Improving the Treatment of Veterans

americanthinker.com ^ | 5/27/2019 | Larrry Alton

[rktman]

Of all people in society, veterans deserve the most respect, yet often receive the least. This is unfortunate and detrimental to the fabric of our nation. And while we can gripe about the state of the VA all we want, it ultimately comes down to how we, as private citizens, treat these individuals.

Millions of Americans were against the Vietnam War -- as were many of the soldiers who were thrust into battle. But these latter individuals had no choice. When their names were called, they responded with obedience and followed the orders they were given -- often doing so with great courage and pride. Yet when they returned home, many Vietnam veterans were greeted with vitriol and disrespect.

[rktman]

I just received a letter from the VA in regards to improving care for vets regardless of which of the categories they fall into. Often missed is the fact that those that served during the VN era were abused and ridiculed by a lot of fellow Americans whether one had been to VN or not. Just being in uniform could invite derision from those opposed to the war. Then dealing with the VA gets tossed into the mix years later. I have a VA card issued many years ago and when I tried to use the local VA they didn't recognize the card and I needed to go through the enrollment process again. When applying for a possible disability rating, the records they were able to obtain were nearly non existent due to a lot of records that were destroyed in a fire years ago. They denied my claim based on that and said my rating would have not been subjected to what the claim was about. They still "let me in" at a category 8 level. The care at the local facility is good and the "Choice" program worked for me in several instances but the admin level is lacking. I found some documents that I kept over the years that should aid in proving some of my claims were true. We shall see.

[SkyDancer]

Also why my dad and uncle refuse to join the VFW - they were told they didn't want Nam vets (back then).

[luvbach1]

I was deafened in lrft ear (saved the other by pressing it against the stock of rifle) caused by firing an M-1 Garand 30-caliber rifle without ear protection (it was considered only for sissies in those days and was not allowed) during Army basic training in 1961. The VA had me tested by an audiologist who said I had only a 4% loss in that ear which was totally untrue.

[rktman]

Yup. Even a few VN vets have a “Oh, you just served.” attitude. The pentagon sent you where they wanted you. I know some folks who requested VN and went and others who requested and were denied. Just sayin’.

[luvbach1]

I was deafened in left ear (saved the other by pressing it against the stock of rifle) caused by firing an M-1 Garand 30-caliber rifle without ear protection (it was considered only for sissies in those days and was not allowed) during Army basic training in 1961. The VA had me tested by an audiologist who said I had only a 4% loss in that ear which was totally untrue.

[rktman]

Yeah, frustrating isn’t it. Similar claim due to high noise levels in the engineering spaces for a year and half. Ear protection wasn’t something that was done then. But, the VA did issue me hearing aids. Of course the claim was denied on the hearing loss based on my final rating which was not in the engine room. So, why issue the aids? Weird huh?

[Datom]

Check out your closest DAV. The one in Claremore, OK, is one of the best in the country. Also check your VFW. Some are also help to file claims.

[Datom]

That is because they put you in a sound proof booth. Don’t answer every word they want you to and do not push the button for the tone until you count to five

[luvbach1]

I could have, and still could, get a hearing aid from VA. I haven’t because I still hear fairly well with my “good” ear.

[rktman]

LOL! Oh, I know that routine very well. Was that my shirt crinkling or the tinnitus. Some one answer that phone please!

[PIF]

how the VA sees you in that image is displayed to the extreme right of the image,

[redfreedom]

I got the same letter from the VA claiming how some new law will make it better for veterans. I read it, threw it in the trash with the rest of the junk mail.

I tried VA health are in 1989, loved it, then kicked off in 1995. Tried to get back on in 2015 and never heard a word back from them. In 2017 I tried again they let me back on as a Cat 1.

I’m back to my public doctor and pharmacy due to the bureaucracy of it all and feeling like I’m in prison when there. Huge no gun signs all over, large print penalty signs for having guns. Bars over this and that. The door is locked and you have to be buzzed in. Then interrogated for suicidal thoughts before seeing something passing for a doctor.

Thanks, but no thanks. Glad to have medicare and health insurance.

[gnarledmaw]

Ironically, a local VN era commander told me that the rest of us aren’t real vets. They can kiss my ass too.

[rktman]

😡👍🏼🇺🇸

[sparklite2]

What choo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?

[Chainmail]

Have read your posts - and while I am grateful for your service and I do know that a lot of it was the "luck of the draw" - Vietnam Era Service was not exactly the same as Vietnam combat service.

It's not anything to go crazy about but very few of us who did serve with the infantry made in back in one piece. I just wrote down 20 or so of my friends on a card for today's prayers at church and I don't even remember the names of a tenth of them that were killed. Every single day that goes by, I am in moderate to severe pain from my bullet-shattered leg.

I was jeered when I got back, refused rides hitchhiking, refused service in restaurants and a beautiful young women spat in my face.

I do admire you, that you served, but don't get resentful if I tell you that combat service is something unique and horrible and lonely.

[rktman]

That is understood and only you know it for yourself. That said, all of us signed a contract to let them do what they would with us up to an including getting us killed. And there are a bunch of ways to get killed in the military in and out of combat zones. Thanks for your service too.

[SkyDancer]

Unfortunately I didn’t serve but my dad, uncle and two brothers have. My mom was a military brat. I support vets because of what my family has done.

[SkyDancer]

Can’t figure which image you’re referring to. There is that squiggle at the bottom right - is that the one?

[Chainmail]

"And there are a bunch of ways to get killed in the military in and out of combat zones. Thanks for your service too."

100% true - and when you signed your name on the dotted line, you were in essence offering your life for your country, same as us. You are without question, a veteran.

My point was only that combat service amplified the risks and made it certain that if you did survive, everything from here on would be different than before.