gdsnide

I was contacted by phone this morning by ORC Macro...1-800-795-1888 that is interested in my view of Veterans benefits. Asked said person what is the purpose of this survey & he said it was to improve Veterans benefits. Has any one else gotten this phone call? GARY

T Bird First I must say your site is a god send to all the Vets who find it. I looked up the new site & find it as good or better than the one U have now. Seems on the new on there will be more information available. Sincerly, GARY gdsnide@hotmail.com

T-Bird First I must say your dite is a god send to all disabled Vets that find your site. Looked at the new way U want to lay out pages & they are as good or better than any U have ever done. Sincderly, GARY gdsnide@hotmail.com

I just got a phone call from a survey company that say's "They are asking questions to present to a Presidential Panel to improve Veterans Benefits. Person claims it will improve benefits.Anyone else get this phone call? GARY

Vike17.... I would post it but have never seen it. tell me how to find it & I'll look it up......GARY

Hoppy..........Thare's a VA Form one can get off the net that say's the Doc's have to provide a letter if asked. have used it but don't have it or can't find it..GARY

Hoppy, There's a form on the net that explains that the Docs have to provide letter if asked. Forget where it is but have used it on a couple of Docs & don't think they were overly happy or even knew about it. If U know where it's at Please send it to me as I have to see a VA Doc tomorrow & want a letter from him. Sincerly GARY

If it's been less than 2 years since he was SC don't forget to get free llife insurance

I have been doing some checking on Space A travel for 100% Vets & got an answer I need a confirmation on. Person who sent me E Mail said it was approved in 2,005. Person said to look for bill 58. Since I have no idea what bill 58 is I figured I'd post it here so the experts can confirm or deny. Also, what is a bill & if it's not to much trouble would U send me a copy by E Mail no matter how it goes. Sincerly, GARY gdsnide@hotmail.com

Sorry to hear it's business as usual with but U did get 0% SC. So, now U are eligible for fre life insurance. Check it out.

Hoppy, Have to agree with U on this one. When I first started trying to get comped.( Only took me 9 years lol) I had an SO that would look at all the Diseases related to Viet Nam & file a claim for them kmowing I didn't have them. I was new to this & figured she knew what she was doing. Apparently not or maybe this is a ploy by the RO'S/VA to keep the system backlogged & have Vets just give up because of all the paper work. The unknowing when U will hear from them.The C & P's & all the Denials along the way to trying to get comped. I had not found HADIT yet & if I hadn't doubt if I would have ever gotten comped. I have learned that the VA has Lawyers & denying a single Vet is a piece of cake & chances are he may just give up or miss a dead line returning a form where the VA returns them when they want. I ( By myself) went all the way to the CAVC & ( Having faith in the VA) was denied all the way. OK...... Then I find Hadit & figure out I can use a Lawyer & hire Clark Evans & he got me comped no problem. That's why the VA is scared of Lawyer's as the Lawyer U hire knows all the rules ( If U get a good one) & the VA can't screw over them as they can one Vet out of all the Vets applying for Disability My life is screwed up in many ways that no amount of compensation can ever make better but I joined in 1964. I wonder how I would feel if I had been DRAFTED & came back messed up & the VA say's "Take a Hike" nothing wrong with U.....GARY

T-Bird, I'm on MSN & site looks great.One thing I was wondering about is why is the question on bottom of page & the answers over the question instead of vice versa. Also, can U tell me how to get in touch with Ken Carpenter? Sincerly, GARY gdsnide@hotmail.com

It seems the VA is up to something here comping all these new vets so fast..Did they have to sign papers that they would accept any % they were awarded & not having to go thru the ro's that would kill any Nods.? That's the only thing I can see that would make sense as the older Vets are dying off. Vietnam was the BAD WAR but if the draft was still around I don't think everyone would be as happy with this one.These guys will sign anything to get out of the Military & the truth will come out about why these guys got comped so fast. Maybe if they do this their approval rating goes a lot higher so "See we love our Vets & take care of them" This war was fought so some GREEDY OLE MEN could get close to unlimited oil & over charge the Government every chance they got & maybe were approved by the White House so there was more money to go around & no bid Contracts. That's a contractors dream.This is the USA but we went to war over a lie. Same as the Gulf of Tonkin. Another problem here. To the people in Iraq this is a Holy War & when we leave that Country like we did Viet Nam (Ran out) it may not end there.They might still be upset that we came there & started a Civil War & left. For any Service Men to die over money is deplorable.If any one knows a comped Person that was over in Iraq Please question then & find out what the VA is up to. By the way. See how many Pardons Bush gives out before he leaves Office & leaves his mess behind. Sincerly. GARY

NEWS FROM THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS CRAIG ENCOURAGES VETERANS TO CONTACT DOLE/SHALALA PANEL New website and contact information launched March 16, 2007 Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093 (Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Larry Craig, the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is encouraging veterans and their family members with concerns about VA and military health care to contact a new task force established by VA Secretary Jim Nicholson. "The purpose of that panel is to identify problems so that we can take action to fix the identified problems," Craig said. "The panel is only going to be operational for approximately 45 days, so it is important that people with concerns act quickly. Of course, the Senate committee I serve on will continue its oversight of VA operations long after the presidential panel completes its report." People can email their comments to the panel at TFHeroes@va.gov or fax comments to 202-273-9599. Task Force information and mailing address can be obtained on the VA home page, www.va.gov/taskforce. On Thursday Sen. Craig met the Co-Chairs of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, which is led by retired U.S. Senator Bob Dole and Donna Shalala. She served as the U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services during the Clinton administration. "We are all committed to improving the lives of all injured servicemembers. The main objective is to see that our service wounded members receive the finest care available," Craig said. According to VA officials, comments veterans make will be studied by the task force, used in the panel’s evaluation of gaps in service and form the basis of recommended solutions. In addition to Senator Dole and Secretary Shalala, other members include: <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">Marc Giammatteo, a former U.S. Army captain whose leg was severely injured during an attack in Iraq. He has undergone more than 30 surgeries at Walter Reed. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">Jose Ramos, a student at George Mason University. While in the Navy, he treated soldiers injured in Iraq. In 2004, during his second tour of duty in Iraq, he lost an arm in combat. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">Tammy Edwards, a research assistant at the Geneva Foundation. In 2005, her husband was severely burned in Iraq when a 500-pound bomb exploded under his vehicle. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">Kenneth Fisher, chairman of the Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit that builds "Fisher Homes" for families of hospitalized veterans. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">Dr. C. Martin Harris, a medical doctor who has served on other government and private commissions that have examined health care problems. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">Edward Eckenhoff, a leader president of the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Gail Wilensky, an economist and senior fellow at Project HOPE. She was Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration from 1990-92, during the senior President Bush’ administration President Bush Meets with the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors #### <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black"> Feel free to send this news to your circle of friends, and/or use in your publication as you see fit. If a friend sent this to and you want to be on the list… send a note to jeff_schrade@vetaff.senate.gov <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black">Are you receiving both “text” and “picture” versions of these news releases – but only want one version? Let us know. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black">If you want “text” versions of releases… send a reply saying “text only please.” <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black">If you need a higher resolution photo from any of the news releases you receive, contact Jeff Schrade by phone or e-mail… No longer want these great news items in your inbox? Send a kind note with the words “delete me” to: jeff_schrade@vetaff.senate.gov

Berta, As usual you're right. I never , anymore, fail to have a Lawyer in my corner as soon as they are permitted The VA has lots of Lawyers so we should use Lawyers & IMO's Also I never fail, anymore, to have a back up IMO in case the BVA denies me & wants more evidence the if they deny that I go out & get some more. Have found out that with U as my "MENTOR" it increases my chances very much. Only way U lose is if U quit. GARY

eFloridaVetsNews for March 16, 2007 is now available at the following URL:http://www.floridavets.org/news/Onlinenews...ar16_07.pdf Gary

Berta, Again Thanks for the response....GARY

Berta, Hi, it's Gary again. lol OK, I'm looking for a Lawyer to have in my corner in case BVA turns me down. ( So what else would be new ?) I don't want to have to be looking for one if they turn me down or lowball me & I NOD it & then need a Lawyer. You mentioned Ken Carpenter & I have seen his name on the site a few times & if I remember right everyone seemed satisfied with his work. OK....... How do I contact him? Looked a little on the Net & will continue but if U have an E mail Address & phone number would U be so kind to share or a site? Thank U once again & U can post it or send it to gdsnide@hotmail.com. Also, need your opinion. I talked to one Lawyer this morning & he said if I got turned down by the RO something was amiss in my claim & I told him "The damn RO turns down everything & everybody" Maybe he didn't want my business or else thought I was stupid. I would sure like to know who that talking head was that told me I was approved when I wasn't Do U know if that happens very often? Again I can't Thank U enough for all the help U have given me over the years. Sincerly, Gary Schneider gdsnide@hotmail.com

The only time I heard from my VSO is went down & seen her & after finding Hadit found ot how much she didn't know. She would just throw every disease known to mankind at the VA to get me comped. GARY

I have no idea who Sen Craig was just wanted to post what he said. But, the Vet does have the option of going to the VA or a Private Doc & I think it shouldn't take the Vets long to figure out if it's a big rip off. Would be good if it wasn't but I'll go with what has been said as I know nothing about this Senator & keep going to thee VA...........GARY

Attachment : image001.jpg (0.07 MB)NEWS FROM THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS HISTORIC NEW APPROACH TO VA HEALTHCARE INTRODUCED Sen. Craig’s bill would allow veterans with service connected disabilities to go to the hospital of their choice March 8, 2007 Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093 (Washington, DC) Expressing strong confidence in the current healthcare system run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Senator Larry Craig said today that he is willing to see how the system might fare in competition with the free market. Under legislation he is introducing – The Veterans Healthcare Empowerment Act – veterans with service connected disabilities will be able to go to any hospital or medical clinic of their choice. "Many of my colleagues have spent the past week or so accusing VA of ‘failing’ our injured service-members. Most of their evidence is based on reports from the news media who have highlighted recently a number of veterans who were treated badly by VA or who do not have faith in VA’s care. I take these concerns very seriously. But, I am also a little frustrated by it," said Craig. "That’s why today, I will introduce legislation that says: If you have a service- connected disability, go wherever you want. No strings. No ifs, ands, or buts. Let’s find out where veterans chose to go." Approximately 2.5 million veterans have service connected disabilities and approximately 1.7 million currently use the VA healthcare system. VA operates 154 hospitals and 881 outpatient clinics. Craig’s healthcare bill would operate somewhat like the G.I. Bill, which allows veterans to choose the college or university of their choice. "It’s very simple, if service-connected veterans leave in droves, we’ve learned something. But, if veterans overwhelmingly stay, and I think they will, we’ve also learned something," Craig said. "This bill is about my confidence in VA." The senior senator from Idaho noted that VA’s health care system has consistently been ranked as among the best in the nation. For the seventh year in a row, a study conducted by the VA’s health care system outscored the private sector in the University of Michigan’s Consumer Satisfaction Survey <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">VA outscored the private sector by 11 percent in inpatient care (84 to 73 percent) <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">VA outscored them in outpatient care by 11 percent (82 to 71 percent) <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">91 percent of VA patients were satisfied with the overall customer service at VA VA also scored 94 percent in "veterans loyalty" category #### <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black"> Feel free to send this news to your circle of friends, and/or use in your publication as you see fit. If a friend sent this to and you want to be on the list… send a note to jeff_schrade@vetaff.senate.gov <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black">Are you receiving both “text” and “picture” versions of these news releases – but only want one version? Let us know. <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black">If you want “text” versions of releases… send a reply saying “text only please.” <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: black">If you need a higher resolution photo from any of the news releases you receive, contact Jeff Schrade by phone or e-mail… No longer want these great news items in your inbox? Send a kind note with the words “delete me” to: jeff_schrade@vetaff.senate.gov

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On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns ------ All three missed it --- This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance Very fascinating. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1 3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not? He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder 5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930. God Bless and keep them. I don't usually suggest that many emails be forwarded, but I'd be very proud if this one reached as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve. IN GOD WE TRUST

Berta, I managed to find them all & E Mailed them.Used part of what U said & improvisied & sent your letter to 3 other Vets I know & I'll see if they get back in touch. Wonderful idea posting that. Guy who introduced that bill when he dies will go to the bad place or maybe where's there a bunch of Vets. lol I now have how to contact these fine people if anyomne needs E Mails. E mail me at gdsnide@hotmail.com & I'll send them to U. Also, in subject line put HADIT as I don't open E Mails from people I don't know..............GARY GARY