Is being "Military-Grade Tough" actually a penalty, causing a lack of in-service medical evidence for VA Disability Proceedings?

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:41:15 -0500

This was coo-berated w/ discussion with Officer on staff PEB department. Tough means less complaining less medical calls less medical records. Tough is people honoring TOUGHNESS the reason you did not sick bay complaining in operational setting. This scenario doesn't get benefit in honor for chronically ill at VA side. Some latch on to lack in service administrative medical records

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 7:43 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:43:06 -0500

Interesting position in this matter and fair.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Dec 28 at 2016 7:49 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:49:06 -0500

I suspect that's true in some cases. I spent the last five years of my Marine Corps career on an Air Force training base. The medics there told me that they never questioned it when Marines came in and told them they hurt. (The scope of the conversation was just about Marine trainees and Air Force trainees, so this isn't a commentary about anything else.) Due to the culture of sucking it up and carrying on, when a Marine came in for something, it's because there was something that really needed some attention. In contrast, the AF trainees came in often with lesser issues that didn't necessarily need it.

The downside is exactly what you observe -- the Marine's medical jacket is much thinner at the end of his career. So when the VA goes to look at his medical history, there isn't as much to look at as the Airman's jacket.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 28 at 2016 7:54 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:54:48 -0500

interesting question ... never heard of that Rating of condition...

Response by MSgt Mike Briney made Dec 28 at 2016 8:22 PM

MSgt Mike Briney — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 20:22:10 -0500

Speaking from the Airman's perspective, I certainly have been penalized for a lack of credible records for a medical condition while going through my board. Sucking it up and being tough was good for the service, but doesn't win points on the claim. You can have your shipmates write a buddy letter to support your claim.

Response by SFC Derrick Harris made Dec 28 at 2016 9:49 PM

SFC Derrick Harris — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:49:24 -0500

Infantrymen for the Army I suck it up and it has cost me big time of losing my civilian job and a divorce and Long time fighting the VA for 100%

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 4:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 04:09:07 -0500

I think without a doubt there was a culture of leaders don't go on sick call, and that it led to a lot of things being not recorded in a medical record. And especially when the answer at sick call was usually motrin (Vitamin M) leaders just took them and drove on.

Response by LTC Gail Daras made Dec 29 at 2016 12:05 PM

LTC Gail Daras — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:05:26 -0500

After I got out of active duty, I suffered a blood clot causing me to be hospitalized for six days during my years in the IRR. After that life threatening incident, I returned to the Reserves and went on COADOS and Mob orders for five more years. I then always went to see a doctor if something felt wrong. I had three surgeries while I was on Sanctuary at Fort Gordon. I have been given a rating of 40%. I am thankful that I created books of all my doctor visits from 1989-2002 and then 2007-2014, it really helped the VA officer who went through my files. I had three days worth of exams in Sep 2014. I received 10% in May 2015 and then an additional 30% in Aug 2015. Remember after you get out the only person who will care about your health is you and your family. So if you need to see a doctor do it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 5:07 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 17:07:03 -0500

Yes

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Jan 3 at 2017 5:26 AM

PO3 John Wagner — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 05:26:13 -0500

Potentially, if it is a result of accepting personal financial responsibility for outside treatment without reimbursement, that should be recorded as participation and a benefit to the government. On the other hand neglecting treatment with the position that it represents toughness does not seem a wise decision and should probably not be considered for distinction since it has the potential to increase health care costs later in life due to inattention tomthe normal health issues which will almost without doubt normally come up....the huge expense of untreated diabetes comes to mind. OMO