Posted on Sep 9, 2015
Are fake disabilities affecting other Veterans?
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So I met this guy the other day that is a gym buddy of our kids (20 and 17 year old). Obviously I don't know the entire story but he is 100% disabled for hearing and his back. The moment I met him I wanted to call bullshit. He walked in our home looking like a cartoon superhero and started talking about his workout. He does parkour, and extreme weight lifting. And has since he was in and now that he is out. That immediately raise a flag of bullshit beyond him explaining to us his philosophy on working out and people. He also started to go into his time as a leader in the Air Force...he got out as a E4. I quickly identified him as "that guy". So anyways.
I live in constant pain from protruding disc in my neck. It is intensified by any variety of things but mostly just doing shit. I have days where I literally just want to lay in bed with my percocet in hand and try and numb myself to feel a little normal again and other where it just feels like some one is punching me over and over. I am 50% broken. I don't claim to be more or less broken than I am and don't really care that much about how broken I am I just avoid doing stuff that makes it a percocet day.
So my questions are this;
People that may or may not be using the system are they really hurting the system?
Do you care if people fake disability to get more from a system?
How would you handle your kid around this guy who you know is a freaking idiot?
I live in constant pain from protruding disc in my neck. It is intensified by any variety of things but mostly just doing shit. I have days where I literally just want to lay in bed with my percocet in hand and try and numb myself to feel a little normal again and other where it just feels like some one is punching me over and over. I am 50% broken. I don't claim to be more or less broken than I am and don't really care that much about how broken I am I just avoid doing stuff that makes it a percocet day.
So my questions are this;
People that may or may not be using the system are they really hurting the system?
Do you care if people fake disability to get more from a system?
How would you handle your kid around this guy who you know is a freaking idiot?
Disability
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Scam
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 71
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Yes, people who try to fake disabilities are nothing more than thieves trying to bilk a system that is already overloaded with veterans with real disabilities. If you observe them as you did they are easy to spot. As to the protruding disk in your neck have you considered surgery. I had a similar problem with a cord compression at C-2-C-3 and surgery with a fusion gave me back the use of my left arm and leg. Although I am 100 percent service disabled and have been for over 50 years this was not a service connected condition. It was caused by old age. Over the years since WW Two and the Korean War I have been in VA hospitals 27 times and have seen some of those phonies but thankfully not a lot. Most veterans who apply for service connection for disability do so because they really exist. I live in a VA Nursing Home, in Georgia, with seriously service disabled veterans of five wars and I guess the ones who try to fake it kind of turn my stomach.
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In 1967 the Army accepted me into service even tho I had Polio in 1953. My medical records showed I had Polio, but was capable to serve. In 1991 I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome and because of this my muscles were deteriorating to the point that I could no longer pass the PT test. I had to retire. Now I am in a wheel chair, but because my disability is because of having Polio in 1953, and regardless of the fact that my muscle deterioration was faster then normal due to PT and my physical requirements of my job, I am not eligible for some of the VA benefits because the disease initially happened before entry into the military. 24 years service, 2 years of that combat, yet I am one of those that falls between the cracks. I am lucky to have retirement, but what of those who are not that lucky and also fall between these cracks.
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SFC James Sager
In 1967 the Army accepted me into service even tho I had Polio in 1953. My medical records showed I had Polio, but was capable to serve. In 1991 I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome and because of this my muscles were deteriorating to the point that I could no longer pass the PT test. I had to retire. Now I am in a wheel chair, but because my disability is because of having Polio in 1953, and regardless of the fact that my muscle deterioration was faster then normal due to PT and my physical requirements of my job, I am not eligible for some of the VA benefits because the disease initially happened before entry into the military. 24 years service, 2 years of that combat, yet I am one of those that falls between the cracks. I am lucky to have retirement, but what of those who are not that lucky and also fall between these cracks.
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To answer your questions: Yes, fakers hurt the system. They take money, resources and time away from those truly entitled to disability compensation. Yes, I care, as should everyone. Bottom line: People are strange. Some claim to have been in the military when they have not. Some claim to be disabled when they are not. Ultimately, if you think this guy is a phony, get some evidence and submit it to the VA. Let them handle it as you may not have all the facts.
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I had the same neck and disc issue years ago. Most painful thing I've ever felt. Mine lucky slid back in place and off the nerve after about 6 months.
As to the fakes? My personal belief, based on those I've met is that there are that there is a high percentage of fakes these days. One tour, never left the FOB - medical retiree's abound the Colorado Springs area. But heaven forbid you call them on it.
Do, they hurt they system? Hell yes they do. That take valuable time from Doctors that should be seeing those that are honestly hurt. They create an impression on the civilians in the area that we are all full of S*&t.
They have figured out the system and used it to it's fullest. Again, if someone in the mil medical systems or VA calls BS, their jobs are on the line. I wish I had a solution for the problem but it will probably be around for a while.
As to the fakes? My personal belief, based on those I've met is that there are that there is a high percentage of fakes these days. One tour, never left the FOB - medical retiree's abound the Colorado Springs area. But heaven forbid you call them on it.
Do, they hurt they system? Hell yes they do. That take valuable time from Doctors that should be seeing those that are honestly hurt. They create an impression on the civilians in the area that we are all full of S*&t.
They have figured out the system and used it to it's fullest. Again, if someone in the mil medical systems or VA calls BS, their jobs are on the line. I wish I had a solution for the problem but it will probably be around for a while.
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Unless we are in the medical field and have completed a review of a veterans case we aren't qualified to call someone a "faker". Who are we to claim to know someones medical situtation?
I suspect there are quite a few veterans who are bilking the system. Is the veteran who submits a bogus claim at fault or the VA for approving it? I blame the VA.
I suspect there are quite a few veterans who are bilking the system. Is the veteran who submits a bogus claim at fault or the VA for approving it? I blame the VA.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I don't understand your obsession with disability. Nothing you say or do is going to change the status quo. You're essentially boiling in your own stew about other veterans claims. Claims that you perceive to be fake... without all the facts of their disability claim.
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I know what you mean! I have been fighting for my disability for 8 years and I seen some Vets get 100% off the back! And I have a host of problems also! Not only that I have doctor reports that are legit.
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I have mixed feelings about all of it, because I understand where the money comes from. On the other hand, they broke us. This is one of the many reasons I oppose adventuristic/expeditionary warfare. (and, yes, I DO have an Expeditionary Medal).
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Yes, he is adding to an already overloaded VA and I'm still fighting for 3 years for Disability. I even got denied for VA Medical! 6 years of outstanding service, medals with 2 bronze stars and a very technical MOS. This guys sounds like a BS artist and I would explain to your son exactly what he is and be thankful there aren't more like him.
Thanks,
Rick
Thanks,
Rick
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1. Yes, they are hurting the system. They are taking resources and money away from those who legitimately need it.
2. I absolutely care. I turned in a friend for fraud to the VA and Social Security. And see above.
3. I would tell my kids of my suspicions and why it's wrong. Let them decide if this guy is worth their time. Here's the problem: You don't seem to really know if he is on disability or what his real situation is so it's kind of hard to make such accusations. Personally, I'd arrange an impromptu discussion with both him and my kids and start asking questions - see what happens.
It's hard to get a 100% rating - I know because I've done it (I'm in the reserves). I'm also on social security disability. I've been med boarded, barely meet the minimum retention standards and have a permanent profile. The only reason I'm still in is because my commanders have been respectful of my situation and I still have something to offer. There is a chance he is telling the truth, rehabbed himself but has never reported his "improved" status. Have you reported him to the VA? They will look into it. That's my 2 cents.
2. I absolutely care. I turned in a friend for fraud to the VA and Social Security. And see above.
3. I would tell my kids of my suspicions and why it's wrong. Let them decide if this guy is worth their time. Here's the problem: You don't seem to really know if he is on disability or what his real situation is so it's kind of hard to make such accusations. Personally, I'd arrange an impromptu discussion with both him and my kids and start asking questions - see what happens.
It's hard to get a 100% rating - I know because I've done it (I'm in the reserves). I'm also on social security disability. I've been med boarded, barely meet the minimum retention standards and have a permanent profile. The only reason I'm still in is because my commanders have been respectful of my situation and I still have something to offer. There is a chance he is telling the truth, rehabbed himself but has never reported his "improved" status. Have you reported him to the VA? They will look into it. That's my 2 cents.
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You live with it. BTW, your situation is the same as mine, I declined VA disability and take the tax break with my retirement pay.
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