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Heh.....I got a chuckle out of that!!! You know, since my own transition, it's been up to me, pretty much, to reveal that I once served as a Woman Marine, but that's something I'm pretty proud of. Every great once in awhile, when I'm at work (I work with Veterans, as you know), there might be someone (a patient) I'll "out" myself to, but it's always been in the spirit of pride and also a bit of trust in the person I'm revealing myself to. Veterans, as a group, tend to be on the "conservative" side, so I generally don't take the chance that my revelation will be met with a positive response unless the conversation comes up and I've had quite a bit of interaction with a patient and I get the feeling that they are more liberal-minded than not. I do understand and have also experienced that bit of nervousness that you have probably also gotten in some situations, though. The Marine Corps has always had the reputation of being an "ol' boys' club, a "man's world" and "no place for a woman". If women served in the Marine Corps in years gone by, they were assumed by society (and male Marines) to be whores, lesbians or "out to get a husband". I think that's changing, though, as attitudes change, however slowly, and women begin to take on more roles (combat related, mostly) in the Marine Corps. As for me, well, I've gotten remarks like "You're proof that the Marine Corps can make a man out of anyone.", to which I respond with, "Yep, and a better man out of some than others". I seriously and profoundly admire your courage and spirit in being who you are while still maintaining such remarkable pride in the uniform that you served in. I'm proud to be your brother. I know what you're talking about, though, and that certain "questioning" or period of apprehension that people like you and me go through when confronted with some aspects of our past. I'm a Lifetime Member of the Woman Marines Association, and I'd love to go to one of their national conventions, which are held each year, and serve to bring Women Marines of all generations together. I'd love to go, but I won't. I'm kind of ashamed to say that I don't have the courage to go, at this point in time (:twitch:). I'm working it up, though. I'll go to one, one of these days. :) Anyway, all that said, I want to assure you that I'm very proud to share The Title and the legacy with you. After all, you're the one who made it up "Mount M*therF*cker", not me!!!!! :thumbsup: My hat's off to you!!! :winky: Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
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Unacceptable (aka "Talk is Cheap")
Number of veterans who die waiting for benefits claims skyrockets
Long wait times contribute to delays of tens of thousands of benefits, pensions By Aaron Glantz on December 20, 2012 - 12:00 a.m. PST Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said the data confirmed the worst fears of many veterans and members of Congress. “The common refrain we hear from many veterans is, ‘Delay, deny, wait till I die,’ ” said Miller, who called the burgeoning backlog of benefits claims a “national embarrassment.” Nationwide, about 900,000 veterans and their families have been waiting about nine months for a decision on their claims, with those in America’s major urban areas waiting the longest. As of October, the most recent month for which numbers are available, the average wait time for a veteran was 15 months in Chicago, 16 months in New York and a year and a half in Los Angeles. http://www.baycitizen.org/veterans/s...eid=23f9563460 |
Thanks for posting that, Greyson. It is a national travesty that our Veterans have to wait so long to get the benefits that we've earned. It always seems like the nation/political system is forever ready to get us involved in armed conflict, yet is never ready or prepared to take care of us, once the Veteran returns. The VA was in really shabby condition and completely unprepared to care for the Veterans of Vietnam. Again, we see nearly the same and even worse with the VBA (Veterans Benefit Administration) this time around, with OIF/OEF Vets.
I can tell you, from my own personal experience of obtaining my benefits, it is a long, long, lengthy process and most times, nearly every Veteran is denied the first time their claim is presented to the Adjudication Board. A Vet could roll in to the VA as an amputee who had his/her legs blown off in battle and the VA would look at them and say, "No, that isn't service-connected". You know why they do that?? Because they know that there will be a certain percentage of Veterans who will just give up and go away, and that saves the VA a lot of money. Another thing the Adjudication system just LOVES to do, when processing a claim, is to "remand" it and send it back to get "more information". Before the VA and DoD became computerized, it took a LOT longer for this to happen. It took me 12+ years to finally get my full benefits, and that was waaaaaaay too long!!! It just breaks my heart to see our service men and women have to fight the VA like they must in order to get their benefits. The key to finally getting one's VA benefits/compensation is persistence. You just have to keep at them and keep filing the "Notice of Disagreement" each and every time the claim is denied. Don't give up. Oh, and it also helps a LOT if you get a Service Officer (AMVETS, DAV, American Legion, VFW) to work your claim for you. These guys are provided by their organizations, free of charge to Veterans, for the sole purpose of filing and processing disability claims. They are available at ALL VA Medical Centers and at some clinic locations. Some require appointments and some do walk-in's. If you're trying to get help from these people, call your main VAMC phone number and ask to be connected, or for the phone number, of one of the Service Officers. Don't try to process your claim by yourself. The process is confusing and tends to require many time deadlines. These guys keep track of these things for the Veteran, and most of the time, they have "connections" at the Adjudication Boards that can sometimes speed things up a lot. Thanks again, Greyson, for posting this!!!! ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
I'm frustrated with the VA and need to vent, so I'm posting this: Tommy I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here." The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die, I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I: O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away"; But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play, The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play, O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. I went into a theatre as sober as could be, They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me; They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls, But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls! For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside"; But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide, The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide, O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide. Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap; An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit. Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?" But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll, The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll, O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll. We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too, But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you; An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints, Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints; While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind", But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind, There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind, O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind. You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all: We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational. Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace. For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!" But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot; An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please; An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees! ~Rudyard Kipling ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
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Now I am playing the waiting game with the SSA - apply-deny, appeal-deny, ALJ-non-favorable, and now we are at the appeals council portion of the game. I didnt have any help with my re-evaluations with the VA because, for some reason, DAV didnt want to help me out and be an advocate/rep (too bogged down maybe? dunno), but with SSA, I have a lawyer to help me wade through the gobbledegook. It's a tough fight and sometimes a long wait - and sometimes I even catch hell from people who think I am just lazy and looking for entitlements - but each one of us earned those benefits; so I would encourage each veteran to hang in there and keep fighting for what you deserve. |
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GIchwvJ-aN...n+day+flag.JPG
We can all come together and be part of this great country today. That flag of Freedom lived and died for flies proudly for all. |
The Prsident's tank. "The Beast?
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Good To See The Usual Suspects....
A few things of note.....
Film Explores Life After Military for Female Vets For those that didn't know about the memorial linked below, I strongly urge you to add your dog tags to the tree. People need to know what we did, what we stand for. It can never be complete without you. Women in the Military Service for America Memorial Hey........anyone want to trade MRE's? I got Sloppy Joe's again. :) |
VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM ?
Hey Vets--
Has anyone here used the VA Home Loan program? I'm wanting to buy a house but this program doesn't seem to be used widely in my area...or so I've been told. (and I'm suspect of this agent so...) Did it work for you? Which Lender did you use? Which lender would you stay away from? Lessons learned? Also, do you use USAA insurance for anything? All comments welcome, thanks! (I still have a case of MREs--the shelf life is scary.) |
Hey Little Fish - I plan on using my VA Home Loan when I move to IL and my bank (Navy Federal CU) is who I will try to secure my loan from. I can come back and post about the process ... I honestly wouldnt trust an agent who tries to steer you away from using yours. My landlady is a Realtor and when I started talking about everything that entails using the VA Home Loan, she wondered why I havent used mine yet. lol
Also, while I dont use USAA, I have heard nothing but good things about them for insurance and as a banking institution. I already have good insurance and use NFCU though, so I dont need USAA right now. ----- I have some MREs, but not from my time in the Navy - these are ones I bought in like 2009 or 2010 for emergencies. I have beef stew, spaghetti, and chicken alfredo. I love the stew :winky: |
hey theoddz - is there a statute of limitations for filing a VA disability claim? I've just recently come to learn that a procedure I had done in 1999, whilst active duty (USN), qualifies me in a disability rating. However, I've been HD'd since 2001.
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When I got out in 1996, they told me to apply immediately or I would lose out on anything that happened later with any service connected disabilities; but from what I am seeing on-line, any veteran can apply at any time for anything they think is service connected. If you already applied when you first got out like I did and had some things deemed service connected but 0% compensation, you can apply for a re-evaluation and they will look in to how your service connected disabilities are affecting you now and rate you accordingly. I did this twice - once after a surgery for something service connected and then a couple of years later, I applied for another re-eval because things got progressively worse after the surgery. Bottom line, I say go to the website and get the ball rolling on applying - the worst they can do is deny. :winky: |
Thanks!
Parker,
I appreciate the info--and yes please, keep us posted on your process! I'm especially intrigued with the no PMI portion (which saves me big $ in the form of 20% down). I'd be interested in knowing how it goes down for you- I agree, I've heard nothing but great things about USAA as well--I think I'll group all my policies in another month or so. |
Thank you, Parker! I was HD'd under DADT, so my transition out was.. lacking. I was completely clueless - no TAP classes; hell, I didn't even finish all my final medical stuff.. I was in my barracks room when I got a phone call.. Petty Officer, why are you still in the barracks? You were discharged this morning. THAT's how I knew I was out 0_o. So, discussions about VA benefits, not so much.
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Any lender or builder should be able to work a VA home loan for you, though some realtors might not want to, because the VA home loan program doesn't allow lenders to tack on a lot of "junk" fees. They are heavily regulated and the loans require that the potential property be inspected and appraised by VA appraiser. It has to meet VA standards, and let me tell you.....those protect you, the Veteran!! That, sometimes, can take a bit of time, depending on the market and how busy the appraisers are. If you are a service-connected Disabled Veteran (at least 10% compensable), you cannot be charged a "funding fee" on your loan, either. Also, with a VA loan, you don't have to have a down payment. Of course, any money you might have to put down will be figured in your financing and will result in a lower monthly mortgage payment. That's with any loan, of course, and is always a good thing, if you can do it. Okay, now....about the VA loan. A VA loan is a loan that is simply backed by the VA. The VA is the guarantor. This means that the VA acts similar to how a co-signer acts for a loan. They simply stand behind it, in case you default. It's a great program and there's lots of great information on the web about it, if you just google it. Here's a few links for you. http://www.military.com/money/va-loa...ome-loans.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VA_loan http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ Hope that's enough to get you started. I would strongly encourage you to not opt for any other type of loan than the fixed rate loan. Don't go for that adjustable rate bullshit. That's gotten a lot of folks into big trouble. Oh, and I have never used USAA. I have Navy Federal Credit Union and have had it for many years. I absolutely adore them!!! :thumbsup::heartbeat: Good luck!!! Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
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I didn't use mine when I bought my house. The mortgage guy said at the time Fannie Mae was a better deal (or something like that). Maybe I shouldn't have listened to him. At least I've got it for future use. Alfredo huh? Swap for sloppy joes? |
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~Theo~ :bouquet: |
I buy mine on-line from a site called TheEpicenter and I like to skip the full packages and just get the entrees. They end up costing me about $2.50 each after shipping.
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I haven't used my VA loan yet, though it became available to me in 1979. Before I use it, I want to be in a much better financial position then I have been in, all these years. I may well end up using it to get a trailer, though I don't know for sure, yet.
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Just for advice its always best to wait to use it and use it on a more stable house. just saying. I've used my VA on a house years ago and its paid off and now if I get back into the job market again its nice to know I can reuse it later down the road.
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I've had USAA insurance on my car for about 10-12 years now. I've haven't had an accident or other reason to use it, but setting it up was an easy process. The folks there have always been nice and very helpful whenever I call. Their website is easy to use and you can make changes or updates on just about everything. I love USAA, so it just seemed natural to go with them when I decided to buy my house. I called them and asked a TON of questions and they walked me through the entire process. They have a program called MoversAdvantage that hooked me up with a realtor in the area. She was super nice and extremely helpful throughout the process. She still sends me "happy move-in day" cards lol. I got pre-approved through USAA and, once the offer on my house was accepted, was able to view the status online. It was a nerve-wracking experience (it was my first house, which scared the hell out of me), but my agent and the folks at USAA were fantastic. I also have my homeowners insurance through them and they walked me through that process as well. I don't know if my experience was easier using USAA because it does cater to military folks, but I'm assuming it was. I'm sure the process would be similar with other military affiliated banks/credit unions. If your agent is telling you that the VA program isn't used in that area...I call bullshit! It shouldn't matter where the house is, as long as it can pass the inspection. Like Theo said, the inspectors are notoriously fickle, but I'd rather have a thorough inspection on an investment of that magnitude than a crappy one. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. |
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But no, I dont sit around the house eating MREs lol - they are for emergencies (although I did try the beef stew when I was testing out a little mini-cooker). I have a few in my emergency bag in the car with an emergency blanket, water, etc, etc in case I break down or have an accident and am stranded in the middle of nowhere; and I keep the rest in the house in case I am in a natural or man-made disaster and need food. :) |
I know of a perfectly good place to get MRE's free of charge................ however, I ain't reenlisting. :P
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Beanie Weenies.......I like Beanie Weenies and Ranger pudding |
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(The Oakland VA Regional Office (the worst backlog in the country) farmed out hundreds in not thousands of their backlog claims to other VA Regional Offices.) Go to your local Vet Center Office and they can help you out. Some states also have advocates to help you file the claim. |
I was at a service connection appointment today. It seems that at least for this region they must make a decision by mid june. This is good news.
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Memorial Day
I did not know of some of the history of Memorial Day the official day of remembrance for Veterans. This Memorial Day and all days, lets remember the veterans of peacetime and war. Let's also remember their families.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp |
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I saw a thing on CNN where veteran's were waiting 600 days for claim approval and over than 900,000 veterans are stuck waiting. This is 2013 right? "After 10 years of war, three VA secretaries, and an increase in the overall department budget of 40% since 2009, an incredible 97% of veteran's claims are still on paper...... The VA has reported that the average claim wait time was 273 days. For the first claim filed, it's longer: 316 to 327 days. In Los Angeles, that figure is 619. In New York, it's 642. In Indianapolis, it's 612 days. And vets with first-time claims in Reno, Nevada, wait 681 days. The VA has testified that it has hired 3,300 new claims processors, but it has failed to report that, because of staff turnover, the net increase in processors is only 300 since 2010. And, in Chicago; Waco, Texas; and Oakland, California, the overall number of claims processors has gone down." (Paul Rieckhoff, 2013) |
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Rachel Maddow has done several segments about the backlog. She has been on this for a long time. She helped first bring attention to this mess. I filed in Mar 2011, heard from them around Nov, sent in what they wanted, got another letter in about a month, sent more papers and then they disappeared. The Oakland VA Regional Office is rumored to be one of the worst in the country. I talked to them (in person) several times and each time they gave me the wrong information. I hate those people....lol I let it go as I was on serious opiate pain meds waiting on a hip replacement and did not have the brains, energy or desire to follow up. Besides the longer they take the fatter my check will be.....<g>....claims are retroactive to date filed. fast forward to end of april 2013 and I get 2 letters in 3 days.....one saying my case was transferred (NE) and the other with dates for medical evaluation (shrink and physical--shrink is done (yesterday) and physical is the 29th). MY paperwork is all computerized at this point. Truth is I'm not sure what is actually in there as I don't trust the Oakland folks. From what the doctor told me, his shrink report and the physical report is critical... We shall see what they will do............hopefully I will just get the (deserved) 100% service connection and be done with it. But I should have an answer in 2-3 weeks and if I don't like it, then the appeal process begins. |
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To My Fellow Patriot's
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Riverside, Long Beach and Knott's
http://www.threedonia.com/wp-content...arleyflags.jpg
Queen Mary free admission to military, 40% discount to families of vets Knott's Berry Farm, free admission too West Coast Thunder, Motorcylce riders to Riverside Memorial National Park. http://www.instantriverside.com/wp-c...underimage.jpg |
Good news, but we still have a ways to go on this:
Same-Sex Partners Of US Troops To Receive Military Benefits In September Paul Szoldra, provided by Published 4:15 pm, Friday, June 7, 2013 Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/technology/bus...#ixzz2Vdg0sKZp Same-sex domestic partners of military servicemembers will soon be issued government-issued identification cards entitling them to a number of benefits, Washington Times reports. An internal personnel notice posted to the web Thursday states the military's commitment to upgrade their systems "so that eligible SSDPs and their families can begin receiving benefits/ID cards" beginning on Sept. 1. From The Times: The ID card Web notice refers to same-sex domestic partners as “SSDPs.” The benefits include education, survivor, commissary, travel, counseling and transportation, but not what some consider the armed forces’ premium perks — health care and housing allowances. The move comes after former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced he would lift the ban on same-sex partners receiving benefits days before he left office in February, CNN reports. “These benefits shall be extended to the same-sex domestic partners and, where applicable, children of same-sex domestic partners, once the service member and their same-sex domestic partner have signed a declaration attesting to the existence of their committed relationship,” Panetta said in a statement at the time. In order to receive the benefits, most couples need to sign a "declaration of domestic partnership," which states: “We are each other’s sole domestic partner, in a committed relationship, and intend to remain so indefinitely.” The Pentagon told Times reporters they estimate there are about 17,000 same-sex couples on active duty, reserve, or retired. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/technology/bus...#ixzz2VdftshbM ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
Nice to find this thread!
Army 1998-2009 |
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This past year, the VA installed safety "grab bars" in my bathroom, for the commode, and they would have done the shower, too, if I'd have asked them. I have a step-in shower, however, so that wasn't necessary right now. I have prosthetic knees, so the installation of the grab bar in the commode room really helps. All I had to do was ask and it was done!!! Don't be shy about asking for this kind of help, Vets, because VA care is about helping us Veterans to have a safe, decent life. It is our *earned* benefit. Yes, some things might be only available to Vets with 100% ratings, or "unemployability" status, but it's been my observation that a lot of things go on a case-by-case basis, depending on the situation. Always ask!!! If you are unclear about who to ask, you can always contact a Veterans Benefits officer (1-800-827-1000, nationwide number) or get in contact with a Patient Advocate at your local VA. Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
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