Short Change Hero: How did the worst organization ever end up taking care of those who serve?

2015-01-17T13:46:13-05:00

As I write this The song "Short Change Hero" by The Heavy is playing in the background and I am shaking with anger.

If in government politics one hand washes the other. What does that make the VA? Well the VA is the finger nails clipers and we are the nails. The VA seems more about refusing aid than about helping vets.

While in service I injuried my right hand while in Korea and while in Jump Master School I hit an ambulance parked in the middle of the drop zone, etc.

I waited a year after leaving active duty, then finally contacted a Congressmen did I ever get an appointment close to home. I live in Shreveport, but they wanted me to go to San Diego, CA; then sent the letter to the wrong address. Oh but it got much worse from there and my story is light. At least I am getting stuff documented so if it comes up later.

This only the short of it. I wanted to hear vets sound off with there experiences. I want guys still on active duty to be for warned. I have heard if you have retired after 20 years the story is different.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-01-17T14:04:49-05:00

Wow, that is really unfortunate Sir,

When I was in the National Guard I utilized the VA Hospital regularly and had no issues.

I am back on Active Duty and on my way to retirement. Hopefully I shall not run into the issues that you are having. Of course I do not complain much about the injuries I have incurred over the years. We shall see.

Why was the ambulance not running and moved before you hit it? That is supposed to be SOP. I have been fortunate enough in more than 150 S/L Jumps not to run into vehicles but I have been very close.

I hope things get better for you. Take Care.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-01-17T15:14:03-05:00

Roger MAJ Private RallyPoint Member, When I got out the first time I was told by Doctors that I had injuries but when the V.A. examined those same injuries they stated I was fine.

I guess we shall see what happens when I go to retire. I am going to do the BDD (Benefits During Discharge) route and see if that works any better.

I have been on continuous AIRBORNE Status since 1997 and it has definitely taken a toll on my body. I have been told that you do not get paid for pain which is silly but now I have titanium and other documented things from Jumps that should strengthen my case.

I am only trying to get what I deserve and nothing more. I am not fishing for extra stuff.

I hope your case gets better. Luckily I am close to VA where I am retiring in Florida.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Jan 17 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-01-17T18:20:54-05:00

When I first got out I never even thought about going to the VA, but after some time problems started setting in so I went. I remember the first VA Dr. I saw, he informed me if I was looking for benefits then I had come to the wrong place. I told him to take my entrance physical and exam and compare it with my discharge one and if the VA could restore me to the original, I would never bother them again. I am now and have been for 24 years rated 100%.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 17 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-01-17T20:37:50-05:00

Rather than piling on with another sad tale, I'm going to take a crack at answering the question: How did veterans who gave so much end up being served so poorly? (My own take on the question)

It's a matter of politics and bureaucracy.

The politics are simple. Veterans tend to be conservatively oriented. Their votes aren't for sale to those ideologues who are focused on providing entitlement programs for the un-entitled. Like I said, simple.

The question of bureaucracy is likewise simple. I worked as a bureaucrat (claims examiner with Social Security) before enlisting. Those who believe that there is a similarity between the military and other government agencies are sadly mistaken. The military is mission-oriented. Bureaucrats couldn't care less about their mission. They are merely focused on doing things by the book regardless of whether anything is accomplished or not. Generally, not.

With the advent of Public Sector Unions, the problem was exacerbated. Bureaucrats became even more self serving once they began to serve their own constituency rather than the public. Nothing has crippled the US more than public sector unions. They have driven states well into bankruptcy whether they realize it yet or not. Unfunded liabilities far exceed anything that can ever be repaid. Thus, bureaucrats are more concerned with conserving public monies to pay themselves than provide the services they were organized to provide.

There. I hope that helps...