Posted on 04/05/2006 9:58:30 AM PDT by blu
HI all. The following post is from another board, with the poster's permission - I'm just the conduit. The short question is: Ranger Vet (Afghanistan and Iraq)'s mother who provides care for him needs help jumping the VA hoops. If this is not the appropriate place, let me know. Post begins here: Military family needs help... I know a woman who is going through hell on earth and I'm wondering if any of you might be able to help, or know of someone or some group who can help. Here's the story in brief.
Her son was in the military (Army Ranger) and did two tours in Afghanistan, followed by a tour in Iraq. While in Iraq he was involved in an accident; his face was smashed with a tank turret. He survived, but obviously suffered massive head injuries. He suffered brain damage, the extent of which still doesn't appear to even be well-known.
He was at Walter Reed for a long time, while this woman had to go back and forth to be with him and continue to raise two other children. The military was far from helpful, offering her NO financial assistance whatsoever.
During the same period her husband left her -- couldn't deal with the stress.
After a two-year ordeal (I won't bother with all the details) she has this now 24-year-old at home and has to deal with all of his problems herself. She is not exactly rich and still has gotten no support from the military at all.
Her son also now apparently has PTSD and they think he "may" have damage to his brain stem. She took him to the VA hospital, and after 2 days there all they offer him is 1 hour of counseling every 2 weeks! Her other kids are reacting negatively to having the older son in the house because, well, he's not himself.
She's at her wit's end. And I don't know how to help.
Anyone?
He was active duty and is now discharged.
Actually was special forces, an Army Ranger.
Re: VA classification: What is the specific significance of this classification?
I asked her and she said they still haven't made this decision. (After 2 years? Is that reasonable?)
And now they suspect more brain damage so they want to test his brain again which may delay things further.
Should she get a lawyer involved? She doesn't have one -- and likely couldn't afford one.
She said she has been in contact with the DAV but I don't quite get whether this has been routine "work your way through the machinery" contact or at a higher level (most likely the former.)
Bttt
Any suggestions.....PING!!
Is she asking for just advise, or is she looking for financial help also?
Also,a call to VFW Headquarters could well be helpful.
I wish this mother,and her son,all the best!
What state is she in?
I'm clueless about military and vets stuff but there was a posting on another site, www.booksforsoldiers.com, offering help with VA snags. I have limited computer access but will try to find and forward the link, if not today maybe tomorrow.
On my way to work.
What state/location?
Forgot to mention that a call to one or more local TV stations could be worthwhile.
Vermont
Try contacting your State and Fed Congress/Senators..
Ya never know?
Sometimes it is horrible the way our soldiers are left on there own in the time of dire need. If the US government were a commercial employer and this kind thing happenned they own millions in damages. It really burns me thinking about how our representatives behave and strut around while this kind of thing is going on. This kind of thing just should not happen. Our country wastes billions of dollars a year on stuff that doesn't work or people that won't and the least we can do is make sure our soldiers receive the treatment they need. I know of a way you may be able to get help. I'll send the information to you privately.
It is a legitimate question to know are they asking for advice or money? If asking for money I would beware a scam. Their are low lives who will try to use the Support the Troops network to scam people.
Dem critters in Vermont. GOP Gov, right?
Wow, tough situation, for sure. I didn't see what state this is in, but you might tell her to carefully consider (red state? blue state?) contacting her Senators, and/or congressman. Sometimes they can make things happen that otherwise normally would not.
Also, she might think about contacting a local TV station, if they have an investigative reporter. Sometimes, they can rattle the right cages to make things happen.
Apply for SS Disability or SSS. If they (SS) get ahold of the VA, there has to be some kind of answers given. Is this kid on Service connected disability?
Best advice - if ALL else fails - call your congressman and senator.
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