Commander Bob

Good Morning Stretch.... Have you ever driven on the German autobahn? It sounds like you woke up in Munich, and it took you around 5 months to get out of there. I hope you can glean some good memories of that time & place, and the Braunhilda lady, Annette. Coping with what happened during military service and with the VA rejection of the early 1970's was especially a challenge for those of us who lived through it. Congratulations on surviving that era. It sounds like the self medicating drinking, is a coping thing of the past. Welcome Home.

Big brother is also a bean counter. Rx confusion results in vet looking like a criminal.

Remember to put your VA claim number at the top of every page of all correspondence and documents you send to the VA. Also, conclude all statements in support of your claim with the following certification sentence: " I hereby certify that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief."

Thanks Berta.

Good Morning Wings,.... I also went to the VA's Survivor Benefits Page, and left, dazed and confused. Lots of rabbit trails and bad links. It seems to be the nature of Government sites ( world wide). I also called the 800 number, Wow, what a trip. I maneuvered thru the menu for some time, to reach a recording that told me to call back later. I finally called my NSO at the MOPH. RE: Is DIC received for the remaining life of the Spouse??? Short Answer: YES.

"Surviving spouses are encouraged to contact the Survivors' Call Center at (800) 749-8387, Mondays through Fridays. Info and inquiries may also be found online at www.vba.va.gov/survivorsbenefit.htm ." I recently learned that our wives will also be able to keep our last month's comp. check. That will be helpful, if you have automatic bill payments from your checking account... However, the most important thing you can do at this time is to keep breathing. That's my plan

Yes allan, and IMHO, Among Baby boomer civilians and many of the draft dodgers from the Vietnam generation, they are committed out of shame and cowardice in their youth, to deny or dismiss a veteran's PTSD experience. For the most part in the past, war related stress disorders were considered simply manifestations of poor self discipline and/or cowardice. The remarks voiced in the article are an archetypical point of view of that era. We are more enlightened about PTSD today, than just a few years ago. Dylan wrote "The times, they are a-changin'.

Where you live, mike/3/8/cav, it could be bears.

You gotta believe, things will get better. Although, some days the cliff looks inviting...

So, using caps is like yelling??? I never knew that. I can see how it makes sense in the virtual world of the Internet. Oh well, HAVE A NICE DAY.

You said FNG's, Berta!! LOL I'm with you.

I am just glad that someone is trying to think outside the box. The VA is broken. It has been broken for many years. As a combat wounded veteran, who has been standing in line with a wooden leg for decades, I favor a change.

I don't know the extent of his disabilities, IMHO, He should have a medical evaluation while he is still on active duty. Also, a PEB disability rating of 30% or greater, before he gets out of the service, so he can get a chapter 61 medical retirement. He needs to speak to a veterans service organizations' NSO before he gets out. ASAP

Carlie, you are a treasure. Such excellent information. Your vast knowledge and exquisite expertise is notable. Thank you for being here.

Congratulations. May 2003. Amazing win. I am very happy for you and your family.

I have always liked Lincoln. Admired his "Gettysburg Address". etc... I appreciate the style. Short, sweet and to the point. ...RIP

Happy Birthday President Lincoln.

It appears that you are Schedular 80%, paid at the 100% rate for Individual Unemployability with Permanent & Total Disability

In November, 2008 you posted that you were 80% with TDIU. Are you now schedular 100%? Or are you TDIU with P&T? I may of misread your profile, this evening. I thought it read 80%, however, now it reads T&P. I'm going in for a PET scan tomorrow, and am distracted today. I don't want to give you any wrong information. Best wishes mr c-rock, and again congratulations on your win.

Here are about 48 links to veterans groups in Illinois. Some links work, most don't... http://theamericanveteran.org/states/illinois/illinois.html

Linda Bilmes Testifies Before House Subcommittee on Veterans’ Health Care Costs Hearing on Veterans' Health Care Costs Testimony before US House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee March 13, 2007 "... the VBA should replace the cumbersome 0-100 scale for disabilities with a simple four-level ranking: zero disabled, low disability, medium disability, and high disability. This would immediately streamline the process, reduce discrepancies between regions, and likely cut the number of appeals. The VBA should create a “short form” for returning veterans, using this four-level ranking and set a goal of processing all claims within 60 days of receipt. This new system should be up and running within two years, including retraining of the workforce and developing necessary guidelines and appeals procedures. " link: http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/new...alth-care-costs

I viewed the youtube links you posted and pondered your posts here. I feel your pain, frustration, and energy, Steppenwolf. I would encourage you to continue to fight the good fight and never give up, and never give in. You are not alone.

Has a press release from Tammy Duckworth, Director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, in support of HB0273 been sent to the media?

I find that encouraging. Thanks for the sit-rep, Pete53.

I wish I was more familiar with the rules and procedures of the Illinois legislative assembly. I am not. However, I would encourage you all to continue to gather more co-sponsors. I still believe that one person can make a difference. I'm looking forward to seeing this issue in the "Success Stories" Topic, here at Hadit.