Falling Short on Providing for Veterans

Yes it is appalling.

I think that, among other things, the problem of PTSD for recent combat veterans needs to be addressed NOW instead of waiting 20 or 30 years down the road when it becomes so severe that it's hard to treat. My husband has PTSD, and while we were at his compensation and pension appointment 1 1/2 weeks ago, we were told (as we were ALSO told through a letter in the mail) that his PTSD part of the claim has been denied. He was even diagnosed with PTSD WHILE he was in the military, and has it on record. While talking to one of the VA reps who will handle his questions, etc, she told us that they always deny that part of the claim until enough time has passed - which she said is usually years later. It's a very real problem.

As for me, when I was there I asked some of my own personal questions, since I will have to fight even harder for VA benefits. I submitted a claim back in November, and still have some evidence I need to pull together to support it. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease while in the service, and they separated me trying to say it was a pre-existing condition, ONLY with the argument that it is an auto-immune disease (which it really isn't, since it attacks bacteria in the intestines and not the actual organs), so I had to be predisposed to it in order to get it. Which again, is not true. So for 3 years I never knew I was eligible for benefits. Now I know I am, I just have a lot of fighting to do in order to get it.

Very appalling! And the above comment about the Crohn's Disease, ought not to take this long. Pre-existing condition my arse. Can they prove he enlisted with it??

It is unforgivable that a single veteran be without ANYTHING they need to help them rebuild the families and their lives when they return from active service -- in a war zone or anywhere else.

I'm not one of those gung-ho types!! I've protested my share of wars. But I have never held one ill feeling or harbored an ounce of ill will for those who serve to protect my right to do so!

THIS should be one of the major presidential platform issues.

For any who may think these are exceptions, or that this contention is inaccurate, it's not. One of our oldest friends served in the military and was exposed to a chemical agent that ultimately caused his 80% disability. It was some agent that was supposed to incapacitate the enemy. It took him 10 years to receive a permanent disability status. By the way -- he is 51 years old right now - the same age as I am - our birthdays are only 1 day apart.

First they have to go to war without needed protection and now they have to fight again, perhaps for the rest of their lives for the treatment they need. I remember the poor Veitnam vets coming back unable to live in a house and yet, no treatment. This has always been bad, but under this administration it's become the worst I've seen.

I, too, do not support pre-emptive wars but I certainly support those who give their own comfort and their well-being to carry out their orders around the world. They deserve so much more.

The long tours of duty, short R & R and lack of equipment is shameful. To those who have lost families, and those who are struggling with emotional damage; I'm so very sorry that your country has not responded to you in kind for your service. I write letters, sign petitions, post rants and vote to support you. It's the least we can do for your service to us.

I am a part of the brain injury community. It is hard for vets to find the programs they need to rebuild cognitive skills. Sadly, this is also true for the rest of us who are not near a research hospital or university that works with brain injured people.

Because these guys have some special needs there are only a few vet centers that have trained staff to work them. It seems to me it would be easy enough to develop programs along the lines of those at Coastline Community College's ABI Program or the Reiker Institute in New York.

Hopefully whomever is elected will overturn this travesty in 1/09. Its a cryin' shame.

Veterans should be the first to get health care. Once they sign on the dotted line they should qualify. One problem in our area is we have to travel 3 hours to get care for my husband. When my husband got sick and had to be transported to the closest hospital we are responsible for his bill. But if we had tried to get him to a VA hospital he would have died. The clinics are an hour away and recently had a shuffle of staff and they are having problems knowing what procedure the Vets are there for.
More definately has to be done for the Veterans to meet their needs. This $15 per copay for a prescription will strain us as it will cost $360 for my husband's meds now. I will be getting a second job to cover this.
This is just outragous.

Kacey, 10 stars and a thumbs WAY Up for you. We re-posted your article with a few comments on http://eeverettmcfall.blogspot.com

Vietnam Veteran Disabled medicaly and "Big Time" with PTSD. Internet Radio Talk
Show Host, Veteran's Advocate, Author of "I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In
my Sleep...A Journey Into PTSD

That sucks!