical assistance. AO is slowly killing us off. Your not alone I'm riddled with cancer - prostate, skin cancer, diabetes and esophageal cancer. I can deal with these easily with meds and the doctors the best I can. The PTSD is what consumes me 24/7.

I never headed for the real woods but lets call it the suburbs. I was born and raised in the Bronx NYC and it scares the shit out of me to go there today. Again your not alone! Welcome Home!

Ba - USN Danang 1965-66

 

[Jimmy1]

Damn, so many of you Nam Farts joining our forum, we will be outnumbered soon. I am glad though, I really can't believe you guys have suffered for so long.

Welcome Swamprat, the more the merrier, maybe you can teach some of us how to survive in this world with PTSD.

 

[Sarg]

Swamprat,

You might want to revisit your profile page a bit, it has you born in 1970 and you served 66-67? Hope for your sake, it's a typo.

Sarg

 

[Swamprat 3]

Swamprat,

You might want to revisit your profile page a bit, it has you born in 1970 and you served 66-67? Hope for your sake, it's a typo.

Sarg

===> I never put a DOB anywhere. I was born in 1947, and will be 67 this April. Didn't know I even had profile page!

 

[Swamprat 3]

Found the profile page, I think, but am unable to edit the DOB field. Doesn't matter to me, but it had me being born two years after my separation date! Maybe it is this phone - I don't have a computer (or a TV for that matter!).

 

[Jimmy1]

Tapatalk is like that, a pain in the but. Maybe we can let the big dog know and he can do some changes.

Sarg is just a bit wary because of all the idiots we get on here from time to time.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Welcome from one more Nam vet.

This site can really do a lot to soften some of the bumps in the road. And my Brother, it's one damned bumpy road.

The posts above provide some good advice. Help is available that can make your life better weather you're in the woods, at the VA or taking care of business in town.

The thing I want to emphasize most is simply this, any benefits you receive are yours because you earned each and every one. They were paid for with lonely nights in the rain and mud, with the innocents and trust that's gone forever, and with the blood we spilled. You have every right to expect care from the nation that exists only because of the sacrifices of warriors just like you.

SD

 

[Spock]

Welcome Swamprat...very happy to have more Nam Vets, y'all add a lot of grounded wisdom to balance the forum