Ot: For my fellow Veterans.

[GloryDawg]

In 30 years, the only VA benefit I used was mortgage. I did not want to file for any disability claim thinking I was taking money from someone who did not have anything else. My cousin told me I earned any money the VA will pay out. So, I filed a disability claim with the VA. I broke two bones on active duty and service related. I am starting to have throbbing pain. I figured I am getting arthritis. I filed it online. In the process I ended up applying for other stuff. You will be surprised what you can get paid for. I probably should have been getting paid for my injuries the whole time. Even reservist need to go and check out what is there for you. Just going to certain parts of the world you can get money. At least two pages of things you could check off. I say take some time and check it out. Congress has put the money there for you. If you are entitled to money, you earned it and don't feel guilty.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

My thought process is similar to yours. I'm almost 60 and have always looked down my nose at many folks who, in mo opinion, are malingering and getting VA disability. Very few folks in the AF have done anything dangerous nor any rigorous PT to justify disability payments. I have no problems with folks with combat or direct line of duty injuries who get benefits; however, I personally know of many folks getting benefits who, in my opinion, don't deserve them. I know folks getting benefits for CPAP, sinusitis, impotence, etc., stuff that many folks develop as the age. When I was growing up, "disabled veterans" where those who got shot up in WW2, Korea or Vietnam, now there's a ton of 30 year olds who are getting thousands per month AND working full time. A few months ago my neighbor had several trees cut, the guy who did it showed up in a new F250 towing a trailer with a new bobcat. Of course the tag on the truck read "100% Disabled Veteran." The man was in his 30s and did all the work himself, cut the trees down, loaded them on a trailer with the bobcat and hauled them off.

I've almost convinced myself that since everyone else is doing it, I might was well too, not malinger, but I did 30 years worth of PT (along with some injuries), deployments (never involved in combat) and did get exposed to many chemicals.

 

[Marler]

You earned this money. Thank you for your service

 

[GloryDawg]

My thought process is similar to yours. I'm almost 60 and have always looked down my nose at many folks who, in mo opinion, are malingering and getting VA disability. Very few folks in the AF have done anything dangerous nor any rigorous PT to justify disability payments. I have no problems with folks with combat or direct line of duty injuries who get benefits; however, I personally know of many folks getting benefits who, in my opinion, don't deserve them. I know folks getting benefits for CPAP, sinusitis, impotence, etc., stuff that many folks develop as the age. When I was growing up, "disabled veterans" where those who got shot up in WW2, Korea or Vietnam, now there's a ton of 30 year olds who are getting thousands per month AND working full time. A few months ago my neighbor had several trees cut, the guy who did it showed up in a new F250 towing a trailer with a new bobcat. Of course the tag on the truck read "100% Disabled Veteran." The man was in his 30s and did all the work himself, cut the trees down, loaded them on a trailer with the bobcat and hauled them off.

I've almost convinced myself that since everyone else is doing it, I might was well too, not malinger, but I did 30 years worth of PT (along with some injuries), deployments (never involved in combat) and did get exposed to many chemicals.

Years I have thought the same thing. My injury is service related and probably should have been getting benefits for 30 years. I always thought about the Veterans who needed it and taking money away from them. My attitude change. Congress changed many of the rules and added many things they owe Veterans no matter what branch or where you served. Go out there and look. You will be surprised. They are fully funded and have been given the money to take care of all Veterans.

 

[ZombieKissinger]

I worked for the VA in the past. There’s a lot of good, and it helps both patients and employees. Some of the employees are subsidized and would struggle with work elsewhere, but I think it’s fine to subsidize some of our Vets. There’s also a lot of paperwork, confusion, access issues and frustration at times, but there’s no easy solve. Would encourage people to at least take a look and see what’s available to them.

 

[RocketDawg]

In 30 years, the only VA benefit I used was mortgage. I did not want to file for any disability claim thinking I was taking money from someone who did not have anything else. My cousin told me I earned any money the VA will pay out. So, I filed a disability claim with the VA. I broke two bones on active duty and service related. I am starting to have throbbing pain. I figured I am getting arthritis. I filed it online. In the process I ended up applying for other stuff. You will be surprised what you can get paid for. I probably should have been getting paid for my injuries the whole time. Even reservist need to go and check out what is there for you. Just going to certain parts of the world you can get money. At least two pages of things you could check off. I say take some time and check it out. Congress has put the money there for you. If you are entitled to money, you earned it and don't feel guilty.

A friend and golf buddy of mine was a Marine and served in Viet Nam. A couple years ago he got diagnosed with lung cancer. They had to remove about 1/4 of one lung. Apparently the VA thinks it was due to Agent Orange and other nasty stuff used in Viet Nam, so now he gets a decent monthly stipend from the VA. He can also get all his meds, some of which are quite expensive, from the VA here for free.

I was a reserve engineering officer in the Navy with no real active duty for 21 years, so I get a pretty decent paid retirement and Tricare. I don't really take advantage of any of the other things, like PX shopping or the commissary - cost is about the same as local stores.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

You guys deserve every penny.

My father in law who passed away a couple of years ago was a crew chief on a Huey in Vietnam. He got a little money each month from the VA but I always felt like it should have been more.

 

[Colonel Angus.sixpack]

I had an uncle who was in Vietnam who passed away in the early 2000’s from lung cancer. VA pinned it on Agent Orange even though he was a lifelong smoker. It was too late to give him any money but his kids got some of their school paid for.

 

[MississippiTexan]

I've worked at the VA doing disability claims for 20 years now. You are right, there are so many things veterans can claim that most don't know about and they are constantly adding new things as more research links more issues to different exposures. It's the government, so the process isn't always clear or easy, but you should definitely file a claim if you haven't, you deserve everything you are entitled to.

And if you served in Southwest Asia (not just Iraq or Afghanistan), the PACT Act that passed in 2022 really changed the game and added a ton of stuff based on exposures over there. Definitely something to look in to.

 

[aTotal360]

In 30 years, the only VA benefit I used was mortgage. I did not want to file for any disability claim thinking I was taking money from someone who did not have anything else. My cousin told me I earned any money the VA will pay out. So, I filed a disability claim with the VA. I broke two bones on active duty and service related. I am starting to have throbbing pain. I figured I am getting arthritis. I filed it online. In the process I ended up applying for other stuff. You will be surprised what you can get paid for. I probably should have been getting paid for my injuries the whole time. Even reservist need to go and check out what is there for you. Just going to certain parts of the world you can get money. At least two pages of things you could check off. I say take some time and check it out. Congress has put the money there for you. If you are entitled to money, you earned it and don't feel guilty.

The money is budgeted. You earned it. Have no shame.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

If anyone deserves money from the government, it is definitely those of you who have served, no matter the capacity.