VARO also denied my claim for shotgun lungs----scarred lungs from breathing gunsmoke, dust, dirt, bacteria, mold, fungus. My records too were destroyed by fire---mine in St. Louis, MO in 1973. The rating specialist claims there is no record in my SMR showing any treatment etc. Be advised in combat infantry up front there is NO SICK CALL, no x ray machines, no dentist, no doctors, not toilets, no beds, etc. If you have a head ache, back ache, stomach ache, dizzy, cough, mental upset etc. You simply call Medic anytime day or nite and you will receive APC's, cough syrup or what ever but unless you are bleeding or have a tramatic injury you are going NO WHERE. I know this for a absolute fact as I was there practically my whole service time and I WAS THE COMBAT MEDIC. One size does not fit all. Some guys crack easily from combat whereas some take combat in stride but do not exactly enjoy it. Do not give up as some of these rating specialist need more training.
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