Al B.

Greetings...and thanks for the volume of information that is posted on this board. It has helped me to assist some junior Marines facing what I have gone through, and it has encouraged me as well. My question for the members is in sorting out what follows after I enter TDRL here in under a month. My percentage is 70%, and is from wounds in Iraq to include a TBI. Done all of the VAAP classes, TAP etc. Been through all the VA paperwork and their exams. They have the complete copy of my medical records, PEB, findings etc. All they need is the DD-214 which I'll get in just about a month. Once they have it....then what? I have over 30 years of enlisted/commissioned/reserve/active, and was recalled to active duty a little over 4 years ago, along with my reserve unit. I am retiring (TDRL) off of active duty, and have about 14 years worth of "points" which includes active time and reserve time. Some say I will receive VA compensation for SC conditions that were not addressed in the PEB, others have said that I will be rated, but not receive any funds due to the TDRL. Some say that I will receive married/children funds from the VA....others say not. And, some say I will be able to receive CRSC due to a PH and level of rating.....others say it is not applicable although I got the 20 year retirement qualified letter (reserve at age 60), 10 years ago! Kind of feel like I am smack in the middle or in no mans land on square info locally. Well meaning...but maybe they have not seen such a "complex" set of issues?? Well...in the virtual veteran land of HADIT....I know there are folks that can guide me, so I look forward to the responses! Thanks again to you all. I'll have more time to participate very soon. And to all of my brothers and sisters who went before me, thank you for creating the conditions that allowed me to see that service to our nation is honorable, even if it is not appreciated. I'm glad I did all that I did...and would not change a thing even knowning how it would turn out. Al B.