In case you missed it, the United States Supreme Court delivered veterans a major victory in a 5-4 ruling that you should be aware about.
The ruling will give better work protections to thousands of state-employed veterans going back to work after their service in the National Guard or Reserves.
The case was centered around a veteran and former Texas state trooper, Le Roy Torres. Torres claimed that he was forced out of his job when he returned from Army service in Iraq.
Torres says he was exposed to open burn pits on his base in Iraq, and subsequently suffered lung damage. He spent one year in Iraq and was discharged as a captain after almost 19 years in the U.S. Army Reserve.
When he returned to Texas, he was unable to resume his job as a state trooper because of the damage to his lungs. He sought another comparable job to accommodate his service-related disability, but was denied. That’s when he filed a lawsuit, which he initially lost in state courts. Torres then filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which just ruled in his favor.
More via Federal Times:
The justices ruled for Army veteran Le Roy Torres under a federal law that was enacted in 1994 in the wake of the Persian Gulf war to strengthen job protections for returning service members.
By a 5-4 vote, the high court rejected Texas’ claim that it is shielded from such lawsuits. “Text, history, and precedent show that the States, in coming together to form a Union, agreed to sacrifice their sovereign immunity for the good of the common defense,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the court.
Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by three other conservative justices, dissented, arguing that “when the States ratified the Constitution, they did not implicitly consent to private damages actions filed in their own courts—whether authorized by Congress’ war powers or any other Article I power.” Article I refers to the part of the Constitution that spells out Congress’ power.
Went in to Air Force to learn about new technology…jet engines. Enlisted in Albrook AFB, Panama City, Panama. No sooner got there and Panama totally collapsed and rebels attacked the base. We were tasked with defending “at all costs” the base. Got everything “politically’ tucked away and off I went to Lackland and then Chanute AFB learn about B-52, B-47 and B-58 (Hustler). Did the F-104, too. Also IM-99A missiles. Loaded nuclear (type)weapons, too. Wore roentgen counters all the time.
Had two kids, wife and forced to live off base in a chicken house where owner gathered eggs, packaged then sold to local stores. Wife did accounting and I did menial tasks when “off-duty.”” Never, ever made enough to feed a family of four. Moved to a rented room 45 miles away. Was totally broke. Couldn’t rub two pennies together…kids, wife sick. So applied for OCS(better pay)…the three lieutenants laughed. Told me to get a degree then apply. Went to night school at nearby Purdue University. Was A Waste of time…so early-outed and off to Los Angeles and Western Airlines. Worked as line mechanic fixing everything on 707′ passenger planes. Graduated with Economics degree. Went to a Foreign studies school for International Trade, got another international Degree. then a Masters. Never looked back, folks. The USA Military will kick you in the teeth..and spit you out…USAF today is totally LGBTQA+ and DEI. Not worth it…go to a trade school…learn a profession…you’ll never look back…trust me! You’ll never, ever make it in the US military (unless one kisses ass, like a car wash). .The VA is another story…what a waste…doctors will tell you about their karate expertise and “kick-you-in-the-butt!!!” Veterans Home Owners organizations…what a joke! Have more “Red Tape: than a Christmas Present. Sorry to gripe! But Be a professional plumber, welder, designer, professional (the professions) Trust Me! Avoid the Military IT SUCKS BAD! Amen. God Bless. And you’ll be able to buy a house and feed the family and LOVE YOUR GOD. TITHE.
Amen! Nothing wrong for saying it like it is.
I had the complete opposite experience with the VA and my Army days where hard but nobody said it would be easy. The VA saved my life and I don’t see what the grip is that many bets have but maybe I was just lucky
That is a damn shame, and it is heartbreaking to hear that our Military has deteriorated so poorly In the care for their Veterans. I went into the Navy in 1985, got out in 1998 and it was the BEST time of my life.
Since that time, I have been cared for by the VA in Chicago since 2009. I absolutely love my doctors. The attentiveness, the care that I’ve demanded and received has been without question. They have been unwavering in their support to everything I’m going through. It saddens me to hear that our military is no longer thought of highly because of who’s now running our country and the policies that’s being changed. It doesn’t surprise me that the enlistment has decreased greatly and our young people no longer wish to join?Something has got to be done about this!!! Smh🤦♀️
Hooah!
You’re full of crap, you have no idea what you’re talking about. Keep the political crap out of it. Your boy Trump don’t give a damn about you. Straight from his mouth.
I totally agree. Trump has shown and verbalized his disdain for Military and Vets. A Purple Heart recipient once offered his PH Medal to Trump during a Trump rally. Instead of doing the proper and honorable thing by refusing the medal and thanking the Vet for his service and sacrifice, Trump took it and sort of mocked the incident by saying something about always wanting a Purple Heart and now he has one. He is a disgrace. Also is a 5 time draft dodger. I’m not fooled by his current rhetoric. He’s a narcissistic, lying, phoney.
Our Armed Forces is no place for social experiments. Period!!
Not white enough for you John? Too many blacks, yellows, browns and reds to suit your sense of value. Oh no I know it’s the women. Yeah, all those Democrats with their social experiments. You MAGA Bigots and Misogynists make me sick.
I went in at the end of Vietnam. We women were only 4% of the forces. I was often the only woman who was verbally abused? I still benefited by having served.
I had and still having a great relationship and care from the VA. All of my needs are met met no question I’m a proud Air Force veteran and grateful for the VA and SSD I’m just sorry that the system didn’t work for you GodBless you and USA.🙏🙏🙏
You joined the AF to do their mission. Not your personal mission. In a nutshell!
I do agree that they and the VA can make. things miserable when trying to get the help you need.
You have rebounded and done well. Cherish that.
Stay Blessed
Yeah I’m in the same boat, can’t prove age discrimination but I was out for a few months and decided to go back to work “against” my Dr wishes, my job was unable to accommodate for my documented medical conditions and physicians recommendations. So now I’m back at work dealing with the same issues that had me laid up for a while. My Dr. I recommends that I file for LTD and SSDI I was unaware that I was able to get both and still collect my VA as well. If anyone has gone thru this headache can we message offline so I can see just how much of a hassle I am in for?
Not a hassle at all All you need to do is get a SSD lawyer and will file your case All you got to do is pay them 50% for 3 months after your case is settled it’s a simple thing All you need to do is have your documentation in order and life is wonderful if you qualify for 100% VA you’re going to qualify for 100% SSD you’re just going to have to have one medical on evaluation on the SSD side and if you work that the way you need to you won’t have an issue. My phone in 8438174823 if you have questions, take care
i was Denied SSI for 21 years I’ m Retierd Army disabled Vet i lost a lot of income because i and total and permenet from VA
Take a visit down to your local.congress
persons office in your state, they will point
you in the right direction !
I was forced to retire from Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Avondale, Louisiana when they closed the shipyard in December 2011. Since 2011 the only jobs I can get hired are part-time employment at Uber and Lyft, Catering jobs, Lead Generating for Home Depot, and Air Conditioning Companies. Do I think that I was and have been discriminated against? It is called age discrimination, I was in my fifties and I still dropped resumes and still no success. I know that I have over 1,000 resumes out there and no one was to hire me.
I agree I discussed this with my friend just today. Ge just turned fifty.
I am having a very hard time obtaining another job based on age discrimination. I cannot prove it, but I am sure my DD form indicates my age and therefore the Aerospace companies like General Atomics, General Dynamics, Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and many more have obviously rejected from picking me up as an employee, The City of San Diego required a copy of my Drivers License which also provides my DOB. San Diego City Schools also rejected me and in addition the City of Riverside California rejected me as a Contract Specialist after a Video Teams in line interview. I personally feel that any company that does not hire Veterans that have Federal and State Contracts or requirements should hire Veterans that have the proper educational and or work experience that meats the positions requirements.
EXACTLY……I’m face the exact same issue…..cannot figure out why because the job description matches the experience I have….!
I was medically discharged at 20% and given a severance pay in ARP 1992. With the help of the VFW my disability rating was upgraded to 40% by Sep 1992. I had to pay back my severance pay also, all of it, including the taxes they took out at Ft Hood (Oops – Ft Cavasos), severance pay for disability is not supposed to be taxed so I ended up paying $12,600 twice! I never was able to get any of the double payment in taxes back. So it’s all BS.
You should go back and file an amendment to your tax to get your money back they taxed. The IRS WILL DO WVERYTHING TO STEAK UOUR MONEY. it happened to me. When Trump was the President he signed a law that required the DOD and the IRS to refund the money they taxed when you were discharged under medical disability I forgot the name of the law but you should get it done at HRBLOCK. THEY WILL what it is. But you have to hurry. I am not political, but FYI Joe Biden and the Democrats are trying to repeal that Trump era law to return Veterans money back. Even if it over 20 years ago. I did this through HRblock and we got our money back. Be careful to get all your documents that shows they did take the money when you were discharged. Good luck bro.
It sure is nice to know you’re apolitical. 🤙🏾
He is apolitical and said things very politely. I personally think we should remove ALL of the current bunch of politicians permanently and never allow them to be put in office again. POLI is a latin word for “Many” TIC is a bloodsucking bug and I have just described our government. It is filled with our most prevalent type of welfare parasite, the government employee! These people accomplish damned little and are overpaid. The only ones who earn their pay and benefits are the military. We should pare down the bureaucracy and use the money to feed people who need help just living. Just so you know, I am a republican and despise the way our government acts.
I agree 100%
I’m also exactly same problem. I’m looking for people veterans like you so we can form a group and take case to federal court . I am submitting case as tort act.
any veteran from 90s disabled and not retired after serving 18 years. i also lost my severance pay to va. government needs to fix this.
It takes a simple signature to sign your life over to your government but you need a Ph.D., Lawyer’s Degree, and an Extensive Course in Research to get the benefits if you ever get injured. If you request assistance with any problem, you will need to know every regulation or Law ever passed to get any response from the military. DFAS never makes any mistakes., From Sep 1984 to Oct 2014 I paid for my 30 yr retirement, DFAS sent a letter Nov 2014, and I owed $217 I put on my check,” under protest”. I called to have them check my account. I was told “Thanks for enquiring about your account and was refunded some $2034 as an overpayment. CSRC was created to compensate military members that had lost body parts. CANCER was added to CSRC, once on CSRC the only way the payments were stopped was DEATH, “body parts don’t grow back on humans”. Well, CANCER is not the same, some people are cured, as was. Thank God, my daughter caught up on the house payments. I nearly lost my house because DFAS cut payment to my CSRC Account without any notification to the tune of $47,000.00. I can’t make them prove that the notice was sent to me or. that I was informed. I think that COMPLACENCY set in with DFAS because for years they never had to change any payments with CSRC until CANCER was added. I was cured of CANCER but my CSRC account was not updated but ignored. up until CANCER was added I had to die to get any change. I’m out $47,000.00 in DISABLED Benefits. Mind you, the military says “We give the solder every benefit and payment that they earned” I have a DFAS letter that states that I have no claim. Oh! I had DAV get the claim updated and payments started, In Nov 2015 but the $47,000.00 has not been given, from June 2013 to Nov 2015. Payments were cut from $2154.00 to $261.00 for almost 23 months. My 08/01/2016 CRSC/CRDP AUDIT shows just how DFAS messed up my DISABLED BENEFIT Payments and never notified me. and to date, there is no recourse to appeal any error or miss justice with the CRSC/CRDP DISABLED PAYMENTS. That was the 2nd mistake DFAS made on my military record, my loss of $47,000.00.
Actually no one is ever cured of cancer, it is only put in remmision. It can always come back.
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/guide/cure-for-cancer
That is a real cruel remark!!!!!!!
Cancer can metastasis any where else in your body at any time. You may not get the same cancer again but you can get another kind. I’ve had cancer 3 times.
It is not cruel it is the truth. You are never totally cured. Everyone carries the cancer cell but only those who have a weakened immune system develop cancer. That is what my oncologist told me. It is better to face the truth then to live with rose colored glasses on. GySgt Ross
They say you are under control never cured.
Beyond true HOAHH
Sorry you had to go through this bullshit. When I was discharged I couldn’t get my disability pay until the VA paid the army back the severance pay then I was supposed to get paid for a 20% disability but just when I was supposed to start getting paid the VA decreased my disability form 20% to 10% and they said that I had to prove that it shouldn’t be reduced. How do you prove that you still have the same issues with it and the pain as well.
Hi Munge,
Hit my cell. I can help you with your rating. I am a veteran also. I did 20 years in the army. I just retired a year ago. 917-590-0955. My name is Liz..
I WAS DISABLED IN 1968 DUE TO SHIN SPLINTS ( TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME ) I APPLIED IN BOSTON AND WROTE SHIN SPLINTS ON MY APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY’S IN THE U.S.M.C. A VA REP CROSSED IT OF OR DELETED IT, SAYING THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SHIN SPLINTS. MANY YRS LATER I HAD THE DAV HAVE THE VA CASE SENT TO THE FEDERAL JUDGE WHERE HE DETERMINED FROM MY MEDICAL RECORDS THAT MY SHIN SPLINTS WHERE CAUSED BY MY ADVANCED INFANTRY TRAINING AT CAMP LEJEUNE WHERE I SPENT 3 DAYS BED REST BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO WALK, AT CAMP LEJEUNE A DOCTOR HAD CLAIMED ON MY MEDICAL RECORDS THAT I DON’T HAVE SUSPECTED SHIN SPLINTS THAT I HAVE SHIN SPLINTS.. AFTER 3 DAYS BED REST I WAS SENT BACK TO FINISH MY TRAINING, I NEVER HELD OR WAS TRAINED TO HANDLE A HAND GRENADE, A M60 MACHINE AND WHATEVER ELSE TRAINING I WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE.. THE FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERED THAT I WAS DISABLED AND STATED THE TIME STARTS FROM WHEN IT HAPPENED, IN 2011 AFTER 39 PLUS YRS FIGHTING FOR. MY SHIN SPLINTS, I WAS AWARDED 0% DISABILITY FOR BOTH LEGS SHIN SPLINTS?
Liz,
I saw your txt to Munge!!! Thanks for helping him.
I am fighting with the VA and need to pull data from my VA records in Ga. Would you be able to answer any Questions on that?
I applied for an increase for my husband & they lowered him to 10% and removed me as his dependant. I appealed and got my congressman involved. Now, he is at 70% with benefits at 100% rate. I am also listed as his dependant and I have champva for medical in addition to my Medicare for my own health issues.
I have fibromyalgia and RSD I have had 4 surgeries 2 on the left shoulder and 2 on the right. I ended up having to have a spinal cord stem placed in my chest VA gave me 60% and since I had to take Morphine for the pain and many other medications they said they gave me 100% because I can’t work!! So about 15 years ago VA sent me Cpap Test because of my sleeping pattern and placed me with the equipment then I was having problems walking my leg gave out at anytime it wanted to, I had many problems in the military. Well the Doctor said I was bone on bone and it was most likely done with all the problems I had in the military and the VA sent me for the test!! Then the VA kept dragging their legs and I was tired of falling down and it hurt a lot so I ended paying for the surgery myself I couldn’t take it anymore after the surgery the RSD traveled to my legs… I can’t stand for more then 5 minutes and can’t walk far at all. So VA gave me a scooter because of all this and they ended putting another spinal cord stem in my lower back because I have a lot of pain in my lower back!! I so upset with all this because I can’t do very much without my wife’s help and it bothers me with all she has to do when I use to be able to do it.. I’ve been told not to file due to the 100% they gave me but it crazy and my American Legions has did anything for me not even call me back after leaving several messages!! Any help would be greatly appreciated
Hi Frank,
I did 20 years, 26 days, and 1 minute in the Army. Trying to get medical benefits was almost impossible. I finally got tired of the runaround and contacted my US Senator. Who lit a fire under someone and within 2 weeks I was approved and started getting what I earned. BTW it also worked for issues with the Texas state government. I had problems renewing my license to practice and couldn’t get anyone to help sort things out. I called my state senator Judith Zaffirini’s office and they had it fixed the within 2 days.
Have you considered moving to the great state of Texas? No State income tax!!
Bull!!! Your the racest!!
Hit a nerve? Try again.
I to got out of the navy back an 1984webt back to my job and they denied me an said ok you are your father will be let go so I walked away the we also had a case on them and a lawsuit they never paid me off
OMG, did you look at all at what you said??? It makes no sense whatsoever. It looks like a word salad. Try again.
Hi Kittymom! All Le Roy Torres (CPT.) (RET) explained I thought can across very clear,. Would you possibly be dealing with, “inattention to detail”?
Be blessed!!!
I served in Vietnam in 68/69, seemed to make it thru the mess. My brother was in country and I knew I didn’t have to go. But when they mentioned Adam Alaska , I said looks like I’am going to Southeast Asia. After being there about 3 months my brother’s company was overrun and his best friend running left machine support, was shot in the face and my brother grabbed his M 16 returned fire killing the NVA soldier. He was the M 60 gunner. That battle after 7 months of combat put the fear of God in him. He came up north to Dong Ha to ask if I would sign papers to finish my tour in exchange for him to go home. Well home didn’t materialize as they sent him to Korea to finish his tour. I was really glad to help him get out of Asia. After he got home he became I’ll. All the dirt dust and power smoke fried his lungs. Out of that it started an ole family problem which can remain dormant, but all the contributing factors , Alpha 1 started killing his lungs. Needless to say, he died at 49. He received Purple Hearts a bronze star and maybe more. He was a real hero too me. But, he had to fight the veterans daily to receive benefits. Several years after he died they awarded his wife a considerable amount of money. When he got so sick he couldn’t work, the veterans even took his home. He had a veterans home loan. Noe he’s fighting for benefits and he’ homeless as well with 4 kids. Now I’am having the same issues and the veterans could careless. It adds a whole new meaning to the words, thank you for your service. They get pretty shallow at this point. I really feel sorry for all my brothers and sisters out there sick and having to battle the veterans association. Good luck all my military friends.
I appreciate reading your comment Michael. Sad the way disabled vets are treated by the country they defended. Very SAD.
Well I have a comment that New York State always dangle all disable veteran 100% for full property exemption never does it happen no matter how long the senate votes all Agree but after that the rest of committee votes all in but once it goes to means and ways committee but somehow it sits there and nothing else mean while you have 18 states that care of disabled veteran 100% and gave them full property exemption New York doesn’t help veterans
MY TWIN WENT TO NAM AND A LOT OF SHIT WENT ON, IT WAS SO BAD, AFTER 2 YRS OR SO HE GOT OUT IN 69 OR 70 AND WAS 21 OR 22 YRS OLD. HE VOWED TO HIMSELF HE WOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE U.S. GOVT. TO THIS DAY THAT I KNOW OF HE NEVER APPLY FOR ANY HELP FROM THE U.S. GOVT. HE IS KNOW 53 YRS OLDER AND STILL WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE U.S. GOVT. I PRAY THAT HE WILL OR SOME HOW GETS WHAT HE DESERVES, WE DON’T GET ALONG BUT HE IS OWED A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.
you’re not your!!!!!
Are you the grammar police? You are fired! Your is correct. You’re is you are!
No; you are wrong!!
The way the civilian workforce even state institutions treats veterans, I may have been better off a convict. I was discriminated against by white racist in the military (US Air Force); a group who included my squadron commander (racist), flight sergeant (racist) and coworker (racist) and all of their racist friends.
After enduring 4 years of a medical review board where I was certain to receive a medical discharge these magicians in my squadron pulled a good one. I returned from Saudi Arabia with the gift of post traumatic stress syndrome amongst other things.
While being evaluated by a medical review board who were treating me for two busted up knees I eventually received an Article 15 and General Discharge for using indecent language; (was downgraded from sexual harassment) because according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) they were telling a damn lie.
But they stick together. Even the indecent language charge was bs but like I said them racist stick together. The last evaluation I had by the MEB, consisting of four doctors, advised I be crossed trained or discharged altogether. They had me as not worldwide qualified and on a waiver for the next four months.
My racist commander had other plans for me though. He had me bring my medical records from the naval hospital where I had my surgeries. Two days later a staff sergeant at the air base medical center, someone I’ve never saw, wrote up a MEB document stating I was worldwide qualified and removed my waiver. Now my commander had the green light to drop the hammer and my 14 year military career was over.
I got out and went straight to the VA where it took me 20 years to get 100% disability. Now in between that I took a state job at a university I worked at prior to joining the racist Air Force. While working on their help desk in the IT department I became heavily involved with the Union naturally.
Needless to say; fast forward 14 years later I was terminated for having three disagreements with a coworker over a three year span. Now get this; after the first disagreement, that first year, I asked management in written format to move me out of that department to any place else and even requesting less money.
My goal was to receive a Veterans retirement at 55 years old with 25 years of service. Having served in the military I was able to buy back the years I previously worked at the university plus some of the time I spent in the military towards the retirement system.
The problem was I had someone at the job attacking me and a natural reaction to protect myself. Management’s response to my written request to move was whenever the person verbally attacked me again to get up from my desk and walk away; which I did the second time but received a second write up anyway.
In short after the third disagreement we both were terminated. At my VA psychological counseling sessions which my supervisor let me attend during my lunch breaks this thing at work was a topic of discussion after the first argument and write up I received was identified as a stressor.
I was terminated at 50 years old with 20.4 years of retirement credit. Had I stayed I would have received a Veterans retirement from the state at 55 years old with close to 30 years of retirement credit and a nice retirement check.
Fast forward 10 years later at 60 years old with 20.4 years of retirement credit to receive a early retirement instead of veterans retirement and retirement pay that is $1000 less a month than I would have received at veterans retirement with 20.4 years of retirement credit.
When I was terminated 10 years ago I went to EEOC to make my complaint with a letter from my VA psychiatrist stating my condition amongst a gang of physical conditions and the EEOC wrote my supervisor asking her if she knew I had PTSD and although she did know (because she is a navy vet and we talked about it) not yo mention she allowed me to attend counseling session over my lunch breaks. Anyway she replied that she did not know so EEOC dropped the case.
I went to see a lawyer and they asked me if I went to EEOC and what did they say. I told them what EEOC said so the lawyers declined my case too. So regardless of your patriotism or intent and the fact that you are a disabled veteran it seems that the curse of being black is the gift that keeps on giving. Now I know how people like Henry Flipper and Charles Hamilton Houston felt.
How long have I waited and wanted to put these two racist organizations on blast. How long I have waited to present my case. Thanks for the ear.
Wow sounds like the only one racist is you. Anytime someone says that’s everyone is racist he comes in contact with your the racist one. Sounds like if it don’t go your way you retaliate against them. Good luck to whatever
You must be white or should I say Caucasian. It shows in your speech and you never had any racial experience. I’m a Vietnam combat Marine veteran and my Story should be highlighted with the Systematic racism. You best check yourself. You either with the problem or part of the resolution. Have a Blessed Day…
Your what’s wrong in this country. Most people, white or black would have given up and went to work. I thank you for your service, but brush that chip off your shoulder. If you think for one minute white people don’t have the same problems then you better rethink your opinion. Just calm down, no one hates you, you just make it difficult for yourself. Please try to have a non biased good day.
Michael
I was in the military for over 22 years. Your PTSD doesn’t allow you to call everybody a racist that doesn’t (for whatever reason) concur. Your diatribe of comments can only make it harder for you and every other Veteran who ALSO, served. Start with your attitude adjustment and lay out the facts. If I was one of the people named, I’d slap a suit on you for publicly slandering me.
AMEN!
He did not call everyine a racist…just those acting like it.
Perhaps, he should have said white supremists?
Its true and i am caucasian.
His voice…your voice…my voice….
Stop hiding for fear of being targetted by those “good ole boys”.
Elite rhetoric.
My comments are ALL factual and not everyone is racist but those that are that’s their choice but don’t direct any to me if I come righteous and for ALl. No color boundary. Give Thanks and have a Blessed Day.🙏🏾
I was thinking the EXACT same thing Robert! I have seen hundreds of servicemembers just like this (from ALL RACES) come and go.
I could not agree with you more. I hate when people blame everyone else for their mistakes.
Not a racist issue. That was their MO. I have seen plenty of cases where the vet had medical issues, and insteadof fixing them or compensating the vet, the SG would say you are ww qualified, then when you can’t complete your PT test or do your job, the commander would kick you out for whatever reason.
Agreed, saw that happen many times.
I’m a 22 year service connected disabled vet. Got a few hearts and and everything. Individually maybe once in awhile u’d come across some moron who was racist. For the most part that shit didn’t exist. Chain of command didn’t dare display even if they might have been. The Army was really big on that. It would screw up their advancement it got in their record. Seems to me that maybe u might be the problem. I’ve been dealing with severe PTSD 5 traumas starting over 50 years ago.. and I have my problems I know it’s tough. But I never ever make excuses or my shit on other. I do know that there is some racism out there but everywhere u go! Come on man!😎🇺🇸✌🏻
Well said sir.
Hi,
He is not you… he does not have to express his thoughts your way either.
Accept his thoughts without judging.
Sounds like solid evidence to me.
Retired Army Veteran who finished in a leadership position for training. I agree that training on these issues is/was done. I made sure of it!
Hey you guys with PTSD. After over 50 years, from flying choppers in Vietnam, I was introduced to EMDR. It is a cure. Find a practitioner, took me about 3 months of meetings with psychologist and one or two hours of following a light with my eyes, like magic, no more flashbacks, nightmares, etc. Check it out.
I had this to happen to me as well. With 18 years 5 months 15 days to have my combined 20 years. I was put out. Could not get my civilian job either.
Willie,
I won’t say it wasn’t racism when you got out because I’ve delt with the same kind of crap when I got out as a disabled vet and I’m white. Also, for the record, I was a victim of racism by a platoon Sargent who tried to get me an article 15 for , ready for this, inciting smoking Marijuana in the barracks. Well, long story short, I did my homework and found out he was selling weed out of his trunk and I called him on it one day never had a problem with him after that. Never back down from these dirtbags put their names and faces in the newspapers and TV and anyplace else that will listen to your story.
We, regardless of color, are brothers and sisters of a unique club we have our share of a**holes in the club but if we don’t stand together we will surely perish separately and thats never what we were about. Stay strong brother!
Sp4 Army Infantry 80-84
Well said brother.
Hi Willie,
I believe what you are saying. Ungodly men and women have no conscious. Elites thinking they will rule the world. God did not give them that authority.
Unfortunately, many have suffered…no matter gender or race. Payback is coming.
Hey Willie, you are right on point pertaining to your story without a doubt. I am glad to pushed forward with these barriers they have in place-Good job, by not giving up or end.. hope you get a chance to see what I wrote, would love to chop it up with you.
Charles
Right. But you were never an issue, never. Heard and read this line of crap before. Many times. Never you though, everyone is racist and out to get you. You earned what you deserve. Enjoy it.
“Equity tolling” will be another big victory for veterans if SCOTUS rules favorably for veterans.
I usually read everything on this website. I have left important messages here related to disability impairment and dealing with the VA concerning achieving your disability rating.
I hope many of you read my older comments.
I do personally feel that political discussions belong elsewhere. The focus should be on how to receive the highest rating as possible.
I am a firm believer that you should get a VSO as soon as possible, read the medical regulations that VA uses to help you determine your rating, make sure the physicians provide you an accurate diagnosis and if necessary get multiple medical opinions concerning your disability, and focus on getting a permanent 100 percent disability rating.
Why do I say 100%? Because when you reach that level with a permanent rating then the VA will not request further examinations as long as fraud was involved in getting your rating.
The other issue is do not take what I say as completely accurate. This is my own medical disability opinion.
As I mentioned before, I am a permanently disabled 100 percent rated prior medical corp officer, who did his residency in the Army in Occupational Medicine.
I became an expert in disability impairment based on my training and was able to. understand the major areas of injury and illness that were at risk for all our soldiers.
During my out processing from active duty, I received an approximately a one hour briefing from a gentleman who utilized the VA disability system for his conditions that occurred on active duty and the process he used to get rating.
This was the most valuable lecture I received prior to discharge. Every soldier who is ready to leave the reserves or active duty needs this information.
I still understand that many soldiers are not receiving this information prior to discharge. Even with all the information I learned, no one had ever told me the process of filing for VA disability.
I even still see many veterans who are disabled on this site who have to wait many years to get their disability rating because the VA still acts like an insurance company.
The basic approach is that the VA will continue to deny you your rating until you have a firm diagnosis based on multiple medical opinions, a firm history with documentation of an exposure or injury connected to your military duty.
In my case, the regional office still denied me majority of my disabilities based on the pure ignoring of the documentation that had multiple physicians, including similar specialists, based on the specific VA medical regulations.
I literally was already approved for my full disability by social security and a small disability policy I purchased when I eft the military. I still needed a lawyer just to get my private disability insurance.
There are commercials indicating that one particular company was capable of denial for any disability policy across the whole industry. This particular entity is now being sued for anyone who was denied payment for their disability insurance.
This includes both disability insurance from the company you work for or even the policy I purchased on my own.
The majority of the policies offered today only pay you after any other disability you receive will be deducted from the value associated with your private or job benefit policy.
In fact some companies today will not insure you at all if you have a military related disability.
All insurance companies are built to make money off the insurance premiums! The VA should not have this incentive but my firm belief is that they are evaluated for the amount of money they are costing the government for their rating decisions.
I am sure that this conclusion would be a totally considered to be false.
The reality is also that the VA considers that those applying for disability benefits are just veterans trying to just make money or get free medical care.
To me these variety of issues are why the VA rarely helps in developing your claim which is required by law.
Always find a competent NSO that is located at or near the VA office which you are dealing with. The NSOs at the VA hospital appear to be too busy to me and not physically located to know the individual VA representatives who are involved in the disability review office.
In my own case, if I was with a specific NSO and my case was not progressing in a positive manner, I would move to a different NSO organization to handle my disability claims.
But please understand, once you receive a permanent disability at 100% without the unemployment clause, you will put your rating at risk if you apply for or try to correct a disability rating.
I have numerous conditions that were not even given a rating or the severity percentage is rated to low.
But the point is, once I was rated at 100% permanent and total, any condition I have would be taken care of by your VA facility.
Once you receive all the benefits you are entitled to you at 100% permanent and total pick the best VA within your area. The VA does publish the disabled veterans’ patient satisfaction survey which gives you an accurate opinion of each VA within your area.
This survey should be available publicly for anyone to read and review.
In my case, my closest VA hospital is considered to be one of the worst patient satisfaction hospital systems in the country. This is proven by the number of malpractice cases that had to be settled due to poor patient care or not paying for even emergency services for the veteran at civilian facilities.
I fortunately have the next nearest VA within two hours of my home. That is a right for any disabled veteran to go to any VA facility they choose.
The only drawback is the distance and the amount of money you will be reimbursed for travel will be penalized for going to a different facility.
In my case, this has been the worst year of my health iwise in many years with my ability to visit the facility being impaired by my new acute health care conditions.
But at least in my case, I have an excellent health care team that I have been with almost 20 years. They know me quite well and will teleconference with me concerning my current health status.
I recently spent two weeks in two different hospitals for a real bad pneumonia that is still undergoing outpatient treatment. My physician and my nurse at the VA have helped me to get the correct post hospital care I needed at home when the civilian doctor failed to provide adequate discharge planning to their social worker.
Of course I considered this as malpractice but there were other more serious issues associated with my poor care in the hospitals.
I must say that my current VA hospital provided me adequate care. But the reason I get pneumonia is because I was hospitalized once in a location with a huge number of elderly veterans who were in the hospital due to pneumonia.
I literally demanded I be relocated to an area so I would not be at risk for an infection especially contracting pneumonia. The head floor nurse refused to do it and I did end up contracting pneumonia in the first time in my life.
So for the next three winters I would contract pneumonia but never ended up in the hospital.
I then never contracted pneumonia again until this year. Then it came at me with a vengeance with both lungs infected with upper airway wheezing. So I had no choice but to go to the nearest hospital for care. But what I did not know this civilian facility was worse than the local VA facility.
This hospital had been shut down and was just reopening with limited staffing and questionable clinical physicians with nurses.
The one thing I do know I did not contract Covid and was at least tested initially in the ER. The hospital tried to get me out of the hospital by wanting me to be sent to a nursing home.
Long term facilities are still have high risk of spreading Covid and the staffing of these facilities is my state only require one nurse for a full facility and limited physician contact.
So the long term facilities are staffed and managed only by people who do not require any clinical training. The nurse is never seen and usually is only at the main desk most of the time.
Plus these facilities can have an LPN with one year of clinical training manage a facility at night. The daytime nurse is usually just an RN with only. with a two years of required clinical training..
Such positions should require at least a college degree nurse with a BSN or MSN. My apologiy for not spelling out these acronyms but you can look them up online. My texting is getting tired.
The other points is that a physician who is designated as the covering physician for an extended time should visit an examinat each patient with the priority of acutely sick and any new admission. In addition each person should be taken by an RNto ensure that all clinical issues are taken care of.
Just to emphasize this point for us as disabled veterans who have limited ability for leave home, the VA is now required to keep the disabled veteran in their home as long as possible. This is what I used as the basis to increase my clinical support at home.
If I was sent to a nursing home I would be a dead man fro possible exposure to a different infection.
Right at this time we have three different pandemics undergoing. The flu, RSV and two new Covid mutations that are now penetrating our country.
You need to be vaccinated if you want any chance to survive. Yes, some people have reactions to vaccines but the majority do not. Some people who are fully vaccinated still can develop the disease.
Covid is well known to infect and reinfect the individual even after fully being vaccinated.
But the severity of infection after infection is usually less severe and does not usually require hospitalization. But if your a veteran who is older with multiple health conditions the severity of your illness may still be higher.
So no preventative service may completely protect you. But for the majority of the population will avoid infection and the mortality that showed when Covid was introduced in our country.
I hope this information has been useful. But not getting fully vaccinated will still put you at higher risk but will put others at risk of infection, too.
To clarify a few points for everyone. If you have not gotten the pneumonia vaccine at least within 5 years, you need a new one. The Covid infection has lower risk of severity and hospitalization for those who get infected anyway but usually will not develop a severe illness requiring hospitalization. RSV is a highly infectious virus that can be gotten by adults but is primarily in children. When I was in training while in medical school or my first year of post school residency anyone who was taking care of RSV patients would get a flu like syndrome when we contracted RSV. But the majority of us were in twenties and the infection was usually self limiting. But the virus is very highly contagious. So far a vaccine is in development but not yet even available beyond limited testing. The influenza vaccine is a must and do not assume any illness you may think you might develop after getting the shot is due to the vaccine. This is a prevalent assumption made by many people to avoid the vaccine but there is a considerable number off unvaccinated people who will die each year if not vaccinated. I have already emphasized the need to be vaccinated with the latest booster for Covid. Each new booster is more efficient at protection with each new vaccination.
So I hope this helps everyone but again realize I may not be accurate in some of my own statements.
Unfortunately, I cannot answer individual questions because I get extremely fatigued when I do this. But I felt the comments have been really off topic in dealing with the political issues people are having instead of how to deal with getting your disability rating.
George Sink he helped me get my 100%. he is a veteran and is very knowledgeable as he also has service connected.
Please stop pushing that “vax disinformation” – especially the bioweapon called the “Covid vaccine”.
Do you know why you get sick so much and am “tired” from simply answering questions? You are on a one-way trip, bud so stop pushing that poison sauce and keep taking your bioweapon boosters.
Over and out.
Thank you for your opinion on how you feel about the VA compensation.
I feel the same way I have dealt with the VA for approximately 45 years and every time I file a claim the first response from them is denied. Even with the lawyer, it took a couple of years to get a claim settled that had been denied. I wish there was an easier way to handle claims at times I feel they never even look at all the evidence that has been submitted. Thanks again for your input.
You are absolutely correct and your wording it is very difficult for beds to get ratings once they’re out to 2-year mark so the key is for vets to get their package in and get an initial rating within the two year. Then everything else is an upgrade or an update to that rating if they do not file within that first two years everything else is a reconsideration because they consider anything outside of the two year an exception to the rule That’s why it’s so timely. So if you are a new retiree or newly separated take heed get your package together get to your VA rep and get your package in before that 2-year mark is expires, and get the process started to your benefit to hopefully 100%.
QUESTION…IS ANYONE CORCERNED ABOUT THE NEW EXPRESS CONTRACT TO ELIMINATE 33% OF PHARMICIES FROM TRICARE PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE? MY PHARMACY AND WALMART NO LONGER ACCEPT TRICARE. AND CHECK OUT (LAWSUITS AGAINST EXPRESS SCRIPTS). IN ADDITION I HAVE HAD TO PAY MORE OUT OF POCKET IN COPAYS THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER THAN I DID ALL LAST YEAR FROM MY OLD PHARMACY…I DONT LIKE IT. I HAVE WRITTEN TO MY CONGRESSWOMAN AND SENATOR PATTY MURRAY.
I recently received a decision by the va on a presumptive condition( rhinitis)I have been diagnosed and am being treated for this condition and the va stated my claim for rhinitis has been deferred due to lack of evidence.How can this be when rhinitis in now a presumptive condition for those who served in southwest Asia?
I served from 1979-1987. Got involved in few unfortunately accidents and when applied for compensation I was informed that my files can’t be located due to a fire, the funny part was that I served before the fire, yes but I turn my file at out processing but before I went out and make a complete copy and everything else is history. Today I’m at 100%, thanks to Ret. CSM McFowler whom was my Company 1sgt, and he was so detail and Professional also so a responsable NCO that he keeps notes on all events that happened during his service that keep a journal from all daily acuraces including an accident I experienced in Fort Davis, Panama around 1984, and thanks to his details record statement they finally approved me for my ailments and conditions that follow years later and render my self fully Disabled first by the SSA and then the VA. Took years of search and the former Company XO, Maj S., Who assisted me in locating the CSM McFowler. Don’t give up.
I will always be in debts to them because they both when beyond there duty and responsabilities after they become civilians and helped a fellow Veteran. Thank you on my behalf and my family behalf.
After 45 years of being rejected I was finally granted 100%.
Initially I was rated 0%. I went through so much frustration I wanted to quit. I listened to other vets. I ultimately prevailed and encourage you to do the same.
What this means is to go from living from hand to mouth to slowly climb out of debt.
The other blessing is to be able to help others who are in need.
I learned the value of persistence and using Devine strategies to overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers.
I spent years from 1969 when I left active duty after serving 34 months active duty w/ a year in combat in Vietnam. I got rated at 20% for an injury received in Vietnam that was service connected and treated at 93rd Medivac in Long Binh/Bien Hoa in 1968.
after years of problems and subsequent added ratings I got rated at 80%. After I couldn’t work any longer, I submitted a claim for 100% P&T Disability. It was denied. Then I got some help from the local representative for the VVA and submitted an appeal in 2021. It finally got approved for PTSD at 100%. However they denied some of the other ratings including the injuries suffered in Vietnam. Their excuse was that they could find no record of my injuries and treatment at 93rd Medivac.
This told me that they didn’t even look but just pencil whipped it thru. Still got the 100% rating and back compensati0n to the date I filed my first claim in June of 2020.
In reality I should have gotten the rating clear back to the first rating in 1969!
The government will never go further than 2 years. It is too costly and could affect other programs. That’s the rule.
Sorry, not true. I fought for quite some time and I got back pay after 11years. Just keep at it and the VA will do the right thing
hello i have a question on a recent development, i di the VA forbearance with my mortgage company for 18 mths…it was a smooth process. on completion i was offered 3 options to repay and i chose the 3rd which was a deference to the end of the loan where if or when the house was to be sold that the payment be made, supposedly the VA is the one behind this arrangement, however last week i received paperwork from a mortgage collection company saying that a mortgage arrangement and paperwork will follow and will begin soon, that was never in the arrangement, can anyone attest to this. please let me know, thank you very much,
First, thank you for your service,
Second, you made an unforced error. The first time you were denied, you should have gone to a Veterans Service Organization, (American Legion, AMVETS, VFW, etc.) and talked with a veterans service officer, These folks are experts at navigating through the VA’s red tape, and can get things done, usually in under a year, And there is no charge.
My experience, was that the VA sent me paperwork because I was a heart patient, and initially granted me a rating of 40%, An abdominal aortic aneurysm was discovered, and later, I had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted. That ran my rating to 60%, but I was pensioned at the 100% rate because I was regarded as “unemployable.”
My advice to you, and to all vets fighting the VA, is to take advantage of the resources available. And besides the veterans service organizations, most states have their own Veterans Affairs department, and those departments can be a lot more helpful than the federal VA.
Same thing happened to me. I had seizure in AD. When I filed my claim it was denied because they “couldn’t find my paperwork. I researched, wrote my senator and they hospital and they found all my paperwork. I was rated at 20%. After fighting for a year, I went to the VSO, and after 6 more months, my rating was increased to 60% but because I am now unemployable, I getbpaid at 100%.
I don’t know what you’re talking about the republicans are the one that helped me get my case solved and helped all my friends.
Go to your state senator or congress person democrat or republican they have staff that can help you are put first in line
I served in the Army. During that time I had two injuries service connected with profiles. I only got paid for the time the VA set my claim date. Records were lost or misfiled or burned. The rules were always set to benefit the military and the VA. At one point I waited 2 & 1/2 years while VA reps Top-sheeted my claim and sat on it.
You need to refile because they are supposed to help you,more likely then not your disability is a work injury and they have to take your word for it.Especially if, they lost your records.
My dad was told his records burned in the fire & he found out his records were never where he was told they were.
Get a representative to go to bat for you. I used DAV to do everything for me as I was hit by a drunk driver enroute to duty.
It make be to late for your dad, but the Army/AF Records Center outside of St Louis MO, had a large fire I think in the mid to late 70s and a section of the storage area was destroyed. I believe it was records prior to VN that was destroyed. I went in in 1960 and my records were safe.
The records area was in central St Louis, Mo. It did burn, but the records that were lost were mostly from WWII and before.
Records are keep at the Record Center in St Louis, Mo. you can go there and research your own records like I did. The part that burned was the WWII Section! They use that excuse all the time! Do not trust the VA, they lie all the time. Name of the game is appeal, appeal,
appeal.
I served in ARMY from 1986-1989 in Middle East combat. Was told my records burned in St Louis and then we’re sealed later keeping lawyers from retrieving them. Wtf.
My grandfathers records were burned cause he was ww11. But luckily his accident rolling down a mountain in a truck was put in the newspaper. So they gave him a small amount of money cause didn’t have all records. But was better than nothing. Unfortunately not everyone is that lucky.
When I filed, I was told they couldn’t find my medical records. Luckily I was told to make copies of my medical records and my service records. When I told them I have a copy, they miraculously found them. Still took my ten years, two of which I was homeless, to get my disability approved.
I tried it and the last Time I worked with the DAV. I drove 4 Hours for a Meeting, after confirming the Appointment with them. Got there and was told it was Canceled.
I am a 73-year-old man that served in Viet Nam, I sprayed agent orange though out the country of south Viet Nam. I have a long list of disabilities and so far, the VA has always been kind to me and has even taken care of me and my wife. Don’t blame the VA for your troubles they have to obey the orders that they are given. Just like we did. Yes, I did have to fight for my rights, but I used a VA reprehensive, and he took care of it all for me. I know a lot of Vets have a lot of medical problems and I am truly sorry if what I was ordered, to do has caused you pain and suffering. It is like the many Vietnamese I was forced to kill in my defense. I live with it all and will continue to suffer the mental and physical problems associated with our orders. We were told to do our job or go to jail for disobeying a direct order.
Totally agree. I am glad the “Supremes” are looking out for us vets. I also am a Vietnam vet and 74 years old. The VA has been very good to me also. Just recently I was in the VA hospital for a week in DC. I received great attention, and they didn’t “kick” me out until they were confident I was OK to be discharged.
I would like to know if anyone has any information about when the Supreme’s will review the case of the Navy person’s case about having disability claims effective on the day of discharge; not when they file their claim.
Air Force knew on my exit physical I had hearing loss after 20yrs service. 25 years later had to file for hearing disability from jet noise.
I also filed a claim for jet engine noise resulting in hearing loss and tinnitus
after leaving the Airforce. It’s been a 10-year fight for a disability rating with the VA even after getting a lawyer. But I might be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel next year. The VA’s position was, I didn’t complain about the hearing loss or tinnitus when discharged. Even when they knew it can take 10 plus years for the condition to start and become a problem. The last judge ruled against them,
I was in basic training in Ft. Gordon Georgia in 77 and suffered a mild concussion from a mock C4 explosion that was supposed to have a perimeter surrounding it and it went off at my right leg and the air compression explosion immediately gave me what I thought was a temporary ringing sound in my ears that softened within a day.
Trouble is, it started getting progressively worse in the mid 80’s and has never gone away. I did not put two and two together about this until 6 or 7 years after I was discharged and since I was on a special assignment that does not show on my records (including my security clearance for Nuclear Power Plants and Missiles) and undercover sting operations I thought that I could never prove that I was injured during active duty.
To further exacerbate I was quarantined TWICE in basic and AIT with side effects of vaccinations. I also think that I was fed steroids as I gained 25 pounds of muscle in about 8 weeks time and have issues with Superhuman spurts of strength and wild mood swings for a couple of years, which finally, Thank God, went away.
I still suffer from Tinnitus though and every so often I wake up in the middle of the night because the sound volume of the ringing amps up about 50% louder. I used to want to end my life and I finally taught myself how to tune it down by changing my focus.
Look, who wrote the majority opinion and the dissenting opinion lead by Clarence Thomas and other 3 conservative justices. And Republicans name justices after the Republicans brag about that they take care of troops and veterans. All they do care is where they can make money, military weapons, equipment and items that biggest companies can contribute to their political campaigns. Don’t let them fool you. Choose people that support our veterans and our troops. Their records speaks for themselves. Let’s protect our country and our constitution.
You are so right Jose, not one Republican voted for the Burn Pit/AO bill. The vote was 51/0, and it was the Democrats that voted for us. Republications have never given a damn about the military – they are quick to want the military to go off and fight some conflict, sometimes a wrong one.
I am now concerned that Republicans who voted against recent legislation for the burn pit legislation, have even served on active duty.
For example, Linsey Graham, retired as a 20 year veteran, non combat Col. In the military. He knows what is required for the health of our veterans.
I in fact am an Army trained Occupational Medicine physician who received training in Toxicology from Johns Hopkins MPH program.
I recommended they do air sampling for breathable particulates and respirators, and coverage of all skin areas.
They did not do any of things I recommended for personal protection.
Both sides have made billions in defense contracts off the backs of the thousands that served like me and were disabled or killed on their orders. Stop blaming one side or the other. We need a full “Stop” and kick everyone out and start over. Including every va hospital that’s ignoring us!
Yes Jose. And if it weren’t for the fact that screwing veterans will cost them politically, we would have no pension or disability payments or healthcare. And now this new “fixing disability ratings” is designed to screw us without being noticed. Anyone who thinks for a moment that our leadership in Congress is doing their best to help and to compensate wounded Veterans fairly, should take a closer look at the fine print and the double speak in those proposed “Helpful” changes to the way in which disability compensation is calculated. Give some here and take away there and the end result is less compensation for now and into the future. I long for the days when Vets service orgs would go before congressional committees in the area of disability and provide evidence on live TV and make the case for more relief. Gone is the chance for the public to see and hear arguments from both sides of an issue that affects Veterans. The day that VA announced that COLA’s would be tied to labor numbers with no rebuttal, is the day our freedoms to state our case was taken away.
I agree with you 100%! Many Veterans are awaiting for the Supreme Court outcome related to this Navy Veteran’s VA disability case.
A Veteran’s disability SHOULD be paid from the date the Veteran was discharged from their active duty military service, & NOT the date they applied!!!
My VA Representative told me that my disability should’ve started the day after I got out of the military! Wasn’t told anything about disability during my outbriefing. I hope that the Supreme Court rules in that Navy vet’s favor, so we can get the back pay we deserve.
I served on the same ship at the same time as that veteran. I never knew about disability until 2010. I am currently at 70% but have never been able to find long term work because of my disability. Have a rep now assisting me.
Veterans deserve better treatment and pay. Yet, it seems it is a Most difficult task to Accomplish!
Agreed!
Justice Thomas is one of the biggest POS on the Supreme County. What a wasted space to have him filling that seat. This also is why term limits need to be imposed on the Supreme Court, House of Representative and the Senate.
Please own those words when you have to give account of them.
I will Amen that 100%
I agree and happy vets are getting taken care of although I’ve been waiting since 2012 for a rating. My claim is now being reviewed.
Pray for me, as I will all my comrades
You are so right, given the chance he will take away the rights of even more Americans. He uses his religion for his basis of most if not all of his decisions. He needs to resign. The sooner the better!!
Much hate, much animosity, much posturing and some false bravado. Leave comments – but remember this. If you want your comments to be taken seriously, then stop spewing hate, ideology, and negativity. For those of you that were in war and actual combat while in service, your time was difficult. For those of you that never saw war/combat, congratulations. We are happy for you from the bottom of our hearts. From lifers to draftees, the fact that you served says it all. Nothing and no one can take that from us.
6 years of active duty, HVAC mechanic South Korea 1 year ASA unit served DMZ declared hostile fire zone soldiers killed not published but in Stars and Stripes also 1979-1980 DuPont subs agent orange to dispose of drums I sent info to VA SERVICE REP disposed of it and w lung damage said I will never receive benefits. Much more to this story, I’m in Pa while in Colorado I called VA after telling them of situations they asked if I could be there the next day I said thank you not 10 minutes later I received a call from Pa rep saying he was going to kill me. I’m 65 disabled and scared
Don’t be scared. If that Pa rep threatens you, kill him. You have a right to defend yourself. I am 69 in a few days. If he threatened me like that he would be dead on the floor right then and there. Knife, club, ink pen thru the eye. Whatever is handy. piss on this twerp. Grant Sydow (MSgt ret)
Sir. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I BELIVE EVERY SINGLE WORD YOU SAY AND MORE! I
What would that accomplish? You can now file for assistance under the new bill signed by President Bien. Thank the Democratic Senate for taking care of us. The Republican Senate didn’t give one vote to pass the bill. Remember that at election time and quit calling the Democrats the bad guys and quit listing to all the lies that trump and his followers are spreading.
Gilbert Jones, you drank too much of the cool-aid. Trump did more for us veterans than anyone. Please, after you learn to write in English inform yourself.
I understand where you are coming from but please remember that the Democrats have put us in the position with inflation, higher gasoline, and so much more. i don’t agree with the Republicans alot of times but I have lived long enough to know that the Democrates are trying to bankrupt the country so they can control us. Remember they are going for a Digital Currency. With that they can keep an eye on what we are d0ing and what we are buying. If they disagree with what you do or say, they can freeze your account and you cannot get your money anymore. or if they need money to spend, they can take your money to use for whatever they want. They are already trying to take a large percentage of what everyone has in their IRA’s. When it happens just remember that I tried to warn you. Good Luck and God Bless America. Sorry I forgot to tell you that the Democrates and the Rich people are behind taking your IRA’s money Thank Nancy for that. She the one that is pushing it. and laughing at everyone that made their money honesty because they already have the bill to take money without your approval out of your IRA’s, please check for yourself. I would hate for anyone to give more to the government than they have to.
Mr Williams, is it possible for you to give me a little more info concerning the Agent Orange.
Totally agree
All you Republicans should turn down all benefits signed into law that your fake ass hypocritical congress Representatives didn’t vote into law.
Martha, just what did trump do for the military? He did nothing but make promises and run his mouth telling a bunch of lies. He tried to act like the military was his own personal military which it isn’t. Folks like you believed his lies and voted him into office and for four years believed everything he said and while 50,000 Americans died from the virus you still believed and followed him to today. Wake up and start using that gray matter called brains and start thinking for yourself and not let others think and make decisions for you.
I can tell you what Trump didn’t do and that is send the military home and leave the Civilians behind to be killed or made examples of their power over their people. Plus, Trump did not leave billions of dollars of American Equipment for the Taliban to use against others or sell to hostile countries.
Name one thing they left has done. They claim that the Republicans are Terriots and destroying this country. But did you notice that the Democrats was helping the BLM and the AFTA riots. They called them peaceful protests, tell that to the thousands of people that suffered during their peaceful protests. Remember when all of this was going on, The Democrats was pushing to defend the police. Just look at the Democrat ran states and see the crime and corruption and tell me that you agree. Just look at Chicago and you will understand. If not, then it is your problem.
It was Trump who set the timetable for our withdraw from Afghanistan. That is a fact Google it.
In all honesty how would you propose to exclude the personal hatred , animosity, and ideology from truthful opinions or comments in an non-censored forum?!
Amen brother, well said!
Like many of you I was drafted during Vietnam. I didn’t run, I went as I felt it was a small price to pay for the privilege to live in the USA. During all the testing I found I had passed the test to go to OCS and would have gone until I found out I would have had to sign up for an additional year. I had to ask myself where my real job was and get back to it as soon as I could.
Because I turned down going to OCS, I found myself shipped off to an NCO Leadership Academy for six weeks (?) and returned to Ft. Ord, CA as a DI. My points, I was dam lucky and wasn’t shipped to Vietnam, 2) I lost my hearing working the rifle and hand Granade range all the time. 3) I didn’t get a vote on any of my assignments. So, I didn’t go to Vietnam and was lucky but don’t feel guilty because I didn’t go, I went where they wanted me.
During my out-processing they discovered my hearing loss but told me they thought I was faking, and I wouldn’t be released from the Army. I told them give me the paperwork, I’ll sign it, I want out of this outfit; I was 23. I’m now 84 and have bought lots of hearing aids.
Justice Thomas is an idiot.He is brainwashed by his wife an insurrectionist. He has no mind of his own. On the Sumpreme court he rubber stamped all of Justice Antonin Scalia opinons. He offered no opinions of his own on decisions. When Scalia died in 2016, Thomas was without his leader. That’s when he deferred to his extreme conservative wife. Veterans don’t look for no compassion from Thomas.He was IA in 69 but like Trump received a medical or physical deferment from the draft. I do not understand how veterans who put their life’s on the line for America can look up to Trump and Thomas 2 draft dodgers for their idols. To them you are a peon or worker mule. Get respect for your service.Campaign against these hypocrites .Don’t be a dummy for them. I am beginning to think some of you veterans are shell shock.Come to your senses. Don’t follow these politicians who do not have your interest in mind! Wake up!
This is a typical “hate the person” who can’t acknowledge there’s a constitution for all. His disdain for one individual blinds him .
If he is blind you two can get together. We’ll call it “the blind leading the blind”. But just look at what what your two heros have been working on. Voting rights, rigging the census to take funding away from minorities and high democratic populations. Don’t think that because you support them they will accept you!
You mean redistricting?
You don’t think both sides do that?????
And high democratic populations always get more money from your democrats. Throwing money at a problem is how democrats fix all problems. Is that what you are referring to?
If you feel that the Democrats are throwing away all the money, make sure you don’t take advantage of receiving any of it.. What have the sorry Republications done in the last 16 years but complain and vote against every bill? They also didn’t vote for the Burn Pit/AO bill that the Democrat Senate passed and the President signed, which will help all the affected veterans. I guess this will be wasted money too!
And doing nothing or lying about what they are up to is the way the GOP does things. Just like their “Middle Class” Tax cuts. Just watch what becomes of the reveal of Trump’s tax returns. Both sides have carved out an Eden in which they pass the burden of funding America to the middle class. And everyone is shocked that the middle class is disappearing. Why do we keep electing these rich and connected clowns? We measure the worth of a candidate by how well they have done financially in their lives. Wealth and connections to power should be dis qualifiers and not reasons to vote them in. These people we elect are so disconnected from how the working class lives and the struggles of those who have to pay the bills for what the elites in Washington dream up for themselves. Both parties are guilty of gerrymandering for a variety of reasons but the two big ones are to favor themselves at the polls and to discriminate against the groups that tend to favor the other guys. Yes. both are guilty to one degree or another but the GOP has made these practices their ONLY ambition. We hear debates from the Dem party on how to fix education, manage healthcare and bring down costs of drugs. To find avenues to break away from fossil fuels, How to better protect the social safety net before the GOP tears it apart because they feel that they are still not wealthy enough. And as the Dems write bills to accomplish these things, the right is busy doing their only jobs nowadays of killing any bill that the left proposes or pissing all over the Veterans and belittling their service. To label anything that may benefit the poor working class or the real tax payers in the disappearing middle class as socialism or communism etc etc. The GOP has become the people’s worst enemy by normalizing and encouraging voters to vote against their own interests as they laugh all the way to the bank.
Democrat is not America… It’s much more than that. It’s not “woke” either, or liberal or globalist… You live in the UNITED STATES… Please act like it, or move.
If you do not love this country, then it would be best for you to go to a socialist country to find out how good it is. I can name a few of them if you like..,, lol
Exactly!
Gregory, you said a mouth full – Amen brother!
What service was Obama, Clinton, or Biden in? While I agree with the majority… Your analysis of Justice Thomas is flawed.
What service did trump sever in, he ran as fast as he could from serving in the Viet Nam conflict, paying some sorry doctor to sign off on a heel spur. I have had a heel spur and torn ligament since I first joined the service and served for 22 years. I’m sure many other men/women also served that had medical problems during that time that went into the service to serve their country in a time of need.
Yes, and not a single leader of the GOP spoke up when Trump called us veterans suckers. The man has become the party or vice versa. No honor or true love of country from them by and large. This Vile Orange sub-human clown tried his best to destroy our country and our Constitution while the true Suckers said nothing and praised his venomous policies of hatred, racism and his currying favor from the other madmen like himself such as Kim, MBS and His Boy, Vlad. And some of us veterans even were sucked into that black vortex that damn near brought this Democratic experiment to a screeching halt. I’ll never understand how ANYONE could not see what he was up to. He made his hatred for his constituents crystal clear for all to see.
Have you asked your doctor if shutting the f*** up is right for you?
Dennis, it’s a shame that your comments are allowed on here, but I guess that’s free speech. What you said doesn’t bother me I just feel sorry for fools like you.
Good words! Wake up people. Your old conserving the past lies and cuddling a great white godless constitution is so yesterday. Ever heard majority rules ie: Justice votes, are real. yours is a minority like it or not. Words-ways of pass do not apply in the 21st century and the 1700’s is so yesterday. Shell shock is putting it lightly.
So tell us what countries you aspire to move to avoid all of those past lies that have you on edge here in this country.
Granted….. with each passing day of progressive democrat chaos illustrate and seem to typifyi the 21st century. Makes you yearn for the 1700’s you mentioned doesn’t it.
I believe anyone that served during Vietnam Conflict deserved everything benefit possible from our country. They are true hero’s that served when it wasn’t popular. With the election in November the dems are going to try and give us everything they can to vote their way. All I know is Trump puts his self out there for the military. I know he turned the VA around. The Audie Murphy VA hospital in SA is outstanding. Some my disagree, but everyone I know that uses their services are extremely pleased. There is no doubt our country is not going in the right direction. With inflation at an all time high, disrespect toward the police, lies about Covid treatment, bias in the news, Biden’s son getting away with so much and I could go on . Even with all these faults USA is a great place and would not want to live anywhere else. At lease with Trump he kept our enemies in check. Now we just cave in.
You might be right, but the USA was the most prosperous country in the world until the Left decided they wanted A liberal socialist Agenda. In my humble opinion our Democrats have no idea what that will mean. No private ownership of anything. Not land, not homes, not even your right to free speech. America might not be flawless but show me one other nation that is better for its people than any other country in the world. If you served, then you risked your lives for America and should be proud of what America Means.
Where the hell does the right get this shit? Every part of the social safety net was the brainchildren of the Democratic party. From FDR and the New Deal to the Affordable Care Act, Social Security, Veteran’s benefits, Medicare and medicaid etc etc. The right pisses and moans about the Dems and labels them with every vile name in the book. Just try to take any of these programs away. Who would do such a thing you ask? The GOP, that’s who. The same party who want so badly for us all to forget the 2.2 Trillion dollar gift to themselves and their corporate sugar daddies. You remember. The one that was sold as a “middle Class tax cut.” If left to their own devices, there would be no social safety net except of course for the one that the GOP awards its self with every chance they get. The continuous flow of loot to the upper 10% paid for on the backs of the working class while they blame the income gap on the only party trying to even the playing field in any way will never cease just as long as the GOP voters buy the righty rhetoric and blame the whole mess on the only advocates for their rights there has ever been and will ever be. Wake up suckers!
John Tell me and the others what is better for everyone than the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
HEY GREGORY, YOU ARE TALKING OUT YOUR ASS BECAUSE YOUR MOUTH KNOWS BETTER. IF YOU LISTEN VERY CAREFULY GREGORY, YOU WILL HEAR A VERY LOUD POP; THAT IS YOU PULLING YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS. YOU ARE THE REAL PEON AND WORKER MULE YOU JACK ASS..I’LL BET YOU ARE A CARD CARRYING MEMBER OF THE DEMORATS . IF YOUR PAYING ATTENTION, YOU WILL REALIZE YOUR PARTIES SYMBOL IS A JACKASS!! BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER, MORON.
Must be a demon rat
Did Biden serve
Or Kamala?
Richard blumenthal – stolen valor
schumer never served
Hypocrites are on both sides of the aisle
You are correct but you have to add Clinton and those that have served as Speaker of the House and Minority Leader as well. Military service just doesn’t seem to be that important today. We are the true 1%.
Amen brother😎
All Leftists have no honor for our Constitution of the REPUBLIC.
RIGHT! This is not a democracy… it’s a friggin Republic… WE THE OEOPLE…ALL OF US
Joseph, please explain to me just what is a Leftist. I consider myself center of a road person I hear so many of you folks on here calling others leftists, is that supposed to mean they are a socialist? If so, then what are those countries that are truly socialist? Also, socialist countries are normally run by dictators, aren’t they? Just because some people want to make it more easy for others doesn’t mean they are a socialist.. I do agree they do go a little overboard at times. I sure don’t believe the so-called
far right is good for America. If you are a racist, believe in dictatorships, and a few other things then you are an extremist and not good for this wonderful country. Yes, we have many faults, but we are still a great country.
Thomas and former justice Scalia are/were Constitutionalists purported to frame their decisions accordingly. If you are at odds with that, I have to disagree with you.
Just because you’re a vet doesn’t mean you know what you are talking about. God bless you for your service but you cannot possibly speak intelligently about the Supreme Court on that level. That does not help anyone.
Biden, Obama, Clinton, how come you haven’t mentioned their stellar military records ?
Marine, don’t forget to add your beloved trump to the list.
OOoooRaah!
Words are one thing but actions to me IMO speaks louder. Many speak about certain POTUS and spend so much time away from critical thinking on their own. How much damage has the current POTUS leadership done to our military? The “actions “ of throwing Afghanistan under da bus! Having my fellow Marines killed during that debacle? Now contributing billions of dollars to a corrupt regime where the country leader cannot account for nearly 65% of support monies and equipment? Annnnd POTUS wants to continue giving more of our taxpayers monies to a lost cause (except Black Market profits).
Talking confusions and incompetence.are the results of more and too many military Generals now than we had during WWII!?
“Actions”, I mentioned earlier, where the POTUS own Druggie son is kicked out of US military and father is angry, denies w/animosity his son is a druggie and that the military was wrong in booting his son that can’t do no wrong?!
“Actions” my fellow veterans, in my personal combat promoted, disability experience, I relied on “actions” by my combat buddies, not only talk.
Look around, are there more positive actions taken or being done to improve our country during the last year? Are you happy with the economy prices at the gas pump, groceries, travel or other spending?
Are there other countries like China, Russia, Australia, Canada or others in Africa and South America happier with our current state of USA!?
The records of “Action” speaks for itself!
Semper Fi! Killing Peace by Pineapple Sam
Sam, don’t you have it wrong, trump ordered the troops to come home, not Biden. He only moved up the time they were to leave. He said it was no reason for them to stay longer than necessary since it was already approved for them to leave. Didn’t see for any more troops to die over there and they were supposed to leave. We have enough of trumps followers lying on here already.
Sorry my friend but Trump had an exit plan that would not have cost the 13 Soldiers their lives and the hundreds of Americans trapped there. People I served in Viet Nam and to be honest that I did what my country wanted. I left a 2-month-old Baby Boy with her mother while I did my duty as an American. Every soldier knows that they are expendable. The ones that served honorable deserve everyone respect and gratitude. We should also remember all the fellow Americans that has died for our country. Never forget that each man or woman that died had someone the loved them and will miss them, the rest of their lives. Please honor our Soldiers that are still trying to defend our country. I have learned in the Chemical Corp that most of the things they recommended was useless in preventing the virus. So many of our friends and relatives died because of the lies that the Government spread around the USA and the world. Plus, don’t forget how the social media censored each and every one that tried to prove it was all a sham. The vaccines will end helping the Rich because they are creating a world that will die off over time. Just check out what I say. If you disagree do your own research. Look at all the people that have suddenly died after they got the Vaccines. I don’t tell people what to believe but at least look at both sides. I could say more but to some it would be a waste of my time.
Clarence Thomas is THE idiot and needs to go!!!
I noticed that you love to use the word insurrectionist for describing anyone that disagrees with you or the other Democrat’s. Of course, that is your choice but don’t put down a President that had our country energy free. That alone is worth more than anything that Biden has done for this country in his lifetime in Public office. It seems the Left is concerned that they will lose the power and that we will go back to being a fantastic country and keep everyone safe and Happy. Then we will not be ashamed of a man that is senile and is led by others. That doesn’t know where he is most of the time and the News Media has been covering for him and his son. Read the Right news sometimes and you might find out a lot of things that are wrong with the Democrat Party. If Biden is so pure then how come, he lied to us over and over about not knowing what his son was doing. Not to mention all the lies he has said on the news trying to make himself important. They have proof that he did lie and that there was a good chance that he made millions of dollars off of his Sons questionable relationship with China and others. Give everyone a break and do your research before you condemn anyone. Just for your information I read everything I can about the Republicans and the Democrats. Anyway, everyone has a safe weekend.
Shirley you must also be concerned about the 2 Billion dollar haul Jared Kushner received from the Saudis, and the patents Ivanka got from Communist Chinese government? No?
Amen to that!!!
Justice Thomas my god … Constitution changes over time it’s not the 1700s it’s the 21st century yet over and over again he tries to take us back to the 1700s which makes no sense to me.
Well, regarding Justice Thomas aka Uncle Tom – Thomas, we need to get more than prepared for his desire to conserve those 1700’s. His next attack will once again reverse action/laws that were already enacted. Voters rights, homosexuality, homosexual marriage, and discrimination. Seems all actions for women and POC is again going to be in his sights. While at his house, well never mine.
Your thinking is flawed. Gay isn’t a right… abortion isn’t either… USE YOUR HEAD MAN
Richard, are you married? Are you still active with your wife? Well, all the ladies who are married or have boyfriends who think like you and others, should cut them off – you do know what I mean, don’t you?
the only way the constitution can be changed is by ratification of an amendment
The Constitution is not a moving target. It has survived attacks from extremists and other idiots as above.
Agree….
but as we see here, lots of goofs (and their numbers are growing) want to abolish it.
Indeed…. they are the products of inept woke school districts and equally inept and woke colleges & universities.
Indeed…. they deserve to live under Chinese communist rule….(just hope these goofs wait until I’m gone before they succeed in getting what they so desperately crave.
The Constitution has been amended 27 times. It is not written in stone, if it were women would not be permitted to vote, alcohol would be illegal, and slavery would still be viable economic system. The Constitution should be seen as a living document, not a sacred tablet delivered by a deity.from a mountain top.
When promised free medical for life the government must think we all die before age 65. They mandate that you pay for part B Medicare to have your free Tricare for Life. Who ever did this must balance a check book like Congress and think steeling from a different pocket is somehow ok. Government promises are like Treaties with the original land owners. Can colleges be sued for discrimination under this ruling for posting fictitious results about veteran studies?
Hit right on the nail, with your post! Ridicules would be putting it lightly!
I agree with you Bruce, but I joined the Army in 1969 and was told I would have free medical for me and my family! And if I stayed in for at least 20 years and retired we’d get it for life! Well that was far from the truth! We were paying around $500.00 a year for TriCare Prime! When I turned 65 years old I was told that my Tricare Prime would be replaced with Medicare and my Tricare Prime would convert to Tricare for life and pick up anything that Medicare didn’t! This was only partially true! However, when I turned 65 years old my Tricare did turn to Medicare and Tricare Prime did convert to Tricare for life and we did not pay for Tricare for life anymore, but here’s where the lie begins! As I am listening to this lady on the phone tell me about my conversion from Tricare Prime to Tricare for life she tells me that I would have to get Medicare part B at $225.00 per month instead of the $500.00 dollars a year which roughly comes out to be $2,700.00 a year! A difference 0f $2,200.00 a year! There are a lot of retired enlisted soldiers that doesn’t get a lot of retirement pay! So instead of enjoying our retirement years my wife and I are having to work just to be able to pay our bills and put put food on the table to eat! If a civilian business did that to one of their employees they they’d be facing charges of extortion! Since our government has deep pockets because of us taxpayers and our Social Security (which in a civilian business would be considered embezzlement) they can keep these kinds of lawsuits tied up in our judicial system!
I hope you didn’t take that part B . when you get medicare and Tricare prime or tricare for life that is all you need.
Part B pays your doctors bills, you need both A & B. You don’t need C & D.
As a 30 year veteran who retired 37 years ago, I have to agree that old retirement pay does not match up with the inflation of today and promises of lifetime care were disingenuously made.
Got out 74 went back to job refused reemployment Ppg glass ind.
Nothing has ever been so wrong when it comes to granting what veterans, native Americans,poor people and least of all…..the true people that actually built this damn country with blood, sweat, tears and even death!!! (The brown race )! The only way things will ever get right for us that has truly fought for and built this country for what it is today is a REVOLUTION!!! People don’t come to terms until you put their families and themselves in a life or death situation. So if you want change…………this is what it’s going to take!!!!!!!
You’re an idiot. As soon as you inject race into the issue, you lose all credibility. The issue is protecting veterans, no one I ever served with, gave a shit about what color the person was fighting along side.
Then you never served a day in your racist life before let’s say 1960-65. All nonwhite to include women were not/never given the same place in line as white men. Period, the history of this country since the constitution, you all cuddle, says much different than what was in print. Even religions are spoke in fork tongue. But we all are laughing at the spin racist spin! So have at it buckwheat.
Then I suggest you dig up all those before 1960-1965 and give them a piece of your mind, cause majority on here that served were just kids then. But in the military in the 70’s for sure we were one color GREEN, like blaming slavery on anyone today. We had nothing to do with it, and you surely never picked no cotton.
Well said Chico, I’ve served with MCB #3 and we were all brothers from America like our color of our flag, Red White and Blue!
Right on ! Thank you my military brother Chico.
You are bitter! You’d better get some help… That will leave a mark.
Thanks JG, well said.
I agree with you for the most part, but when people on here prase the Republications for getting the Burn Pit/AO bill passed that gives me a pain in my rear end. Only the Democrats voted for the bill. There wasn’t one vote given by a republican. Give credit where it’s due.
JG, why is it things change when that person is no longer standing beside you but maybe in a bar in town, or somewhere else? That person may have given you a pint of blood to save your life in the field – would that have made a difference?
Article 5 of the constitution has a “convention of states”. Research it a little.
Even this constitution you cuddle is out of date, for there is a change a coming this time, that will not STAND DOWN. Got to love the spin, while rolling on the ground in laughter.
Bring it on, Bozo.
There are 1.3 million under arms in the American military.
There are 393 million gun owners in America.
There IS a revolution coming, why do YOU think they want to take your guns?
It’s not why the government wants to take your guns, they want better control so all the nuts who are running around killing so many children and people on the streets. Why do people need AR-15s and other military-style weapons? You find more white people out buying these weapons than Brown people – why is that? Are whites just afraid that they are going to be attacked, it sure sounds like it. The 2d amendment didn’t say you could walk around with an AR-15, they had muskets back in the day it was written. The government should say fine, have all the muskets you want, but no military-style weapons. Wake up folks, this country is being pushed to the brink, it only takes a crazy person like trump to get us into a civil war – no one really wins in the end. Trump needs to go to prison for a very long time for what he has caused to this country and still causing.
When I was drafted back in 1965 the government promise to take care of me for the rest of my life. Well that’s not happening they have taken away so much, and Tricare isn’t any help because now you have to pay a monthly for dential and metical. My hearing was damage while station with an ADA unit have ringing in both hear its service connected but have been denied disability because my percentage is zero have hearing aid for both ears.
Don’t settle. Use a service organization to help you win. At least 10% to 30% for hearing damage and tinnitus.
Jeffrey, you are correct. I have hearing damage in my left ear due to flight line operations. I receive a 10% disability.
Right you are, Brother in Arm! Don’t quite understand the 1965 government taking care for life thing. But find a DAV service rep and see what they say. Bar None better for the veteran.
I was not drafted and was Regular Army, Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Infantry.. I served in Vietnam 3 Tours. I received Tri-care for life. I have a hearing aid, plus 10% for tinnitus form VA, I am retired. If as a draftee and service my 2 years, the US Army does not owe you anything. Unless you were given a medical retirement. The VA is now your main supporter for your service to you country.. As a part of my contract as a Career Army, I receive benefits plus retired pay.
They play games with you. keep going keep applying.
Clarence, you are right, the government failed us to a point. When there is a war or conflict they promise everything, but once the wars and conflicts are over some of those promises go out the window. I joined the AF in 1960, they promised if we stayed in and made a career, we would have free health and dental for the rest of our lives. First, the dental was taken away. Then they came out with Tri-Care Prime and Life. Now certain Tri-Care folks have to pay a co-pay who is next? When I retired in 1981, I went to the VA for a retirement physical, while I was sitting in a chair having my blood pressure checked, a technician said he had a letter to read me from the president – Ronald Reagen. The letter stated that retirees would no longer be treated as veterans and could be treated for only illnesses they had while in the service. I asked him what was I supposed to do if I had a heart attack – I was going to college at the time, and nowhere around a military base. He told me I better have good medical insurance, luckily my wife was working for the AF. Now after many years of fighting, thousands of veterans are now going to be treated for both Burn Pit/AO, after fighting for so long.
Hey Gilbert, back when they had muskets. That’s what the military had too. See where I’m going? Yeah, you do. The 2nd is our given right to defend against tyranny. I have no problem having a musket, if that’s all the other side has. But, it’s not going to be like that is it?
How about Congress denying a veteran’s right to compensation for service-connected or service-aggravated disability? Congress passed a law in the 1980s offsetting military retired pay by VA compensation dollar for dollar if the disability rating is less than 50%. Veterans with disabilities should be entitled to full compensation for their disability, regardless of rating, and their 20+ years of service. In the 90s Congress promised to fix this issue but has never done anything about it. If the states have to honor veterans’ rights, shouldn’t the federal government be required to also?
yes they do. We did not find this type of stuff out til my father passed. He was a proud Navy man !!
That is HR303 which they shelved in committee
If you want this benefit, pressure your elected officials to pick this HR303 back up and get it passed.
What about those who apply for yet are denied life insurance based on having ptsd? I’ve been denied 3 times.
It’s a step in the right direction but there is so much more to be done for the ones that gave their life’s and the ones that served and ready to give there’s. Without the fighting man the veteran who is willing to sacrifice his life for freedom a democracy for all. Give us a break and if you never served go lay in a trench with one of the boys or run through the desert in Afghanistan. Navy vet
I have no doubt there will always be somebody on some level of congress or the judicial system that seeks to deny veterans’ rights. They will ever so cleverly word legislation so as to deny, discredit, discriminate; raise the bar so high no one can pass the physical test demanded. And these were men and women who were once highly qualified to perform the duties of their ‘office’/department of whatever agency they served in. Quality of past performance means nothing to some bureaucrat bent on prohibiting anyone with limited ability from doing what they have done all along. Their job. And the ‘bad guys’? They get away with their lawlessness through the least loopholes they can find, or that money can buy their way out of the justice system. It’s little wonder common people do not trust the government on so many levels. Oh yes, there is a multi-level, multi-trillion dollar conspiracy determined to demoralize, depress, oppress the truth of the effectiveness of qualitative service personnel, regardless of their distinguished services rendered. Our only hope is.a national repentance of our sins and an obedience to the eternal words of the God we once pledged our allegiance to. Submit, repent, obey. We are a stiff-necked, stubborn people. If we refuse to repent, we will perish. Slowly, but surly, we will perish.
Well spoken, but you just had to throw some religion into it. I have my beliefs, but I don’t have to throw at anyone. It’s not necessary. So, stop doing it.
Great the Lord is on our side this country better wake up and relize that freedom is not free, a great desicion was made in favor of all veterans, Im a vet and my brother is a retired veitnam vet and has prostate cancer, station at Camp lejune, and now has to sue to really get compensated his health is declining and I hate to see him this way always someone that I look up to, and now having to see him have to sue, and fight for his rights and benefits this counrty has it backwards., Victory for our veterans and god bless.
Yes, I will pray for him to get what he deserves. I served there also. They called that place baby haven, because so may were lost due to the contaminated water. My baby was one of them. I have MS from all of this also.
These court conservatives border on ridiculous, filing a dissent against granting disability rights to a serviceman. They deny a veteran rights to claim a job with the State of Texas after suffering a disability as service-related, but go out of their way to disenable a New York law which denied access to “arms” to “citizens” that had no need for “self-defense” outside the home. The law had been in effect for 110 years. Talk about “legislating from the bench” and turning the concept of “states rights” upside-down…
I can’t agree with you more. Whether your pro abortion or not, the supreme court overturns Roe vs Wade saying the states have a right to decide the issue. Then, in nearly the same breath, they take the right of state (New York) to regulate guns away. They shouldn’t be allowed to have it both ways and shame on the voters and Congress for not calling them on it. This case of the Texas veteran should never had to go to through the Texas courts let alone the Supreme Court. But what do you expect from a state that borders on the types of laws (arresting anyone seeking or assisting in the obtaining an abortion in another state) that were common in Nazi Germany against the Jews?
Abortion rights are not specified in the Constitution. Whereas your right to bear arms is specifically mentioned. Use your GI Bill and go learn something useful.
SFC got back to sleep. Abortion just like any other medical procedure should be regulated. Not outlawed. If a woman chooses so to gave an abortion that is between her and God. Making it illegal only widens the opportunity for abortion huts to pop up.
Are you really being Biblical or is this your way to make you feel better about your petty life where you are not actually contributing to a meaningful society. What about feeding the homeless, voting so everyone is afforded a workable wage to their current children alive. When is the last time you made a difference in someone’s day? Not their life but just their day or provided a few good minutes in their day? I challenge you, get out of the big battles jump in the local skirmishes just to help immediately. You are a bandwagon (R) that on a fast track (fill in the blank)
Try helping someone locally a balogna sand which might jumpstart someone.
Leftists have a version of reason that only goes for their anti-Constitution of our Republic desires.
C.a.young some of are right some of don’t know Bible says though shall not kill all of us combat veterans have we all Cary the burden and it hurts us all .I was drafted in January of 68 got in Nam in July. I served with 2nd 12of the 25 division. Our log. Site wasn’t far from Camb. Borderline a lot of brothers I live with it every day I don’t hate anymore I found God a few years a go and it helps A lot like you I took a oath toy Country The President and. The contusion to me that still holds today the biggest part of that oath was TO GOD YOU THAT HURTING TODAY REGARDLESS OF RACE REMBER WE ALL fought for our country and freedom Remer the last word FREEDOM
Good word spoken, Daryl! This is much like what was happening in Nazi Germany in the early years, that is happening now with these false claims of Patiotism. The spin used is beyond belief. Although the one thing to recognize is Majority rule and there’s now a minority.
I can’t believe it was as close as it was. 5-4 that’s just insulting.
Equally insulting is, denying a citizen access to arms for self defense?? WTF over?? Who has no need for self defense outside the home? More likely to need it outside the home than inside the home. But both are necessary. Just because it’s been there for 110 years doesn’t mean it’s right. Is it a states right to circumvent the constitution of the “United States”? I don’t believe so.
I have problems hearing and my left ear is always ringing.
Both of my shoulders are always in great pain. I’ve had surgery on both shoulders several times but, it still hurts and there’s no strength.
I would like more information about my civil rights as a Veteran (Retired Air Force) In Arizona and was sentenced to 2.5 years in Arizona Correctional System
Assisted is needed for my Veteran Civil right, discrimination, ethical and racism.
I have trouble hearing and my left ear is always ringing.
Both of my shoulders are always in great pain. I’ve had surgery on both shoulders several times!
This is a Victory for All Veterans!!! This Country sometimes forget what makes it Great, it’s the Freedom afforded from the Blood, Sweat and Tears of US Military Veterans. God Bless American and this Supreme Count Victory!
I think it’s those officials in the VA board that are reviewing all Veterans’ claims that are deciding the validity of each claim and I believe their decisions are not in accordance with the legal meaning of the legislation that’s been passed for the Veterans’ disability claims…I myself can’t even get my service-connected disabilities to 100% (three, Thyroidism in which I was subjected to test radiation test two years prior to my retirement (20 yr honorable service) and until now I am on continuous medication and also caused an irregular heartbeat…My co-workers thought I had cancer because I kept losing weight, sweat a lot, my eyes were getting larger and had sleepless nights…Hearing problem – Surgery on my ear drum which I believe was punctured when the Medical Officer (W-2) used highly pressurized stream of water when he examined my ear for the hissing sound that I was complaining and suffering due to cold weather during my tour in Alaska – I screamed so loud and echoed almost throughout the entire floor of the building where I worked at the district office. My hearing is not as normal as I used to have – I keep asking my wife what she’s telling me and when I hear something it sounds like they’re coming from the other direction and my wife laughs at me when I tell her where the sound is coming from… and my back injury that I suffered when I lifted a heavy box about 2 yrs before my retirement…ALL MY SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES WERE INFLICTED DURING MY ACTIVE SERVICE AND ARE REFLECTED IN MY MEDICAL RECORD….THEY NEVER HAPPENED AFTER I RETIRED, EXCEPT I THINK MY “IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT” WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED AND APPRROVED BY MY VA MEDICAL DOCTOR AS CAUSED BY MY THYROID…DURING THE EARLY TREATMENT OF MY THYROID I WAS OVER MEDICATED – I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TREATED WITH THE THYROID MEDICINE FOR TWO YEARS BUT IT WAS FOUND OUT THAT I’VE BEEN GIVEN THE MEDICATION FOR ALMOST THREE YEARS…I ALSO THINK THE LEVO MEDICINE HAD CAUSE AN ED – I GOOGLED THE SIDE EFFECT OF LEVO AND IT’S THERE, IN BLACK AND WHITE – IT SAYS LEVO MEDICATION CAUSES ED…I THOUGHT IT’S CAUSED BY SOMETHING LIKE THE AGING PROCESS OR SOMETHING, BECAUSE I NEVER HAD THE ED PROBLEM IN THE PAST…I INCLUDED IT IN MY VA DISABILITY CLAIM BUT DENIED…I EVEN FILED FOR UNEMPLOYED CLAIM DUE TO MY DISABILITIES BUT NEVER GOT APPROVED WHILE OTHER WHO ARE I BELIEVE HEALTHIER THAN ME GOT THEIR UNEMPLOYABILITY APPROVED…I GOT TIRED SENDING MY CLAIM…SO RIGHT NOW I HAVE 80% SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY…I DON’T EVEN CLAIM FOR TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT WHEN I REPORT FOR MEDICAL EXAM AS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH MY DISABILITIES…So, to all my fellow Vets who have service-connected disability, my advice is “have patience”…I just don’t have the patience that others have…And GOODLUCK and thank you also for having honorably served Uncle Sam and your fellow Americans.
Do you belong to the VFW, DAV or any of these organization . you need someone to repesent you. donot go to one in a VA center go to one local. They don’t charge you anything.