Commander Bob

It's everywhere... I remember back in the old days, when the VA security guards only carried walkie talkies, and were called security guards. Now they are all para-military Fed. Police types, with guns and high speed cruisers to chase down parkers in the parking lot. Soon, I'm sure they will be carrying fully automatic AK 47s. LOL... Doesn't anyone else see the subtle changes in our country? An Orwellian society is creeping in on us and no one seems to see it.

It appears that you filed a new claim in 9/08. Any increase and back pay will go back to that date. To file a new claim, you had to have new evidence that was not in your file in 1998. Did you file a "Notice of Disagreement" in 1998? Just curious... When did you get the MRI, showing 2 herniated discs? Where is the CUE? You seem very positive that you will prevail on your new claim. I wish you the very best on a positive rating. However, don't count your money, till you get the award letter. Last year I was happy as a clam, waiting for my new rating. I had my ducks in a row and was sure it would be a slam dunk. Then one of those incompetent, apathetic, lazy, overworked VA raters got a hold of my file and a few months later the denial letter came in the mail. I filed a NOD shortly after I picked myself up off the floor. I will join you in your celebration, when you get your new award letter. Again, good luck.

I agree with john999. A private therapist, ASAP is the way to go if you are feeling suicidal.

Thanks for checking out the web site, Bonzai. Interesting... Your right, however if you look at the dates of service, there is only a few gaps in time. I'll give them a call on Monday and find out the deal. I just called now and no one answered the phone, not even a message.???

Thanks for checking out the web site, Bonzai. Interesting sit-rep... I'll check it out. However, like I said (posted), It's been almost two decades since I have stepped into a Vet Center. I know a Korean War vet who goes there on a regular basis, now. So unless the law has been changed again, I believe that they would help any vet that walked in the door. Back in the old days, it was called the Vietnam Vet center, and catered only to Vietnam era vets. The offices were sponsored by the VAMC, however they were strategically placed in storefront locations to help what the civilians and the VA called, those "Crazy Vietnam Veterans". The idea was to reach out to the Vietnam era vets that experienced the cold shoulder of an ungrateful nation, as well as, an obsolete disfunctional VA system, and would not step foot in a VA facility. It was a different world, back then. You younger guys and gals have it a lot better, now... LOL . I would suggest LarryJ should drop in and check it out. They could use your help.

No you don't. ...It's been over fifteen or twenty years since I have been to a Vet Center. Lots of other help takes place there too. Group and one on one sessions are not limited to PTSD only. Mostly PhD's, MSW's etc. work there.

Yes the vet centers are a part of the VA and carry weight on your claim. It can help. However, the C&P is a different beast. Then there is the Rater over at the VARO. There is where the incompetence and apathy runs rampant.

I am happy for you purple.... In the 1980's I helped open Vet Centers. Our motto was "Help with out Hassles". I visited Vet Centers in several states, and volunteered thousands of hours on the project. It was just suppose to be a temporary program. I helped lobby congress to expand the program and wrote some of the language in the legislation proposal from a national veterans organization. Your post makes me feel that I was not wasting my time. Best wishes for a great life. You deserve one

Suicide Is Not An Option For You, purple...You have young impressionable children, and friends that care about you very much. You have more friends and supporters here on Hadit than you are aware of. If you committed suicide, I assure you, your kids would have to live with that fact for the rest of their lives. It could lead them down a path to that same end themselves. As you know, thinkers of suicide, discount or disregard the collateral damage caused by their desperate act. IMHO,...Professional help, outside the VA, is needed ASAP. The sun will rise tomorrow...

No.

Congratulations Steve&Pat, and to the disabled vets in Minnesota. That's a hundred a month. Outstanding.

I vote yes. I would wait. JMHO

Remember... you only have one year to file your NOD.

Thanks LarryJ. As a fellow Texan, I filled out the form and sent it in with my VA info letter, I am pleased to report that I just checked my county appraisal district's web site and pulled up my account #, the new exemption has been posted. I think I will withdraw my real estate valuation tax protest I filed in March.... I never thought I would see the day.

I agree with john999. combat survivor's guilt comes in many levels of misplaced culpability. You raise an interesting PTSD issue, John. Cavtrooper, you are right on target, and you eloquently described a facet of PTSD, in your post. As you may know, you are not alone in your feelings and experiences. You mentioned that you heard RTO's on the ground, "talking on the radio with gunfire in the background". I was one of those RTO's. The fly boys in my AO, had shark's teeth painted on the front of their choppers, My big dream in Vietnam was to be a door gunner. Of course, you had to extend 6mos. But it meant that you didn't have to walk, and you got three hots, and a shower, and a cot, every night. However, I got wounded before I could extend... I too, was back home, cruising thru McDonalds, while my fellow comrades were still humping the jungle up in I corp. What's the deal? I know some guys that didn't talk about the war when they got home. Still to this day, Vietnam isn't mentioned. Have you ever talked about your war experiences before. They have pills that can make you not remember your nightmares, as well as guaranteeing a full night's sleep ( and half the next day ). If you don't want to go that route. you could get lucky and find some talk therapy. I would suggest a good Ph.D.., that has some in country experience. do you qualify for CRSC?

I hear you John,... 35 years ago there was no such thing as PTSD. The VA's official diagnosis was "Just a bunch of crazy Vietnam vets". syndrome.

I hope no one thinks this is an isolated incident at the Montgomery VARO. How long can this go on??? However, I truly feel that things are better now than they were four decades ago. Isn't that a kick in the head...

Congratulations Diz

How are you feeling today, Purple? I've just read your "12 hours of Hell @ Dayton VAMC ER" thread. The experience you had was horrible. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it does. I hope you feel better soon. I wish you would not wait till next Tuesday to see a doctor. Please take care. Regards, Bob

I don't think Mike ever applied for SSDI. Did you Mike? How long have you been rated 70%? Do you receive CRPD? I hope you get the IU. You certainly qualify for it. So you are moving away from Alaska. I must admit that I have daydreamed about getting away from it all and moving up there. I even found Prince of Wales Island, Alaska on Google Earth. However, Washington is a beautiful State to move to, also. Do you have family there? I was born there. Best regards, Bob

Yes john999, you are so right,...we were young back then. Interesting observation. Even in my worst nightmares, I am young again. Time passes so fast, these days. Do you remember the TV series "Cosmos"? Carl Sagan started each show with something like " old men dream dreams, and young men see visions".. I have a better appreciation for his quote, these days. Say, Cavtrooper088, are young in your dreams too?

When the leadership is locked away in ivory towers, without accountability, the professional bureaucrats run the farm. A little jail time for their criminal acts would help. Don't get me wrong, most of the mistakes are just rooted in lazy incompetence. A large number of VA employees are disengaged. It's been my observation, over the last four decades, that only a few really care...

Thank you for your service & Welcome Home, Cavtrooper008. I was a RTO in a light weapons infantry company, I Corp, RVN 67-68. I was relieved and grateful to see you guys in the air, when we needed you. Your service was / is greatly appreciated. The good thing about nightmares is waking up the next day to the realization that it was just a dream. Recently early morning torment has replaced the blood and guts of the night, for me. We are survivors. Good luck tonight.

When I had chemo and radiation treatments for metastasized neck, lymph node, and tonsil cancer, my thyroid was burned out. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It just takes a simple specialized blood test, to find out. My PCP found it. I take a synthroid ( 100 mcg ) tablet daily for it. What are you taking for your condition?

Congratulations on the CUE wins Phillip Rogers. How long did it take??? I have a strong, prior to late 1980's CUE, however I felt that it would take too long and would be too aggravating. So when I wrote in for a correction, the VA changed it to a new claim and then promptly denied it. LOL. I sometimes feel that I'm just adding to a VA employee's 401K, while they take up space.