Veteran's Introductions

[SCI-Nurse]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)

[Sue Pendleton]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)

1. USA
2. Army, Military Intelligence
3. 1981 to 1985
4. Spinal stroke in 1992 non-service connected but covered by military hospitals and Tricare. My husband is a 20 year Army retiree, VN vet.
5. Some of the best years of my life.

[Annabanana]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)

1) Australia

2) RAAF (various units)

3) 1990 - 1996

4) My injury was service related, although at first they tried to get out of it. I was competing on one of my horses in a military equine club.

5) I have had great assistance through MCRS (division of VA in Australia), they have looked after me really well. (once you learn how to jump through their hoops that is!)

[skippy13]

1. USA

2. Air Force, Inertial navigation and radar repair

3. Vietnam Era till 1973

4. I was injured two and a half years ago, but have 100% (up from 70%as of last Saturday) service connected disability.

5. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to serve and learn. It was an experience I would do again if I could.

[Mike C]

1. USA

2. US Army - Air Traffic Controller

3. 1984-1990

4. Injured afterwards in 1996.

5. Influenced my life big time, met people from all over the US and Europe....including my wife who is German. Glad the

Soviets didn´t act up back in 1989! Currently my wife and I run a physical therapy practice specializing in neuro-rehabilitation near the US Army garrison at Grafenwöhr. It runs under the

German healthcare system, but is also Tricare and International SOS qualified.

[quadvet]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD) 1) United States
2) Army/Engineer turned Ordnance Corps/63H20 Track Vehicle Mechanic/several units and duty stations incl Germany 77-80 and Korea 88-89
3) 1977-90
4) Service-connected/hurt on duty
5) Being a veteran with a somewhat complicated SCI has been a challenge; getting hurt and being under the care of the VA the rest of my life was my BIGGEST fear when I joined (VA in the 70s = not a good rep). I've seen the VA go through BIG changes over the years.
Serving was THE best experience of my life... regret not making it to the front lines.

[Them Bones]

1) USA
2) Navy, Submarine SONARman, ship's diver, USS Olympia (SSN-717)
3) '98 - '02
4) Non-service connected injury
5) Definitely a good time, but not what I wanted to do with my life.

[POPO367]

1) USA
2) Marine Corps, Infantry 1/3
3) 91-94
4) Non service, presently working on getting my injury covered by the VA
5) 4 years of my life that I am glad that I can look back to.

[adi chicago]

1.Romania
2.Special Forces
3.1988 -1990.
4.Non service injury
5.I had fun and tears but I loved to be a civilian .

[doingtimeonmyass]

1. United States
2. Air Force, Secure Communications, 377th Comm. Sqd.
3. 1991-1995
4. Service-connected
5. I enlisted during Operation Desert Shield. Little did I know the whole conflict would be over before I went in. It was a great experience.

[ac06]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)


UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
1ST Reconnaissance BN LA / Scout, 1ST MAR DIV
1992 - 1996
Injured after service
Really enjoyed my time in, there is not much to say now about being a veteran with SCI, life goes on.

[Spadfan]

1. USA
2. US Navy, Attack Squadron 122 (VA-122) Aviation Electronics Tech
3. 1961-1965
4. Injured after service.
5. Squadron flew the AD Skyraider, the last prop driven attack plane flown by the Navy. It had many nicknames Spad being one of them

[RAFS]

1) In which country's military did you serve? USA
2) Which branch/units?US Air Force 26Th Supply Squadron/561st Squadron/ 381st Supply Squadron
3) When? 8/71 to 5/75
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?I have moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis. Classified by VA as Paraplegic Incomplete.
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.
I am very thankful & proud that I am a Veteran. I have no qualms w/the VA. I think they do an amazingly good job considering the huge Veteran population that they take care of. I don't know what I would do w/o the VA to take care of me.
It was the best time of my life. My mother told me to stay in & I didn't listen. BOY! was I sorry I got out w/o re-enlisting. Thought I new it all when I was in my 20's. Didn't realize at the time that Momma had more wisdom then me. If I could do it all over again I would. It was an amazing experience. Got to see some other parts of the world. Did some traveling while I was stationed in Germany. Went to several countries in Europe before being discharged a little early before my enlistment was up. I met a lot of nice people & had a ball while I was stationed in Germany. I missed the comraderie when I got out. Still in touch w/an old Army friend & his wife. I met them both on a bus tour to Switzerland when I was stationed in Germany.

[michael_carmack0946]

1. Alabama Army National Guard 1988-1990, United States Navy 1990-1994, United States Army 1994-1998
2. 31N, 31U, 32D, 31P, 63T Communications Systems Circuit Controller (U.S. Army), Storekeeper (Supply / Logistics U.S. Navy), U.S. Navy Search and Rescue Swimmer "SAR", Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems Mechanic, U.S. Army Signal Corp, U.S. Army Ordnance Corp, 3 / 12th Infantry, 1 / 6th Infantry, 1st Armored Division, USS ANTRIM FFG-20
3. 1988-1998
4. 70% Service Connected with claims pending that hopefully will put me at the 100% mark.
5. I've been fighting with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for service connection for my back injuries since learning of them while I was attending school under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation Program in 2003. When I got out of the military I was having a lot of foot, ankle, knee and groin pain but didn't equate this to possibly having back problems. I'm trying to find out if there is a way to date an injury or determine when it might have possibly occurred in order to help support my claim for service connection for my back injuries. I'm also wanting to get medical opinions concerning how my service connected Pes Planus (Flat Foot Condition) effects (aggravates) my lumbar spine and other back conditions due to my improper alignment and body mechanics. Any help and / or information about these topics would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I wanted to pass along this VERY INFORMATIVE and HELPFUL sight / messageboard about the VA Claims Process that has helped me immensely if you guys are interested. The URL for the website is: www.vets.yuku.com

[skippy13]

Michael.. I recommended someone fron VBN to CareCure. I hope you are the one, and again welcome>

Amy (CVNB)

[SethO]

1. Usa
2.minnesota army national guard 2/136 mech inf
3. Depolyed june 04 to may 05 in from 97 to 05
4. Sci happened after i was out on 09-27-07
5. My old guard unit was outstanding with support and help beyond what anyone could expect the va has not been as helpful losing my medical file and then finding it and denying all claims and giving the runaround as far as my service related stuff goes.

[Tufelhunden]

USMC
0481
0231
non-service connected injury

Logistics was a blast. In retrospect, wish I never got into intelligence.

[RAFS]

1. Usa
2.minnesota army national guard 2/136 mech inf
3. Depolyed june 04 to may 05 in from 97 to 05
4. Sci happened after i was out on 09-27-07
5. My old guard unit was outstanding with support and help beyond what anyone could expect the va has not been as helpful losing my medical file and then finding it and denying all claims and giving the runaround as far as my service related stuff goes.
SethO,
I hope you appealed the denials and just didn't ignore them?

[Veteran Advisor]

1) Australia

2) RAAF (various units)

3) 1990 - 1996

4) My injury was service related, although at first they tried to get out of it. I was competing on one of my horses in a military equine club.

5) I have had great assistance through MCRS (division of VA in Australia), they have looked after me really well. (once you learn how to jump through their hoops that is!)

I spent some time at RAAF Amberley during Tandem Thrust 97 joint exercises. One of my best tours. Loved Brisbane.

[Riz]

Country: USA
Branch/Units: US Army/ Ranger/ 101st Airborne Division
When: 1969 to 1971, Vietnam 70-71
CI: Non service connected, C-5 Incomplete

[Bookjunky]

USA
USASAFSK 76-77
Wheelchair use came later. Service connected rating for another issue.
Getting really great care at the VA these days way different than it was in the early 80's.

[Sue Pendleton]

USA
USASAFSK 76-77
Wheelchair use came later. Service connected rating for another issue.
Getting really great care at the VA these days way different than it was in the early 80's.

FSK? Korea or Kagneau, Eritrea?

[quadvet]

FSK? Korea or Kagneau, Eritrea?South Korea, at the DMZ if I'm not mistaken.

[Bookjunky]

South Korea, United States Army Security Agency Field Station Korea near Pyong Taek.

[quadvet]

South Korea, United States Army Security Agency Field Station Korea near Pyong Taek.I did a year at Camp Humphreys, about 5k west of Pyongtaek..same place?

[adi chicago]

my friends i have a question please....how many of you fired a gun against enemy?

[Sue Pendleton]

South Korea, United States Army Security Agency Field Station Korea near Pyong Taek.

I had you up to the K. I was at USAFS-Ausgsburg. ASA changed to INSCOM before I joined. But knowing the ASA song to the music from the Hymn of the Green Berets and the spouse's first assignment after signing up in 1967 was as an ASA MP at Kagnu Station I wasn't sure. I was a Czech/Slovak 98G. You?

[quadvet]

Rough time to be in Korea, Bookjunky, I remember the stories.

August 18, 1976 - In what came to be known as the Axe Murder Incident (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe_Murder_Incident), two US Army officers are brutally murdered and 4 other US personnel injured -- by 30 North Koreans wielding axes and metal pipes -- while attempting to trim a tree in the DMZ.

August 21-September 8 - Operation Paul Bunyan. Some 26 gunships and a Quick Reaction Force of 300 back up 2nd Engineer Bn. members to cut down the tree which was involved in the August 18 incident. Naval Task Force 77.4, led by the USS Midway, is dispatched to the Korean coast. Aircraft from Okinawa, Guam and Idaho are sent to South Korea. One US helicopter is hit by North Korean fire.

July 16, 1977 - North Korea releases a US helicopter pilot after 57 hours of captivity. Bodies of three other crew members killed when their CH-47 Chinook were shot down after straying over NK airspace on the 14th are returned.

More (http://www.imjinscout.com/DMZ_History2.html).

[Sue Pendleton]

my friends i have a question please....how many of you fired a gun against enemy?


Adi, this thread is for introductions; not being asked about what some may not wish to discuss or still have problems thinking about. Those who have listed specific years or time periods followed by Korea, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan can be assumed to have fired a gun, dropped a bomb, rigged explosives or collected intelligence so others could do the so or supported those positions. Oh, add Grenada and Panama during the appropriate time periods.

As for friends? When I was active duty you were the enemy. :D

[ancientgimp]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)

1. USA
2. US Army, Infantry
3. 1967-69
4. Served in 3rd Bde, 2nd Inf Div. North of Imjin River In Korea (combat zone at the time) but SCI was post service 6/70.
5. I was never able to access any VA services, I was running out of medical insurance in rehab but still had too much income to get any VA help. Same story post rehab, I was on SSDI and returned to school (grad school) could not access any training funds (I believe because it was grad school). Went to work for 30 years post school bought house which never would have passed VA inspection for loan.

My time in military especially my year on DMZ in "tripwire force" was the best life experience a person could get far surpassing any material assistance I could have received from VA.

[Veteran Advisor]

I was never able to access any VA services, I was running out of medical insurance in rehab but still had too much income to get any VA help.

Ancientgimp,

Should you decide to revisit your VA health care eligibility, I encourage you to reapply as a Category 4 veteran versus Category 8 where income can be a bar to benefits. Under Category 4, a veteran qualifies for care by virtue of catastophic injury whether service connected or not. A VA physician will need to examine you to validate your catastrophic status and you may have a co-pay if your income is too high, but you will have access to prosthetic equipment and other SCI care benefits through the VA, including new wheelchairs every few years, vehicle modifications (no hand controls though), and a small home grant for structural alterations---all assuming you are wheelchair bound and have an honorable discharge.

If you feel this may be something worth pursuing, I can tell you what you need to do.

[Bookjunky]

Rough time to be in Korea, Bookjunky, I remember the stories.

August 18, 1976 - In what came to be known as the Axe Murder Incident (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe_Murder_Incident), two US Army officers are brutally murdered and 4 other US personnel injured -- by 30 North Koreans wielding axes and metal pipes -- while attempting to trim a tree in the DMZ.

August 21-September 8 - Operation Paul Bunyan. Some 26 gunships and a Quick Reaction Force of 300 back up 2nd Engineer Bn. members to cut down the tree which was involved in the August 18 incident. Naval Task Force 77.4, led by the USS Midway, is dispatched to the Korean coast. Aircraft from Okinawa, Guam and Idaho are sent to South Korea. One US helicopter is hit by North Korean fire.

July 16, 1977 - North Korea releases a US helicopter pilot after 57 hours of captivity. Bodies of three other crew members killed when their CH-47 Chinook were shot down after straying over NK airspace on the 14th are returned.

More (http://www.imjinscout.com/DMZ_History2.html).

I was there when the tree trimming incident took place. Friend of mine was a medic at one of the aid stations that handled the personal that came through.

It was kind of like as the weather there begin to get really hot tempers would flare on the DMZ.

[Bookjunky]

I had you up to the K. I was at USAFS-Ausgsburg. ASA changed to INSCOM before I joined. But knowing the ASA song to the music from the Hymn of the Green Berets and the spouse's first assignment after signing up in 1967 was as an ASA MP at Kagnu Station I wasn't sure. I was a Czech/Slovak 98G. You?

Was an 05H, KorCom. That will mean something to Sue but few others.

[ancientgimp]

Ancientgimp,

Should you decide to revisit your VA health care eligibility, I encourage you to reapply as a Category 4 veteran versus Category 8 where income can be a bar to benefits. Under Category 4, a veteran qualifies for care by virtue of catastophic injury whether service connected or not. A VA physician will need to examine you to validate your catastrophic status and you may have a co-pay if your income is too high, but you will have access to prosthetic equipment and other SCI care benefits through the VA, including new wheelchairs every few years, vehicle modifications (no hand controls though), and a small home grant for structural alterations---all assuming you are wheelchair bound and have an honorable discharge.

If you feel this may be something worth pursuing, I can tell you what you need to do.

I would definitely be interested. Bought my current chair out of pocket as since retirement my insurance benefits for chairs are terrible. I have always covered van lifts, etc. out of pocket. After leaving active service with regular (honorable) discharge I joined active reserves and was involved there until my injury and they issued me a medical retirement. If you can instruct me on how to apply for type 4 benefits, feel fee to pm me or reply here. Thanks.

[SCI-Nurse]

Ancient, your best bet is to contact your local PVA National Service Officer. They can help you to apply, and also bird-dog the application so that it does not get stuck on someone's desk. You do need to join PVA (free) and sign a POA form for the NSO, but this is quick and easy to do when you meet with them.

You can find a list of PVA NSOs from the sticky topic on veteran's resources at the top of this forum, as well as a link to the 10-10EZ form that you will need to complete to apply. The NSO will have those too, but if you fill it out first it will save you some time.

(KLD)

[Veteran Advisor]

Ancient, your best bet is to contact your local PVA National Service Officer. They can help you to apply, and also bird-dog the application so that it does not get stuck on someone's desk. You do need to join PVA (free) and sign a POA form for the NSO, but this is quick and easy to do when you meet with them.

You can find a list of PVA NSOs from the sticky topic on veteran's resources at the top of this forum, as well as a link to the 10-10EZ form that you will need to complete to apply. The NSO will have those too, but if you fill it out first it will save you some time.

(KLD)

Ancient,

SCI-Nurse covered it all. Please keep us posted on your progress.

[Sue Pendleton]

Was an 05H, KorCom. That will mean something to Sue but few others.

Yup!! LOL Some of my best party buds were "bops". Had one guy I worked with who switched from AF bop to Army linguist. Great at both. he used to copy the dits and dashes on his SQT that we were just supposed to identify. LOL Hey does the rocking ever go away? :)

[6GunCobra]

1. US
2. Army Aviation (7th ID, 82nd ABN, 160th SOAR(A))
3. 1987 to present
4. Service Connected - Helicopter crash JUN '08
5. Remaining on active duty for a year or two and then medical retirement

[Veteran Advisor]

my friends i have a question please....how many of you fired a gun against enemy?

Sue,

Don't forget Beirut, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, East Timor, and Yemen.

Adi,

Most vets today have never actually shot someone...only ground forces and pilots engage in most, but not all, of the actual combat (based on my experience as a division and wing Marine for 12 years). Some units only use indirect fire, leaving many individuals unaware of whether casualities resulted by their very hands as opposed to some other cause. All vets however are proud for having served regardless of capacity.

Your question is fair but can strike a nerve in those who live with the ugly reality of combat. I urge you to check Amazon.com for some really good books written by service members who freely discuss their combat experience. A really good book called On Killing by LtCol Dave Grossman is a great read for those who are curious about the psychological cost of killing.

Good luck.

Gunner

[Bookjunky]

Yup!! LOL Some of my best party buds were "bops". Had one guy I worked with who switched from AF bop to Army linguist. Great at both. he used to copy the dits and dashes on his SQT that we were just supposed to identify. LOL Hey does the rocking ever go away? :)

I still raise my hands higher than necessary when I type. Kind of makes it easier to keep a good rhythm when using a typing stick. Actually I also find that a rocking rhythm when I type keeps me from making so many typos when my fingers start typing too much faster than my brain is thinking.

[josh50]

USA
CW4, U.S. Army, Retired (20 year retiree, VN Veteran, flew helicopters)
1970 - 1990
100% Service Connected, SPMS
I get great care from the Tampa VA Hospital SCI/D Clinic.
I'm mostly just a lurker but I do stop by everyday.
:)

[Annabanana]

I spent some time at RAAF Amberley during Tandem Thrust 97 joint exercises. One of my best tours. Loved Brisbane.

Hi VA...hope you were able to get some time off to explore Brisbane and its surrounds. Although if you went in Summer it would of been pretty darn hot there. I spent some time based at 38 SQN (Caribou aircraft), prior to its move to Amberley around 1994.

[Veteran Advisor]

Hi VA...hope you were able to get some time off to explore Brisbane and its surrounds. Although if you went in Summer it would of been pretty darn hot there. I spent some time based at 38 SQN (Caribou aircraft), prior to its move to Amberley around 1994.

I met a wonderful girl in Brisbane and spent my liberty hours hopping trains and taxis to go see her the whole time. Yes indeed, it was hot. We were testing Humvees in the outback (this was before the world turned them into gas guzzlers on our highways). I always said that if I ever wanted to leave the U.S. for good, I'd move to Australia.

This is me holding some kind of animal at RAAF Amberley.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa118/gunnergill72/8.jpg

I took this pic in Brisbane...beautiful city.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa118/gunnergill72/brisbane2.jpg

[Mike C]

Ancientgimp,

Should you decide to revisit your VA health care eligibility, I encourage you to reapply as a Category 4 veteran versus Category 8 where income can be a bar to benefits. Under Category 4, a veteran qualifies for care by virtue of catastophic injury whether service connected or not. A VA physician will need to examine you to validate your catastrophic status and you may have a co-pay if your income is too high, but you will have access to prosthetic equipment and other SCI care benefits through the VA, including new wheelchairs every few years, vehicle modifications (no hand controls though), and a small home grant for structural alterations---all assuming you are wheelchair bound and have an honorable discharge.

If you feel this may be something worth pursuing, I can tell you what you need to do.

Never heard of this. Can any vet, peacetime or wartime, get Cat 4 status if they have a SCI? Any idea on how much it costs...if at all?

[Sue Pendleton]

Sue,

Don't forget Beirut, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, East Timor, and Yemen.

Gunner

Kind of hard to Gunner (always want to say "Chief"). I worked with 2 Marines who were in Beirut during the big bang. They spent an extended, 360 day, TDY at FSA learning a few tricks of the trade. A platoon mate I still keep in touch with got out as an E-5 to the reserves and came back in as an 2nd LT in time to watch a couple of his guys killed during Desert Storm. He was also tossed around during 9-11 as he was in the DA area outer ring. Tried to get in touch with him for 3 days before his .mil address shot out an auto-response saying he ws alive. I also learned to (hmmm "smuggle" is such an ugly word) repackage certain prohibited items to men from my husband's unit to Kuwait. Knew one of the spouse's instructors who lost a hamstring in the Mogadishu fiasco but kept running his PFTs as a Major to retirement. VERY happy we decided against Somalia as an embassy assignment back in 1987. They would have sent him back more recently after calling in his retirement orders as Chief4 and he makes more and is way too old to play them games now.

There are so many "little" wars that many civilians don't even know we have troops in half the time. Most don't know about Timor or Kosovo as far as our troops are concerned. And if the piracy keeps up I can see another few small countries we'll have troops in and ships tied up to. That or, as you told Adi, a few well placed but not seen until the satelite photos come back missiles to the right coordinates.

[Veteran Advisor]

Never heard of this. Can any vet, peacetime or wartime, get Cat 4 status if they have a SCI? Any idea on how much it costs...if at all?

Mike C,

Yes (assuming you're an ELIGIBLE peace-timer...meaning honorably discharged). Here's the info right from the VHA directive.

"Priority 4 status is given to veterans who are in receipt of increased pension based on a need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound, and other veterans who are catastrophically disabled as determined by VHA. Benefits of Priority 4 inclusion include elevation of the veterans’ existing enrollment priority status and the opportunity to enroll and receive VA healthcare services for those who may otherwise be ineligible due to a Priority Group enrollment restriction.

Veterans are considered to be catastrophically disabled who have a permanent severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that the individual requires assistance to leave the home or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others as defined by Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 17.36 (e).

VA Form 10-0383, Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation, may be initiated at the request of the veteran, representative of the veteran, or the facility."

As for costs, here is a VA link that outlines current co-pay rates. http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/CopayRates/CopayRates.pdf (http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/CopayRates/CopayRates.pdf)

[quadvet]

Veteran Adviser, I was hoping you would post that Category 4 catastrophic injury info in a sticky, so SCI-Nurse KLD wouldn't have to keep explaining it in the other forums. Like you did the MS sticky. It's really amazed me over the years that healthcare providers and insurance companies don't refer veterans to VHA, purposely or not.

[Veteran Advisor]

Veteran Adviser, I was hoping you would post that Category 4 catastrophic injury info in a sticky, so SCI-Nurse KLD wouldn't have to keep explaining it in the other forums. Like you did the MS sticky. It's really amazed me over the years that healthcare providers and insurance companies don't refer veterans to VHA, purposely or not.

Roger that...will do, QV.

[quadvet]

Roger that...will do, QV.Thanks. :thumb:

[POPO367]

Quadvet,
Both hospitals I was in after my accident (UCI Irvine and St Judes, Fullerton) never mentioned VA benefits. St Judes is considered a top notch spinal cord facility. The way I found out was I had a handyman at my house doing a job and we started talking. He mentioned that he went to the Long Beach VA for stroke he had earlier in the year. He asked me why I wasn't going to the VA, I told him that I didn't qualify because my injury was not service connected. I called the PVA and they explained everything. I called ST Jude and spoke to the main Spinal Cord Nurse (outpatient) who didn't have a clue about out VA benefits. She knew about the PVA but did not know about the benefits. I ended up chewing her out and told her that there was no excuse why no one, not my social services, therepists, doctors, janitors did not mention our VA benefits. She has since passed on the information to her management, who knows if it will do anything, I doubt it. I haven't given up yet I plan on doing a follow up with the social services department at the hospital.

I think that it is up to all of us to get the word out, if you go to therapy, doctors visits, support groups, you name it. If you meet a new gimp tell them.

[adi chicago]

Sue,

Don't forget Beirut, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, East Timor, and Yemen.

Adi,

Most vets today have never actually shot someone...only ground forces and pilots engage in most, but not all, of the actual combat (based on my experience as a division and wing Marine for 12 years). Some units only use indirect fire, leaving many individuals unaware of whether casualities resulted by their very hands as opposed to some other cause. All vets however are proud for having served regardless of capacity.

Your question is fair but can strike a nerve in those who live with the ugly reality of combat. I urge you to check Amazon.com for some really good books written by service members who freely discuss their combat experience. A really good book called On Killing by LtCol Dave Grossman is a great read for those who are curious about the psychological cost of killing.

Good luck.

Gunner
Thank you ...I will check and read the book.Since I was a kid I loved to listen stories about wars and combat .My both grandfathers fought in the WWII ...amaizing stories about combat experience and survival .I was fighting as well the communism during the revolution in 1989.Thanks God that I am still alive .

[Mike C]

Mike C,

Yes (assuming you're an ELIGIBLE peace-timer...meaning honorably discharged). Here's the info right from the VHA directive.

"Priority 4 status is given to veterans who are in receipt of increased pension based on a need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound, and other veterans who are catastrophically disabled as determined by VHA. Benefits of Priority 4 inclusion include elevation of the veterans’ existing enrollment priority status and the opportunity to enroll and receive VA healthcare services for those who may otherwise be ineligible due to a Priority Group enrollment restriction.

Veterans are considered to be catastrophically disabled who have a permanent severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that the individual requires assistance to leave the home or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others as defined by Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 17.36 (e).


VA Form 10-0383, Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation, may be initiated at the request of the veteran, representative of the veteran, or the facility."

As for costs, here is a VA link that outlines current co-pay rates. http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/CopayRates/CopayRates.pdf (http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/CopayRates/CopayRates.pdf)



I went to the va.gov site and did a search for that form. It is no longer listed, either by name or number. Only form that looks similar is this one: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0819-ARE.pdf

Maybe they zapped that benefit recently?

[SCI-Nurse]

Here is the related VA directive:

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1200

I know I have the form as a PDF at work but won't be back there for several days. Regardless, your PVA NSO will have this form and can help you file it very easily. I know it is still in use as we had to use one very recently to get a new injury patient into our unit.

(KLD)

[Mike C]

Thanks Kathy!

[Veteran Advisor]

I went to the va.gov site and did a search for that form. It is no longer listed, either by name or number. Only form that looks similar is this one: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0819-ARE.pdf

Maybe they zapped that benefit recently?

You'll see the actual form when your VA doc conducts the exam. All you need to do is request a catastrophic disability evaluation. I can assure you the benefit still exists.

[quadvet]

Quadvet,
Both hospitals I was in after my accident (UCI Irvine and St Judes, Fullerton) never mentioned VA benefits. St Judes is considered a top notch spinal cord facility. The way I found out was I had a handyman at my house doing a job and we started talking. He mentioned that he went to the Long Beach VA for stroke he had earlier in the year. He asked me why I wasn't going to the VA, I told him that I didn't qualify because my injury was not service connected. I called the PVA and they explained everything. I called ST Jude and spoke to the main Spinal Cord Nurse (outpatient) who didn't have a clue about out VA benefits. She knew about the PVA but did not know about the benefits. I ended up chewing her out and told her that there was no excuse why no one, not my social services, therepists, doctors, janitors did not mention our VA benefits. She has since passed on the information to her management, who knows if it will do anything, I doubt it. I haven't given up yet I plan on doing a follow up with the social services department at the hospital.

I think that it is up to all of us to get the word out, if you go to therapy, doctors visits, support groups, you name it. If you meet a new gimp tell them.Yep its a crying shame. Seems like insurance companies and States would be all over it, trying to save themselves money.

[voofie]

Vietnam era U.S. Army
Det. C, 4th MP Group, CID
100% Svc connected "Functional Quad"
C4, 5, 6 Injury resulting from head-on vehicle collision during high speed pursuit

Board of Directors ~ WV Chapter PVA

Greetings everyone,

I stumbled upon this forum while Googling Topamax for SCI pain as alternative for Neurontin. Hoping to eliminate all but bare minimum of narcotic pain control.

Merry Christmas to all!

[Wise Young]

Vietnam era U.S. Army
Det. C, 4th MP Group, CID
100% Svc connected "Functional Quad"
C4, 5, 6 Injury resulting from head-on vehicle collision during high speed pursuit

Board of Directors ~ WV Chapter PVA

Greetings everyone,

I stumbled upon this forum while Googling Topamax for SCI pain as alternative for Neurontin. Hoping to eliminate all but bare minimum of narcotic pain control.

Merry Christmas to all!

welcome voofie. So glad to see you here at CareCure. Wise.

[Sue Pendleton]

Hi Voofie. Hey, I believe the Feds still have their "flee and evade"
driving school in WV. I doubt your crash was there though. Do you ever get the serious giggles watching NCIS?

Sue

Vietnam era U.S. Army
Det. C, 4th MP Group, CID
100% Svc connected "Functional Quad"
C4, 5, 6 Injury resulting from head-on vehicle collision during high speed pursuit

Board of Directors ~ WV Chapter PVA

Greetings everyone,

I stumbled upon this forum while Googling Topamax for SCI pain as alternative for Neurontin. Hoping to eliminate all but bare minimum of narcotic pain control.

Merry Christmas to all!

[wazabiker]

1. USA
2. U.S. Navy, journalist with specialties as publications editor, Armed Forces Radio and Television.
3. 1954-1963. Missed Korea and Viet Nam.
4. Service connected for leg and knee injuries, but not for SCI which came into my life seven years ago.
5. Current volunteer at VA hospital and with Paralyzed Veterans of America. Receive all my health care via the VA and have no complaints.

While in Navy served shipboard sea duty; newspaper editor U.S. Naval Base Bermuda;Admiral's staff, newspaper editor, manager base television station, Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Amphibious Force Atlantic newspaper editor, Little Creek, Va.

Fully enjoyed my time in the Navy. I met my wife of 48 years in Bermuda, both daughters born in Guantanamo.

[Sue Pendleton]

Waza, you know we closed Bermuda back in '95. Since then the disabled of Bermuda have been doing god all to get the old hospital turned into studio apartments for the disabled over there. Seems the need for accessible housing is as great as the Bermudian government's fear that gimps from the Caribbean may move north if they do anything more than is needed for cruise ship tourists.

And yea, I was a Czech linguist but had Bermuda on my wish list of 3. :D

1. USA
2. U.S. Navy, journalist with specialties as publications editor, Armed Forces Radio and Television.
3. 1954-1963. Missed Korea and Viet Nam.
4. Service connected for leg and knee injuries, but not for SCI which came into my life seven years ago.
5. Current volunteer at VA hospital and with Paralyzed Veterans of America. Receive all my health care via the VA and have no complaints.

While in Navy served shipboard sea duty; newspaper editor U.S. Naval Base Bermuda;Admiral's staff, newspaper editor, manager base television station, Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Amphibious Force Atlantic newspaper editor, Little Creek, Va.

Fully enjoyed my time in the Navy. I met my wife of 48 years in Bermuda, both daughters born in Guantanamo.

[wazabiker]

Sue, I get back to Bermuda every few years as my wife has family there. Yeah, the government took over the U.S. Air Force base and use it as a civilian terminal. The Navy base has been pretty much demolished except for a few buildings. There is activity to sell the property for development.

Bermuda is nopt veryt accessible with a wheelchair. You must pick your destinations with care as most require doing stair steps. Being so old (1609) Bermuda does not have many new buildings, but some of those constructed in the past 10 years are accessible. We have a friend there who has quadraplegia, he and his wife run an accessible transportation service which we use.

MY SCI is a result of ischemia from the repair of a torn aorta.

Chuck

[Arkie123]

USA
Navy
1957-1966
After Discharge

I fought the VA for over 2 years on my Agent Orange claim. Luckily I located an old shipmate who had photos of us ashore in DaNang. Now I receive 40% service connected disability for my type 2 diabetes, etc.

[skippy13]

Welcome Arkie. Good thing you found those photos:).

You may also wish to check out a web site that has a great forum dedicated to AO and Blue water navy/coast guard. It is called Veteran Benefit Network. You can get to it at Vets@Yuku.com. A lot of good infor there specific to your type of sc disability. It is run by former raters and a few former C&P examiners and some old been there done that Vets.

Again, welcome to care cure.

[forestranger52]

USA
Army / Parachute Infantry. Alpha Co. 2ND BATL. (AIRBORNE) 505 INFANTRY.
82nd Airborne Division. Fort Knox, Fort Polk, Fort Benning - Airborne/Ranger School, Ft.Bragg.
73 to 75 Missed Viet.
Non service connected. Catastrophically injured vet. Cat.4

Hated barracks time. Nothing to do for weeks at a time except pull guard duty or lousy details.
Civilians treated us like shit. Only wore class A uniform off base one time.

Old school khaki uniforms looked great with maroon berets and paratrooper awards. Troops not allowed off base with BDU's then. Big fine.

Army definitely needs new dress uniforms. Get rid of those ill fitting green suits.

[conrad]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)
1) US Army
2) Heidelberg MEDDAC (91A Biomedical Equipment Repairer)
3) 94-98
4) After
5) VA has been fricken awesome for me! I have not had any problems through them so far.

[quadvet]

1) US Army
2) Heidelberg MEDDAC (91A Biomedical Equipment Repairer)
3) 94-98
4) After
5) VA has been fricken awesome for me! I have not had any problems through them so far.Good to see you here, Conrad. Thanks, and thanks to everyone else who's introduced themselves.

[94Vette]

1) In which country's military did you serve? US
2) Which branch/units? Navy
3) When? 1973-1980
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards? After
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

[Subman®]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.



1-USA

2-USN
AS-34, SSBN's 629, 640, 734, and 742

3-1979 to 2009
4-Came down with Neurosarcoidosis in my 29th year. Retired on 16Jan2009.

5-going through the VA process now.

[BigK]

US Army
Field Artillery Radar
Deployments to Iraq & Afghanistan
10th Mountain Division
Non-service connected

[sherwoodp]

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

1. USA
2. Army / 82nd ABN, 101st ABN, 160th SOAR(A), US Dept of State, USAJFKSWC
3. 1982 - 2005
4. Post-Retirement Non Service Connected
5. Injured while racing motocross, lifeflight to Huntsville Hospital, transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta then to Augusta VA. After 4 1/2 months of recovery & rehab, I returned to the same job I had with the government that I had prior to my injury. I'm in good spirits and have come to terms with my condition. I have an awesome support network. The VA although frustrating takes good care of my needs. I have moderate to severe spacticity, back pain and difficulty sleeping. I maintain a website to keep my friends informed of my condition at http://www.phillipsherwood.com

[RAFS]

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

1. USA
2. Army / 82nd ABN, 101st ABN, 160th SOAR(A), US Dept of State, USAJFKSWC
3. 1982 - 2005
4. Post-Retirement Non Service Connected
5. Injured while racing motocross, lifeflight to Huntsville Hospital, transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta then to Augusta VA. After 4 1/2 months of recovery & rehab, I returned to the same job I had with the government that I had prior to my injury. I'm in good spirits and have come to terms with my condition. I have an awesome support network. The VA although frustrating takes good care of my needs. I have moderate to severe spacticity, back pain and difficulty sleeping. I maintain a website to keep my friends informed of my condition at http://www.phillipsherwood.com
Hello Phillip,
Fellow Veteran welcome to the group. Sorry you had to find us but glad that you did. Went on your website & looked at your hospital pictures. I'm so sorry to read that you got hurt the way that you did. Make sure you post often & come here often & you will learn a lot from others the more you frequent this site. Any time you have a question make sure you post it here. Some one will answer you. If some one doesn't know the answer to your question may be some one else will & if not when they have the answer they will answer you. Dr. Wise Young, founder of this site is very, very knowledgeable as well as the SCI Nurses. Some of them work at other VA Hospitals & Medical Centers.
Thanks for having served our great country for over 20yrs. & for your sacrifice.

Take Care,
Bob
Air Force 8/71 to 5/75
VA employee 5/76 to 8/97
I get my care at the James A. Haley VA SCI Center, Tampa Florida

[quadvet]

I maintain a website to keep my friends informed of my condition at http://www.phillipsherwood.com Good to have you aboard, Chief. I read some of your blog, and bio. Very impressive repertoire, I especially liked this [abbreviated] summary:During my 23 years of military service, I've deployed to four different theaters of combat on multiple occasions, spent 19 of those years in combat arms rapid deployment units, and continually sought and mastered those challenges most soldiers chose to avoid.Thank you very much for your most dedicated and active service. I was admittedly one of those soldiers who chose to avoid most of those challenges you have mastered. :o

Keep up the hard work, and all the best in your recovery. :thumb:

[TRTim]

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

1) The United States of America
2) USAF/483rd Tactical Airlift Wing Republic of Viet Nam 1967-68
3) 1965-68
4) Afterwards. injured in 1976, riding a motorcycle
5) I do not have to use the VA system. I have private insurance from work.

Hello all, I found this site while searching for hand controls for my golf cart. Everyone seems very friendly, courteous and helpful.

[SRBama]

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

1.)USA
2.)USMC-Security Forces Naples, Italy
3.)1993-1994
4.)Hurt while on active duty-MVA(100% Service Connected)
5.)Rehab at Augusta VAMC

Found this site a few months ago and have already found it very helpful and informative.

Semper Fi

[Drew43920]

Please share a little bit about yourself as a veteran:

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

(KLD)

1. U. S. Army
2. ADA, Nike/Hercules
3. 1968-1973, Germany 1970-73
3. MD became an issue after my separation.
Drew

[Veteran Advisor]

1) In which country's military did you serve?
2) Which branch/units?
3) When?
4) Did you receive your SCI/D while in the military or afterwards?
5) Anything else you want to share about being a veteran with SCI/D.

1. USA
2. Army / 82nd ABN, 101st ABN, 160th SOAR(A), US Dept of State, USAJFKSWC
3. 1982 - 2005
4. Post-Retirement Non Service Connected
5. Injured while racing motocross, lifeflight to Huntsville Hospital, transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta then to Augusta VA. After 4 1/2 months of recovery & rehab, I returned to the same job I had with the government that I had prior to my injury. I'm in good spirits and have come to terms with my condition. I have an awesome support network. The VA although frustrating takes good care of my needs. I have moderate to severe spacticity, back pain and difficulty sleeping. I maintain a website to keep my friends informed of my condition at http://www.phillipsherwood.com

Welcome aboard, fellow Warrant Officer.

Gunner

[jsd]

1) United States
2) Marine Corps
3) Aug. 1999 - Aug. 2004
4) 100% Service Connected

[Patrick Madsen]

1. USA
2. Army, USAEUR, Heidelberg, Germany, Communications and electronics
3. 1967-69
4. Non-service connected
5. Rowed for a US/German rowing team and taught swimming and diving in the summer. Hardest part of the duty was getting the sailing schedules right for the tourist boats coming in lol. Was on orders for Nam, then the Pueblo incident happened so 1/2 were going to Korea. Soviets took over Czechoslovakia so they sent half of us toKorea and other 1/2 to Germany.