Just Another Jarhead

[Zenmaster1]

Red,

You need to get an advocate to help you. The VFW can help you and also locak Veterans Affairs Reps. You have a year to file an appeal and submit any additional info. You say they know about your combat, PTSD. You rater or evaluater has to have this info at the time of your interview to fairly evaluate you. I was in an interview and told the evaluator I was deployed to Iraq and he said " ok, I don't have any proof in your records but I'll make a note of it" I said you have got to be shitting me. I whipped put my paperwork and he about wet his pants.

Red, Never, ever, ever, give up trying to get the benefits that you deserve. "Whether you think you can or think you can't you are right". I think Henry Ford said that.

Don;t get discouraged, get more help. By the way, when you do get it, you will have one hell of a back pay check....

 

[reddevil1111]

I know what you are saying. I also know my tolerance and what I can stand. I am not one to be on a dole. I am currently and it chaps my ass to be so. I plan to reeducate myself and rejoin the workforce doing something with my mind rather than my hands as my leg is unable to allow me to work a physical job anymore. I will make the changes needed and grow from the opportunity.
I want nothing to do with the VA if it can be helped.

 

[tad]

I want to be re evaluated to get 100% or unemployablity but I am afraid that if I try to go for it my benefits will be cut. I can't stand to be around civilians any more. I want to work but can't keep a steady job and when I do find a decent job my PTSD ends up eventually acting up. its damned if I do damned if I don't. plus where I live at there are no jobs. the largest employer in the area is getting ready to shut down.

 

[Anglesachse]

tad mate.

that is exactly why I went self employed. But I honestly couldn`t of afforded it if the misses grandmother hadn`t died and left money to the misses.

Was just enough to get of the ground,

Guess what I mean is, with a bit of thought and planning anybody can go that route, and then we don`t have to work with idiots.

 

[Sarg]

Red, you're NOT on the dole, dammit! Veteran benefits are for those of us damaged by war. It has nothing to do with sticking out your hand and begging for change. It's a nation's gratitude for us fighting for their country and way of life. Yes, PTSD has and probably will always carry an air of incredibility to some, but damn few, that didn't have the guts to do it themselves.

If you worked for XYZ company and seriously injured yourself to the point you could never work again, you'd get workman's comp and Social Security because you earned it. You paid into it. Well, the minute you picked up that rifle and marched off to combat, you signed a blank check to the free world. Don't think of it as a handout, it's payment.

Angle, you're a better man than I, I could never run my own business. I tried to start up a Water and Sewer Consulting business but it fell flat. Not a businessman.

Sarg

 

[Spock]

I want to be re evaluated to get 100% or unemployablity but I am afraid that if I try to go for it my benefits will be cut. I can't stand to be around civilians any more. I want to work but can't keep a steady job and when I do find a decent job my PTSD ends up eventually acting up. its damned if I do damned if I don't. plus where I live at there are no jobs. the largest employer in the area is getting ready to shut down.

Part of why vets lead the numbers in addicted, unemployed and homeless.

I prefer work, have decided against a job. Glad I got a pension. Many of my battle buddies with PTSD are on the same page as us Tad. We know being around "bosses" and civilian organizations, especially Govt gigs, are toxic to us. More power to those that can. I understand why many have to push forward and deal with jobs but I know it is not easy as you noted. I just hope vets can find jobs that allow them to distract more tan trigger or get to the point they're getting paid to do something they enjoy.

I know most folks are having a hard time dealing with it. My passion is to work with advocates and vet groups to find flexible employment and share it with as many wounded warriors as possible. There just is not enough to go around. Hopefully mixing more flexible options, self-employment, new work styles, and benefits can help get us closer.

 

[vikingr12]

First, welcome, Tad. It's a good site as you probably have already found out. A lot of talent and experience here. I think it's the best one around.

When you are completely down and faced the wall I think as we all have, don't forget the hotline numbers for the VA and communities. They are voice that will listen at least. I admit to using them and felt much better afterward.

You will hear many times that it is a constant battle and you can't give in. Sometimes that is about all you have. I still remember one RI (Ranger) was always saying Keep Movin,' Keep Movin'. Expressions like that can help and they can get you in trouble too. Sometimes you have to slow down and try and take it all in. I too am disappointed with the meds. Some really do help and many scare the hell out of me when I read the side effects.

I try to keep my expectations down when I try a new med but really finding a place where you can bleed and heal is what I need.

This place has helped an awful lot. You cannot do it alone.

 

[tad]

I really enjoy all of the support that I am getting here. I feel less alone and like I can just open up and be myself on this page.

 

[Sarg]

Strength in numbers, Tad.

Sarg

 

[Fargo1]

Welcome brother.

 

[Wagon]

Hey Tad. Welcome. I' up here in Western PA. Is it cold by you? Hehe.

You ain't doing anything a number of us have not done or gone through in the past Brother. It takes time. But we are all right behind you.

Hang Tough
Wagon