How many of you receive VA Compensation?

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:11:02 -0400

It looks like there are about 305,000 veterans on this list. I am curious how many of us receive VA compensation? Military service has always come with a price. Some are seriously wounded in combat, other suffer from PTSD while others have injuries incurred in service and others too have many disabilities.

I personally have suffered PTSD from Vietnam, hearing loss, chronic sinusitis related to a broken nose and serious neck problems related to fall off truck during field duty along with hearing loss and other minor issues that put me at 100% with the neck problems being the worst and facing a fourth, major spine surgery soon.

If you're like me, I know you'd all rather give up the money and be perfectly healthy as it can cramp our lifestyle from time to time. Fell free to list your disabilities if you care to or whatever other comments you have in this regard.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 26 at 2015 10:11 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:11:13 -0400

100%

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made May 26 at 2015 10:15 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:15:42 -0400

I would say that most of us do? I'm currently at 80% and I have an Appeal Pending for Agent Orange and two other issues. That Hearing is finally coming up on June 04 after it's been pending since September 2009. WTF-Over!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:20:27 -0400

100% P&T, also have something that the VA listed as "loss of a creative organ", but
it's not specifically listed on my disabilities list visible on the eBenefits portal.

Response by SPC Christian Ziegler made May 26 at 2015 10:28 PM

SPC Christian Ziegler — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:28:33 -0400

100% P.&T. PTSD, Groin injury, left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, lower back, Minor TBI, Hypertention. That's all they listed but I get treaded for more that they found, I don't fell like opening my claim anymore because either way I will get paid the same and I will still be in the same body getting the same stuff im getting now. Scouts Out

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 26 at 2015 10:32 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:32:51 -0400

Currently 80% VA Compensation for, heart, spine, shoulder, etc.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:40 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:40:34 -0400

Unfortunately I had to retire from my last employment in 2010 due to my combat service disabilities that was aggravated during the course of my employment since I retired from the Marine Corps in 1994. I was finally rated at 90% TDIU, P/T since my retirement in 2010. I like you would rather be productive and doing something constructive than going to my treatments. I plan to see if VRE, IDL can help in some way. Hang in there folks. Not all is bad. We get to live another day and enjoy our families.
James

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 26 at 2015 10:47 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:47:52 -0400

I am going through the insult of an intentionally low rating to see if I will give up and just accept it.
Hip - Femoraplasty - 0%
Hip - Labrum restructuring - 0%
Mismatched leg length 1/4" from surgeries - 0%
Previous knee injury aggravated by surgeries causing misalignment - 0%
Dermatitis that started during deployments - no rating
Tinnitus - 10%

Response by SFC Cindy Paris made May 26 at 2015 11:27 PM

SFC Cindy Paris — Tue, 26 May 2015 23:27:21 -0400

I currently am 50%. Back injury, migraines, and female issues that resulted in a hysterectomy.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 26 at 2015 11:39 PM

SSG John Erny — Tue, 26 May 2015 23:39:40 -0400

Yeah, where do want me to start. The first dumb thing I did was not going to sick call after my last jump. I jumped and then got the opening shock of my life, I then saw grey paint from the side of a c-141, alsmost pulled the reserve which would have been fatal had I actualy have been a towed jumper. My back has been going down hill ever since.

Rigger school: there are two types of towed jumper, one is green and has a water tight butt, the other is a dead man.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made May 26 at 2015 11:45 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Tue, 26 May 2015 23:45:12 -0400

I refuse to go to the VA. I don't need the BS that goes on there. I will keep using my crappy insurance .

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made May 27 at 2015 12:07 AM

SSG Melvin Nulph — Wed, 27 May 2015 00:07:13 -0400

100% & hate it!

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 27 at 2015 12:24 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Wed, 27 May 2015 00:24:07 -0400

10% for seizure disorder the AF said was aggravated by military service. Private Neurologist says it was likely brought on by benzine in the JP-8.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 27 at 2015 5:53 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 27 May 2015 05:53:28 -0400

10% hearing loss from working on the flight deck.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made May 27 at 2015 6:59 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Wed, 27 May 2015 06:59:29 -0400

My rating is at 40%, hearing loss, hip and back issues, chronic sinus problems. I would definitely appreciate my health over any compensation.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 27 at 2015 7:01 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 27 May 2015 07:01:13 -0400

Nerve damage. Still fighting with them about other issues.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 27 at 2015 7:57 AM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 27 May 2015 07:57:02 -0400

To accurately answer the question, yes, I receive VA compensation for a number of things. I would trade it all to NOT have the list of debilitating issues that make daily tasked difficult at time.

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 27 at 2015 10:09 AM

CPT Bob Moore — Wed, 27 May 2015 10:09:40 -0400

I went through the VA process twice and ended up with several service connected issues. I am still waiting on a decision on one more.

I agree that better health would be worth more than all the money they pay. However, it is important for them to service connect things so that the issues can be taken care of in the future, even if they are connected at 0%. I am lucky enough to live near a good VA facility. Even with decent insurance, some treatments and medication can be expensive.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 27 at 2015 11:37 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 27 May 2015 11:37:28 -0400

I am 60% from a number of small things that added up over time...if you think common core math is confusing, you need to take a look at VA percentage.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 11:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 11:50:33 -0400

shoulder torn rotator- 30
radiculopathy- 10
bilateral hearing loss- 10
Tinnitus- 10
ptsd due to MST -70
chronic migraines- 30
skin condition- burns- 30

For a combined of 90. I would give it all back to be normal for a day.

I feel like I should update this:

Recently I received notice that my claim was under review by the Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) team/program. They had randomly selected my claim to audit for accuracy. About 2 weeks later, I received a second notice, that there was some inaccuracies in my rating; and the VBA granted an increase in my rating to a combined rating of 100%.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 27 at 2015 12:48 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 27 May 2015 12:48:37 -0400

I guess I might be in the minority...I have 0%, have never been to a VA hospital except to visit my Dad. Have never filed a claim, never thought or even considered filing a claim for disability.

I haven't even taken a VA loan which I hear all of the time I am entitled to use. Zero GI Bill money ever used (I am not eligible for any based upon when I served).

I served, was honorably discharged and moved on, did not look back or expect anything for my service.

Response by PO1 Richard Schneider made May 27 at 2015 5:50 PM

PO1 Richard Schneider — Wed, 27 May 2015 17:50:27 -0400

I would gladly trade my compensation from the VA, CSU/UC tuition waivers for my children, improved parking access, and free car registration from California for a life without crutches, vertigo, and pain.

OTOH I wouldn't trade the service that caused them for anything.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 8:19 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 20:19:36 -0400

I have Meniere's disease, a curved spine, two bones in my neck that are almost touching and have reached degenerate stage. my hips are not aligned the same, I have one leg short than the other. Paper work at the VA awaiting a decision which they have until Feb 2016.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:05:46 -0400

I am coping with adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, issues with my lungs, knees, back, shoulders, And joints.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:57:45 -0400

Just reading these comments makes me think how much of a beating our bodies take while serving.

I don't have any VA compensation yet, just starting the process!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 2:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 02:26:12 -0400

I am very glad to say that I do not.

Response by SGT Aaron Barbee made May 28 at 2015 2:47 AM

SGT Aaron Barbee — Thu, 28 May 2015 02:47:36 -0400

I'm still fighting. They gave me 10 for nerve damage and said everything else isn't related to service! Now instead of going through the claims process I have to sit in the appeals back log nightmare. But honestly, like most I would love to have a normal, pain free, productive day at work.

Response by SFC Jim Fink made Jun 4 at 2015 3:27 PM

SFC Jim Fink — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 15:27:21 -0400

30%

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jun 10 at 2015 10:26 PM

MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:26:22 -0400

"Compensation" cannot buy your health back. I can say that I have received a fair rating, which was immediate after retirement. I have received 14-pair of glasses from the VA in the last ten-years - extensive neuo and rheumatology conditions; however, with a Ph.D., I want to be employed -- full-time. This is the true challenge. Voc Rehabilitation was a nightmare. I didn't even get to sit down with the "counselor." Stated (with my wife present), that,"I have an education and am working, there's nothing I can do for you, and I am not trained to assist those with eye conditions..." But, the VA Voc Rehab counselor did refer me via email to the cystic fibrosis society of San Diego... Hard to make one up like that... I was humbly seeking assistance for full-time faculty employment, large screen computer and back-lit keyboard. My rating is 100% (unfortunately). No, I'd gladly return every cent to not be in the situation I currently am. BTW, my employment was part-time, and never a sure position, as an adjunct professor, if there was a class I was qualified to instruct, there was a chance I'd be assigned to it -- and I absolutely gave everything to every active duty service member and retiree I could. Teleconferences, individual assistance and mentorship -- to this day, veteran students arrive at my house for help/assistance/mentorship to complete their thesis or graduate research projects, and I welcome them all - free of charge, as I want to ensure their success. To be frank, I ended up being ill from August through January, (last year) and twice hospitalized - appendix ruptured and didn't know it. Immune system severely degraded at that time... The reality is, I believe I have much to offer, as I completed all three degrees on active duty, and am familiar with all the benefits and opportunities of attaining a college degree. The "stigma" of having the advanced degree has cost many opportunities...compounded with a disability status, has made these last two years difficult. I certainly and hopefully will receive much advice, mentorship, and needed assistance by this posting. Nobody knows everything, those who pretend they do are full of B.S. I'm a straight shooter, and just telling it like it is, and what my "experience" has been to this point. Again, I "wish" my Service connected disabilities were zero, and was in the best shape of my life, unfortunately, that's not my reality. I am thankful for each and every single day, and realize there must be a purpose to what my rating/education/disabilities/ and lack of employment mean. I welcome all emails and connections and advice and mentorship. Very Respectfully, Mike

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 10 at 2015 10:49 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:49:53 -0400

I receive 80% compensation for combat related PTSD (including decreasing memory recall and mild TBI), lower back pain from an injury in Iraq, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, atopic dermatitis, arthritis in shoulders and knees. I use my compensation to subsidize my housing, pay for non-VA covered expenses that are part of my treatment and raising my four wonderful kids. The money is very helpful, but like everyone else I would give it up in a heartbeat to eliminate all my issues, re-instate my service and be able to run again. I am extremely thankful for the money, however, no amount can makeup for what I have had to give up because of my disabilities (a fire fighting career and military career are big ones). I personally do whatever I can to push beyond what others tell me is possible in hopes that someday I will be removed from compensation and independent of most of what I suffer from today.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 10:49 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:49:58 -0400

I receive 20% for Agent Orange exposure. My VSO told me that I could not claim my 14 skin cancers, since they did not occur within one year of exposure. I will try any way.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jun 10 at 2015 11:10 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 23:10:44 -0400

60%
Broken coccyx
Double cervical fusion C-4/5-5/6
Left knee replacement
Bilateral hearing loss
High cholesterol
High b/p
Other than that doing fine

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 10 at 2015 11:12 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 23:12:00 -0400

Obstructive Sleep Apnea 50%
Hearing loss in both ears 0% each ear
Tinnitus in both ears 10% each ear
Chronic knee pain in both knees 0% each knee
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 10%

Overall rating of 60%.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 10 at 2015 11:44 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 23:44:39 -0400

10% for my ankle, 10% for my lower back. Thats due to the injury but also botched surgery to fix it.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 11 at 2015 1:38 AM

SSG John Jensen — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 01:38:07 -0400

100% PTSD - i suspect that sleep apnea is somewhere in there, but VA may be attributing that to the PTSD - i don't think as well as i used to, i now have to keep a dictionary next to this machine so that i can spell right, and i melt don when i'm stressed (the time i did the 1040 and forgot to send the check with it), anger not so much, but it does happen, and a little physical problem that VA may have added percentage to my PTSD for. for fun look up oseopoikylosis (i think) all of you hard core runners

Response by PO3 Joseph Wieck made Jun 11 at 2015 9:51 AM

PO3 Joseph Wieck — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 09:51:33 -0400

I am receiving a combined 10%, but I need to resume the fight to have it increased. I was given 0% for 50% reduction in hearing, 0% for tinnitus, 0% for eyesight damage, and 0% for sinus damage. I got 10% for the damage to my ankle that resulted in my medical discharge back in 98, but didn't get anywhere for a long time. I sort of gave up on it, and have had 2 surgeries on my ankle since (going to need another soon). It has been hard for me to push for more when I know there are others who are more deserving than I am based on what they went through.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 11 at 2015 10:14 AM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:14:54 -0400

I do

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 11 at 2015 10:42 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:42:25 -0400

SFC William Farrell, for some reason I don't see the "list" you're referring to in your post. Would you mind posting it again?
Thanks!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 11 at 2015 3:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:56:03 -0400

You are right. It is a catch 22. If you are really messed up you might not have to work, but life is forever altered. Yes I get VA disability.

Response by SGT Alfred Cox made Jun 13 at 2015 1:40 PM

SGT Alfred Cox — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 13:40:29 -0400

I'm Rated at 90%.. PTSD. Lower back injuries, shoulders.and a few other stuff...I wouldn't give anything back to feel normal again cause this is what I earned and it helps keep my family with a roof over their heads. Hell I believe all combat veterans with multiple deployments should get 100%... but that's just my 2 cents.

Response by SPC Tyrone Young made Jun 15 at 2015 3:13 AM

SPC Tyrone Young — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 03:13:46 -0400

I'm a desert storm veteran with ptsd

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 15 at 2015 11:04 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 11:04:49 -0400

Nope. I don't.

Probably could, but really don't care to.

I have several loved ones that choose to do nothing simply because they can "get by" on VA compensation. I'm not judging, I'm not walking in their shoes, but sitting around the house doing nothing isn't helping them... no, it's not PTSD.

I have another that refuses even though I can't for the life of me imagine that he doesn't have some level of PTSD after what he when through.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 15 at 2015 12:58 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:58:29 -0400

It occurred to me that those of us who are crazy want to feel sane, and the sane want to act crazy for the disability.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 1:01 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 13:01:41 -0400

I do receive compensation from the VA and woud give it up if I could serve again..

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jun 15 at 2015 7:39 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 19:39:53 -0400

I'm at 100% VA and also receive SSDI. I've gotten sicker in the last few years with chronic headaches and degenerative nerve conditions. I'm afraid I'll never work again. My injury came from being in the shipyard, wearing a hard hat inside the ship, and having multiple cervical spine traumas...

Personally, I'd gladly give up the disabilities, and be healthy - if I were, I'd be back in uniform as a chaplain...

Response by MSG Jim Gawne made Jul 13 at 2015 9:16 PM

MSG Jim Gawne — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 21:16:55 -0400

I was rated as 30% within 6 months of retirement, and began getting compensation (January 2002), which was subtracted from my retired pay. My disability rating was increased to 50% last year, which means that I now am a "concurrent recipient" and it is no longer subtracted from my retired pay.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 18 at 2015 11:37 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 11:37:00 -0400

I turned mine down, try that and see how difficult it is. My tax break on my retiree pay is sufficient for my minor disability

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 18 at 2015 9:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 21:38:47 -0400

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 9:46 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 21:46:57 -0400

10% for knee injury, that I'm still trying to give up but I can't get a VA doc to say anything but "we don't have answers so go away." I also have tinnitus that I have no way of linking to the Army.

Nothing serious though, just enough to make it a pain to do things I used to love doing like pheasant hunting.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Dec 11 at 2015 9:41 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 21:41:16 -0500

SFC William Farrell, I recieve benefits

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Dec 11 at 2015 9:41 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 21:41:57 -0500

SFC William Farrell, I recieve benefits

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Dec 17 at 2015 5:36 PM

SGT Tim Fridley — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 17:36:04 -0500

70% right now still working on other issues as well

Response by SFC(P) Richard Warren made Oct 8 at 2016 7:04 PM

SFC(P) Richard Warren — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 19:04:35 -0400

I'm currently at 80%

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Oct 8 at 2016 10:26 PM

SSG Drew Cook — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 22:26:28 -0400

Nah, I get 60% but there are folks way worse than I who get less.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 8 at 2016 10:57 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 22:57:19 -0400

I thankfully do not receive any VA Compensation,and for those that do,you deserve it its the least this Country could do for your sacrifices!

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 9 at 2016 10:30 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 10:30:02 -0400

Upper body injuries - 30
Hearing -10
ptsd -50

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 20 at 2017 9:05 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:05:22 -0400

I am Disabled and Unemployable, my son is totally disabled. I fought for 10 years, then all at once they were all approved.

Response by SP6 Ron W. made Mar 23 at 2017 12:47 PM

SP6 Ron W. — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:47:22 -0400

I am receiving 100% compensation for PTSD. I feel blessed to have been approved for it. Some very good veterans & VA doctors carried the day for me about 10 years ago. Also, an astute civilian evaluator at the very beginning.

Response by SSG Jeff Beltran made Mar 23 at 2017 1:55 PM

SSG Jeff Beltran — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:55:44 -0400

100% PNT Service Related from Combat wounds and time in service. Retired last year after 20 plus years of Service. We are now working on Social Security through a Lawyer, after getting denied the first time. The frustrating part is seeing other people collect Social Security and they have not done anything to warrant it and look at it as some entitlement and expected handout from our government. To many examples to say, without offending or upsetting anyone and the really messed up part is we still get taxed for getting Social Security once you are award it. If a person pay's into something all their lives, why in the world are you going to take away taxes and re-tax the same thing twice?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 28 at 2017 5:16 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 17:16:39 -0400

I have 80% with unemployability bringing me to 100%.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 6:40 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 18:40:07 -0400

SFC William Farrell I receive 10% based on what they said was Migraines at the time of my discharge. Since I am fighting to get back in, they say I risk losing that 10%. Not that I care if I can get back in!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 6:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 18:33:14 -0400

Big 10% for tinnitus

Response by Cpl Thomas Kifer made Aug 25 at 2017 7:35 PM

Cpl Thomas Kifer — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 19:35:26 -0400

Fighting for mine for over 30 years and haven't gotten nothing yet. While I was in the Marines life was good with some exceptions. When they changed my duty station from Camp Lejuene to Henderson Hall, then lost my medical records showing I had multiple blood clots and other vascular problem and refuse me blood thinning medication, the last years were less then desirable. And when I could no longer perform my duties they gave me an honorable discharge and in less then a year out of the Corps, the surgeries began. And it was all out of pocket and the military denying Hugh parts. But they couldn't deny the fact that I was in Portsmouth VA hospital. But this whole situation pretty much sucks right now. We should make a list of reasons why the VA & compensation is less then desirable.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Aug 25 at 2017 8:06 PM

LTC Orlando Illi — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:06:06 -0400

70% disabled. Live each day with back/knee/shoulder pain. It is what it is. I would do it all again without hesitation

Response by SSG(P) Erik Hein made Aug 25 at 2017 8:21 PM

SSG(P) Erik Hein — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:21:03 -0400

I also receive 100% VA Disability. I just had a 5 year review and they made it permanent, Static. No more reviews! I would trade it all back to be able to live a normal life and to continue service.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Aug 25 at 2017 8:43 PM

MSG David Johnson — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:43:03 -0400

I am rated 100% plus 2 SMC's. But it is a very convoluted situation, I was 90% coming off Active Duty through MEB/PEB. I was medically retired after 25 years of service. I am also a Purple Heart recipient.
There's some other stuff but I don't feel comfortable putting it online.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 26 at 2017 2:01 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 02:01:43 -0400

I receive VA disability compensation SFC William Farrell. In 2008 the VFW prepared a disability packet which was submitted to VBA. I was initially rated at 70% service connected which VA refused to pay until I petitioned Congress and the VA agreed in 2010 to begin paying my VA disability. Since the it was raised to 80%. In the summer of 2015 the treatment side of the VA which is the VAMC system submitted an individual unemployability request on my behalf. This month the VBA notified me they are reducing my disability beginning on October 1 from 60% to 30% for my mitral valve disease which as far as I know has been incrementally worse - it was repaired at Walter Reed AMC in March 2003.
I see my primary care VA doctor in early September and the next day I see cardiology and I intend to get their assessment of my heart prognosis. I am preparing a packet for Congress to investigate the VBA because it seems they reduced my disability because the Va submitted at IA packet for me.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown SSgt Robert Marx Maj Marty Hogan PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins SSG William Wall MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne LTC Bill Koski Sgt Trevor Barrett SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes LTC Wayne Brandon SGT Private RallyPoint Member SPC Private RallyPoint Member SrA Christopher Wright SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Aug 26 at 2017 2:21 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 02:21:47 -0400

SFC William Farrell I do.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Aug 26 at 2017 7:56 AM

MSgt Stephen Council — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 07:56:39 -0400

SFC William Farrell 80% Disabled. I live with back pain and without 3/4 of my stomach. I cant exercise normally, I cant eat without getting sick 30% of the time. I would give up my disability pay to be normal.

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Aug 26 at 2017 10:37 AM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 10:37:39 -0400

I don't receive anything, I have not submitted a packet. When I got out in march of 92 I did my exit physical and told the doctor about my knees and he basically laughed at me and I haven't been to a va hospital since. I've had three knee surgeries since then and the next step is replacement of both. I would like to know how to get this turned in. I was also diagnosed with ptsd by a private councilor in 1997. Thank you for any kind of suggestions and help with this. Sgt. Charles H Hawes.

Response by 1LT Dan Harper made Aug 26 at 2017 9:56 PM

1LT Dan Harper — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 21:56:49 -0400

Every veteran that has served - deserves post service care. There are many veterans like my uncle that was dishonorably discharged for circumstances that I won't get into here. But, I do primarily believe most of his issues stemmed from PTSD during the Vietnam war. We don't care for our dishonorably discharged veterans, and I'm kind of torn on the situation because of how it affected my uncle. He essentially drank and and smoked himself to death, yet he was one of the nicest guys on the planet.

Any thoughts on this?

Response by SPC Robin Price-Dirks made Sep 13 at 2017 2:16 PM

SPC Robin Price-Dirks — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 14:16:33 -0400

I am at 80% don't ask me what all for, PTSD, Military sexual trauma, TBI, back and neck injuries, headaches, depression (Why do they always think suicide is on your mind if you are depressed?) the list goes on. Pain mostly, but I wouldn't trade one day of my service to be whole again. I would love to be back in the Army with my true family again but I don't think they will let a 58 year old back in....lol

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 12:24 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 00:24:57 -0400

Thirty percent VA-compensated, service-connected disability.

Response by CPO Shellie Mackson made Jan 15 at 2018 1:19 PM

CPO Shellie Mackson — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 13:19:11 -0500

I am a disabled veteran with a rating of 60% I am currently because of my condition unemployable however I am still seeking 100% disabled status so that I do not wined up with an Indigent status. It seems as though the process takes way too long even with adequate documentation.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Jan 15 at 2018 3:13 PM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 15:13:55 -0500

The eagle screams once a month due to wounds, Agent Orange, hearing loss and tinnitus, and PTSD.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 15 at 2018 5:13 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 17:13:51 -0500

Me, I am getting 100% plus I am disability retired from the Army. You can't collect both so it isn't that much

Response by Sgt Douglas Hadley made Jan 18 at 2018 12:37 AM

Sgt Douglas Hadley — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:37:57 -0500

I have 30% disability due to permanent damage to my right shoulder and tinnitus in both ears. I have not been able to raise my arm over my head since 1990. I would gladly give it up for normal use of my arm and ears that aren't screaming at me 24/7. Would I do it over? In a New York minute!!!

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Oct 12 at 2018 9:51 AM

SPC Mike Davis — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 09:51:27 -0400

I am rated 100% total and permanent disabled.