Posted on Dec 14, 2015
CPL Rob Stocker
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Man oh man, where do I start! I feel like a freakin guinea pig in there, just seems like would rather treat the symptoms instead of fix the problem, shoving pills in your face at every turn.

It worries me because it feels like they want me to become a statistic, either on there charts and records or 6 feet under. Im running out of patience. Not to mention they cant find any record of my medical problems from my time in service and wont give me a rating. It's what got me put out in the first place?!

I feel like I have been set up for failure, and Im about to give up on it. I have contacted the DAV, I have contacted my Congressman, I have sent letter after letter, to this person, that person, this attorney, or that Representative, yet here I sit.. Still unable to sleep, still having massive migraines..

What else can I do? where do I go from here.. The pharmacy sitting on my bathroom shelf is nothing more than a reminder of the let down, and excuse for treatment that I feel like I have to suffer through because I was pushed into the VA that I didnt trust in the first place!
Posted in these groups: Tbi logo TBI78568930 PTSD
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Responses: 15
SGT Mark Stevens
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I hear what your saying. Most of my head injuries while in service went undocumented and my complaints of the symptoms lead me no where during my MEB. I had to go to a Neurologist outside the VA system to get help. Once I was situated there the Neurologist helped me establish service connection ( along with buddy statements from those who seen the accidents). VA lowballed my first rating at 10% I requested a De Novo and six years later they came back with 80%.
My point is, don't give up! Yes it is hard, if you need help ask for it. You have a lot of Brothers and Sisters that although strapped themselves, will help with what they can to make sure you make it. If you need to talk about this in depth, TBI, VA, Service Organizations, feel free to get a hold of me. I'm Mark Stevens
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CPL Rob Stocker
CPL Rob Stocker
>1 y
Appreciate it Sgt, Im growing tired of this battle.. This is not the battle rhythm I expected to adjust to when I got out, dont feel cut out for civilian life. Money isntt he issue really.. I mean I make it, Army spent a lot of money on training us to survive, just never thought I would have to apply that training in this instance.

I appreciate your willingness to talk to me.. I just wouldnt even know where to start honestly, been a long time since I talked to anyone. Im not here to put out a sob story or a cry for help, if I was ready to end it I doubt I would have posted and just done it. I just want to be fixed.. all I want is the pain to stop.. thats it.. I dont even care about the money.
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SGT Mark Stevens
SGT Mark Stevens
>1 y
Brother, I'm still trying to get migraines more under control. You and me, we'll never be "fixed". But we have to manage it as best we can. You have to make a choice. Deal with some of the pain and get out and do something or sit at home and let it take over. I know it hurts, I know sometimes you can't even open your eyes but it's not always like that. When it's not, take advantage of it. Like I said, if there is anything I can do let me know. Get a hold of me off line [login to see] some times it helps just talking out some ideas on how to fix the situation.
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PO3 Brad Phlipot
PO3 Brad Phlipot
>1 y
Keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there.
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SGT Rick Ash
SGT Rick Ash
>1 y
PO3 Brad Phlipot - Awesome PO3 Brad Phlipot. Add my prayers. I am a prayer warrior.
Thanks,
Rick
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
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Brother, contact your local VSO right away! They are trained to assist folks in your situation! There are always the hotlines if you feel you are on the edge. You can also feel free to contact me if you just need to talk.
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CPL Rob Stocker
CPL Rob Stocker
>1 y
I really appreciate it, thank you, Ill give that shot.
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PO3 Brad Phlipot
PO3 Brad Phlipot
>1 y
Ditto that! Reach out to us CPL.
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SSG Warren Swan
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First thing is for you NOT to give up. The second thing is what you're doing now. Talk to your peers and see what they've done to get it close to "right". No one "wins" with the VA, but the VA NEVER looses. Someone will give you a good response and I hope for all of us it works. Your situation could be one of a million in the same boat. If you can get it to work and pass the info down, we can all at least break even with the VA. Thirdly, maybe consider contacting your local news. No one but the news themselves like bad press, and if you can show where a congressman hasn't done their job, name me a TV station that wouldn't eat that up. Bet you'll get a few sudden letters, calls, and emails.
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