Patrick Hardesty

[Jimmy1]

This is Pat's Intro

Born in Portland Oregon. Dropped out of high school and joined the Army on 9-20-1966. To Viet Nam the first time in Oct. 1967. To hospital in Camp Zama Japan about March of 1968. Spent 4 months in the head ward, I only had a disease called eosinophilc granuloma. They cut out the infected area of my skull and sent me home. Spent a few months at Fort Ord, ca. Then back to Viet Nam again Oct. 1968. April of 1969 back to the hospital in Japan, this time hepatitis from eating food and drinking water. There a month and Army said giving me an early out ETS was 9-20-69. A few days before going home and after an exit physical something happened in Korea and all early outs were stopped. They said I was being sent to Korea. I said no way I was going there and they said then I have to go back to Viet Nam. Four days later I was back to Viet Nam again. At last home and out of Army 9-5-1969. All my 14 months in country I was with MACV Advisory Team 28 Tuy Hoa. I filed a claim at VA for my hepatitis and hole in my head because I advised to do so the day I got out. The VA approved the two items as being service connected but gave me zero percent. I lived my life the best I could and never talked about my Viet Nam experience , not even to my two best friends that were getting 100% for service disabilities. In about 2008 a friend told me I should try and get VA medical. I applied and was put into category 8D. Got nothing! I retired 10-2010. Went to get a hair cut and my barber said he just got VA medical. Monday I was down to VA hospital asking why I couldn't get medical. After two people telling me no a Retired Sergeant Major told me I was qualified because of my time in Viet Nam. He also told me I was screwed in 1969 and should have been given a percentage. I got my card. I then followed direction and re-filed my original claim on 4-7-2011 and added PTSD. July 3, 2012 I was given 30% for the hole in my head and 10% for PTSD. I am now in treatment and learning a lot about PTSD . Why didn't we get help 40 years ago?

 

[Ned]

Thanks Jimmy. Shameful.

 

[JarHed]

Why didn't we get help 40 years ago?

WHY?

We were no good if we didn't serve and no good if we did. Makes me wish I'd never come back to this. After a while you just don't have any fight left in ya'.

 

[Patrick Hardesty]

I'm just finding out about why I am what I am after 44 years. I never talked about my experience and I never knew I had PTSD. I never knew what it was! I think I've just started to fight. I am very, very angry how the U.S. Government has treated all the Viet Nam vets.

 

[Tim Cake]

In many ways, the government sucks the big onion!

 

[JarHed]

Hey Patrick

It's hell to find out what you have when you have. Try to turn the anger into something positive by working towards getting your due. Get with a service org. like the DAV or VFW to help with your fight, that's what they're there for. Stay the course and you'll get some resolution, even after 40 years.

Nothing can give you back that time, I know as a 'Nam vet too, but it doesn't mean that you should let it go either. I wish you the best and hope you get as quick and positive resolution possible. It may sound shitty but we're all in that same boat, together.

JarHed

 

[Patrick Hardesty]

Good advise. Thanks. I did just go through AMVETS and request an increase in PTSD. They also advised me not to appeal the current award for PTSD. However, they did advise to appeal for the hole in my head and request payment back to the original claim date of September 1969 . He said to file the appeal after they increase my PTSD percentage. He said they made an administrative error in 1969 by not giving me 30% then. The hole in my skull is the same size today as it was in 1969. After the appeal is filed he said it would take 3 to 5 years for a decision to be made by the VA.

 

[JarHed]

I was reading on the VA's site about how they're revamping their entire claims system to provide fast and efficient service. It is supposed to be in place by 2015, to get rid of the tremendous backlog.

I recall them making the same statements in the late 60's as well. After waiting as long as we have it's impossible to be patient. But I'd still go for it Pat, for the med benefits alone. Hang in there Bro, it's a long convoluted road.

 

[Patrick Hardesty]

Thanks!

 

[Tim Cake]

There is a good message here -- ask for advice from those who have gone before you. My uncle (a Korean War vet, Task Force Smith) offered many stories and advice on dealing with the VA. He got me on the track of being a political "pain in the ass" when the VA screwed me around. Use your Senators and Representatives to put pressure on the VA to give you what you have earned. If the politicians won't help, get your local newspaper to run a story about their lassitude. No politician wants publicity about NOT helping a veteran deal with the VA.

Get out your screwdriver and turn the screws into the VA's / politicians' butts until they squeal "uncle" and give you what you have earned. As in combat, being a nice person counts for nothing when dealing with the government.

 

[Patrick Hardesty]

Very good idea! Thanks

 

[Patrick Hardesty]

I was just increased by the VA from 10% PTSD to 70%. It was a long battle that started 4-26-2011. Now I will work on getting paid the 30% back to 9-5-1969 for Eosinophilic Granuloma removed. My total rating is now 80%. If they pay me what they owe me I think we might be even. Thanks for the help and suggestions I have received from you all.