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Subscribe to RSSFor many of the hundreds of thousands of veterans awaiting a decision from the Department of Veterans Affairs on disability and pension claims, the agency's backlog can lead to a period of financial hardship during the transition back to civilian life.
Ron and Karen Sanquist experienced this first-hand when Ron, a National Guardsman who had been deployed to Iraq in 2009 and Afghanistan in 2006, was released from active duty.
While cobbling together work in construction and at a call center — both of which severely reduced his National Guard pay — Ron filed a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder that resulted from his combat experience during his deployments. The disability benefit would have helped the Sanquists afford their $3,000 in rent and monthly bills, but the backlog of claims meant the family would have to wait months for a decision.
Ron lost his position at the call center after requesting leave to fulfill his National Guard duties. Bills then began to pile up as the family of five missed rent, utility and insurance payments, among other expenses. The situation worsened in May when Ron, 39, was diagnosed with a heart murmur for which he'd need emergency surgery, guaranteeing that he'd be out of work and unable to job hunt for several weeks.
Desperate not to fall further behind, Karen turned to the patchwork safety net for veterans and their families experiencing financial hardship, an occurrence that happens more frequently than the public realizes, according to those who assist veterans and service members during hard times.
As of Aug. 25, there were 899,000 compensation and pension claims pending, two-thirds of which have been in the system for more than 125 days. In the Portland, Ore., area, where the Sanquists live, there are nearly 12,000 claims pending, far fewer than other major metropolitan areas in the West; Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Oakland and Phoenix are seeing twice that figure. While two-thirds of the claims processed in Portland have taken more than 125 days, the percentage spikes to more than 90 percent in Los Angeles and Oakland.
In a statement to NBC News, the Department of Veterans Affairs said that 1 million claims had been completed in the previous two fiscal years, and that the agency is on target to finish an additional 1 million in 2012.
"Still, too many veterans and their families have to wait too long to get the benefits they have earned and deserve which is unacceptable," the statement said.
VA is aiming to complete claims within 125 days with 98 percent accuracy by 2015 as it transitions to a digital processing system. The technology will be implemented in 16 regional offices this year and reach an additional 56 regional offices by the end of 2013. VA called the technology a "lasting solution" that will eliminate the backlog.
Karen told NBC News that her experience with VA was very positive, but that the nearly yearlong delay in receiving a decision on Ron's disability benefit still took a toll. "The waiting period is scary because you don’t know if it’s going to be two months or if it’s going to be another year."
To survive the wait, Karen used what was left of the couple's savings and applied for assistance from several nonprofit groups and veteran service organizations. Ron's unit gave the couple a month's rent, as did the American Legion. ReserveAid covered another month's rent as well as lapsed medical insurance payments. USA Cares paid a garbage bill and Operation Homefront sent a $250 Wal-Mart gift card.
In July, the Sanquists began receiving disability payments for Ron's PTSD as well as his heart surgery, which was deemed service-connected. The process was expedited since the Sanquists were experiencing hardship, and the first sum included back payment for the months required to award the claim.
As Ron looks for a position that will allow him time to finish his last semester of school in animation and graphics afforded by the GI Bill, the family's finances remain shaky. "It's definitely one month at a time," Karen said.
Some families aren't as lucky as the Sanquists.
Barry Walter, state director of veterans services for the Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars, said that though the "backlog adds to an already desperate situation," many families don't seek help until it's too late and their home is already in foreclosure, for example. The stigma of needing financial aid, particularly for veterans, can prevent them from coming forward early in the process.
However, veterans often aren't aware that they are eligible to receive emergency financial assistance from the county or state as well as organizations like VFW. In Illinois, counties have veterans assistance commissions that provide aid for expenses like unexpected dental or medical bills and utility shut-off notices. Some states also offer emergency grants to veterans, but Walter said that many don't know of those resources.
VFW's national program, Unmet Needs, awards one-time grants of up to $2,500 to families in hardship. Since 2004, more than $4.4 million has been given out to 3,200 military families. Veterans are qualified to receive assistance up to 36 months after an honorable discharge. The Illinois VFW also runs its own assistance fund and spent $38,000 in 2011, the majority of it to help veterans with expenses like rent and groceries.
Walter said that he receives about one inquiry a day from veterans seeking aid. The calls come from young veterans who have just returned and can't find work, veterans nearing retirement age who have been laid off, and even the elderly who now need a pension increase for medical expenses or nursing home care. They are all affected by the backlog, Walter said. He'll tell them about the VFW's programs, but he'll also refer them to organizations like the Salvation Army, Lutheran Services, Easter Seals and Catholic Charities, which can provide help.
The American Legion, also a veterans service organization, operates a temporary financial assistance fund for military families with children at home. An average of a half million dollars is allocated each year for food, clothing, shelter and utilities. Requests can be granted in as little as 24 hours and the average claim takes less than a week to process, according to Jason Kees, family support network coordinator for the American Legion.
Kees told NBC News that the fund is run through a separate endowment and that requests exceed the available aid. As a result, the organization dips into its own funding to make up the difference.
Kees said that the public's lack of awareness adds to the challenges of getting enough resources to families in need.
Once a community realizes a veteran is struggling, Kees said, "the outpouring of love and support is fabulous." But all too often, the public doesn't realize military families need help because of the perception that the war in Iraq is over and the fighting in Afghanistan is winding down.
Karen Sanquist said that the emergency aid her family received was a "blessing," but that she wished more people knew about the available services.
"It was wonderful hearing these people say, 'There’s a light at the end of tunnel but until you get there, make sure you don’t get so far behind that you get in trouble."
Rebecca Ruiz is a reporter at NBC News. Follow her on Twitter here.
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The current generation of veterans certainly seem to need more hlp than the population at large...why?
Maybe it's because we took ill prepared folks into the army especially, half assed suited them up for a voluntary war in Iraq and then they got their and found out that the natives ddin't like occupiers...Bush told them they were liberators but it doens't look like many veterans got that impression from the natives they were liberating...
Rick, I think the current population of this country/world are in need of alot of help, and it's not going to get better anytime soon. I share your frustrations with the politics, politicians, both sides, have caused all the problems we now face, but don't expect them to be held accountable for any of it. There will just be another guy saying 'vote for me, I'll fix it'. But really though, the V.A., takes too long. lol
yes, he's done this in the face hard core opposition from the republicans and their filibuster frenzy.
The Republicans are only interested in having people die for (supposedly) their country. They are not interested in what happens to them (Unless there's a photo op) after they come back physically/mentally/emotionally damaged.
It's a lot like their position on abortion. All out for the rights of the unborn. After they're born they're not so concerned about them. (Until they reach enlistment age).
The U.S. has been in a period of OPEN WAR since the First Bush's reign.
Since 1990, we've been stacking up veterans, and the services that were in place to take care of WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam vets have proven itself to be inadequate during an exploding economic time. Gas isn't thirty-seven cents a gallon any more. Rent isn't $100 a month. Jobs have been outsourced in earnest since the 1960s as companies exercise corporate greed over country loyalty.
This failure to provide for veterans is not the system's fault, rather that of the war machine that insists on keeping us in the Middle East and messing with countries that do NOT want our idea of democracy.
At this time in American history, we have more veterans than ever before. Of course things are strained.
Incidentally, I am a veteran. I applied for service-connected disability benefits in 2004 and was turned down, re-applied the following year and was granted 10% disability, and am now in a position now where my temporary work boss who is also a veteran (I haven't had a full- or part-time job for five years) has said to my face that I'm "unemployable" and my disability level should be closer to 70% disability. At his insistence, I appealed my initial claim last August... and have yet to hear back on my claim.
Yeh. Because in January 2010 after the count on that "single night" we had the worst winter recorded since 1968. They all died. Is that Obama's credit also?
DevlsAdvacut has the truth of it.
A homeless man who would sleep in Denny Park in Seattle across from the building I work in panhandled on the Mercer off-ramp from I-5 every day. He displayed a cardboard sign that claimed he was a Vietnam Veteran, a Marine, and listed a unit and battalion as well as service dates.
On a Tuesday in January of 2009, on the way into work, I passed the coroner's van wheeling a covered gurney out of Denny Park. The cardboard sign lay nearby, under a tree, glittering with ice.
Semper Fi.
vote in the Republicans and you won't have anything. Pres. Obama has done more for vets than any president in history
What would you expect for a war predicated on lie's and shame.
We should demand Cheney ,Rumsfeld and Bush be tried as war criminals
uaw
Yes President Obama is going to gut military health care starting in January 2013 and wants the military to pay more for their prescriptions. The President also wants the military to wait until they are 57 to draw their retirement. So yes, he is doing more to undermine the military than any other President. The soldiers I've talked to say they are ALL voting Republican since the President thinks he can compare the military to the private sector. NOT!
Sounds like some of you folks been drinking the obama cool-aid. Hows that hope and change working for you. After almost 4 yrs your neighbors are still out of work every bodys broke and your talking about nonsense. The leading dems read the same intelligence reports that bush did and all agreed somthing had to be done but all we here from the obamaittes is its Bushes fault. Its amazing how some people cant think for themselves so they keep passing on slogans that they heard from someone else.W has more respect from our military then any president in modern times. One of the biggest reasons we are not making any progress right now is obama is never in his office he is either on vacation, the golf course, or fund raising and i believe you will see very soon just what the american voter thinks about that. By the way thats a great picture of you UAW
@Man of steel, I am a 100% disabled veteran for 42 years. If the President deems that we must contribute more to keep the system going and continue to get the care i am more than willing. Wait untill 57 ? it should be 65 why are veteran retirees any better than anyone else.
Kool Aid? really? grow up how old are you 10 that statement went with Bush thank god and you should too. What makes you think that you are any better than anyone else. your a veteran i suppose? well i hate to tell you your just another swinging dic,k on the face of life and nobody cares when it comes down to it. They have VFW's for you to cry at. Cut one persons pay cut them all. But you will continue to support the wealthy as you bitch about paying won't you.
Thats the beauty of stupidity no common sense and the Republicans have a market on it. I hope they take every last fuc,king penny you have.
And that's not my picture it's a picture of Ann Romney before her face lift.
And we will see and i can't wait. I am even voting 4 times
The US government should be ashamed of the way it has treated its veterans.
Illegals from Mexico get better representation in the US.
I spent 27yrs. in the Military, Viet-Nam era, before and after. Got banged up in 68 and 72. Never went to the V.A. for assistance or medical till I couldn't afford it myself. Got and getting the best health care I could hope for anywhere. First I had like 20% disability, then 30% then 50% then 70% and after the last major surgery on my back, where they put a lot of metal and bolts in my back they increased it to 80%. The Doctors are great, it's only after your claim goes up higher that the backlog starts. Now the new veterans are getting head of the line, which pisses off some of us older guys. In 08 my last back operation when increased to 80%, it was appealed, you can't do much without your back, I am still waiting for that while thousands of the newer guys just breeze right through with theirs, starting to piss me off too. YOU GUYS POSTING ALL THE POLITICAL B/S EVIDENTLY WERE NEVER IN THE MILITARY, REAL PEOPLE DON'T THINK LIKE YOU LIBS.........and you uaw 779887 sound like you know NOTHING about what you seem to want to speak about, my dog droppings deserve more class.
i guess when you need to reach down to the poorest of the poor and sign up many who could barely pass the entry test, to fight a war for the richest of the rich, what can one expect! fighting and dieing for others liberty's while ours are being stolen from us bit by bit. we of the U.S. are being lead by cows to the slauwter? by the cavier eaters and don't even know it!
If they would WEED out all the FRAUDULENT Claims and take back all the Disability they awarded to all these FAKERS they might be able to pay for those who are legitimately Deserving. I work on a Military Post as a Civilian and they sit right here in my Office and discuss amongst them how to get a higher Percentage at the VA. Even Coaching their Spouses on what to say (LIE) about to the Doctors. Try and Blow a Whistle they make it nearly Impossible. If the general Public heard what I heard everyday They may Re-Think HEROES, More like Malingering Con Artists.
I see you work on base as a Military post as a civilian but you have time to read this article and write a post to it at 0958 in the morning on a week day. Maybe if people like you would give up your nice government jobs so these war wounded could get jobs when they get home. And how dare you judge anyone unless you are a Doctor maybe some soldiers are just trying to up their claims so they can have enough to live on because that can't find work. Because of people like you sponging of the government and reading the news at 0958 instead of working.
Mike I work Shift Work don't go in until 1400 HRS so BLOW ME!
Now play nice. BTW are you a Doctor
Ranknfile,
Talk about waste fraud and abuse you being on the computer wasting tax payers money. My last duty station was run by a civilian but retired military and he never allowed any to be on the computer wasting time unless it had to do with military business. You don't know what these veterans go through when they are ill prepared to deal with people from other countries who don't want us there. Until you you know what these veterans go through you have no say so, unless you go there and find out what we go through. You enjoy your freedoms on the backs of all us veterans, while you are defrauding the government being on the computer instead of doing your job. As a retired, disabled veteran and out of work, I would gladly take your job and do it better than you!
You, ranknfile, are what's wrong with America, do you know that? "Oh, the fakers outnumber the real folks in need, so don't give anyone anything!"
It works the other way around, genius--and if you don't believe it, search out a V.A. representative and ASK them the success odds of someone trying to scam the V.A. for help (I have been dealing with the system since 2005). Those who genuinely need help can't get it. The "fakers" (as you oh-so-eloquently call those trying to commit an act of fraud) don't get anywhere in the system because they have an entire medical record that illustrates their medical history, and thus disproves any false claims they may try to make.
Life is about choices. Some enter the Military for education, experience, a job or as a way of showing Loyalty to our Country. As a Disabled Veteran I do understand these soldiers dilemma. 25 years ago, after 13 years in the Army I was medically discharged after breaking my left knee. Took 14 months to learn to walk again. I came back to the United States with wife and children and a 10% disability. It was tough. With determination I have been able to live as well as most.
They weren't lucky, they're a show model created by the VA to try to look good. Part of my claim has been ongoing for over five years, the other is over three. Claims are denied by people who have no medical training and a denial to the VA is a quick easy (cost effective) closure. A case in point; my active duty doctor several time identified "restrictive airflow passage" problems, even though this is the definition of sleep apnea, the lack of the words "sleep apnea" have created an initial denial (the VA's only time response requirement). I have seen the VA hide medical records (most denied PTSD cases are because veterans are denied access to mental health records) and VA doctors prescribe drugs but balk on diagnosis. It's time to face the facts, the system is broken, incompetents run it (usually old retired generals and admirals), and the people who need the benefits have to fight to get them.
Wrong... a denial requires a lot more work than a grant of benefits. More documentation, more medical requirements, etc.
Here's the other inconvenient truth: Veterans who work for VA deciding disability claims are by far harder on claimants than non-veterans. draw your own conclusion.
You were correct in what you said, Sigseer..., these individuals are the posterchild for the VA, I am sure they did not get those benefits without Congessional assistance. The public has no idea what a veteran has to endure in dealing with this Agency to receive their benefits. While conditions and benefits are covered under Title 38 of The United States Codes, VA acts like they cannot read or understand them, and uses a lot of what is called "trick" wording to not award benefits. Look how long it took the military to admit they had used chemical warfare in Viet Nam to cause soldiers to be exposed to what become Agent Orange, years....and then refused to compensate, give me a brake. VA has BIG issues.
Listen Up Veterans,
i found out how much people care the first time i was spit on after Nam. Let me help you out. Nobody gives two flying @!$%#s what you did, where you were, how you got injured, or who you saved, when you walk away they don't remember your name only the fact that they have their own problems. Pat yourself on the back untill your arm is tired, ride your harley and act like a bad ass, and when you look in the mirror tell yourself what a hansome guy you are because that guy in the mirror is the only one who is listening
Dear Veteran,
I am so sorry that you feel that way. I am so sorry that you have been made to feel that way. Most of the people that I come in contact with honor your service to this country. We donate money, services, items and time to help veterans. In our Boy Scout Troop we gather items to ship in boxes to send comforts from home to the soldiers fighting in the sand. We send letters and cards to tell them they are not forgotten. I wish there was more that I could do. Every time I come in contact with a veteran, I thank them. It's terrible that you were treated so horribly when you came back from your tour of duty. Those people that did those things should be ashamed of themselves.
Respectfully,
Appreciative U.S. Citizen
Ms. Opinion,
We are always happy for the moment of adulation and respect.
At the end of the day it will go back the way it was. Always has always will.
It will never change untill it is 100% shared sacrifice no exceptions. This will end the wars for no reason.
But thank you for your kind words
How quickly the US forgot all the American immigrants that were murdered by Mexican soldiers in Texas of 1836.
While we all slept last night there were soldiers, warriors and sailors on watch making sure we had jobs to go to and our kids had schools to attend. With out them there would be...Afghan. If you do not realize the full value of that you do not deserve nor are you "entitled" to any of it.
Republic So if they weren't over there What Exactly Is Going To Happen that I should Fear?
rank
You really are incapable of seeing any further than what you are told by the liberal media aren't you. Pity.
ranknfile
Sometimes the only way to appreciate what you have is to loose it. May what is best be in your future.
Actually I'm a Fox News Fan and a Rush Limbaugh Groupie Opiates and all.
Figures!!!!!!!!< ranknfile
"So if they weren't over there What Exactly Is Going To Happen that I should Fear?"
Oh, my God. Ranknfile, you have absolutely no love for America, if you dare say that our military serves no purpose, and those that serve to protect this country have no right to be taken care of by our country.
With everything that's in place right now, security-wise, and with our presence throughout the world, we're still here living in daily fear of terrorist attacks. Do you actually expect me to believe that we don't need the military and that STATE AND LOCAL POLICE should be our last line of defense? Policemen that, in some cases, shouldn't even be out directing traffic (by their own colleagues' admissions) should be the ones ready to scramble and travel across the country in cases of national emergencies?
The U.S. military is not just a war machine designed to "scam" U.S. citizens out of tax money. At the very least, the presence of a military base in small towns around this country are what KEEP those towns alive and help keep our economy going on. Those who, like me, couldn't find a job out of school and joined up had an "out" from imminent poverty (and for the record, I had a B.A. degree from an accredited university BEFORE I joined--I was no ignorant recruit) have a better-than-average chance to be respectable and educated citizens. It can provide a stable and structured lifestyle for those who have never known one before. And those that serve are more than worthy of a modicum of respect... which clearly you don't understand how to give.
Just from others like 'ranknfile' whose comments I have read on these forums in the past, I suspect 'ranknfile' is nothing more that a bored pre-pubescent troll ... Don't Feed the Troll ... ranknfile obviously doesn't work at a VA, or if they do their constant presence here on-line makes it clear why there is such a backlog
@ranknfile...it figures you're a groupie of a draft dodgin' chickenhawk anal orifice coward whom I have zero respect for , as I am a VET(USAF1973-80) I can tell you that jerk doesn't speak for me what so ever , nor do you numbnuts....my hearing has been shot since I was in the service(documented) and getting worse and the VA has done nothing so far with my claim except drag it on now for years in a state of limbo...I don't complain too much about this though , since when I do go to the VA I see fellow Vets young and old alike far worse off than my situation and I sympathise with them and their plight and put them before me....
Wow I don't think you work on a base because you would have to have some knowledge of the threats to your base and to the US. There bad people already here.
Not every Veteran is eligible for financial assistance. I tried to get temporary, short term help but I didn't qualify while unemployed. I am glad the Veteran in this story was able to get help though.
Also, veterans can't be on welfare. Not many people know that.
And tell me everyone, while they were out there with it all on line, what did we do to cover their 6 and make sure they had a job and home to come back to?
Rick to this
""The current generation of veterans certainly seem to need more hlp than the population at large...why?"
Did you see the pictures of the reception the WWI, WWII, and even some Korean Vets got? They needed the help too, but no one questioned or complainded about it. Compare that with the reception "the current generation of veterans get". The difference has nothing to do with the quality, loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice of the vets. The difference is in the people they are serving. That is why. There is still chewing tobacco spit stains on the Class A uniform I was wearing when I got off the plane at Sea-Tac airport in 1974. I kept it as a reminder of why I was wounded and almost died...it was for the men I served WITH because the people I served FOR...well you all just keep on doing what you do for whatever reasons you do it. When I look in your in you eyes you look pretty empty and shallow to me. Hurah!
But "Americans" allow Mexico to march on the streets of the United States and demand that we treat them like equals. When did Mexico ever step up and fight a war?
As America winds down on it's gluttonous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are facing the same old problems with veterans. Just like with any time in American history, there will be a significant portion of veterans who get the shaft, too. How many veterans in your municipality do you think actually attend those Veterans Day parades? How many veterans in your municipality, who have earned a Silver Star, the equivalent, or an even higher award (and it is on their DD214 registered with the clerk of court) fail to attend these things that are supposed to be in their honor? The truth is probably close to less than 25%. This serves as a nice cross thread for reality versus fiction. The reality is that there are supposed to be these programs designed to help but it is a political boondoggle. There are some communities out there who will go out of their way to catch a veteran slipping (when the veteran never was), so they can overcharge a misdemeanor (which should have never been) into a felony...I mean, I read these stories about programs designed to help veterans? You must be joking. I think communities do everything they can to hide the shame of ignoring these individuals, who gave their all. I could go on, but in order to cut through all the bullshed like butter...how about doing a little experiment? Go down to the clerk of court and find out all the veterans in your municipality. Then discover how many actually attend these events that are veteran related. Those that don't attend...I am sure have quite an interesting story to tell. You may find out that individuals like this Ron Sanquist is actually one of the lucky ones. That...is shameful.
Thank you Editori, Ron is one of the lucky ones, but we did have to prove everything, we did go to tons of dr apts, and we had some very hard times over the last year. If it was not for his heart issues, we would still be waiting. We have been able to work with some great people, but I do know that their are some people that work for the va, that do not care if anyone gets help! It is very hard trying to understand PTSD, why when a door slams or a car back fires, my husband jumps. Or what he is dreaming about, when in the middle of the night he jumps out of bed and yells! He would love to have a normal life, but after being in the services for 17 years, being deployed a total of 5 times, saying that he is so upset because he is no not deploy-able! He wants to go over with his brothers to be there to help them, to keep us safe! It is so hard to explain everything that we go thru every day. Yes we are lucky, but we really wish we didn't have to be lucky at this! He has been looking for a job for a month now, and has not even gotten an interview!!!! Thank you everyone for leaving great comments!!!! I understand every has the right to post their opinion, but remember we are a family in the US, that we are just trying to support our kids and have a good life!
Best of luck to your family. Thank your huband for his service, from me and mine.
Perhaps they should have just named the hurricane George and we would not have to endure all the stupid comments from the left, it would be obvious whose fault it was and we could all go on living the dream.
As a combat-disabled Marine veteran, a participant in numerous "gunfights" during my deployment, I watch the number of applications for PTSD with some scrutiny. It has become a source for income for many veterans due to the presumptive exposure decision by the VA and those groups that pressured the VA to do so. People who spent their entire deployment "behind the wire" as we say, or on some secure major base who really never went in harm's way, yet filing for PTSD to get in on the gravy train, are a mismatch of the reason behind the diagnosis and treatment needed for so many legitimate cases.
PTSD should be reserved for those who have proved, via documentation and/or corroboration by a commanding officer, that they experienced a threatening situation, potential harm from enemy action, or other legitimate cause for the condition. I see far too many combat vets who shirk the idea of the diagnosis, and by doing so, any help to deal with what is REAL PTSD. These should be the priority. Combat or other life-threatening experience is the true test. Enough wih the wanna-be's and phonies. The guy in this story may well have experienced combat, but it needs to be proven.
You sir (no insult intended if you are indeed enlisted), are walking proof that Marines are NOT dum. Your comment here is dead on. What ever your disability, it is evident it is not from the neck up. I have often told those I have worked with suffering our version, shell shock, that because we are wounded and perhaps even disabled does not make us victims of our circumstances-we can only do that to ourselves. I can tell you have not done that and you are an asset to your generation of warriors. Carry on Marine.
CSM USA (Retired)
$3000 for rent and monthly expenses? Maybe they should move to ND, where jobs are plentiful.
Right after the election. I have some loose ends here and there will be even more jobs when we start building that pipeline.
PTSD while often found in combat situations is exactly what it says...traumatic stress after the fact....it can come from any stressfull situation...even a housefire or automobile accident or the loss of a loved one. Ask any doctor and don't seek a diagnosis from Rambo!
Some people simply don't realize--there are those that can function fully well after such a trauma, and those that cannot. It's a little thing called human variation. Not everyone handles everything the same way and with the same level of adequacy that YOU do, because they face different challenges than you do.
When someone gets judgmental over another based on a few lines in a news article, the hairs on the back of my neck go up. Even qualified physicians with the patient's medical record spread out before them have difficulty determining exactly "what's wrong" and "how to fix it."
It is downright offensive for someone to read about veterans in articles like this and be IGNORANT enough to draw a snap decision of, "Well, he should just be getting off his butt and doing something about it!"--all strongly believed but without knowing even one smidgen of the medical issues going on (never mind the family's economic/social situation, what the veteran's spouse is faced with, issues with their children, etc.). That is disgusting and selfish on the part of the reader to pass judgment like that.
War seems to be a profitable experience for military contractors...we should spend every other dollar designated for defense spending, on our soldiers and especially on the care of our veterans! I might add if war was less profitable for those defense contractors...we would probably see less of them and less war! Took me quite a few years and a few civilian doctors to be diagnosed with PTSD...as a Vietnam Vet, it seemed to me that the V.A. was not very helpful when the word disability was mentioned...despite other issues I certainly did not seem to qualify.
As the spouse of a disabled veteran, my answer to this is that the VA tries to make sure that the veteran never gets the aid. The VA's response to far to many claims is no, and then the veteran and their family are not aware that they can do a NOD = Notice of Disagreement. They also rely on the POA's to do all of the research for them. The VA does not report the long term wait for a claim because it looks better to say that they are on track to fulfill all claims in 125 days..until they aid that it will be several years before they do so.
it took 5 years to recieve service connected disability for some of my injuries and still fighting other issues. the problems arise from the comp and pen dr's evaluation and the RO decision. when they deny claims due to "nothing in the service members file to substantiate the claim" and yet you can open the file and there it is. you understand that the VA does not give a damn about you but only cares about denying claims and drawing a paycheck.
The VA is making a sincere effort to speed things up when it comes to claims. However they are currently overwhelmed. And their are a lot of us in the holding pattern on the waiting list. Just got to sit back and wait. or go fishing, and hope they don't loose your file.
Mike, the VA may be making a sincere effort, but this taxpayer says that you wonderful guys and ladies shoudn't have to wait for or worry about a thing! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for serving and for your sacrifice to ensure my freedom. May God Bless you and your family always!
With sincerest regards,
The very proud daughter of a US Marine (WWII - Guam & Korea)
Red Rose thanks for the kind words. I served USMC 65-71. Best wishes Mike
why is this vet a republican? I am a republican for the very real issue of defending the constitution. the current president has violated the oath of office and the democrats have viewed this constitution as something that is outdated. frankly it does not matter what else they put forth, nothing, and i mean nothing is of greater importance for the wellbeing of my children and grandchildren than to know that they are free. Our constitution protects that freedom and it needs our protection from the enemy within which in this case is the Obama administration, and the democratic senate.
Ron lost his position at the call center after requesting leave to fulfill his National Guard duties.
Just another reason to despise these call centers and the aggravation of them ringing the phone sometimes four times a day! I thought all companies were required to allow soldiers the time off to fulfill National Guard duties. Apparently not. Our military personnel shoudn't have to WAIT for anything! Period!
RR
It is against the law to terminate someone due to their R/NG duties. If that is in fact why he was let go, the call center owes him a buttload of money.
one issue they finally service connected stating that everyone in that job came into contact with these chemicals. Duh. that took over 35 years to get them to admit that one. 125 days??? who are they trying to hoodwink?
the point is never ever stop with the appeals, especially if it is documented in your medical file. sincerely? they can sincerely get off of their arse.
they are quick to rescue banks who screwed people and keep screwing people and they can't wait to make money off soldiers lives to the tune of near trillions, but they can't help them function after service. Greed in action again. Unfair and disgusting.
Applying for VA Compensation/Pension should be taken the same way as investing in the Stock Market. Don't count on the money or figure it in your budget until the returns are in. The one thing about the VA though, as mentioned in this article, is your payments are retroactive. The longer it takes the more you get when you finally get it. At $2,965.00 for 100% Disability, if it takes 3 years to get approved you get a check for $ 106,740.00 and it's all tax free.
The majority of veterans are good people who served their country with honor. I'm sure there are a few, not so honorable people who try to scam the system, but the bigger problem is the veterans who need help and deserve help cannot get it as quickly as they should.
I'm sure that those who are complaining about scamming have been on the front lines and witnessed their friends being blown apart by ieds, suffered grievous injuries and lost their homes while they were serving. No? Then stfu. You have absolutely no right to decide which veterans actually deserve help.
So many of these people were reservists or national guard and had not prepared emotionally or financially for deployment. Their wives and families were equally unprepared. As a result, many had financial commitments that they were no longer able to meet. The careers that they had begun were no longer available to them when they came home. They had lost the homes they had purchased while still a civilian. In some cases, the long, serial deployments even cost them their families. Many came home with brain injuries, amputations, PTSD, etc.
What makes me angry is that intel that suggested there weren't WMDs in Iraq was withheld from Congress. Anyone who actually wanted to study the situation before going in was called out as being unpatriotic and threatened with the big guns come the next election. Anyone remember what happened to the Dixie Chicks when they dared to criticize the war president? Anyone with half a brain could have figured out that Saddam would never have allowed terrorist training camps in Iraq because they would have threatened his reign.
We were not welcomed as liberators. We were hated as occupiers.
But these veterans are not to blame for the poor decision making in Washington. They did their duty. They have sacrificed much. They should be provided with whatever benefits they need to readjust to civilian life. They should be provided with education, counseling, financial aid, rehabilitation and anything else they might need.
It always amazes me that the Republicans who are so patriotic and pro-military are also the same ones that want to deny veterans the benefits they need and are even now talking about cutting veterans benefits but increasing the military budget. I guess the military contractors pay better bribes than the vets.