I have a gripe or something to share, I retired about 4 months ago and its been hard making the transition. I started a new job 5 weeks ago and it was just too hard for me (I have some major medical issues...) I feel like such a failure cause it got to me too much last night and I walked out. After 20 years on the ArmY I never quit anything I started and I couldnt even handle one stupid job. Well that's it, on a good note I started back to college, I'm jsut scared I will quit that too.

I know how that feels. When I stopped working Oct 06 because of my medical problems, I really felt useless, especially for being so young. Eventually I plan on going back to college too, in search of something new. Well, i'm sorry you feel that way, you shouldn't have to. You did 20 whole years, you know. I only did 5 in the Corps, I can't work, not for now at least. So, keep your head up! Don't lose faith. Good luck with your schooling! :)

I got turned down by the VA for my compensation claim. i came down with celiac spur(sp)and a heart problem, because i could not prove i was treated for eather problem, I guess they can't read, or they did not get my Air Force Records. I Knew they would turn me down the first time around, now comes the fight, this is my type of war.

Ya... good luck with that! I'm behind you 100%. the va turned down my fybromyalgia claim last year saying that i didn't have any evidence. they're full of sh*t so I appealed them saying, "can't you read??!! it's all through my med record!!" i even pulled out certain pages from it to show them where to look. idiots! don't ever give up. i got the american legion helping me with it.

Hi Ya'll. I am a disabled Vet, 5 yrs Army Airborne. I got 50% right away at discharge for a bone disease (MARFANS), but never the mental. I was diagnosed BP in 2004, but I have records from Korea that show I was flown by heli b/c i tried to whack myself. Then i had stomach pumped and was committed for 30 days in a mental ward in Korea. Then I got out shortly after.
The VA rejected my claim. I have the DAV helping me and I have a "S.O.C-statement of case" hearing that is to be held in DC later this year. The FUCKED UP part, is that i filed this case in July 2006 and some kind of new law was enacted in Oct, 2006, so I can't hire a lawyer to represent me unless I begin the case all over again. Isnt that BULLSHIT...I AM SOO LOST.

Hi, Paatunc. The 50% is rated by which system, the VA or DOD? Cuz they are 2 different systems. Did the VA reject your whole claim or just the BP? If you were diagnosed while active duty, I don't know why they would reject it, that makes no sense at all. But then again, I question both systems since from my experience neither seem to be doing their job. After the DOD med retired me they recently suddenly canceled my benefits saying that one of my injuries is no longer effecting my life! But if you look into how much treatments and therapy I've been going through including the MRIs, all evidence points the other way. I tend to wander if they even read through our records at all at this point. i'm also putting together an appeal packet on that case.
Tell, you what, I'll look into that 2006 bullshit "law" for you and try to find some kind of "loop hole". I'll get back to you on that. Hang in there and never give up!

paatuncfan i am surprised that they gave you 50% disability for your type of bone disease. I tried to get compensation for my celiac disease, gives me hope, because both disease are of the same class. read my entry above.

thanks for the responses, i appreciate it

now as far as not understanding why my bone disease is acceptale, I dont get that? not at all? that shit ended my career and it still interferes in my life on a daily basis. i have to wear braces on my legs so i can stand for more than 10 mins without shaking. WTF?