Jayg

Snow predicted for East Texas tomorrow. I don't know which sucks worse, snow or BVA but I hate both of 'em!

Yeah! Ledward Kaserne! I was in the last barracks on the parking lot opposite the dispensary. That was the 1/10FA. We used to fall out for formation in the dirt along the main street wall facing the parking lot. Hey! Remember "Maggies? The little Gasthaus just opposite the side gate there? We used to have her stamp our clearance papers before leaving. B) I used to have a buddy over in the 2/30Inf. He was a supply sgt. darn if I can remember his name now though. He provided me with my M16 cleaning kit. For some strange reason we couldn't get them in the arty. They were lucky to have one per section. I was one of only very few, and all the others were NCOs, who had their own kits. I had a temporary handout receipt from him so they couldn't take it away from me like they tried to do. Even though I got odd looks for having something receipted from an Infantry outfit, they just shrugged and never checked it out because I had a reputation for scrounging and they never looked too closely into where the things I obtained came from. Just as well they didn't check because said friend never kept his part of the receipt and would have roundly denied all knowledge of it if they had. (wasn't his name on the paper either of course! ;) ) Another thing about Europe was that it took a while to shake 3 years out of your system though that was purely benign if confusing. It took me a while to pick up a piece of pizza instead of using a knife and fork and tended to speak German at odd times unawares. Generally embarrassing but nothing about PTSD of course! Anyway, I never did the Korean tour because after 3 years conus I was just bound for the euro long tour (still 3 years then). I knew plenty who did though and know that's about as close to regular combat duty as most guys were going to get in those days. The biggest difference between Europe and Korea border duty was that the Koreans were just itching to cause trouble and in Europe all parties (at the grunt level) wanted to avoid it at all costs. I know I once found myself eyeballing a fellow through my binos who was looking back at me the same way. It was cold, gray, wet mushy snow falling and I know darn well that fellow didn't want to be there any more I did. (Due to pressures on the Cav and a near mutiny, they started having the arty pull border guard in- 1980 I think it was.)

I'm a "Viet Nam" era vet but served in Schwienfurt Germany from 1977-81. I was with the Field Artillery. There were two battalions there. We line our guns and ammo haulers back to back with approx. 3' between guns, 1 1/2 a gun width between batteries and a little wider gap between bns. We we 2 1/2 minutes from hostile attack/bomber aircraft bases. Our unit effective service time was 0 hours. It was hoped that individuals and small groups of individuals would provide isolated pockets of resistance for 24 hours. Predicted casualty rate beyond that 100% The last year I was there, we were given "adventure training." This was things like rappelling, making and crossing rope bridges, land navigation... "adventure..."- you know- Infantry stuff! Driving down the road watching a Soviet SMLM (you know if you were there) take your picture, realize that you really didn't like them and daren't so much as blink while they were about it. In my time there I was shot at on vehicle park guard duty, involved in a terrorist attack on a NATO storage site, got a shell splinter from a short round onto the artillery impact area op, (that's ok, it was just a 'splinter,' another fellow lost his leg), and was told what I didn't see on more than one occasional. None of this crap is in the records by the way- It never happened! (or was only a "training accident") Add to that the aggravation of the Iran hostage crisis- there we were- armed and dangerous while this little two bit country pushed us all over the place and when something was finally done, they botched it! I assure you, everybody's blood pressure was intensely high. This was life in the (Yawn- ho hum)- Cold War/peace time Army. So nahhh, we 'don't deserve no stinking badges...'

Finally! It looks like you're going to get what's long past due. The sad thing in this is that you had to lose husbands and then devote so much of your life just getting what was rightly due you. But that battle has been a blessing to many of us hear. Be sure, it was not a waste and is of value far beyond what you will physically receive. Thank you and congratulations! ;)

I don't know the regs on this but speaking for myself, I am exempt from co-pay from being below that threshold in means testing and I am only so far rated at 40% and I was able to get eyeglasses. I believe they said it was a result of my financial status but I can't swear to that.

No, I won't (wouldn't have in any case) gone to the VARO and stir things up. Just venting and maybe hoping somebody would tell me it would be a good thing to do but, knowing better. The thought of another signer finding fault is a major concern of mine but I doubt that's the problem. I also consider any of your other scenarios a possible pain in the keester. Still, I can better accept waiting on such as that too. The real pain, what really has my back up, is that in these past weeks, It has not been handed over to another person for signature! My VSO with Tex Vets has been checking on this and by all accounts this supervisor has simply been holding the file,... Just sitting on it apparently. <_< It's the waiting on or for nothing that sticks in my craw. Thanks for the questions to ask my rep. I will do that. It'll just have to wait until Monday, they're out today though I was told VA will be working. Who knows what they'll be up to today! ;)

Waiting. Waiting.. Waiting... You know, it's one thing when there's no end in sight. But when there well may be, when it's almost there, and you know they're just sitting on it... Mostly just a rant... I have heard from my service rep. According to him, I have a rating. Mine is a detailed claim and he didn't see all the details. That and not having anything in print, I really don't want to name anything... But the retro could be considerable. Apparently that is the reason they need 3 signatures before releasing the rating. Anyway, the claim has gone to a supervisor ("coach" they call them at Waco), who was supposed to assign it to someone who can handle that. Well, it's been two, maybe three, I have lost count- weeks and this person still has my file. She has passed it to no one. My VSO's supervisor was supposedly talking to herself's supervisor about moving it on and as of today... she is still sitting on it. There is potential for this to maybe have been a royally thankful thanksGiving.But no-oooo. And by all accounts, it's not necessarily even work load. She's just setting on it like an old hen on her egg. I swear, if this thing don't 'hatch' soon I'm gonna bust a gut if my wife doesn't first. It's like we can see the end but forces are holding us just outa reach. ;) Here's a crazy thought... Can I go to Varo and request to see my file? If I could, and did, would there be any chance of seeing review notes, anything that might give me a clue??? Anyhaow, I doubt there's much anybody can say about things. I have been sitting on it not wanting to say anything until I get it in print- it could just be another denial. Though truth to tell, about now I'd even welcome that, I'd just turn it all over to attorneys at this point. I'm sick of it all. Here's another crazy thought. Is she maybe waiting for somebody she feels sure will sign off on it??? Or, maybe somebody she knows won't!? <_<

10% discount on any purchase at Lowes. I kid you not! We did some remodeling this past summer & it saved us a bundle. Just show them your card at the check out. We have to wait a moment for a supervisor to provide the cashier for a check out over ride, but it's well worth it as much money as you can drop in that place! I can't say if HD will do that too or not. I have found other stores will offer a veteran's discount if you ask them about it. I can't, at the moment recall which other stores have done but there's two or three others I know. No, Walmart ain't one of them. Whoo boy if they only did!... ;)

Sgt, I am frustrated no end with my claim but I certainly do not begrudge you yours. On the contrary, I rejoice that you, at least, were spared the crap that so many of us experience. I'll have that coca-cola in your name and wish you a very happy thanksgiving. You, at least, have cause above and beyond for celebrating. Enjoy. ;)

I'd look up that "... Improvement act of 2008" and "public law 110-389, section 221a."

I have found 'hope' to be a luxury I cannot afford. It only brings pain. B) The absence of hope is what lets me keep going on. But it sounds like they're preparing to release a letter of notification. "Post" means after the fact so they have made a determination on your case. I have no idea how long it may take to produce the letter or what form it may take. SOC? (Statement of the Case)? But your Iris reply sounds about like where I am but nobody's called it that. What I've been told is that I have been rated but they have to have three signatures to release it and I guess that's what I'm waiting on. My rep at the Tex Vets has been working on the VA supervisor (they're called "coach" at Waco VARO) trying to move them along on my case but of course he can't 'push'. Last week he said they hoped to have done Friday, and Friday they said check with them Wednesday (today) and I expect further delays today. The rating is said to be a good one but until I see it in print, it ain't nothing. So if y'all would, keep your fingers crossed for me too.

At least that demonstrates a clear understanding of the problem. I believe more VSO's if at least some are motivated and trained, that would be a big help to a lot of vets, new ones just entering the fray especially but as noted, there are many simply not up to or utterly incapable of carrying on the fight. When I started this claim 5 years ago, I was helped by a highly motivated County VSO. He did good to a point. He knew the system and people in it. Unfortunately, Katrina really upset our 'apple cart.' We picked up a lot of Louisiana's load and went into instant overload. Everything my (by now) friend, a disabled Vet himself, 'knew' was largely obsolete. I have sice learned many things that might have been better done, or not done. Be that as it may. If there s a VSO who can guide a vet through getting his claim in order before it is ever submitted, that should streamline things for everyone. More people with the Texas Vets Commission won't hurt either. They are overloaded too. It can be difficult just getting ahold of my rep there. But VA has greatly insulated itself from us. There's practically no way I can talk to anyone in Waco about my claim. Wasn't so bad when the call centers were local. but the poor sods in St. Louis know less about our claims than we do. So this may make little difference but any improvement is welcome. It may well be election time politicking. But if it helps, who cares?

There are a number of reasons for a gap in records. I have had a history of back problems. In the 80s I went the rounds of chiropractors. Unfortunately, the two I saw have expunged their records. Ergo, "no record of complaint." I did get a number of letters from people I knew, neighbors, family, that could attest to my back troubles. Weak, often discounted, but they're sometimes better than nothing. I too have not sought health care when needed because I had no insurance and cannot afford it. It happens. Another reason to not have a record of care, and I did cite this, is employer bias. Back problems in particular can get expensive. If you establish a pattern of back problems, you can suddenly find yourself in an unemployment line- but not for your health problems! Never that!! But you came to work late one day, made an error in your job... anything will do. My last company was notorious for it. If your back went out or you other wise hurt yourself on the job, you had best not report it! You either "got the flu" or had to take a week off for a "death in the family," things like that. I was having problems keeping my footing and walking any distance (I worked in a large plant) and took to using a stick to get around. I was quietly warned that could get me ousted. Then I fell a couple of times and even though I didn't report any injury I was written up. During a work slow down, I was one of those laid off. But that didn't help either because the reason given was strictly "economical." In that time period I had one treatment record for my knee and none for my back. I used to just call my doctor and he would prescribe a muscle relaxer. I guess he didn't keep records of those things very long because they weren't in my records from him. So very nearly the only thing I can offer are 'buddy letters." It makes for hard going. :o

This is great news! (the award that is.) The damage to your health is not of course! (giving the 'Vulcan' spread fingers hand greeting "Live long and prosper"'

Nahhh. No witnesses, no MP report (it happened on-post), nuthin. Haven't corresponded with any of those folks since '77 when I left Knox. I was in barracks later that evening when it hit me in waves. I fell on the floor and really had to struggle to remain concious (don't really know if I did for that matter) But when my head cleared, that was all. The next day, I went to work with a 'goose egg' on my head and my hat tilted lightly over it. when my NCO's heard what had happened they sent me to clinic. The doctor said apparently and fortunately I did not have a concussion. Not something you want to sleep on I understand. I was warned to go to hospital if ever I took such a knock again and was returned to duty. One fellow I was with then was a former Ohio State Trooper. He might, might a say be found. Being a former peace officer he might conceivably recall the incident. I doubt me much one buddy letter would a successful claim make. <_<

In my case, it was simple. VA reworded my claim for a secondary condition to a primary claim for a service related injury that never happened. No sweat. In essence- 'No record of injury in service- denied.' And of course every secondary following the knees went with it... (Paraphrasing Mel Brooks "Blazing Saddles"...) "Regulations?! We don't need no stinking regulations! "

Thanks, I ETS'd in '81. So far, after recieving 4 copies of my records, those haven't turned up yet. It might matter 'cause while there some sod tried to rob me by hitting me on top of the head (bloody amateur) with a length of sawed off entrenching tool handle (the old wooden type). I did almost pass out a couple hours later (hard head <_< ) and was sent to dispensary next day. Might explain bouts of confusion??

While at Ft. Knox I was permanent party in the traning center. Most of my medical care was done at the local Clinics. I have some of my health records including those from the main hospital. But I don't have those from the clinics and they Haven't come from NARA. Can anyone suggest where to search for those??? Thanks.

My records were lost in service though thankfully not destroyed. Somehow, NARA found them in 1991 thank heavens! But prior to that, I too tried to argue VA had responsibility due to the loss that was beyond my control. It doesn't wash. Here's the catch. The ARMY was responsible for your records then. (well, my records) NOT VA. So you cannot hold VA responsible for any loss incurred by any negligence on the part of the Military, (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, et al...) So good luck on reconstructing events of the time. As others have pointed out, it can be done.

Having evidence on your side don' mean nuttin' when all they have to do is lie or falsify the record. As just one example in my case they took a mildly supportive statement by my primary care physician, mildly mind, not even a strong one, and said that the doctor did not enter it into the record. They said the statement was "made by a- get this-- physician's- assistant-- student--- and that it was "erroneously perpetuated throughout the record." Funny. (as in 'strange' most certainly not 'funny- ha ha') That's not what my copy of the records show... <_< as for my doctor's IMO, their physician's assistant said "it is not medically feasible..." Now who can argue with that? Hoppy, I am really glad you got yours. I'm only on 5 years and counting. I have had to go bankrupt but still have my family and home. (so far) and not so serious health problems (mine are crippling but not life threatening). In my case, they're not so much denying my claim as refusing to look at it. My claim is sitting with the superviser who is supposed to assign it to a rater. And it has been sitting with this superviser who so far hasn't demonstrated any interest in assigning it to (another) rater who can make a decision. So absolutely nothing is happening. I'm about at the point where I would almost welcome another denial just so's I can go on to the next step...

Sadly, I cannot follow legalize very well. ;) Could somebody please post a layman's synopsis???

Yeah that's pretty plain. It just sticks in my craw that they rated it then took it back. THAT is what's making me want to bo after them. Then too, I'm ready to dump this into an attorney's lap. After 5 years, I'm tired. But I have to have a decision, some kind of a decision, ANY kind of decision, before I can go on. At this point, I would almost welcome another phoney baloney denial... Concerning the twist this topic has taken from my initial posting, if it is beneficial to some other vets, so well be it. I don't have to have joy of it for it to be a success. Just as long as some good has come from it.

Thanks. That clears that up though. Your right in that it would be a good thing. Never happen.

I haven't had a "rating decision" since March 2008. There's been a lot of new evidence submitted since then. Well, I did have some sort of rating decision but it was sent to a supervisor to double check claims with substantial awards and they sent it back up for more development... My mistake. I thought checking the evidence list had something to do with tracking the rating process . "Reasons and bases" for denial was easy. They reworded my claim so it said I was asking for something other than what I did and so that it was requesting sc for something that has no service connection. When I had my DRO hearing 6 months ago he acknowledged the error and said it the way I wrote it. But since he was transferred and I have no idea what the last person rated it on or who the new person will be or what they'll rate it by. See? :D

Ok, one more thing... It has been suggested I check the "list of evidence." How do I do that? Do I request a copy from the VARO? Show up and ask to see it, make an appointment to see it??? Thanks