Back Log

[JohnM]

Just talked to our Rep this morning and the reason for a back long is because of the Vet's that are coming home from this miserable forsaken war are being put on top of the pile, and she said its causing a big back log everywhere.

[Berta]

The backlog started way before the war in Iraq.

I feel all disabled vets-to include new Iraq vets- are all victims of what was already in place.

[Guest jangrin]

Berta,

I agree that there is and has been a back log for a long time. But after talking with the SO the other day and reading some of the posts here at Hadit, I believe JohnM is correct that the IRAQ/Afganistan veterans are getting priority claims processing. It may not be all of the claims and there may be some type of check list or standard that is met to allow that to happen.

THAT BEING SAID, I also think that it is probably appropriate. These are younger men and women with recent trauma or injury or medical problems. Most of them or alot of them have young families to care for. And from what I've been reading, PTSD is exhibited in they estimate 40% of returning veterans. They need the care NOW and it's important that another generation does not go through what the Vietnam era vets did.

Honestly, as much as we want my husbands claim resloved as rapidly as possible, we both feel that these guys and gals coming home need the services as quickly as possible, our lives are forever changed because of how Vietnam Vets were treated. We don't what that to happen again. We'll wait.

It's just that it makes for a bigger mess of an already messed up program and system. We need more judges and more claims help for sure. Hopefully if the young people scream and the old people scream loud enough maybe someone with some clout will makes things happen.

Jangrin

Edited November 30, 2006 by jangrin

[Ricky]

I respect and care for all vets. I understand the need for quick care and compensation for the guys now returning. However, the system was designed to work on a first come first served basis.

With that said, there are a lot of older vets, especially VN vets that have not received their just dues. As a result of this they have lost their families, homes and all personal belongings becaused of a bull shit system. They also deserve their just dues and I can not see placing any new claims in front of these guys (nope I am not a Vn Vet just have the highest respect for them).

If the returning vets are placed on the bottom of the stack as normal procedures demand

I assure you the new vets are a generation that will not put with the same ole BS that us older vets did during the 50's, 60's 70's etc........... I feel that such an action by VA would result in the biggest stink in American history and force a change in the way all veterans are treated.

I love them, respect them and support their mission, however, I do not feel that any veteran should receive special treatment above the rest.

By placing these claims in front of the ones already pending the VA is being allowed to paint a false picture for the American public. Immediate and quick processing of the claims for the new veterans will allow them to stand up and say "see, we ain't so bad. We are currently turning claims around for IF vets in 4-6 months. We told you all of those old guys were just a bunch of complainers wanting a handout" at which point the politicians will pat them on the back and say "good job boys" as they are posting on their political web sites "see what I have done for the veteran community". I am NOT, REPEAT NOT, trying to downgrade any vets importance, I am simply providing my opinion.

Ricky

[Pete53]

I have been dealing with the VA since 1991. There has always been a back log. There has always been excuses from the VA. Considering the really small number of Veterans who are total service connected there must be something wrong with how the VA sets priorities.

[kkp]

I think I have to wiegh in on Ricky's side on this one. I have a son-in -law and My Brothers son who have served in Iraq. My nephew is suffering from ptsd, and is in a very bad way at present. He is also recieving some kind of relief from the army while his claim is being processed.I don't know how the system is working now, but do know he is on medical leave while his claim is being processed. He is a member of the N.G. maybe that has something to do with it. I to support our felleow vets, and I am proud of each and every one of them, and hope they get all they deserve as soon as possible

I'll have to say though I don't think they should be placed ahead of Nam vets. We have been humiliated, disgraced,and --- on since that blasted war. We were sent on missions that were never recorded because much of that war was fought under the cia, not the military. Especially the early part. and let me say straight out that many of those records will never be declassified as long as there is a kennedy in the senate. I'v read all this bull on this sight that all have been declassified. I say opnen your eyes, because many will never be able to prove their stressors. I was fortunate that I had some very smart People working behind the seens and sneaked mine in the back door. I was granted 30% without a c&p. I'll bet there is 100 that will never be as fortunate as I. 100 to 1 and maybe more.

I can appreciate Berta's oppinion but fully disagree on this one. I know plenty who are dead now that might be alive had the va and the us gov. acted responsibly. We were screwed then and we will be screwed until the last nam vet is dead. Have to go see my shrink now. But thats my opinion.

kkp

[Josephine]

Just talked to our Rep this morning and the reason for a back long is because of the Vet's that are coming home from this miserable forsaken war are being put on top of the pile, and she said its causing a big back log everywhere.

According to the Huntington Regional Office, they feel that the returning Iraq soldiers should be placed ahead of the rest.

I know, because I was ask by a Mr. Brimmer, to write a letter to the Va. as to why I felt that my claim should be worked before these poor soldiers.

I wrote back, if they were in appeals, then they shouldn't come before me.

I have been waiting since 1978 and this is most of my life. I have been waiting, because the Va. felt that my psychiatric records were not important enough to acquire and place into my military medical records.

Now, I am at the BVA, just about finished up there with claims opened to the first filing date of 1978, because of the negligence of the R. O.

I do feel sorry for the young guys and gals, but I look back at my life and how I and my family could have benefited had I had the Va benefits that I deserved.

Thanks,

Josephine