…and this is a 
Looking for a journalist willing to do a story
Category: Media • Politics
Posted on: July 22, 2008 7:04 PM, by PZ Myers
One of our regular commenters here, BrokenSoldier, has a story to tell — an all-too-common tale of our government's neglect of the men and women sent out to fight, and returning damaged to a bureaucracy that isn't willing to do the right thing and support them. If anyone out there is willing to help get this story out, here's an opportunity — it's practically written out for you. This is a broken soldier's story:
This is a request for help. Disabled veterans are being treated as if they are a burden on the government's checkbook, and the government is getting away with it, mainly because the situation is so far out of the public's collective eye that the military can quite effectively sweep it under the rug. Politicians are using our sacrifices as political capital in front of the nation, while the Army medical system turns around to our face and disdainfully treats us as if we are asking for something we do not deserve. All we want is the care we were promised, and all we are getting is organized resistance from the military medical bureaucracy. In some cases, this resistance amounts to the pure manipulation - and even alteration - of the medical regulations, for the sole purpose of reducing the amount of money the Army has to pay disabled vets upon their separation. I have turned to this kind of appeal, frankly, because I am out of options. I believe that the only thing that can even begin to fix a problem such as this one is true exposure to the bright lights of public scrutiny.
When wounded soldiers comes home, they have to go through an evaluation process in which a panel of Army doctors determines what their final disability rating will be. If they decide that the soldier rates less than 30%, then they can separate that soldier with merely a severance check, and never dole out another dollar to him or her again. Should the rating be above 30%, the Army is required to medically retire that soldier, and send him or her a monthly check after they leave the service. In principle, this makes sense. But this is being abused by those doctors, in that they are intentionally low-balling wounded vets in order to get them under the 30% ceiling and get them out, for obvious reasons of saving money. Just in my case alone, I have seen doctors lie on official reports about what I told them, make childishly snide comments about the appeals that I have written to the Physician Evaluation Board (PEB), and one doctor even suggested that a previous diagnosis was invalid simply because I was "fine" on the day he saw me. (And I have proof - to include hard copies of documents showing the offenses.) This does not stop with the low-level doctors, by any means. The Army PEBs operate on instructions given to them by their command, and one in particular is very telling. Since soldiers began coming home with serious concussion injuries, the Army medical community has seen fit to publish instructions to its PEBs concerning certain ratings and how they are to be 'interpreted' pertaining to veterans' disability claims. One of them that I ran directly into deals with the occurrence of migraine headaches, which many veterans with concussion injuries suffer from, and how they are to be viewed. The schedule that lists ratings that are to be applied states that for a 50% rating, migraines must meet the frequency requirement of at least two pper month, and the severity must be prostrating. After veterans began receiving this rating for their complications from IED-induced concussions, an instruction to physicians was published informing them that from then on, the word 'prostrating' was not to be interpreted as it is defined, but rather for migraines to be considered prostrating for rating purposes, the soldier must have stopped and sought immediate, emergency medical attention. Due to the fact that it is very difficult for someone laying prostrate from a migraine to get up and make it to the ER, you can imagine how well this worked in reducing the number of veterans that received disability ratings for their migraines.
And aside from the failings of the rating process, once the soldier is done with that, then there is the incompetent bureaucracy within the ranks of those handling retired service members to deal with. I was retired in January, but did not see a single cent of my retirement money until June. And when it did begin, taxes were being deducted - which shouldn't happen, because combat wounded vets get tax exemption from their disability checks. After getting that fixed, I recently discovered that I have absolutely no medical coverage whatsoever - which I found out while trying to get my prescriptions filled - because my retirement documents never got to the agency responsible for administering my care as a medical retiree. The incompetence of those that handled my retirement file ensured that the necessary paperwork failed to reach almost all of the necessary agencies. And I am by no means the only one this type of injustice is happening to, but instead it is a widespread occurrence. The reason for this is that once the soldier leaves the service and begins the fight for his or her benefits, it is simply that soldier against the entire framework of the Army bureaucracy, and that is far from a fair fight. (They do allow you a liaison in order to to help you navigate the system, but if mine was any indication, this is more of a burden than a help - in asking her to participate in a conference call to discuss why I disagreed with my initial rating of 10%, she resisted and actually said to me, "I'm not here to hold your hand through this.") So I have ended up in a position quite familiar to veterans - broke, living with my parents, in debt up to my ears from the months without income, and having no consistent medical coverage.
So, if you read through this and it seems wrong to you, especially if it makes you a bit angry, then I'm asking for your help. The only thing that will fix this problem is to shine a spotlight on what is happening, because once that happens, the freedom of action that the Army medical community has enjoyed in bullying the wounded soldiers applying for disability will be gone. Once the public is cognizant of exactly what has been done to the veterans the government so profusely praises for their sacrifice, their hypocrisy will be laid bare. If you know anyone - journalist or not - that will take this story and tell it to the public, please let me know. The above injustices are only the tip of the iceberg, even in my case, and I have documentation of many more transgressions.
A disabled vet has fought far too much already to have to continue to fight with their own government like this when they get home. In this case, it is the soldier who is looking to citizen for help with this fight.
If you're willing to help get the word out, contact Gary E. Ford.
Politics
Comments
Posted by: Carlie | July 22, 2008 7:17 PM
I've been incredibly impressed with everything that brokensoldier's said on this blog. Can't help with publicity, but there is another vet with strong web presence who fought the VA and won - ginmar, who might have some tips for brokensoldier.
Posted by: genewitch | July 22, 2008 7:19 PM
I sympathize with the author. I can add two close friends of mine to the list of veterans who have never received disability pay, even with 80% disability due to three tours of duty - injuries and the PTSD associated with war in general.
He should submit this to a freelance editor, then the NYTimes, LATimes, Tribune, Associated Press, Reuters, and any local paper he can find.
it's going to dawn on a lot of people soon that there's no oversight on what happens to soldiers after they've served their country.
"god bless the troops" indeed - for their country won't bless them, that's for sure.
Posted by: Techskeptic | July 22, 2008 7:20 PM
This is sad. I wish I knew someone who could help but alas I do not.
When I hear about stuff like this (didn't we hear other horror stories about VA hospitals a couple of years ago) I get truly disheartened.
Isn't this the sort of reason that right wing nuts point to when making an argument that universal or socialized (or whatever) healthcare is a bad thing (despite its relative success in other countries)?
I just found out today that one single new fighter jet costs 340 million. Is it not possible that we could do with one less fighter jet to give the VA and our veterans the resources they need after we send them to war (on truly false pretenses).
Posted by: genewitch | July 22, 2008 7:25 PM
I might add that one of my friends is ex-marine; wounded three separate times during the various OIF and afgani tours:
Got hit by a 3Liter IED with ball bearings, shredded his legs;
Run over by a HMMMV - required extensive surgery to repair his shattered knee, foot, and shins;
Shot by an AK47 in the left shoulder, limited range of motion even after extraction.
He's at 80% disability, and September marks his two year exit date anniversary -- without a single dime from the government.
Posted by: watercat | July 22, 2008 7:30 PM
TRUE TO-THE-POINT. GOOD-LUCK-YOU.
Posted by: Rob Adams | July 22, 2008 7:31 PM
The disability rating is, apparently, based on employability. So 100% disabled implied totally unable to work, where 0% means able to work normally.
Seems like the actual frequency of prostrating migraine headaches should be taken into account here rather than just "at least 2 per month". There's a huge difference between a migraine every day and 1 every two weeks.
Though the way this particular rule is set up it's apparently a bureaucratic trap for soldiers to fall into. If you know about it, you can just head into the emergency room every time you get a migraine and then bam! instant disability rating. Good to know we have to set traps for our soldiers. Maybe next we should require that the forms must be signed only on Tuesdays when the moon is waning.
Posted by: Rob Adams | July 22, 2008 7:34 PM
@genewitch
Is all of that 80% from the most recent injury or did they actually send him back into combat when he's considered disabled?
Posted by: Qwerty | July 22, 2008 7:37 PM
As I Vietnam vet, I can sympathize with your plight. Many veterans hate the VA for the red-tape and BS they endure to get what is rightfully theirs.
I can't help you with your situation, but have one suggestion. Have you joined any kind of veterans group. I know that the American Legion and the VFW are conservative in their politics, but they have people who can help veterans get what they deserve and will do so no matter what your political persuasion. Also, many have gone through the same crap.
I don't know if you are Minneasotan, but they brought back some National Guard people here a day sooner so they could short-change them on education benefits. So, I am not surprised.
Also, if you do live in Minnesota, the DLF has a veterans caucus which has some veterans who may be able to help you get the benefits you have earned by risking your life for your country.
The sad thing is this is nothing new. Veterans have been short-changed and jacked around throughout our history.
Best of luck from a former Navy cook! (Hey, if you're wondering, there is a thing called shore duty, and I spend a year outside of Da Nang at NSA Da Nang Hospital. Then, they send me to a base in Africa!)
Posted by: Sastra | July 22, 2008 7:38 PM
My sympathies to Broken Soldier. I have never met him in person, but his regular comments on this blog have shown him to be thoughtful, intelligent, reasonable, and clear-headed. He does not special plead. When he argues that there is an injustice here, it carries weight.
Posted by: pat palombo | July 22, 2008 7:42 PM
Who do you contact to help improve veteran benefits?
Posted by: tim Rowledge | July 22, 2008 7:48 PM
Whether or not you like the military, what they do, how they do it, etc, there is an explicit deal made between the people and those serving them; you risk yourself for our protection and in return we will look after you if you get hurt.
To use bureaucratic shenanigans to wriggle out of that deal (on either side) is plain wrong.
Rather than trying to escape responsibility, I claim that the deal ought to be extended to include quite a few more occupations undertaken for the benefit of the people - police, fire, perhaps even teachers these days. After all, the politicians and higher ranking officials seem to manage to get the best of care upon retirement.
Posted by: Stark | July 22, 2008 7:54 PM
Good question Pat. Start with your Congressman and Senator. They all have websites and you can e-mail them. I've found that googling their name gets their sites quite well. I just e-mailed mine with a full copy of BrokenSoldiers text. One message alone is not likely to get much of a response, but thousands of messages across the entire Congress will likely get some notice. You can also send it to your state reps and Governor for good measure - they don't have any direct impact on this issue but they do have a stronger link to your federal officials than the typical citizen.
You can also contact the VA directly at : https://iris.va.gov/Scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/cci/ask_1.php?p_sid=V4yXPq9j&p_lva=&p_sp=&p_li=
Remember, as in all things, the squeaky gear gets the grease. Complain to your elected officials. Make 'em work for a change.
Be Squeaky!
Posted by: Xeno | July 22, 2008 7:55 PM
It makes me angry, and I'm not even American.
I am also very cynical, however, and don't find it very likely that this injustice will be made right.
Posted by: MAJeff, OM | July 22, 2008 7:55 PM
I don't know who to contact there, but this does seem like exactly the type of story--particularly if there is documentation and if there are others willing to speak--that NOW on PBS would cover.
If anyone knows of folks in orgs like Vets for Peace or Iraq Vets against the War, they would likely have some kind of press database. If you've got contacts in one of those places, they might know how to get the folks at PBS.
I'd esp suggest contacting folks who might have connections from orgs like the Vets orgs I mentioned. (Or other orgs that have media operations and maintain a set of contacts and relationships.)
Also, smaller scale and leftier politically, but contacts at The Nation or The Progressive might also be interested in such stories. Don't forget local reporters as well.
Wish I had contacts.
Posted by: Tsugradstudent | July 22, 2008 7:56 PM
I forwarded your story (which is not unfamiliar to me) to several friends who write bigger blogs than I do (Although, probably not as big as our esteemed host here). I am also drafting letters to my congressmen. I know it isn't much, but as the wife of a service member, I need to do something. Thank you for posting this!
Posted by: SC | July 22, 2008 7:58 PM
I've emailed the link to this post to some people with whom I work here in Boston who are very actively involved with these issues. They should be able to help.
Posted by: Andrés Diplotti | July 22, 2008 7:59 PM
I'd really like to see this post generate at least as much noise as the wafergate.
Posted by: MAJeff, OM | July 22, 2008 7:59 PM
Whether or not you like the military, what they do, how they do it, etc, there is an explicit deal made between the people and those serving them; you risk yourself for our protection and in return we will look after you if you get hurt.
I would add one thing to that agreement--we will exhaust every possible avenue before sending you into combat, and we will never do so without just cause.
Posted by: Longtime Lurker | July 22, 2008 8:03 PM
Broken Soldier, you should contact Rachel Maddow, she often has Paul Rieckhoff of IAVA on her show, and she is now appearing on MSNBC with some frequency. She used to have a regular "Ask a Vet" feature on her show every week, and still gives a lot of airtime to the war and veterans' issues. Hell, contact Mr Rieckhoff, his organization may be able to help you.
You may wish to contact the "Village Voice", although it is a sad shadow of its former glory.
Have you posted on The Daily Kos? Your story would make a really good diary, sure to be highlighted by Kossacks.
The mistreatment of returning veterans really has me livid. One of my brothers did two tours in Iraq, another brother is going in August. I know a lot of guys who are serving, so I get really angry whenever I contemplate what this administration has done to them.
Posted by: Patricia | July 22, 2008 8:03 PM
My father is a Korean war veteran and he is STILL waiting for his fox hole pay.
To be a bit more helpful, KBOO.FM radio has a regular program called 'Veteran's Voice', those guys really know how to help veterans. They also would probably love to have brokensoldier as a guest. I'm a member, if I can help you get a slot I'd be happy to. :)
Posted by: JoJo | July 22, 2008 8:14 PM
A couple of days ago I visited broken soldier's blog and made some suggestions to him. I've also written to my congresscritter, Joseph Courtney (D-CT) about this case. Since broken soldier lives in Florida and isn't represented by by Courtney, this may not do any good. However, I know Courtney and by pointing out a common problem with disabled veterans, I may have helped all disabled veterans, not just broken soldiers. I've also notified the retired Navy old boy network about this problem.
JoJo, CAPT, USN (Ret)
Posted by: JoJo | July 22, 2008 8:18 PM
As I was writing my post above, I had a YouTube playlist going. Twisted Sister's We're Not Going To Take It was playing. How appropriate.
Posted by: Ghost of Minnesota | July 22, 2008 8:21 PM
I'm a journalist by profession, but I don't know how much I can help in this instance. I'm not exactly a high-profile household name, and neither are the publications I contribute to.
I'll see what I can do. I'd be happy to talk to BrokenSoldier, and perhaps put some feelers out in my professional network. There may be some opportunities for getting the word out that aren't immediately obvious to me. But I can't promise anything.
Posted by: Linda Lindsey | July 22, 2008 8:26 PM
I can recommend a journalist to contact. Jim Risen at the NY Times is responsible for some very well-written articles on Iraq issues, specifically one on Jamie Lee Jones and more recently one on the electrical issues. He's very sympathetic, keeps his word, and writes well. I have his email address if you would like it.
Posted by: firemancarl | July 22, 2008 8:37 PM
I'm a 10% disabled Navy Vet. I went through the process you did. I got a check and then poof. That's all folks.
Posted by: Louis Irving | July 22, 2008 8:39 PM
Brokensoldier,
I'm really sorry to hear about your plight. As a non-US citizen there doesn't seem to be a whole heap I can do, but let's just hope things get better when the Republicans (who, let's be clear about this, don't care about veterans, or soldiers, or the constitution, or freedom, or the [real] USA (their imaginary one is quite different), or any of those things - they really only care about their own hegemoney) get booted out of office - hopefully forever.
Take care man, and good luck!
Posted by: firemancarl | July 22, 2008 8:40 PM
Sorry, hit the button early. I feel for you bro. The maze that vets have to run through is amazing. I hope you get the care you need. I know it's an uphill battle, but you have my support and sympathy-for what it's worth. Good luck.
Posted by: aleph1=c | July 22, 2008 8:48 PM
To all those who are considering going into the military: assume you will get shafted to the maximum extent possible by your own country, then decide. I served in the Navy for five years and I have some first hand knowledge about how difficult it is to get your rightful benefits. For example, they reduced my educational benefits to about one fifth of what was promised. (I can't complain too much - I was never shot or blown up. Blown, yes. But that's another story. Once I burned my hand washing dishes.)
If enough potential recruits knew about this situation and others like it, it would make it harder for the military to sign up adequate numbers of fresh meat. Only then would anything be done to help our vets. Sad, but probably true. They've got the economics all figured out, doing the right thing be damned.
As the saying goes, I love the fucking Navy, and the Navy loves fucking me!
Posted by: S.Scott | July 22, 2008 8:56 PM
Unfortunately, this is not unusual. I know - I am a disabled vet (above 30%). It's all red tape - pure and simple. A lawyer is what is needed. They will get 10 or 20% but it is S.O.P. The first thing that will happen is that the VA will start paying your salary - tax free. Then anything left over will get paid by the DOD. (I get a whole $6 from the DOD every month!) The VA pays the rest. At this point the VA will take care of you medically.
Get the lawyer to see if you are eligible for Medicare and Soc. Sec. (They WILL deny you at first - you just need to understand that this IS going to happen) Everything will work out in the end --- I am sure,
Hang in there. :-)
Stacy
Posted by: Holbach | July 22, 2008 8:59 PM
I have been in the military, and though during peacetime and never seeing combat, I can empathize with my fellow servicemen through a variety of experiences, especially as described by broken soldier. I'll certainly keep his plight and that of others before me and try to do what little I can to rectify this appalling situation. Don't give up.
Posted by: PoxyHowzes | July 22, 2008 9:07 PM
Where are all the true Pharyngulites?
What a wussy response this has pretty much been so far!
Do what I did: E-mail Broken Soldier's story to Bill Donohue, www.catholicleague.org Do it now.
Bill and his trans- cis- or un-substantiated guy-in-the-sky will make sure that Broken Soldier is taken care of with Xtian love and compassion, to say nothing of compassionate conservatism. It will be a true miracle, no doubt qualifying Bill for a saint-hoody.
And if not? At least Bill will have something to aid his imagination the next time he tries to think of something worse than cracker smackin'
And, PZ you could do the noble thing too: Offer to give Billy-Boy all the fracking crackers in your possession (each nicely preserved between the pages of a quran) if Bill and his Cathleague get justice for Broken Soldier.
And Broken Soldier: Thank you more than I can say for your service to me and my family. If I seem to have made light in the above of the outrage you are suffering at the hands of my government, please forgive me. Sometimes I think that satire is the only weapon I have left.
Posted by: J | July 22, 2008 9:08 PM
You have to be pretty stupid to enter the military nowadays. The chances of being able to fight a "noble war" are negligible.
Posted by: Anne Nonymous | July 22, 2008 9:10 PM
I asked my brother, former Airborne Infantry, for suggestions on this, and these were his thoughts:
Posted by: valor | July 22, 2008 9:15 PM
The DFAS is doing weird things with the pensions of disabled vets, too. Every time I call them I get a lovely message that informs me: "if you are retired and rated unemployable, your full benefits will be restored in October 2009." That's a long time to wait for your own retirement fund. (I'm not a vet, I receive my father's pension).
I wish that the Government would respect the sacrifices of these veterans, and I hope that BrokenSoldier gets the publicity and support he needs.
Posted by: True Bob | July 22, 2008 9:16 PM
J @ 32
Feel that precious christian compassion. What an incredible tool. Is there nothing you won't troll?
I am copying brokensoldier's write up and forwarding it to my Junior Senator, Jim Webb. I suspect he cares about vets.
And the real point here isn't that we need to help brokensoldier, we need to help ALL our vets. They get treated like things, not people, and it's a travesty that they can't get the care they are owed.
Posted by: truth machine, OM | July 22, 2008 9:21 PM
You have to be pretty stupid to enter the military nowadays.
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/plonk.php
Insipidity, morphing, slagging, stupidity, trolling, ... J(eremy)'s scoring well.
Posted by: Sam L. | July 22, 2008 9:22 PM
I have known several people over the years who suffered from constant pain from wounds which were never taken care of properly by the government. It's a damn shame how this whole situation has been treated by the military. I wish I were more than a student in journalism, I don't have any contacts or resources to draw upon, but hopefully BrokenSoldier can get his story out there.
Posted by: Ghost of Minnesota | July 22, 2008 9:26 PM
You have to be pretty stupid to enter the military nowadays. The chances of being able to fight a "noble war" are negligible.
Wow, you're a scumbag.
I'm as anti-war as they come, but... You're a scumbag.
Posted by: valor | July 22, 2008 9:29 PM
@32
Never heard of the economic draft?
Not everyone has all the chances in the world.
Posted by: Rational Jen | July 22, 2008 9:47 PM
Sadly, those stories were about Army hospitals, not VA hospitals. Most soldiers would love to be transferred to a VA hospital. The VA system offers some of the best care anywhere - see this article from 2005: www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2005/0501.longman.html
The problem is getting access to the VA system. You can't get access to any VA services until the active military cuts you loose AND your paperwork makes its way thru the maze of bureaucracy. The only sure fire way I've ever found of getting thru military bureaucracy quickly is to get a senator involved.
Posted by: FishyFred | July 22, 2008 9:47 PM
FYI: Keith Olbermann reads Digg. PZ: Digg this story and then direct your readers to keep digging it.
Although I suppose I could just talk to him in person.
Posted by: brokenSoldier, OM | July 22, 2008 9:49 PM
Posted by: J | July 22, 2008 9:08 PMFuck you. If my motivations for joining were self-centered, I wouldn't have darkened the Army's doorstep. This isn't about the choice to serve. It isn't about wanting to fight any war, regardless of its nobility. It isn't about worrying what will happen to you after you join. It is about the government's responsibility to those who make that choice to serve. If that is all you can come up with to say, keep your hot air to yourself, dickhead.
Posted by: brokenSoldier, OM | July 22, 2008 9:54 PM
Sorry to the rest of you about replying to that waste of space first. He pissed me off, what can I say? I'm getting to answering those that have asked questions...right....now...
PZ, thank you for your willingness to help us, especially since you have no incentive to do so or no connection to me or my case. It's a shame that such humanistic and empathetic predisposition is so rare in today's society (at least where I've been living), but I am truly grateful.
Posted by: Pablo | July 22, 2008 9:57 PM
I second the suggestion to contact Paul Rieckhoff of IAVA. They work very hard for veteran benefits.
Rachel Maddow will promote the issue on her show, but a) she is not real mainstream, on Air America, and b) she is spending too much time doing MSNBC these days and lost a lot of her focus.
Posted by: Kel | July 22, 2008 9:59 PM
That's really tragic. Wish I was in a position to help. It's such a shame how veterans are treated by a bureaucratic system.
Posted by: MAJeff, OM | July 22, 2008 10:00 PM
Sorry to the rest of you about replying to that waste of space first. He pissed me off, what can I say?
Well, an apology isn't really necessary.
Be well.
Posted by: Ghost of Minnesota | July 22, 2008 10:08 PM
Well, an apology isn't really necessary.
Seconded. Assholeness of that magnitude should be responded to appropriately. And I can't think of anything more appropriate than "fuck you."
BrokenSoldier, I would have been disappointed if you ignored that scumbag.
Posted by: Lee Picton | July 22, 2008 10:10 PM
I know a Marine who fought for over three years to get his disability. He was career military and contracted ALS. This happens to be a FATAL disease, and of course, he was entitled to 100% disability. The service put him in the 10%(!!!) disabled category. He was a fighter, but very cynical. He figured that by the time he won his case, he would be dead, thus letting the Marines of the hook for his care. He lived long enough to begin collecting, and is now totally bedridden, but hey, they got away with not paying him for over three years.
Posted by: E.V. | July 22, 2008 10:11 PM
My sincerest sympathies to you, Broken Soldier. The current administration has much to answer for. One of my first cousins is a career officer who has become disillusioned with the government's treatment of injured vets. His current existential crisis is taking it's toll on his wife and kids and the rest of the family.
I have only spoken supportively to him, when he was open to speak to me which is not often since year two of the conflict. When the drums were beating for the Iraqi war I was very vocal in my opposition to it, but never unsupportive to our troops. (sigh) Ideological wedges are hard to mend and some wounds never heal.
Posted by: intelekshual | July 22, 2008 10:22 PM
The men and women who serve in these wars are not to blame, and they don't deserve your, or anyone's, disrespect, J. They joined for a number of reasons, but I'll bet you'd find few for whom "getting to kill or be killed for unjust purposes" was chief among them.
Brokensoldier, I don't know how much I can do to help, but I am a journalist of sorts, and would love to do whatever I can.
Posted by: Virgil | July 22, 2008 10:23 PM
@#48
By "contracted" ALS I assume you mean he "caught" it somehow? This is an odd description because ALS is not a communicable disease. The causes are very very poorly understood, apart from a small number of cases that are hereditary. Agreed it is fatal, but since the causes of most ALS cases are unknown, he would have a VERY hard time proving the ALS was caused by anything that occured while in the military.
This of course brings up the issue of how liable the military is for health issues that do not stem from the military service itself. The obvious answer of course, is that they're 100% liable - just like any other employer! If they provide healthcare for their employees, they have to accept that a certain percentage of those people are going to have preexisting or developing health issues that are not caused by the job, but they affect the ability of the person to do the job well. The military is an employer, pure and simple, they should pay up for the care of their employee. Just because it's the government/military, doesn't mean you can wave the magic excuse stick.
Posted by: Dr. Matthew | July 22, 2008 10:23 PM
I've worked at VAs and have heard similar cases time and again. At the risk of being too inflammatory, however, I'd suggest that much of the problem here is not that vets get too little or have too many hurdles to care (they clearly often don't get enough and the hurdles are steep), but that all Americans aren't afforded a decent safety net and access to car. The VA Medical system, in many regions of the nation, is the best medical care available, and for all intents and purposes is socialized medicine - many of the complications, red tape, and funding gaps are more a result of Republicans attempts to prove socialized health care doesn't work (via fiat).
All that being said, the cases that touched me the most were vets w/ TBIs that were insufficiently service connected. Out of respect for those soldiers (and HIPAA), I won't share stories, but I sincerely hope you receive the care you deserve.
Posted by: FishyFred | July 22, 2008 10:26 PM
http://digg.com/world_news/A_broken_soldier_s_cry_for_help
There. I dugg it for you.
Posted by: Mark | July 22, 2008 10:38 PM
There is a national pro bono program to put veterans in touch with volunteer lawyers to help with claims like these:
http://www.vetsprobono.org/
http://www.vetsprobono.org/pdf/NVLSP_5FBRO.pdf
The New York City Bar also has a Veterans Assistance Program that provides help in a wider variety of matters than the Veterans Consortium linked above. You might want to call your state or local bar association to see if they've got similar programs or clinics that could help...
Posted by: SpEdLaw2 | July 22, 2008 10:43 PM
Hi,
I just voted for your excellent blog for Bloggers Choice Awards.
Could you return the favor at:
http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/21620
Thanks,
SpEdLaw2
Posted by: brokenSoldier, OM | July 22, 2008 10:45 PM
I want to make sure I answer everyone who has asked me questions, but I'm gonna do it in sections, so I dopn't ppost a multi-volume saga on this thread. So:
Volume One
Posted by: Techskeptic | July 22, 2008 7:20 PMThat would make waaay too much sense for the military to consider it as a serious option. Plus, I think the concerns of Lockheed-Martin and other production contractors far outweigh those of me and my fellow veterans, solely because the profit margin for the government is much higher than that which they enjoy from veterans. All for the Almighty Dollar!
Rob,
Thanks for your comment. As for the disability rating methods, that may be the way the disability system for some agencies work, but for the military and VA, the ratings are directly tied to the injuries which they are assigned for. The military uses the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disability (VASRD) - you can find it on the net - and it isn't designed for addressing employability like that of the Social Security disability rating system.
And I see where you're coming from on the migraines, but I'd offer than one of the migraines that post-concussion syndrome regularly induces per month is enough to warrant compensation. Mine is an average case, and the migraines I get consist of anywhere from two to four full days of couch time, with the lights off and earpplugs in.
Posted by: Rob Adams | July 22, 2008 7:31 PM
Posted by: Qwerty | July 22, 2008 7:37 PMAnd it wouldn't surprise me if they start letting soldiers apply for disability only on the months with 31 days in them.... It would not surprise me at all. ;)
Posted by: MAJeff, OM | July 22, 2008 7:55 PMYeah, I have joined the Disabled American Veterans, and they are beginning the process of helping me straighten out my situation. It will take a while to get the process started, but it is certainly more than I can do myself. I don't doubt that I'll eventually get the coverage back, but I also have no doubt that I'll never stop having to fight the system in order to get what I deserve.
This entire situation has shown me how insignificant the whole left-right, conservative-liberal, Democrat-Republican quibbling really is, in the scope of our national situation. While I tend to lean toward the left (not true prior to my Iraq experience, but these things have a way of changing your perspective on political arguments), in my current situation, there are only two camps. Those who truly value the service of veterans, and those who do not. The ones who do are the ones that do what they can to help - the ones who do not are the ones I am currently fighting, who seek only to lower the government's bottom line. And in my opinion, too many peopple dismiss claims of mistreatment by the government expressly because their party is the one running said governemtn, and they are averse to any sort of damaging criticism. (For an exampple, see John McCain's infamous treatment of the lady representing the families of the MIA from Vietnam in the Senate hearing held for addressing the concerns of the families she was representing. (It's on YouTube, but be warned, it is quite enraging - be sure to watch it while sitting down with your temper safely stored away.)
MAJeff, I've loved reading the stuff you have to say on here ever since I first came. Thanks for your sentiments - your mere expression of desire to help is enough for me, man. I truly appreciate it, and I'll be looking forward to enjoying your comments on here for some time to come.
Posted by: tim Rowledge | July 22, 2008 7:48 PM
Posted by: Longtime Lurker | July 22, 2008 8:03 PMYou hit it right on the head, man. Those professions deserve much more respect and support than they currently get as well. And it is a sad fact that Senators, through the fact that they vote on what benefits they themselves get, receive the best care in the country as far as public servants go.
Posted by: Patricia | July 22, 2008 8:03 PMThank you - I will definitely do so, along with the other suggestions you made.
Thanks! I'd be perfectly willing to go on a show like that, if it can be worked. Hell, even in my crunch I'd be more than happy to find a way to get from here to wherever that show is just to get our story out.
Sorry for the long post, but I want to make sure I take in all this info. You guys will never know how grateful I am for such offerings of help. After three years of silence from those who were supposed to be on my side, I can't even really explain the emotion brought forth by your words of encouragement.
(And sorry in advance for the next novel....Volume Two will be coming shortly.)
Posted by: James F | July 22, 2008 10:46 PM
This is an extreme long shot, but I spoke with Mike Taibbi of NBC (Matt Taibbi's dad) a long time ago when I got a student journalism award. He's reported from Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years. I'll happily alert him to the situation, for what it's worth, and I wish BrokenSoldier all the best in getting this story out.
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead | July 22, 2008 10:47 PM
Getting legal help and some politicians following your case will help. My congresscritter is interested in veteran affairs as he was a naval officer prior to being elected, and still serves in the reserves, plus there is a VA hospital in our district. I'm not sure if he would help somebody from Florida though. If your local congresscritter won't help, check the congresscritters in your adjacent districts. If one was in service, they may be more than willing to help.
Good luck, and may you get the help you deserve. [Salute]
Posted by: Kate | July 22, 2008 10:51 PM
I can understand the willingness to die for your country and the safety and security of it's people. I've felt that devotion to my country and it's people on many occasions. (Unfortunately, when I attempted to enlist in my country's Navy I discovered I can not serve due to medical issues.) I admire the men and women in the armed forces for their dedication and sense of duty. I cry and ache inside when they lose their lives or have their bodies broken in the pursuit of freedom and justice...
This, though.... this story just makes me want to vomit, it's so upsetting.
These mean and women were not only willing to sacrifice themselves, they already have... and their country is simply throwing them away without a second thought over nothing... Over money. They, the men and women who have had their lives and bodies... their minds... shattered over petty squabbles among governments should never have need or want of anything. They have given themselves, in bravery and in strength, only to discover that their pain and sacrifice is only quantified in dollars, and not in the love and respect they are due.
I hope this article is written, and I hope Broken Soldier has his story told. Not just in the papers or on the news... but in the classrooms, in the halls of government, in the streets... As much as many of us, even those of us who are not American, are already aware of the problems that exist in the treatment of veterans, not enough people know or understand the true impact of these idiotic, bureaucratic "decisions".
These are not numbers or dollar amounts. These are husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, children, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters.
These are the people who love us all enough to give their lives so we can be in freedom and peace. They deserve more... They deserve better...
They are heroes. They should be treated as heroes.
Posted by: FishyFred | July 22, 2008 10:51 PM
brokensoldier: Where are you located? Rough geographic region.
Posted by: Molly, NYC | July 22, 2008 10:52 PM
Okay, suppose the Fourth Estate does its thing and this disgraceful matter gets the attention it deserves.
What exactly would that constitute? We don't just want Broken Soldier to get the treatment/services/money he deserves--we want all the vets to get it. And, y'know--yesterday.
Here's my assumption (and I'm assuming a lot): The Dems will get in next year (not much of a leap) and they will be wiling to fix this (bigger leap).
But someone has to do the spadework, so once the journalists chime in, does anyone know how to write anti-bureaucracy legislation? The "It's More Than Your Career Is Worth to Fuck With Vets' Benefits Act of 2009" (IMTYCIWTFWVBA,'09) perhaps? And maybe a bit of lobbying?
Seriously, what would it take?
Also: While we're up, how about a Manhattan Project for head wounds?
Posted by: MAJeff, OM | July 22, 2008 10:52 PM
brokenSoldier,
thanks for the kind words, and I think I speak for a lot of folks when I say I look forward to keeping reading your comments for some time to come.
Posted by: John Morales | July 22, 2008 10:53 PM
This sucks. And this war is insane.
Posted by: FishyFred | July 22, 2008 10:55 PM
Molly, NYC #61: For that, you have to write and call your representatives and senators.
Posted by: CalGeorge | July 22, 2008 11:06 PM
Equally horrifying:
"Of the women veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have walked into a VA facility, 15 percent have screened positive for military sexual trauma, The Associated Press has learned. That means they indicated that while on active duty they were sexually assaulted, raped, or were sexually harassed, receiving repeated unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature."
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16287.html
Posted by: MAJeff, OM | July 22, 2008 11:09 PM
CalGeorge (65),
There was an outstanding episode of NOW that dealt with the issue of Military Sexual Trauma. I used it in my gender class last fall, and will again this year.
Posted by: S.Scott | July 22, 2008 11:25 PM
How can I say this w/o people freaking out ... OK - like I said before - it will all work itself out. Of this, I am fairly certain.
I lived through it Soldier (and I'm not sure this is a Republican or Democrat issue) but I am quite sure it is a "Big Gov't" issue.
To put it simply, in order for jobs to be necessary they need to be constantly solving a problem.
If everything worked the way it was supposed to ... we wouldn't have customer service representatives, would we?
The gov't has thousands of "customer service" representatives. Some that will make your life miserable and some that will try and fix the problem that the first agent caused for you.
It's job security. It's a game. They need to deny your benefits originally so they can keep themselves busy.
It's not a conspiracy, but I think everyone knows, intuitively, that if they want to keep their job - they need to remain busy.
Unfortunately, you have become someone's busy work.
Play the game - even though it sucks. Knowing it's a game will help keep your blood pressure down.
Been there-done that!! ;-)
Stacy
Posted by: Pygmy Loris | July 22, 2008 11:31 PM
Well, I e-mailed Durbin, Obama and my representative and included Broken Soldier's story. I have no idea how to publicize the stories of veterans, but I'll write a letter to the editor of my local newpaper. Maybe they'll pick up the stories of veterans in our area who are being denied the benefits they have earned.
Posted by: brokenSoldier, OM | July 22, 2008 11:42 PM
Posted by: JoJo | July 22, 2008 8:14 PMAnd that is exactly what I hope this exposition of the problem will do. I almost did not make this appeal, for the reason that I have a serious aversion to calling attention to myself and seeming like an attention-seeker. What I'm hoping is that through telling my story, I can get people to see that this is not an isolated case of mistreatment- it is purely and simply a matter of policy for the military.
Posted by: Ghost of Minnesota | July 22, 2008 8:21 PM
I'd sincerely appreciate anything you're willing to do, however large or small. My intention is to get this concern out to any and all markets and see what comes out of it. If you want to contact me, you can e-mail me and I'll give you my phone number.
Posted by: Linda Lindsey | July 22, 2008 8:26 PM
Please do send it to me. I'll definitely drop him a line and see if he has room for the story.
Posted by: aleph1=c | July 22, 2008 8:48 PM
I am SO stealing that and adapting it fromt he Army. It's rare that I come across one I haven't heard before, but that's one of them. :D
Posted by: PoxyHowzes | July 22, 2008 9:07 PM
I thank you for your sentiments, and as sincerely as it can be meant, you're welcome. As for the satire, I consider it one of the best ways to combat injustice and disrespect. Especially when its done as well as that.
Posted by: True Bob | July 22, 2008 9:16 PM
Bob,
Thank you sincerely for forwarding my write-up to Webb. I've heard great things about him. And again, I certainly do hope that once this issue gets within the public's purview, it is no longer centered around my experiences alone. I think that once it gets the attention it needs in order to grab the public's attention to the point of action, having a multitude of voices and stories will serve the cause much better than focusing on one single service member's problem.
Posted by: Rational Jen | July 22, 2008 9:47 PM
I agree the VA is miles better than the military, but they have problems that are caused by other factors, most of them stemming from the lack of funds, due to the fact that the largest portion of the defense budget goes to operations, leaving little for the medical system, and even less for the VA. So while the VA is a great group of people, they are far too often unable to do everything they wish to do. And on a personal level, the problems in VA hospitals (overcrowding resulting in soldiers' beds being lined up in the halls, seeing soldiers in varying stages of rehabilitation and struggling the whole way, etc...) makes them a seriously depressing place to go. I am often a hair away from bursting into tears whenever I step foot in one of those hospitals.
As a caveat, the doctors in the VA hospitals - due to most of them maintaining a partnership with medical colleges around them - are often new physicians in their residency. While this sounds like it may be negative, they are very proficient, and they are young and enthusiastic enough to still have both the compassion and empathy that makes them listen, and the drive to allow them to do what is necessary to help. I can't say enough about the VA doctors, and I'm looking forward to being done with all of this fighting with the Army so I can take advantage of their offerings.
Posted by: Lee Picton | July 22, 2008 10:10 PM
Lee,
It makes me both irate and utterly saddened to hear about such injustice. Even though I know it is out there, that in no way alleviates my sadness when hearing specific cases.
Posted by: Mark | July 22, 2008 10:38 PM
I had not thought of that - I'll definitely do it. Thanks for the suggestion, Mark!
Posted by: E.V. | July 22, 2008 10:11 PM
And I truly do appreciate it. This outpouring of sympathy is both more than I could have anticipated, and extremely comforting.