Posted on Sep 22, 2017
Retired Master Sergeant caught walking after being on disability for being paralyzed
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Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 24
It pains me when I hear of veterans defrauding the system ... because they only make it more difficult for deserving veterans to get the support and benefits they need and earned. Beyond that, I am baffled as to how this person was able to get so much in benefits ... without a thorough physical and validation of his claim. While it is all well and good to go after this guy for his fraud ... I certainly hope that someone is taking a hard look at the people in the medical and administrative chain that bought into his "paralysis." There is far more to the VA approval process than simply claiming something ... and it doesn't appear that it happened here.
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Cpl Mark Crabtree
Working for the VA you have no idea the shear amount of people making false claims. It's a double edged sword for the VA. It's criticized for taking too long which is due to severe understaffing and now huge budget cuts. The back log of cases just needing review is imense. The real problem is every false case or case like this one hurts someone who actually needs the system or help. Employees spent time they could of used on a vet that actually needs it instead are wasting time. Also they're many cases of paralysis without evidence of injury. First I have seen from a Vet claiming training accident and was they're paperwork for said accident? I know when I broke my hand in the Marines I was presented with a mountain of documents for it and I hurt it being stupid at the barracks.
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MSG Loren Tomblin
It is sometimes at the local level. In Hunting, WV I know of a man that served in the Navy, no LOD crap. He volunteered at the Huntington VA facility for a time. He draws 100%. Makes me wonder who he knew.
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SPC Shaun Evans
Sir with all due respect I too understand this disappointment in our system. I am not happy with it. However, I do not get treated right at the VA because I believe Of my E4 rank. However, I am SC and can not seem to hold a job. Once maybe a week if I'm lucky I can get out and do things. Very slowly and very patient process. This Master Sargent makes me look bad. But I am only 40%. I am still trying. I Believe people that suck the life out of a system that is already screwed. Is why I feel I am facing an early death. If only they knew that they are killing there brother in arms. In reality, sir The outside is a very selfish world. I wish you all the best. May the good Lord bless!
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Suspended Profile
Where are the doctors and other health care providers who should have better diagnosed and disputed the claims that "he told them a training accident left him without the ability to walk. His lies allowed him to defraud the government out of more than $434,000." Why are the health care providers who allowed this fraud to be perpetuated not going to jail - right along with their client? What physical damage did medical records purportedly show to his bone and nervous system that made them think the claims real - not psychological? Warmest Regards, Sandy :)
https://www.ksat.com/news/defenders/army-vet-who-defrauded-va-shown-walking-in-doj-footage
https://www.ksat.com/news/defenders/army-vet-who-defrauded-va-shown-walking-in-doj-footage
MSgt Kerry Lundy
LTC (Join to see) - I also have hearing issues. I have constant and severe tinnitus combined with a bi-lateral high frequency hearing loss. It seems someone took the liberty of totally purging my records. I was also exposed to an agent of some sort in Vietnam in December 1970 I was sent to 3rd Field Hospital Saigon and then MEDIVAC'D Jan 13 1971 spent approximately 3 months in the hospital never told what was wrong and those records also disappeared. I also worked out of GP Medium tent sitting between the taxiway and runway @ Tuy Hoa AB RVN 1966-67 no hearing protection my AFSC wasn't on the magic list to receive earplugs or any noise suppression equipment. I maintained the crash/fire vehicles. All I have ever asked for is hearing aids,never asked for disability comp just hearing aids. I guess our problem is our personal integrity and honesty.
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MSgt Kerry Lundy
I venture to say there are hundreds if not thousands more just like him riding the free horse every day.
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MSG Loren Tomblin
This pisses me off. I was wounded three times in the same incident 51 years ago. The VA decided to recheck my young arse. I was an interpreter/infantryman and took a round through the larynx, the shoulder and right forearm. They decided that my condition has improved by a mere evaluation by a shrink that never asked me the questions that a person cognitive of surviving combat and several near death experiences would have asked. They cut me 20%. I have other friends that have had hassles with the VA. One of them has TBI, bone damage. mental issues, etc and has been awaiting for a decision for seven years. WTF, over? My own brother died from Agent Orange awaiting a decision. Methinks that the government that we supported just awaits a death certificate while the claim is in process. BTW I managed to perservere for a 21.5 year retirement even though it was a struggle.
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THIS PISS ME THE FUCK OFF!!!!!!!! I have a 10% for my back that is legit. I trained for certain schools and was a mechanic in the service. I spent 9 days in bed when I was only 23. I endured and continued my military career for another four years. I learned to work with it. After I got out I got my 10% that is all I need for now. There are days I cant walk, cant get out of bed, and now thanks to the VA I have a pinched sciatic nerve.
When I have to go to the VA I walk with honor. I walk seeing my brothers and sisters with legs & arms missing. I see burn victims. I see vets with mental issues from war.....
Those Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and others need us to take care of them .... They earned it with the ultimate sacrifice!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This man should be thrown in prison. Better yet he should have to wear a shirt showing how he took from his brothers and sisters, stole from his family, and work at the VA center for the rest of his life. He should also be given a room there and an allowance for necessities. Nothing more........
I have been out of the service 23 years and am reminded daily by the pain in my back as I work........ But I will never betray my brotherhood with my military family just for selfishness.
When I have to go to the VA I walk with honor. I walk seeing my brothers and sisters with legs & arms missing. I see burn victims. I see vets with mental issues from war.....
Those Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and others need us to take care of them .... They earned it with the ultimate sacrifice!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This man should be thrown in prison. Better yet he should have to wear a shirt showing how he took from his brothers and sisters, stole from his family, and work at the VA center for the rest of his life. He should also be given a room there and an allowance for necessities. Nothing more........
I have been out of the service 23 years and am reminded daily by the pain in my back as I work........ But I will never betray my brotherhood with my military family just for selfishness.
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