The Facts About Veterans With Disabilities

RallyPoint Team — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:33:04 -0400

How much do you really know about veterans with disabilities? Recent veterans have reported almost twice as many service-connected disabilities as all veterans historically. Why do you think that is?

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Oct 29 at 2014 2:38 PM

MAJ Dallas D. — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:38:56 -0400

I know the number of service connected disabilities has risen. I know the injuries run the gambit as well. I am a member of the DAV and WWP Alumini and I know our numbers are growing everyday. This is the longest we have ever been at war as a country, this is the outcome.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Oct 29 at 2014 3:31 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:31:35 -0400

Because most recent veterans were in combat. Also there is a push to identify sexual abuse and provide a disability rating for that as well. Historically most of the time we are not at war and veterans do not suffer combat injuries. Also historically we were not good at recognizing PTSD as a service connected disability.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2014 3:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:38:44 -0400

I am going to be the bad guy here and call a Spade a Spade. Now I understand by looking at someone from the outside you may or may not be able to tell who has a disability. However, I have known quiet a few who did one or two tours in Iraq that got out due to a bad shoulder, or bad back, or the most famous PTSD and are getting paid for the rest of there life at 22 years old!! And most of them were crappy Soldiers to begin with! Always out trying to do things to take care of themselves and not the Army. Its like they do things to get hurt, or to get paid.

It kills me to see guys who think they because they serve they should be able to get out and make all these VA Claims. I could more than likely play the "PTSD Card", or complain about bad knees from jumping or deploying but I don't have it in my heart to do it. I am not saying that we shouldn't have these programs for our veterans, but there is ALOT of Bull shitter's out there.

I have often wondered when I ride down the road and see the homeless veteran signs.... what kind of Soldier was that guy? Was he a legit stand up Soldier and if he was how did he get into being homeless or was he a dirt bag that got kicked out because he did drugs, or went AWOL. I am sorry I am very unsympathetic when it comes to people like this. I think this system in abused and is going to get worse, and worse with the continued deployments. I mean I predict within 10-15 years someone will have breathing problems from the polluted air in Baghdad and they recall all veterans who served in Iraq due to bad air. I mean this crap is crazy. What happened to the days when people really put out and it wasn't about what I can get for free, or if I get out now how can I raise my disability from 20% to 80%. GTFOH with that crap.

Sorry for the vent, just had to speak my mind. ATW!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 29 at 2014 6:04 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 18:04:15 -0400

A lot of it is the diagnosis for combat related injuries and illnesses is much better and the VA is more receptive now. After 2 tours in VN I was having problems with dreams, sleeping, and attitude. I went to the Hospital at McConnell AFB (I was a Reserve Advisor) and the Psychiatrist told me I had "Battle Fatigue" but I would get over it soon. He gave me some sleeping pills and I never saw him again. I tried the VA System in the 70's (Bad Behavior and Agent Orange) and was turned down. They said it wasn't service connected so "go home and stop crying".

Fast forward to 2004 when I was diagnosed with PTSD by a CIVILIAN PSYCHOLOGIST! I then went to the VA and they were not the same VA I tried in 1970's. I initially got into the VA system through the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In the 70's a PH didn't mean anything to them. I was fast tracked to the Mental Health and Compensation Dept's and was receiving 20% disability benefits within 3 months. Then, after all the tests and prodding/poking it was raised to 40% (Service Connected) and I now get VA Physicals every 6 months and all my meds are taken care of.

My own personal experience is very positive after being turned down in the 70's. I do see more Iraq and Afghanistan Vets getting more aggressive care than us old guys......LOL! Thats a good thing in my book.

Response by MG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2014 6:19 PM

MG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 18:19:26 -0400

Better body armor and vehicles coupled with state of the art medical treatment leads to people surviving at a much higher rate resulting in more survivors with disabilities

Response by SSG Dan Wuollet made Oct 29 at 2014 7:26 PM

SSG Dan Wuollet — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:26:52 -0400

The military relies on mobile vehicles and I believe this is a major factor in the numbers of injuries today. And maybe a lack of engineering !

Response by CW4 Aaron Rasmussen made Oct 29 at 2014 7:41 PM

CW4 Aaron Rasmussen — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:41:15 -0400

One thing is that there are a lot more deployments and opportunities for injury. Another is that there has been a great deal of medical advancement and surviving severe injury is more likely. Finally, the process for filing claims and their adjudication is designed in such a way that it is rather easy to be "disabled."

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2014 8:24 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 20:24:19 -0400

I believe that it has to do a lot with today's perception of our military. And the many sacrifices and injures the troops had to suffer. There was more of a positive twist on the reporting then past conflicts/wars such as Vietnam. The public feels they must be supportive of our troops or they won't be perceived as good individuals and be frowned upon. Vietnam veterans where so dispirited by the reception they received when they came home that they climbed into a shell. So I think that is why there is so many more claims because there is more support.

The VA could do a lot better job and be more in tune with the DOD. Medical records should be at their finger tips. Why there is no cohesive system in place is idiotic. I had a heck of a time finding a place to convert my microfiche into hard copy for my claim. I also would say use a VSO to help you so you understand the system better and have an easier time filing your claim.

Response by Cpl Franz Buhlmann made Oct 29 at 2014 9:20 PM

Cpl Franz Buhlmann — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:20:32 -0400

Today's veteran is better informed. It is more difficult to keep them in the dark about what is available to them.

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Oct 29 at 2014 9:26 PM

Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:26:02 -0400

A fair amount, since I am one. It took my three years after my Administrative Separation Due to Physical Disqualification from the USMCR (8/1/2002) for me to get over my Marine ego and submit an application to the VA for disability compensation. I was initially awarded 10%, then an additional 10% the following year, and then an additional 50% last May. I'm still mixed up in the appeals process.

Why? A reduction in the stigma of seeking disability compensation, the wonderfully high survivability rate of many types of combat injuries that killed members of previous veteran generations, and the recent recession all come to mind. Most of us know that TBI & PTSD are viewed as the signature injuries of the post-9/11 campaigns in Afghanistan & Iraq; these conditions were not successfully applied for by many veterans of previous conflicts (I'm thinking of you, Vietnam vets). The rule changes that changed how the VA evaluates PTSD and the PR campaigns to encourage vets to apply helped too.

Finally, as someone who has depended on the VA since 2005, I can tell you all about its strengths and weaknesses serving me at several different locations in two states (VA & NY). They actually do have many caring medical personnel, but the bureaucratic barriers to getting treatment are nearly as bad as the walls erected to reduce or even deny legitimate disability claims (much like the insurance business, but I digress).

My rant is concluded for now. What else would you like to know about disabled veterans in general, or my experiences in particular?

Response by SSG James N. made Oct 29 at 2014 11:06 PM

SSG James N. — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 23:06:31 -0400

At 80%, I know a lot

Response by LCpl Hilton Hoskins made Oct 29 at 2014 11:19 PM

LCpl Hilton Hoskins — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 23:19:56 -0400

Speaking as a service connected disabled veteran, I think that we have an increase in reported disabilities because of not only better combat medical treatment but also the fact that we have more access to reporting it to the VA, as well as other veterans finally being able to receive benefits that were denied years ago. Anybody who has dealt with the VA in the past would tell you that it served much purpose as trying to ice skate uphill because if you weren't missing a body part or about to die there was nothing wrong with you. Now, with more advanced medical knowledge, studies and technology that disability goes beyond what you could see with on the outside with the naked eye, which leads to more veterans actually receiving the treatment that they needed for so long but didn't have access.

Even though, the access is a lot better than it was years ago, there are still a lot of veterans going undiagnosed and treated for service connected disabilities that could not only just prove fatal to the veteran but others as well and the main reason for that is that you could become frustrated with dealing with the VA after you have tried numerous times to plead your case to them accompanied with supporting evidence that in fact there is something wrong with you and it is a result of your military service to this country.

I have dealt with the VA and I am still dealing with the VA about my service connection. I'm currently 80% service connected but am supposed to be at 100% permanent and total because I rate that and with medical evidence to support it. Many other veterans have gone through the same issue and are currently going through the same issue.

Also, you have to factor in that we have more people serving in the Armed Forces now than we have had in the past. This also contributes along with those who have served in the past bringing the claims to a staggering number because not only does the VA have to deal with those past claims but they also have to deal with the new claims that continue to come in on a daily basis.

Now, to fully answer your question, there's more access to information also there are the newer veterans along with the older veterans with disabilities, who were denied access to treatment for their service connected conditions, that are now given access to treatment that they needed to receive.

Plus, I would like to add that we have more veteran oriented organizations getting involved to at least attempt to try to make sure that our veterans and service members with disabilities are treated with the care they need.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Oct 30 at 2014 12:29 AM

Cpl Dennis F. — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:29:09 -0400

I Know that in RVN the nature of attacks on tanks and vehicles in general usually resulted in traumatic amputation or death. As was stated before these recent conflicts was were much more mobile wars with IEDs and RPGs playing a large part in the types of wounds, and better medical attention for them. PTSD and TBI are also being readily recognized as combat injuries, they were not in the past.

I was the recipient of a large command detonated mine (believed to be a dud 500 lb. bomb). It removed the entire right side of the tank, penetrated the hull below my feet and started a turret fire. Normally mines of this size killed at least half the crew. We were lucky, no one bled a drop. I did a quick check and found all of my precious bodily fluids still contained and being Young dumb and immortal said "Next". I had been launched into the roof of the turret and was hurting, but had seen much, much worse. I didn't check out with the corpsman. I was a Marine right! 30 years later my chiro informed me that way back when, I had injured my spine in about four places and it was deteriorating. I dealt with it on my own and tried everything known to man to stop the increasing pain and disability.

I was run off from the VA back in the early seventies, after I went in for help with what was PTSD (as far as they were concerned then, it did not exist) by their shitty treatment, nasty people and an episode they caused that dam near killed me. It cost me an inch out of my left leg.

Shorter story, about 4 years ago I returned to the VA and filed a claim. I now receive 70% service connected but still do not receive anything for my back injuries. The VA has slowly worked with me on the problem, but every 3 to 6 months I am forced onto a cane or stuck in bed until the next go round. I was denied because there was nothing in my medical record and even though I submitted after action reports detailing the incident and the results of others of that type. My detailed claim was about an inch thick. I cannot find any other crew from that day to corroborate. There were only eight of us. We are all old and starting to die off these days.

If you were injured, file a claim, get statements from those who were with you, while you still can, get the after action reports. Persevere. I still do a lot of crazy shit in between the pain, but I sure wish that I had put the ego aside and visited the corpsman. There are a lot of us old Viet vets just now going to the VA, my old gunner is one of them. Don't be like us, it is much better now.

Response by 1stSgt Paul Hyatt made Oct 30 at 2014 3:43 AM

1stSgt Paul Hyatt — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:43:46 -0400

Quite a lot, I am 100% P&T I/U.

Response by SGT Bradley L. made Oct 30 at 2014 7:52 AM

SGT Bradley L. — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 07:52:34 -0400

1. Is the MEB process, more soldiers are going through it. 2. Is the ease of filing a claim. When I was ACAPing they came in and briefed us about how to file a claim. 3. A VSO was also located at my ACAP Center, and he offered to review anyone's med records for claims.

Response by CPT David Gilbertson made Oct 30 at 2014 3:30 PM

CPT David Gilbertson — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:30:24 -0400

I'm one of the veterans with a brain injury, which is the ultimate disability!

Response by LT Brian Farmer made Oct 30 at 2014 3:39 PM

LT Brian Farmer — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:39:09 -0400

I believe it is because of multiple deployments to war zones. Also, medical care is saving the lives of more combat veterans than at any other time in our history.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 10:34 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 22:34:49 -0400

I would argue that a contributing factor is a better understanding of the symptoms and advancement in medicine. Things like hearing loss and PTSD weren't widely or properly diagnosed previously. Also, and I find this when I talk to some Vietnam vets, they weren't aware of the benefits or processes available to them.

For me, getting out in the mid 2000s, I didn't know that I could file a claim until I was having a discussion about my ears ringing after one of my veteran friends asked (jokingly) if I was deaf after having him repeat himself over and over again because I couldn't hear him. Nobody really made it clear in my transition that there were such opportunities available. Today, just a few years later, there is a push and a LOT of info available to transitioning military about how to get what they need; as opposed to previous years.

Among other factors, more survivors, better field medicine, better public support...all of these play a role.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Oct 31 at 2014 3:30 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:30:19 -0400

I would aruge the number is even higher due to conditions that do not get desginated as service-connected (when they are!) and for individuals who get underrated for their disability. Many servicemembers do not appeal to get their disability percentage correct.

Response by MSG David Holmden made Nov 3 at 2014 11:42 AM

MSG David Holmden — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 11:42:00 -0500

As I am one of these disabled vets, I would have to say it's how the Army and VA handle medical issues. Probably a lot to do with how technology has evolved since Veitnam era. Everything is tracked and when you go through the MEB/MED board they ask what your medical issues are that may disqualify you for service, them pretty much knowing anyway from your med file. Then when dealing with VA they go from head to toe when evaluating you, something that VA or DOD never did during the Vietnam era. That is why there are so many more disabled vets now days, plus like folks have stated long difficult war.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 6:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:46:40 -0500

With all the advances in medicine and technology the kinds of injuries we are seeing today can be diagnosed. Look how many years it took for all the service members from Vietnam to be recognized for things like TBI and PTSD, I mean these men and women lived for years without any kind of help.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 2 at 2014 6:02 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:02:19 -0500

It seems the VA is more out to have veterans come to them after they leave the service now. I talk with family members and friends who served prior to my enlistment and most were not even approached about getting registered with the VA. SO i think part has to do with veterans being educated about the VA system.

Response by SSgt David OGrady made Dec 2 at 2014 7:20 PM

SSgt David OGrady — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:20:46 -0500

I am a 100% ddisabled vet. I just recently recieved it. I do not use a war from my injury. I fell off a B-52 and broke my ankle. I broke it 6 more times while in the military. They were all at work. I have had 5 operations from the VA. After every operation, they increased my rating by 10%. My ankle is fused. I cannot bend it. The pain I suffer is unbearable. I dont sleep without pain meds. The pain makes it hard for me to hold a job. I fought the VA for years. I have a walker to help me walk. On the other side of it, I know individuals who never made it through Basic Training and are rated 100%. No matter what subject we talk about there will always be the few who abuse the system. The same is true about food stamps and welfare. My advice is never give up on the VA.

Response by CPO John Sheuring made Jan 16 at 2015 10:44 AM

CPO John Sheuring — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:44:07 -0500

I spent some 22 years between active service and active reserve service in my career. When I was young, I could do anything, until I hit 48 years old and my left knee gave out. I had surgery at Portsmouth Navel Hospital to fix my knee. Years later, I started having issues with the same knee. I did not know about the VA until 4 years ago and applied for medical help. Within 8 months, they said I had 10% and went to have myself checked out. I found out that not only was my knee in bad shape, my left ankle was bad and sent me for major surgery. Before the surgery, they sent me to have a nerve test and found out that because of the damage to my knee, that my body had over compensated the injury and that my L4 and L5 were collapsing. That explained why I had problems with sleeping and share pain down my whole left side. I am now in a state of idle with my appeal because of my back, hip, knee and ankle are of high concern to my doctor. I am now faced with a 2nd surgery on my ankle and nothing has been down with my back. I am still waiting to hear from the VA.....

I still work and I take as little meds as possible because the pain meds go to my head and I have a hard time functioning so I put up with the pain so I can function. I teach at a local college and love my work. What most do not know is that I am in a state of pain all the time and when the weather goes south; rain or cold outside, then it takes on a new form of pain. I just want relief but the time it takes to have this accomplished through the VA is amazing. I have private insurance and want to use this to help me. My concern is that if I do, will the VA disqualify me? What a paradox to be in and mine is not from "combat" but the issues are similar with others. I sustained my injury in service and feel that the military should help me fix what they can.

I cannot image what it is like for those that have missing limbs, PTSD and significant injuries well beyond mine and I must say that I have the upmost respect for you. I do not want to get my ankle fused and yet, I do not know what else to do and my back, well I hear that a fusion will fix that, so I am waiting, like so many others out their, for help.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 22 at 2015 12:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 12:20:19 -0400

PTSD is a recognized disability now.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 22 at 2015 9:41 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 21:41:19 -0400

I would venture to say that the reason we have more service connected disabilities than Vets in the past historically would have to be the increased ability to survive in war (use of drones, aircraft, artillery, weapons, equipment, technology, etc), our ability to quickly command and control land, air and sea, over our adversaries, as well as the significant advances in medicine (techniques, drugs and Public Health) further increasing the survivability of Vets pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict. That survivability does incur a great physical and mental cost to our Vets, as well as a large financial cost to the country to "maintain" us. This is important to note because under historical accounts, many of today's Vets would not have survived many of today's injuries, diseases and, in some cases, mental illnesses. Add to this a greatly improved method of reporting, the ease of personal accountability and rating, along with the push of ensuring the importance of educating of our Vets to identify illnesses and injuries prior to separation, pushes this "number" even higher.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 19 at 2015 11:16 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 11:16:13 -0500

PTSD and Agent Orange.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 19 at 2015 11:20 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 11:20:53 -0500

Multiple combat tours of long lengths, more survivals on the battlefield, and the high prevalence of TBI. In addition, PTSD is in many ways worse because of all these factors and more.

There are also many reports saying that recruits are not as physically qualified as they used to be. Poor physical condition can lead to higher injuries.

Further, the very high rate of mobilizations of Guard and Reserve troops in the last 15 years of war exacerbate things, because citizen soldiers often start out behind the power curve...

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 19 at 2015 11:21 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 11:21:07 -0500

I know that I am a veteran with disabilities but I still drive on and do my very best at all times to maintain a regular lifestyle. I know some veterans with disabilities struggle because they refuse to accept that they have a disability and refuse to seek help.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 19 at 2015 12:06 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 12:06:52 -0500

Well, in the first place, I have mental disabilities. (I was extremely sick, mentally, for some 27 years.) I am not going to go around advertising that. Usually, when I mention my mental disabilities, they are (I think) relevant to the conversation; and/or I mention them to help people.
All of my mental disabilities have been addressed; by great psychiatrists....and by medications....
....such that, basically, I am just fine.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 19 at 2015 2:07 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 14:07:06 -0500

Yes, I have some familiarity with veterans and liabilities.

I believe the current spike has several causes, among them, under reporting in the past, better transition information; and a combination of current factors to include: Higher survival rates after injury, increased uptempo, the physiological impact of numerous deployments into different combat zones since 2001, the impact of unit command climate, peer pressure, family pressure, the ironman (and iron women) ethos, and the needs of the service. I am not sure we have in our history pressured our service members to the degree we have over the past 14 years. The spike in disability claims in my opinion it is the combination of all of these factors (and precepts some I have missed).

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Nov 19 at 2015 10:11 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 22:11:08 -0500

I believe for the combat veteran side of the table, the reason the claims are higher is due to the higher rate of survivabilitty on the battlefield and the equipment used. Medical technology has come along ways since the 1900s increasing the rate service members lives are saved. The equipment being used supersedes that of which was used by our forbears. It's heavier and we carry more gear. You figure the average grunt is walking on patrol carrying 250-300+ lbs of gear and equipment on a daily basis for a year. You add in that factor with training and physical fitness, you're naturally going to have a lot more injured service members.

Response by SFC William Adamek made Jan 5 at 2016 6:19 PM

SFC William Adamek — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 18:19:55 -0500

In the past we also had a lot of our military individuals in places where we didn't have any military people. Many of those individuals are still out here and kicking with no records of their military injuries and/or surgeries. They still cant get disability because there wasn't any record kept of the actions/locations they were involved in. Even with declassification after 50 years, if the records weren't created in the first place...

Response by PO3 Chris Amidon made May 12 at 2016 2:37 PM

PO3 Chris Amidon — Thu, 12 May 2016 14:37:14 -0400

I work for a law firm that helps disabled vets fight the VA, and in my spare time, I answer veteran's disability questions on facebook. So if anyone has any questions, I'd be glad to help!

As someone who specializes in chemical exposure cases, I suspect we're going to have an explosion of chemical-exposure related disabilities over the next ten years, including cancers, due to burn pits, oil well fires, and other exposures in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2021 1:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 01:57:48 -0500

Today’s Veterans are better educated and more open about their well-being.

Response by SP5 Sam Kopel made Nov 11 at 2021 11:49 PM

SP5 Sam Kopel — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:49:20 -0500

Lazy and don’t want to work to support themselves or their family.

Response by LCpl Stephen Nelson made Nov 12 at 2021 10:02 AM

LCpl Stephen Nelson — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:02:14 -0500

They are better informed when they are separated