War veterans who suffer physical and emotion illness frequently suffer financial hardships due to their inability to find suitable employment. Veterans Affairs (VA) offers substantial medical services and benefits to those who have suffered a disability.
Unfortunately, the VA disability benefits can serve as an incentive to commit fraud and abuse. Psychiatric disabilities, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is one area that has seen a substantial increase of claims. One study of veterans seeking a PTSD disability claim found that 69% of those veterans scored higher for symptoms of malingering than the control group of non compensation seeking veterans on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2).
Just because someone does not appear to have a disability does it mean their claim is fraudulent. Before acting on your instincts to report fraud it is best to find out why they are receiving those benefits. If you have ever thought that someone in a handicap parking space looks healthy, but later come to learn that they are waiting for a kidney transplant, you learn not to judge by appearances. Another example is someone who often experiences seizures.
Because PTSD is not a affliction that can be measured it is difficult to determine who is a malingerer and who legitimately suffers from the disorder. There are legitimate psychological and mental impairments for collecting disability.
Before reporting a fraudulent claimant you need to understand more about their exact disability and to become familiar with the conditions/symptoms of their disability. Once you are familiar with their diagnosis and the symptoms of their disorder, then you need to consider things that are incongruent between their behavior and their diagnosis. That in-congruency is something the VA wants to know about.
You can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs’ hotline at (800) 488-8244, between 8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday–excluding Federal holidays. Write the VA hotline at: VA Inspector General Hotline (53E), P.O. Box 50410, Washington, DC 20091-0410. Or contact them by email: vaoighotline@va.gov
The types of complaints the VA hotline accepts:
- Employee misconduct.
- Patient abuse.
- Serious safety violations.
- Theft from VA beneficiaries.
- Theft or misuse of Government property.
- False claims by beneficiaries, claimants, patients, employees, or contractors.
- Systemic problems with VA programs or operations.
- Gross waste of funds or official time.
The VA hotline will want to know:
- The particular VA facility or office involved.
- The identity of the wrongdoer(s) and victim(s).
- The alleged legal or policy violation(s) or other misconduct.
- The effect of the wrongdoing, such as dollars lost, delay produced, etc.
- The date(s) when the event(s) occurred.
- The identity of any witness(es) to the event(s).
- Copies of relevant documents that support the allegation.
- Whether anyone else has already reviewed the allegation.
- An address and telephone number of a named complainant and whether the complainant wishes confidentiality.
The VA does NOT want to know about:
- Claim for VA disability and pension benefits, and ratings, appeals, or home loan issues.
- Claim for VA education benefits.
- Patient health care dispute.
- Tort claim or other legal issue/case/claim.
- Litigation matters.
- Employee grievances, unfair labor practices, union matters.
- Whistle blower retaliation issues.
- Whistle blower disclosures not related to the VA.
- Discrimination and EEO complaints for VA employees, former VA employees, and applicants for VA positions.
- Discrimination and complaints related to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Personnel Actions/Adverse action appeals/MSPB matters.
- Disagreement with law or other political dispute.
Comments on this entry are closed.
Richard,
You are doing a wonderful job. The information is great. Dave
I THINK THEY SHOULD INVESTIGATE ALL PTSD CASES. I AM RETIRED FROM THE AIR FORCE AND MY BROTHER WHO ONLY SERVED NINE YEARS GETS MORE TAX FREE PTSD FRAUD MONEY FROM THE VA THEN I RECEIVE IN MILITARY RETIREMENT PAY. MY BROTHER NEVER WENT TO WAR. HE WAS STATIONED IN ENGLAND IN 1988 AND SAID HE TOOK LEAVE TO ATTEND AN AIR SHOW IN GERMANY. TWO ITALIAN PLANES HIT EACH OTHER IN MID AIR AND CRASHED INTO THE PEOPLE WATCHING THE SHOW ON THE GROUND. MANY WERE INJURED AND KILLED . MY BROTHER SAID HE SAW ALL OF THIS AND NOW HAS PTSD. HE DID HIS HOMEWORK AND LEARNED ALL ABOUT PTSD SYMPTOMS. HE DID TAKE LEAVE TO GO TO GERMANY BUT NOT AT THE TIME OF THE AIR SHOW!! I REPORTED THE FRAUD TO THE VA INSPECTOR GENERAL BUT THEY TOLD ME IF THEY DO NOT SPEND ALL THE MONEY THEY RECEIVE THEY WILL NOT GET AS MUCH THE NEXT YEAR . WHAT A JOKE !!! I KNOW FOR A FACT THERE IS PTSD FRAUD IN THE VA AND YOU CAN NOT TELL ME ANY DIFFERENT.. AS A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE AIR FORCE I HAVE SEEN IT FIRST HAND!!!!!!!!
PS. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM CHRISTINA A. LAVINE ( HOTLINE DIRECTOR) ABOUT THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION . THE LETTER THEY SENT ME WAS DATED 13 SEPT 2005.
Omg! I see the same thing with a member of my family! It’s disgusting! I lost my 15 yr old daughter in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. I probably have PTSD but I don’t get handouts from the government! My husband served 22 plus years and he receives less disability than my family member that was only in for two years and never in combat. This family member also goes on every Wounded Warrior event they have! His family goes too so he gets a free vacation doing really cool things. Now I hear that he’s applying for a service dog. He’s just looking for a free pet that the government will pay to feed, kenel, groom and provide medical care for! This needs to stop!
Feel free to contact me. I’ll stand toe to toe with any of you on this. Who the hell are any of you to judge someone else’s experience. I’m not talking about obvious fraud. I’m talking about hate mongering those who have experienced mental trauma. If you are Christian read your book again. Just because someone has a past you try to make a scape goat out of them. Why? Because you’re bitter busy bodies that want to feel important? You can only answer that just like the many veterans like myself who have seen friends die. Have feared they would never see a loved one again or even those abused by toxic leadership. Many of you “real retirees” fit that bill. Riding on the backs of those you made helpless. I’ve seen a lot and I guarantee those of you who are critical of others have plenty to be ashamed of. What did Jesus say? Oh “ he who is without sin cast the first stone” or if you like “ remove the beam from your eye before removing the more from your brothers. You can all get bent. Bring the hate you’ll surely bring.
You just hate this person.
Where to start??? I married a bigamist, who was previously a service member in the US ARMY. He was deployed to Iraq, and during the course of deployment phoned me daily 20-30 times per day. (this is not a joke). He re-enlisted while there, and then he and his parents attempted to bribe me with his re-enlistment money to lie to the American Red Cross to bring him home. This legal system is such a joke. When I discovered he was a bigamist (when I went to divorce him), i immediately notified local law enforcement officials and his company commander (As it’s at the company commander’s discretion to Court Martial him under UCMJ). You should know that all parties, Himself, Myself, and the 1st Wife are all residents of the state of Texas, however he and I were married in Georgia. Texas does not find that bigamy is against the peace of the state so long as you’re a member of the Armed Forces. The company commander informed me he couldn’t court martial him because the statute of limitations had passed (the statute is 7 years. He had not been in the military 7 years, and had not been married to me 7 years). He’s since been discharged under article 17 (read crying wolf) for PTSD and Chronic Concussive disorder. He is now fighting me for full custody of our 2 year old child, receiving unemployment, NOT PAYING CHILD SUPPORT, and working under the table while he attempts to receive disability from the VA. Apparently his mental condition has absolutely no bearing on his ability to parent a child, just on his ability “work”.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/woman-s-insurance-dropped-for-filing-too-many-claims
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/oceanside-ca/T7LA7RVROIFB2UHMK/corinne-hogg-and-her-va-disability-whats-wrong-wit
https://www.politiplatform.com/trump/healthcare/396
https://corihogglifestyle.tumblr.com/post/163924025713/scrumptiouslovedetective-corinne-hogg-names
https://www.merchantcircle.com/johnson-storage-moving-co-englewood-co/review/read?cid=3779546
How do I report two veterans at my jobsite who are receiving 100% disability and are performing duties that require heavy lifting, working under adverse conditions, etc. One is receiving 100% disability for back injuries and ironically rides a motorcycle… This doesn’t make sense! Both have bragged that they have a cash cow. Fortunately, I do not need benefits -but- I do know many veterans that have serious medical conditions and are receiving nothing… My Dad was hospitalized at the VA hospital several years ago… It saddened my heart to see my fellow veterans with arms and legs missing. But it hacks me off when I see able-bodied veterans milking the system.
WTF! if you don’t like a veteran receiving 100% VA disability maybe your just F@#ng jealous! first of let me school you little girl, you go to MEPS for medical check ok which if you get in your 100% good, now lets forward this train… 20+ years later he/she retires, they go through the same thing like MEPS with a final out retirement check-up, now member files a claim which you f@#ng B!$tch don’t realize you come in 100% good but leave 100% bad, so just because someone is rated at 100% doesn’t mean they cant work in fact you should be ashamed of yourself!
I work at the VA and I am an advocate for veterans who served in COMBAT to recevie disability and benefits for injuries and diseases due to as a result of COMBAT, I have a real issue with veterans getting disability benefits for disease and injuries that have nothing to do with their military service–it is a joke. Veterans get disability pay for so called disabilities such as sleep apnea, hysterectomies, sinusitis, asthma, adult onset diabetes (and every claim I see for Diabetes the veteran is OBESE.)
I see so many claims that are granted to people who go in the military service 6 months or a year-people who are not in combat, and the people are let out of the military -“under honorable conditions” NOT honorable. The people are let out of the military because of mental problems, adjustment disorders, etc. They cannot adjust to military life and guess what these people get out and claim all their mental problems are due to their military service and 99% of the time they are granted100% disability and receive over $2500.00 a month tax free
The system needs to be changed but Politicians do not understand who a veteran is and what they get disability pay for–a veteran is anyone who serves in the military over 90 days and does not get a dishonorable discharge. It is a big joke
I wish I had the contacts that you no doubt have. My next door neighbor with the name of PAUL C. is also receiving a large amount of money from the VA. He claims disability from his time in the US MARINE CORP.
He never saw combat, he was a file clerk in an office. He spent two years in service and filed disability claims from the VA all false. He is now living the good life in the Philippines where he is a Pedophile, He likes 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 year old girls. Last year he was negotiating the purchase of a 13 year old Filipina from her family so they could purchase a boat. He Also has had sexual Intercourse with other Underage girls in the area he resides in.
This scum bag needs to be stopped, He is a thief and a predictor. He resides at, [redacted].
Please email me at shaylynclark719@gmail.com. I have a question about someone who was granted 100% disability from working out to much and ruining his body. Marines discharged him with 100% disability related to that, and he still goes to the gym and over powering himself with weights. He’s playing the system, I don’t know how to go about it for reporting him the the VA about hos false disability he claims he has.
I hear ya. I know someone who is a NON active duty veteran (never in a war) who collects 100% Individual Unemployability over $2400 mo. AND Social Security Disability because of a couple surgeries. She was rated during the recovery from a surgery but that was temporary. Now she is going about her life doing more physically that before. She played the violins during the rating process now that she is getting her money… suddenly she is cured. Whats wrong with the system? Why isn’t a re evaluation being done?
There are so many who are fighting in the current war who NEED the financial assistance with real disabilities. This is a JOKE! Is there someone I can notify about this? I have proof of this person no longer being disabled.
I know someone who was NOT an active duty veteran who is collecting 100% Permanent & Total Individual Unemployability and Social Security Disability right now. She had a surgery a couple years ago and was rated during her recovery but now she is doing just fine. The disability was clearly temporary NOT permanent. I wonder why the VA isn’t doing a reevaluation of this person to adjust the rating percentage at this point. It’s a shame to see this person collecting $2400+ a month and SS disability when there are others out there who are coming back from fighting the war with real severe disabilities and not getting enough to cover their expenses. What a shame! It is a joke.
I left a post earlier, I work at the VA and I would like politicians and tax payers to be aware of the veterans who are getting disability benefits-here a case I had this week. A veteran who served in 1969 a little over a year, spent 5 months in VA was let out of service under honorable conditions NOT honorable. In 1972 the veteran kidnapped and murdered an 18 year old girl. He served 18 years in prison. Guess what he was awarded 100% disability from the VA, the veteran suffers from a dysthymic disorder and he got a doctor to say he suffered fron PTSD due to his Vietnam service. he is getting a reto check for almost fifty thousand dollar and will continue to receive approx $3000 a month tax free, a man who murdered a young girl!! I wonder what the murdered girls parents would think of their tax dollars going to this veteran! This so called disabled veteran
Here is another case I had this week, a man served in the military no combat. While in the military he developed a bunion….he was service connected for the bunion on his foot..he has now parlayed a bunion on his foot, into having knee problems secondary to the bunion and falling due to his knee and injurying his back-he is now 80% disabled!! a bunion caused all these problems please… but he got a doctor to say it did-oh and guess what this veteran is an attorney….imgaine that
Now I do not think that the VA was created to pay veterans for the above, it was created to help veterans INJURED in combat. The VA disability system is broke and needs to be fixed but politicians will never do this because god forbid they try to take something away from veterans. And politician obviously don;t care about tax payers money going to pay ridiculous benefits.
Politicians give more and more and more to veterans to get votes.
I know a person who claims that he is a disabled vet. He was in the Airforce for approximately six years and is now working as a full-time police officer. He is on a S.W.A.T. team, he rides a motorcycle, and performs his duties with no obvious problems. This person learned the ins and outs of collecting disability from the V.A. He is very proud of himself and constantly brags that he collects almost 1, 500 a month for his “disabilities”. He claims that he suffers from depression and gout, of all things. His goal is to increase his disability income to 100%. I think it’s a crime that soldiers coming home from Iraq, missing a limb or two, have trouble collecting disability when the V.A. will gladly send a check to a turd who happens to be smart enough to screw the system.
I am so glad to find this website. I know someone who served 4 years in the Army active duty – never one day outside of the US and never in combat. During her first year of active duty she had a motorcycle accident (off post). She has now had several surguries – all paid for by the V.A. The first was to repair the shoulder, the second was to take care of the shoulder again after she tried to kill herself. She has since tried to committ suicide about 12 times – once with a knife to the stomach and once with a rifle (accidently of course). She is now a crack addict and guess who paid for her to go through treatment – yep! She has been deemed disabled, has a “mood” disorder and has been through treatment for an eating disorder and countless other things and receives benefits from – you guessed it – V.A. to the tune of 660.00 a month. Yet she is still able to operate her motorcycle and smoke crack. She has had her kids taken away but now gets to visit with them thanks to this check. It makes me sick that this woman who NEVER saw any combat and caused all or most of her own problems is using VA money to pay for the courts to allow her to visit with her kids a a county run agency while veterens who actually saw combat can’t get help. Who in the world can investigate this abuse of the sysytem? If you have any answers I would love to hear them.
Here is one for you. I found 6 months after my marriage with my wife that she in fact was only in the reserves for 13 months, not 13 years and is collecting $2500 per month tax free for being 100% disabled.
She got rear ended in her car while with her mother and niece and nephew while going shopping and because she had her uniform on, said she was still coming home from the base.
WHile i thought she was collecting retirement benefits, we ahve enjoed downhill skiing, running, biking, bowling, and she is able to do this with her soft muscle tissue claims of disability.
She also worked at a golf course as the beverage cart girl all while being 100% disabled.
To finish it off, she has been out of our house for over 2 years and continues to collect money on behalf of myself and my other 2 child I have custody of in the amount of over $400 per month and the VA does not seem to care.
I feel sad for all the true VETS that really need help.
My friend receives 100% disability. He was never in combat but claims he hurt his back while enlisted. He suffers from chronic pain and depression but it is obvious to me that he could work and contribute. I believe it all comes down to hiring the right lawyers to represent you. This is nothing more than welfare and there are millions of people who deserve it more than him.
I absolutely agree veterans welfare I feel bad for the soldiers that lost a limb or is having difficulty with getting the benefits they serve and you have other individuals just getting by when they are capable of getting a 9-5 how sad and pathetic.
[To be clear. Veterans have more than earned their benefits. What we oppose are fraudulent claims that steal money from the Veteran’s disability benefit programs making less money available to those who truly need it. –editor]
I have a relative drawing 100% disability due to malingering. It all started while he was a marine recruiter and wanted a transfer coz didn’t like the job anymore, couldn’t get it. So, he gets in a car wreck intentionally and gets more than he bargains for, a cracked spine. Well of course he gets transferred back to the east coast where he is close to “adequate” military medical facilities. This guy is a jewel, not once did he complete a tour of duty ANYWHERE! Bailed out of his first float by punching a steel bulkhead and breaking his hand, spent several months on light duty in the PI shacked up with a prostitute. Got out of Desert Shield by claiming his pregnant wife was suicidal coz he wasn’t home, she was most happy when he was gone! Came home though and didn’t have to go back for the war. Another float he got out of by crapping his pants intentionally and claiming uncontrollable bowel movements…got transferred back home. Amazingly once he left the ship his bowel movement issues miraculously healed itself. He draws disability for his back and PTSD…yet as a “disabled veteran” with a serious back injury he worked as a jack hammer operator for the road district, plays baseball every weekend, operates a part time dump truck service, and uses all that VA money to finance several affairs with other women in 3 different states. He has a wife and 3 kids that doesn’t see much if any of that VA money. This is why I don’t believe in the system, as a vet myself. This guy is a liar and a thief and the govt is financing him! PLUS and here’s how stupid the govt can really be, after his 2nd “back” surgery he attends airborne training in Georgia!!!!! Never saw combat not once but of course tells everyone he got shot in Iraq which is why he is disabled. The guy is now a drug user thanks to the VA, they have him on morphine and methodone which led him to pot, coke, and crack. He actually made is children urinate in bottles that he kept in the fridge for his drug tests at his civilian job! What a puke! Again, way to go VA.. You can report fraudsters all you want, the VA will do NOTHING even if you have verifiable, undeniable proof!
Have read all of these “complaints” and some have value. But first I would like to say that if you’ve never served then shut up! If you have then the laws were written for you. You are a minority in the population. Every veteran, whether combat or not, has given the government a blank check for the amount of “up to and including his/her life”. Whether hurt in an accident or sports, military service is 24/7/365. Every minute while in is “on duty” even when on leave and injuries are considered line of duty. If someone thinks that veterans have it better than them, the answer is easy…join up! But don’t deny veterans compensation for anything that the law provides for and then cheer for the labor unions and wall street bailouts, etc. Try to understan, if you will the the body has five systems that can have disabilities but even though in part may add up to 100% for compensation, may or may not prevent someone from working. The VA has 100% unemplyable as well as those with 100% who are authorized to work a normal job. Stop bitching about things that you don’t understand and take the time to learn about them. If you feel cheated then look in a mirror and see why.
That’s all from me. Have a great day (and thank a veteran for the fact that you are able to haveit)
I agree that all men and women who are in any military branch are one of a kind. Very special people. This doesn’t mean that they are above the law. If your disabled then why are you working under the table, and why are you taking 12 hour flights to vacations in another country, why are you scuba diving, why are you carrying your 22 year old son on your back. Oh and by the way, it’s a back injury. These are the people that make us sick. Just because you served doesn’t mean your above everyone else. Just like us you chose your career. There are many careers where people put their lives on the line daily. People who are disabled do deserve disability, knowone is disputing that. The ones who are arguing this probably have a guilty conscious. It’s okay because when you meet your maker he will be asking the questions
Fraud is fraud. Veteran or not. We know there are many cases. You want to make it sound like it’s all ok as long as one “served”. It’s not ok. Don’t tell the taxpayers to shut up. It’s their money, not the fraudster.
Fraud can be perpetrated by those filing for claims or by the VA denying valid claims. There have been reports of the VA actively denying claims to soldiers who should be given disability–mainly for PTSD claims.
It is a tragedy for everyone when a man or woman who puts their life on the line to defend America and is denied what was promised to them. As pointed out by Bill injury goes beyond the physical. The rate of suicide in units serving in combat attest to the fact of the psychological terror that our soldiers face on a daily basis.
From the comments left here, I’d say that by far what upsets people most is that filing a fraudulent disability claim is a dishonorable act against those who have served in our military. That is something I think we can all agree on.
I spend 80% of my days laid out and dizzy from pain. I consume three morphine and three oxycodone pills a day, and to be honest I have been to the emergency room because that wasn’t enough . All but two of my back discs are ruptured and I’m only 38 years old. I’ve lost my job my apartment , my bike , my truck soon as they find it, and worst of all my health.
Any body know where I can live for $400 a month? Any body want to hire an old vet that can work for maybe an hour a day sometimes not? By the way I come with my own pain killers just in case my body starts to shut down from the pain. Oops I almost forgot, I need a lawyer to declare bankruptcy so I can loose any dignity I had left in front of a judge, which I cannot afford either.
Out of all this what bothers me the most is when my MRI came back with two pages of pinched nerves and moderate to severe stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord area) I expected something more than a Veterans Administration Neurosurgeon I had been waiting years to see, tell me it doesn’t look that bad and he doesn’t know why I’m in pain. Must be the word severe that confused him.
There must be some special school for how to insult a vet bad enough not to go back for the care they deserve. I take the morphine , oxycodone and cyclobenzaprine for spasms and pain. Anti inflamatories , vitamins, and laxatives for all the opiates that wage war on my digestive tract. Which by the way I was told by the pharmacist at the VA that these are not service related so I have to pay for them.
Let’s review: opiates clog me up so I take laxatives so my organs don’t explode. One plus one still equals two in my world. The pain got so severe with the migranes, roaming numbness and sharp stabs I finally quit my job. I don’t even have enough to file bankruptcy. I went from a 700 credit rating to I doubt if I can borrow enough for a pack of chewing gum.
I am currently at 40% and the VA ratings letter of denial said the rating was “generous” and “subject to re-evaluation” (nice threat) . I attribute my problems to Doha Kuwait. Gov hush on a fire that caused millions in damage. In addition to being close enough to the initial explosion to remember that it’s the ones that don’t echo you worry about…The ones that echo are too far away to hit.
After the fire I was on a detail cleaning up the depleted uranium rounds that were damaged and the blown up tanks. Don’t worry a guy with a counter said what not to touch and we threw away our special leather gloves. Leather stops radiation right? So after all these years my body is falling apart and my government gives me the cold shoulder? After I got out of the service I went to work for the time that I could because that is how I was raised. I’ve never taken a day of unemployment, even though I struggled just to keep fed. But how do I prove this after so many years. I know my doctor said I have the back of a ninety year old man and I’m only thirty eight. If a ninety year old man feels as bad as I, I feel sorry for him. I just wish I could afford to pay for an honest opinion.
How far must I fall? I spoken in so many a deaf ear my throat can bear no more. God I love this country and gave all that I had… too bad my country does not feel the same. I take 180 opiate pills a month… I cannot hold my head above water much longer. All I get from DAV is a letter asking for a donation. Did they not read this? Talked to Reno Hud, wait list 6 to 8 months, guess I better sell the rest of what I own and move into tent city.
Little late on a comment on this, sorry.
A friend of mine, I lived on their property since 2000, gets 100% va. He does not have ptsd or copd!! He took all the classes at va ay american lake in order to beat the system.
They gave him a motorized scooter which was used once been sitting in the corner of their kitchen for the last seven months not used. mean while a vet could be using this. This is what gripes my ass.
I feel for you Charles I hope you get your 100%. They really need to re-evaluate all these ptsd claims that are fake just to get more money. While the ones that really need it, like yourself, get the help they really need.
The va took him off all meds that he was taking like three years ago. So why is he still recieving 100% I don’t understand!!!
My husband is a veteran with severe rheumatoid arthritis, spinal degenerative disease, and PTSD. He has panic attacks and he takes Valium to control these. He was taking hydrocodone and morphine very sparingly for pain when it got too intense. Most of the time, he took Motrin and Advil and that worked OK. Now the VA is calling him an “active user” because he used to smoke pot, which helped him. He hasn’t smoked in over a year. The never did a UDS, but still they took away all his pain meds. They say it’s because he’s on benzo’s. WTF? Who can I go to with this? Is the VA just waiting for him to kill himself?
[Please contact your Representatives and Senators; this is the kind of thing they should be able to help you with.]
I would give everything I own to be a naive narcissistic ass again like many of you proud “taxpayers”. Read this man’s story! Then read it again! Money is easy “taxpayers”. We paid our taxes in blood and we continue to pay with pain and some of us just paid with fear. For some of us now every moment of every day is a struggle. For the vast majority of us we get along just fine….and for a very very small percentage there are those who have given in to temptation and lost their honor. Make no mistake about it “taxpayers” you are not qualified nor have you earned the right to differentiate between those three groups. Just be grateful…
Charles,
It is impossible to read your comment without being moved. The system has failed you and you are not alone. From all of the comments I’ve read it disturbs people that scumbags work the system while those in need, like yourself, are denied what should be generously given to you.
The media needs to shine a spotlight on situations like yours and shame those barbaric policies that work for the system instead of for the vet.
My ex-bro-in-law gets about $50k for his VietNam PTSD symptoms. I know, and his ex-wife knows that his claim is a fraud. He visited websites, talked with other scammers and read about how to fake the worst symptoms. And bragged about it. He had planned it over a period of years.
The worst thing is his personal dislike for all minorities and especially anyone on welfare. The irony is lost on him. He does have mental problems but that didn’t prevent him from earning $200k / year while preparing his case. He’s a first class jerk who who should be in jail. Including his gov’t analyst. what a shame that so many deserving disabled vets get turned down because they are honest and don’t know how to scam the system.
Is anything being done to reevaluate 100% disabilities. My brother has been collecting for a few years. He kept going back to the VA until he finally got his 100%. The only problem with him is he doesn’t want to work for a living, but live off the system.
Bill, on November 18th, 2008 ,I feel for you and others that have legitimate claims.Your broad brushing is a little black and white though.
For all of you that are looking to expose people that you know are outwardly fraudulant, I will be providing a step by step process of what I am going through right now to expose a fraud case. You have to have all your facts, documents, photos, videos in order. Then, you have to know who to talk with and how to present the information. It does not require legal support.
These types of cases can and should be reported as there are so many people that truly need and deserve support. If all the “fakes” can be exposed, imagine how much money the government can save and put to good credible use.
More to come……Step 1: get all your documents, photos, videos together, put togther a list of contacts with phone numbers of people that can support your claims,
You will find that the hardest part of the whole process is getting the VA to listen. They are so busy hadning out money that they dont necessarily have the time to listen. (together we can change their priorities and make them listen) It will help everyone – most importantly, help the Vets that need and deserve the support!
Eric, Great post. I have an ex who recently retired who plans to file disability to reduce the amt of his retirement that the courts awarded me in the divorce. I have documentation and photos to prove his is 100% able bodied, where do I send them? What phone number do I call? My goal is to nip this in the bud before he, like many others, gets an unjust reward from the VA that should go towards those who truly deserve it.
I hear nothing but jealousy from the above posters,and why becouse our brave heroes are getting paid for fighting for this country!you cowards should be ashamed at yourselves,I doubt you people have done anything meaningful in your lives.I know you have never been in combat ha I bet you people posting have never even left the u.s. in your lives,you people ought to be horsewhipped.
Shelly – more to come. For now:
I suggest contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs’ hotline at (800) 488-8244, between 8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday–excluding Federal holidays. Write the VA hotline at: VA Inspector General Hotline (53E), P.O. Box 50410, Washington, DC 20091-0410. Or contact them by email: vaoighotline@va.gov.
Before you submit anything, you need to have you “ducks in a row”
Erik: No jealousy here. SImply a civic desire to help clean up all the bad behavior of people that feel they are entitled to hard working tax payers, in particular during these economic times.
I have met with active duty personnel in the Middle East right after the Gulf War in Kuwait and Bahrain just as a start. South Korea, yeap, did that too, more and more..
I won’t speculate as to your situation but it sounds bitter to me.
Brave heros ought to be honored and respected and have earned this respect. Its the individuals that try to lay claim to being in this class and take the extra step of making questionable claims at best.
Your over genrealization that all Vets are heros and entitled to disability is quite distorted on all counts.
Keep out your horsewhip and line up the fraudulent people to start.
Which line do you stand in Erik?
And – too be balanced on both sides, (we want to hold the VA accountable on all levels) all you deserving vets that are having trouble getting the VA to rate or re-rate your disability based on legitimate issues, more to come to help you as well on moving your efforts forward.
Hold on until March! You are the ones that deserve it! and I stand at attention to you with all respect earned!
ERIC-I knew you never served I can tell that just by the way you write,my suspicions are confirmed that you are a coward,plain and simple.The statement you made that veterans are not all heroes is pathetic as are you sir,as for the line I stand in I fought in the Gulf War itself,not just visiting after the battle as you did,and my health will never be the same.
Erik:
Aah – Now I understand the bitterness. Perhaps we can help you and give some recommendations as to how you can better yourself and your life? Tell us more so we can help and give you resources or direct you to the right people.
So, anyone that serves is therefore entitled to take forever and ever amen? and others that have not served regardless of their sacrifice to the US is unworthy?
Erik, I suspect we can help you. And, that is what I am talking about. The Vets that really need the help, phsyically, emotionally, financially, you bet, you deserve to be up front and center.
Its the individuals that knowingly scame the system that need to be drawn out so that more effort and resources can be put to use to those of you that need it. Understand?
Well I have applied numerous times for VA disability for gulf war syndrome (multiple undiagnosed symptoms,the VA just admitted its real by the way) and I have been turned down multiple times! I personnaly dont see how ANYONE can game the sysytem!The VA does not even approve LEGITAMATE claims!there is such a bs system in place I doubt very very seriusly that many claims are fraudulant!like I said real disabled vets like myself cant even get approved!!!
Also,as far as your forever and ever amen statement goes, IT TAKES FOEVER AND EVER AMEN FOR THE VA TO ADMIT GULF WAR SYNDROME IS REAL!! WHAT?? 18 YEARS NOW! AND FINALY THEY ADMIT THERES SOMETHING TO IT?? COME ON DUDE! GET REAL!
Erik,
I can understand your pain. Let me respond to you later this week as to help give you some recommended direction on who to talk with.
First thing though is to back down on the hositilty.(I know that is easier said than done though for anyone) If you really want to process through it, you have to proceed surgically with your information presented. ok?
Thats all I wanted to say,and I think I proved my point! YOU have never filed a VA claim for benifits so you have no idea what you are talking about. Those which have never served should shut the hell up about whitch matters they know not anyway!
Erik: I suspect the VA is able to discern between bitter entitlement versus true disability. In these cases, possibly they do a great job.
Some people: make huge assumptions, judge others without cause or knowledge and just can’t be or dont want to be helped.
PS: Im a life long republican and I dont think this site is to be used for ongoing banter, rather, to help inform those looking for help or resources. Good luck to you, Erik.
I have a Step Father, who was in the VN war. He has been employed (but lowly motivated to work hard) for the past 35+ years………….suddenly, he decides that because he never stayed at a job long enough to put together a decent retirement………..and can’t seem to work hard enough to keep a decent job over the past couple of years (not to mention the various fraudulent workmans comp claims and other scams, making it difficult for anyone to want to continue to employ him) that he would do better, to all of a sudden develop symptoms of PTSD. He went to the VA hospital and he and my mother checked several web sites on how to make the veterans disability system work for them. Suddenly, during his review process. this man that I have never seen unshaven in my life, grows his hair long, grows his nails long and a beard…………..all in the name of looking like the “crazy mentally incapable” to support his claim. From what I understand.
He even gets 100 extra dollars a month because he “claims” that he has some kind of erectile dysfunction, suddenly it is from his experience from VN. He and my mother laugh at the fact that they just take each of these claims at his word, no testing and he gets more money. With all the research and success that he has gained with his 100% disability, making more money each month than he and my mother (who use to need to work, but no longer, thanks to taxpayer dollars through the VA) they successfully coach others now, who are trying to figure out how to “work the system” and live off the government like they do. Yes, there are those who have been severely damaged in the heroic service to our country. It is sad, very sad when and if they do not get the compensation that they deserve, however, for every one of those cases, there are 30-40 lazy, lowly motivated individuals with some kind of entitlement disorder sucking the life out of the very system that could be meeting the needs of those who really deserve it. You can see this type of fraudulent drain in many levels of the system not only in the VA.
When you think of it, wouldn’t a trauma doctor who witnesses knives sticking out of peoples heads, children coming in burned from parental abuse, or worse babies who are raped., would these people not easily qualify for PTSD for what they see each and every day in their line of work?
Or perhaps the children that were abused, if for some reason, do not seem to keep a job long enough to save up some kind of retirement, qualify for PTSD, and be entitled to some kind of benefits?!!!!
Get real!
Great posts everyone. Report fraud – but know what it is. The stress and tribulations endured by Military members is unique and only understood by those who have served. I echo the words of some when I say that if you have never served – know what you are talking about or be quiet. Many benefits are extended to vets and rightly so. Va Disability works on a rating system. A vet could easily get a 100% rating and still maintain a full time, rigorous job. It because of the rating system. VA disability is no different in terms of a benefit than the GI Bill. What’s next – you guys have a problem with funding college for vets? It’s a benefit that exists under current law. It’s offered and available when one signs up. Injuries do NOT have to occur ON DUTY or IN COMBAT to be considered, regardless of the original intention the laws have changed to include any injury suffered during active duty or made worse by Military time. The stories you DO NOT hear about on these posts are those that are perfectly legitimate – and represent the overwhelming majority of claims. I fully intend on submitting a claim when I get out for my shoulder injury that occured while skiing and my sleep apnea that might have developed anyways – and there is no shame or loss of pride in that. The point is that they occured while on Active Duty – and the law provides for benefits. “If you don’t want to stand behind our troops – feel free to stand in front of them!”
Fradulent VA claims ARE a reality, it’s obvious those who deny it’s happening are either part of the problem or just haven’t withessed it? Unfortunately the VA has to rely mostly on claiments “honesty” when it comes to PTSD, and unfortunately there are more than a few dishonest people out here that have no problem gaming the hand-out system…like it or not. Laws and lawyers are what’s created most of the problems this country faces now, like it or not. We have a fraud here in town that laughs at how he’s scammed the VA for his 100% PTSD claim, he LAUGHS about it…he’s a bit hurt by the fact his buddies he served with in Vietnam are disgusted with him and won’t talk to him anymore, but in his eyes his new ATV’s, ultralight airplane, new diesel pickup, 7 acre ranch, gun collection, new this year shop, etc…etc.. all bought by the taxpayers, are well worth it for him. It boils down to a matter of honor in a lot of cases, some have it, some don’t. He obviously don’t. Unfortunateley these days, many don’t. PTSD in WW1, WW2 vets? I can see the time coming when everyone (with little or no honor) will be filiing a claim of some sort upon discharge…..it’s the welfare syndrome created by lawyers. With the whole country goin down the shitter anyhow, might as well just hold our breaths and enjoy the ride.
Geez, dude get a grip and step into reality! I would love to live in your fantasy-land where disabled veterans own 7 acre ranches, ultralight airplanes!! We disabled vets recieve barley enough deserved compensation to live on, what is pathetic is your notion that we are millionaires ahhhhhhaaaaa, bob how many brain cells do you have???
Here’s my question. A former employee spent a few months in the military, claimed he hurt his back, and has now been out for 10 years. He has been collecting 100% disability for most of that time. He bragged that he gets all the good drugs, and couldn’t lift over 35 lbs, and doesn’t have to work. How is it then that he can load feed and posts while working at a farm store? After he was fired from the job for stealing, he went to work for a farmer! Now he does all kinds of lifting, while still getting benefits. I was in the military for nine years, and have a bad knee. I could collect quite a bit for it, but I feel that there are other veterans that deserve it more than I. As long as I can work, I don’t want to collect. Why are people allowed to abuse a system that was meant to support service members? What can I do? It just isn’t right, and I didn’t give up almost a decade of my life to watch people milk the government.
Kay,
Take a look at Eric’s comment posted January 25th, 2009 (scroll up and you’ll find it.)
The VA receives a large number of fraud reports. Some of the fraud reports are fraudulent reports coming from disgruntled wives, husbands, girl/boy friends, employees and employers, and people who do not understand the person’s disability. This makes legitimate fraud reports that much harder to spot and act upon.
A common misconception are the soldiers who suffer PTSD. They look okay, are able to do physical labor, but are emotional wrecks. In the case of the person you mentioned it is possible that he tells people that his disability is a back injury because he is too embarrassed to say that he has a psych disability. I mention this because you say he was fired from the grain store. Was it for anti-social behavior? If so there may be more to his story than just a bad back.
If the real issue is PTSD the VA will disregard your report. If it is solely based on a bad back, then they will investigate. The fraud reports that can substantiate their fraud claims are most likely to get attention.
Contact information for reporting VA Fraud:
You can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs’ hotline at (800) 488-8244, between 8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday–excluding Federal holidays. Write the VA hotline at: VA Inspector General Hotline (53E), P.O. Box 50410, Washington, DC 20091-0410. Or contact them by email: vaoighotline@va.gov
Richard-
I am very aware of PTSD. I was in the military up until three years ago, and sadly know a few people that have PTSD. I know it is a real disorder. Unfortunately, the aforesaid person does not have PTSD. He claims he injured himself in Basic Training. It is also very convenient that his older brother injured himself in Basic Training and also collects full disability. Look, the guy was fired for stealing, and lying to our boss. I am not a gold diggger, back stabber, or by any means, disgruntled. Yet I was raised to be an honest person. And a long time ago, Uncle Sam taught me that I needed to document things in triplicate. (My own knee issues with the military.) It’s just something that suck with me. When I noticed that things were coming up missing at the store, I followed the trail. I told my boss, he didn’t believe me. Knowing that I didn’t want myself or other employees to get blamed, I kept copies of invoices and took pictures. When the boss finally asked me again how I knew, I handed him a file about 4 inches thick. He believed me then. As far as I know, theft is not a symptom of PTSD. So, should I send the VA pictures of this guy shingling his house, or would they like the ones where he’s loading feed, or carrying an 85lb calf? I’ve got the pictures, what do I need for paperwork? I want to do it right. The way I figure it, I’m tired of giving this guy my tax dollars. There are good men and women in this country who deserve it more.
Kay,
I believe you. The best thing to do is to contact the VA with all of the facts as you can throw at them. They get a lot of complaints and are going to act more quickly on those cases that are well documented.
Don’t give up. When you contact the VA get a call back number and keep calling to check on the status of the investigation.
The more paperwork you generate for the office workers is one trick to getting results.
Here is one for the books. I know a couple, too lazy to work. Through a friend they found out about VA Disability. He was a veteran and searched and searched and found that he now has Post traumatic stress disorder. He played the system and played the system. He is normal in public, however as soon as he goes to the VA, the acting begins. He was awarded 100% because of his acting skills. Now his wife needs benefits. She too now get VA medical without ever being a veteran. She has better benefits than I do. VA wake up!
Jane,there is no such thing as aformer veteran,look up the definition of veteran,also the spouses of veterans who are 100% disabled are entitled to free health care and education the spouse DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A VETERAN, again sadly I hear nothing but jealous people and ignorant people above, who know nothing of V.A. REGULATIONS OR GUIDLINES!!
My separated husband is diagnosed with PTSD. I do know that he doesn’t have that. I know he was asking every veteran what he should claim to get money from VA and he searched the internet. He is faking all that, but VA is that dumb to pay that man 30 % disability for something he doesn’t have. He doesn’t suffer from anything. He is just an alcoholic and drug abuser and that didn’t come from being in the Army. He did that before he joined the Army.
I heard that you get more money if you claim your family? Is that correct? Because if this is the case I will report that fraud.
How much can a guy get with PTSD. My separated husband isn’t working since July 2008. He got fired from his DOD job and I can’t blame them either. He is just too lazy to work and now he is drawing his compensation benefits from VA and goes to VA meetings each week to tell the doctors there all kinds of lies to get more benefits and I guess that he doesn’t have to work anymore. What he does is below the belt line and wrong but all those guys don’t see that.
There is something wrong in your system and not just with VA. This guy I am talking about is doing fraud with the IRS and Department of Human Resources (food stamps, family assistance) and noone does anything against it. In my opinion this guy has to go behind bars, but I don’t know how to proofe all that yet.
True Story:
My Step-Father was in the military for 6 months worked as a cook. He was supposed to stay in for 2 years but was removed because he had ‘issues’ and ‘an inability to get along with others as well as an inability to not be able to take orders from others.’ Fast forward 20 years. He finds out that as a direct result of his ‘removal’ from the military he is eligible for VA benefits. You bet cha — he signed up the very next day.
Here is what he gets in addition to his disability every month:
1. Methadone for pain management.
2. Loratab for pain management.
3. Darvon for pain management.
5. Breathing treatments to treat asthma.
6. In addition to all of the above he gets a ton of other various medications such as vaseline in a tube etc.
Now let me tell readers the reality of what he gets and does with this stuff. I know because I live in the home and have witnessed this more times than I can count.
The pain medicine[s] are taken to a guy that he trades with. He trades [and/or sells] the pain medicine for either lawn mower parts or money. The breathing treatments are sold to people who can use them but can’t afford them so he sells them the breathing treatments at reduced prices verses what that one would have to pay from a local drug store. This man I speak of has never been able to keep a job over 6 months because ‘the boss asked me to do something I don’t think I should be doing’ or ‘the boss always picks on me.’
This man owned an operated a grocery store for 6 years under my step sister’s name so it wouldn’t interfere with his benefits. He made money and did all the physical work himself and had about 10 employees working for him. The taxes etc were listed in my step sisters name. The step sister also gets disability which she got hers started at age 25. I made the fatal mistake one day of explaining what PTSD was and she admitted herself into a hospital claiming she was having thoughts of ‘killing herself.’ When she got out the FIRST place she went was to file for disability. She was approved the first time . To this very day and she is currently 43 she will laugh and tell any one she meets how she has forced the government to take care of her. She has never held a job over 6 months.
I have worked HARD all of my life and paid my taxes etc. With the new possible health care changes? I applaud them. Let me say that I’m a true socialist at heart [You know you love em J]. Having said that I do hope that the health care plan is cost effective. I pray that this new plan does stop as much fraud as they can because fraud is a SERIOUS issue. I can only imagine how many other people across this country share the story I have and have family members that abuse the system. Don’t bother reporting them. Doesn’t do any good. The step sister gets food stamps every month and she has an illegal immigrant she is supposedly married to but the food stamp office says that since he is illegal she cant claim his income. So she says. Therefore? His income [apx. 2500 monthly] isn’t recorded. Yet she still qualifies for food stamps every month.
Where is the logic in all of the above?
Back to the medical supplies as I could talk all day about fraud I see. We have so much medical equipment within our home that hasn’t ever tbeen used the first time. The companies that make the equipment etc call my mom and/or step father and tell them how ‘much better this equipment would be for them’ and how they need it. Then they call their doctors and there ya have it. New equipment that they never needed in the first place but costs for 1 chair $3500. The government really needs to stop this type of fraud.
The bottom line is this man I speak of SELLS the drugs that the VA sends him. He never takes the first one because he says he ’isn’t in pain.’ As for the disability? He has ripped that off for years as well.
Oh? I gotta go now. UPS is here with my step fathers monthly supply of drugs. I have to sign for them and he will come pick them up and sell them.
I believe this to be true. The VA’s in PGH, ERIE, BUFFALO are shopping points for narcotics. Oxicotin, Oxicodone and Morphine are prescribed casually to at least 2 people that I know. Niether one has any serious injuries. In the real world these drugs are given for people after surgery or Cancer patients.
These 2 individuals are addicts and sell the drugs for extra income. One is active in the DAV and his battle wound was a bullet in the hand years ago. He drives a Harley and parks in the handicapped parking zone. As a matter of fact both of these dope heads drive Harley’s.
How would you like it if your kids were in the street when these guys are driving around??
This is sickening for the simple fact that our Veterans coming back from Iraq and Veterans from the Korean war are left out of benefits.
These pill popping degenerates have taken advantage of a system that is corrupt and learned how to advance their Benifit claims to 145% by using other medical records to figure out how they can up their Disability claims.
One woman that has never seen battle is anorexic and she receives 145%! She claims she was raped while in active duty. Unfortunatley she was anorexic long before she was in the service. she lives with the doper in Erie, who she paid to get her benefits by giving him free room and board.
This is all common knowledge by the employees of the VA, but they want thier records pristine, as for the DAV.
This one joker has been investigated and reported to the IRS, SS, DAV, VA and local State Police and nothing was done.
Well, at least they won’t be worried about their jobs.
[edited by admin] Did it ever occur to you that these people riding motercycles or putting shingles on their house or liffting feed at the store are on pain killers that help them get through the day and be able to function. It is hard to fake back injury with the VA. They do test and take an MRI there disabilty for a back injury is decieded upon the evidence they have if you have herniated buldging discs in the back a MRI will prove that if there is none the MRI will also prove that. The VA will not rate you for a back issue if they can’t find one. Mind your business and stop hating.
Also you can be 100% disabled and still have a job that is allowed. There is 2 different types of VA disability. One you are allowed to work one you are not get your facts straight before you judge people. You do not know what is really going on inside these people. They could really be hurting and just do not want to show it or they could be so drugged up that at the time they dont feel it.
Love your answer Kay!! I have a jilted ex who is bitter and apparently because his life sucks for him, he is, at all costs attempting to sabotage my VA benefits. I am 100% disabled through the VA, I have had back surgery and knee surgery and suffer chronic headaches and pain constantly, I was also diagnosed with PTSD and some depression (I lost my military career due to my injury). Sometimes looking at me you wouldn’t know if I had injuries or not, I have learned many coping mechanisms to mask the pain, it doesn’t always work though. I do have the ability to work but not at the same level I was able prior to my injury. My injuries or no longer visible on the outside, but they linger in my body and they will forever. People should not judge a book by it’s cover. I have struggled with this saying ever since my injury because it is so true, but people prefer to judge!
My ex has filed a claim with the VA claiming that I am a fraud!! Unbelievable what depths people go to in order to make themselves feel better! While I believe there is fraud out there within the VA system, it goes back to what you said, if an MRI shows an injury, kind of hard to fake isn’t it? I guess that makes me a fraud since my injury indeed did show up on an MRI as did my knee and they did require surgery.
This website has only enabled my bitter ex and many other jilted ex’s to go after people with a vengeance. I hope my ex can take away the MRI results, back surgery and knee surgery away from the VA to prove I’m a fraud. Shame on the people who are miserable in their own lives that they feel the need to go after other people. How sad their lives must be and how miserable of an existance they lead.
Fed-Up,
Thank you for your comment.
On the point that it is impossible to tell if someone is disabled I agree. I’ve even witnessed a cop chased down (with lights and siren) a disabled driver who had just pulled out of a disabled parking space.
The officer told the disabled driver that he did not honor disabled placards based on psych reasons. What the officer didn’t know is that this individual had surgeries–as you have.
It is appreciated that you bring out the point that a disability is not always worn like a scarlet letter. The public needs to be educated on this point (as do some police officers.)
This article in not intended to cause harassment for those who are legitimately disabled. Instead it is to help stop the fraudulent claims that make it difficult for the rest who are actually disabled. As for the revengeful harassment we both know a legitimate claim is going to stick regardless of what a revenge seeking ex- is going to claim. You are lucky to be free of the guy.
Richard,
Unfortunately, what this website has done is provide a place for people to harass innocent people. My ex, on a daily basis, literally harasses me about my disability. While I know nothing will come of his threats to the VA, it is upsetting to think this person will stop at nothing to go after me and in the process is harming our child with this behavior he exhibits in front of our child and that as long as I live I will have to deal with this “mentally ill” person because we have a child together. Where’s the website for that? God knows the judicial system certainly doesn’t enforce harassment charges.
Fed-Up,
With all due respect this site does not harass the innocent. Please use the contact form to signal out any specific content that you feel does otherwise.
Dealing with a disability is difficult enough to deal with much less having to be distracted by the looming threat of harassment–be it the VA, insurance companies, banks, employment, etc. The important thing to focus on are the things that you can do something about and to let the rest go. If something is out of your control, then stop trying to control it, because the result will always be the same. It will drive you crazy and change nothing.
It will be interesting to see the outcome from Fed Up and the alledged, allegations.
Some people that claim disability want to then claim complete excellent mental and physical health when it comes to a divorce and child custody battle.
Fact is, you can’t be healthy and fit for a divorce and then when it comes to the VA, be completely disabled. Yes, the analysis goes much deeper than this however.
I happen to know of one case very similar to what you are describing and the judge in the divorce case went so far as to state in his findings and decree that the one spouse was competely healthy on a physical basis “despite the VA findings” and that this person had excellent mentall health with no concerns. This particular couple had to undergo physical examinations and multiple physch evaluations.
The reports that were generated from the divroce/civil trial were in complete contrast to the VA reports.
Fed -Up – please update us on your “issues” as it would be helpful for all on this site to see what happens. Are you 100% disabiedy as defined by the VA or …….? I am sure someone will report back to this web site to provide follow up.
I tried to have my disabilities increased for my back. I tried to do every thing in the book. Had the va take X-rays of my lower back. So to increased my chances to get a higher evaulation I had an MRI done on the back. It show rupted bugling and herinated disc. However the VA stated in their letter that my back showed “remarkable” improvement. Tell me it is fair, I am retired military and pay my own disability. The system is not fair. And now I have to take about 3 pills every six-eight hours to make it through the day.
Leonard,
Is it fair? Absolutely not! When it comes to benefits for the disabled in either the private or public sector. There are too many individuals who desperately need help, but don’t get it–IMHO.
It appears that each VA office is runned by different standards for disability benefits. Dealing with them sometimes turns out to be a suckers bet because they act friendly while all the time gathering information to help their case for denial.
Start by asking around if anyone else has had a case similar to yours in your particular VA and find out their outcome. Sometimes they make you jump through hoops before they approve a claim (in my opinion it is to help cut down the fraud, but for the legitimate claims it is like falling into Alice’s Wonderland.)
Read over your contracts and see if there is any way to contest their diagnoses. You may need an attorney’s help with this. Please find someone who specializes in this area of the law. Most attorney’s really don’t know how to deal with these kind of cases nor do they have the files needed to make effective arguments.
Most important of all let those close to you help you. If they are willing (and you feel they are up to it) let them be your advocate. When you feel crappy it is difficult to handle this stuff on your own.
It seems that over the past few decades it has become standard-operating-procedure to deny everyone when they first file a claim. It happened to my father when he filed a claim in Los Angles for a service related injury. After denying him benefits they wanted him to fly to the east coast to contest the denial.
He could well afford to fly east. Fortunately, my father saw that a lot of people where getting screwed so he worked with a senator to get the law changed to require the VA to make it more convenient for claimants to pursue an appeals.
Regarding your pain. Don’t get me started on how poorly pain management is handled in this country.
Good luck and let us know your progress.
Fed Up with Fraud…..
You appear to be either misinformed or highly assumptive in your response to “Fed Up” and in your understandings of VA disability. I assume you personally have not undergone any form of VA disability evaluation or else you would clearly see how erroneous your posts are. You stated:
” Fact is, you can’t be healthy and fit for a divorce and then when it comes to the VA, be completely disabled. Yes, the analysis goes much deeper than this however.”
It appears your issues are not VA fraud related but more concerned about the family judiciary system. The “fact” is the two are completely unrelated. The VA disability rating system has nothing to do with divorce competency, or parenting competency. It only relates physical or mental conditions related to a military member’s time in service, and NOT NECESSARILY directly related to a line of duty injury. The VA looks at your health from when you entered service, and then your health when you leave service, regardless if you are retired or given an honorable discharge. Now, there is a different system that rates disabilities as well…this is the Military Disability system which ONLY rates disability as a result of LINE OF DUTY injuries. Let me explain. You see, I personally have two different disability ratings…one from my line of duty injuries which is 50%, of which resulted in a medical retirement due to injuries I received while serving in Iraq. Thus, as a veteran, I also have a rating from the VA system that is 85%. The VA included things that the military did not, such as hearing loss. SO, it is very likely that a 100% disability rating from the VA does not in ANY WAY affect ones ability to be competent for a divorce or to be a parent.
It seems as if you are on some witch hunt to identify someone who you feel is committing VA disability fraud. I am sure, like so many others who are misinformed, or not fully knowledgeable on this subject, you probably assume someone with a 100% disability rating should be laying in a bed as an invalid. Perhaps you look at someone with such a rating and see them, walking, or bending over, or picking up something and think “that is fraud, they are not disabled.” Well, you are obviously very fortunate to not have disabilities yourself, since you have NO understanding of what it is like to live with disabilities that are not obvious to others. For example, if you saw me, I look completely “normal.” In fact, I walk, I bend over, I pick things up, I work, I have a family, I do physical activities, etc. BUT unlike you, I do all of these things while in constant pain. I have had a headache for over 4 years now that never goes away, I cannot feel parts of my face, my hand, or my foot. My muscles are constantly spasming, my hand shakes, and I always feel like I have an ear infection. I cannot sleep for more than an hour or so at a time because the pain wakes me up, and I can hardly be still because as soon as I try to sit and relax all I can concentrate on is how much I hurt. I lost my career and can no longer work in a field I trained hard for, made many sacrifices for, and would have been able to continue doing in the civilian world. I fought for over three years to try and recover from my injuries and not get kicked out of the military, and even now I am still fighting to get better, but my military career is over. So now, I have to start all over because although I receive a retirement check each month, it is hardly enough to raise a family on, especially since I am a single parent. Since I am in my 30’s I have many years left to live, thus, I have no choice but to work to supplement my income however I certainly cannot replace the income or potential career I had, without further education so I am now fighting for the benefits that I AM entitled to for education. But it is a long road because the system is so overburdened, and people who try to bog it down with false accusations of fraud only make it more difficult.
I suppose the other option for all of us on “disability” who “appear” to be fine, is that we could just sit on the welfare system and do nothing with our lives but feed off of even more tax dollars. But I am sure if we did that, then the likes of you would then go after us for being parasites to the welfare system, but if we actually try to continue our lives, work, and educate ourselves we are considered “frauds”? I guess it is a no win situation….Perhaps you should spend your time being grateful for your health and well being instead of worrying about someone else’s situation that you have absolutely no understanding of.
Response to Still Fighting:
Sounds as though your disablity is legitimate. Anyone that chooses to scam the government should pay 2 fold back to society and reality is, there needs to be gatekeepers and mechanisms for people to report fraudulent behavior. I for one choose not to bury my head in the sand.
Quite simply, I guess the best next reply is to update you on the results from “Fed Up”.
Not much more to say on this one. good luck to you.
Will be in touch soon.
I was going through all these little blogs and I came to various conclusions.I find a lot of anger in people in regards to what Veterans are receiving and it really got my goat when I read about the people trying to turn their own family members in for individuals that signed their name down saying yes you can take my life so others can live in a free democracy and yes you can take my life so they can sit there on their computers and bitch about what is fare or what is not fare in regards to veterans that has allowed them to live in a free society by signing away their freedom.
Sure there are people that don’t deserve to get bogus claims but one thing is for sure and that is that it is not only the VA has these issues it is the society and the Governments in a whole from the State to the National level that has claims that are false.This is our world and it is my belief that people that do not have anything better to do then bitch about a few bad apples seriously should file a claim for stupidity themselves then they would know that every person is different and they may not be super humans like the people bitching and maybe they would be able to comprehend what it means to say I will die for the freedom of my country and all those that live within her borders.
Now for as far as the clowns that think you have to see peoples heads blown off to collect a mental disorder.Try living four years on a ship that has one drinking source and that source has been contaminated with lead from the paint the military used to paint the fresh water holding tanks,or maybe you can imagine Asbestos flying around your head and berthing compartment because of cracked insulation not to mention the effects thirty years after from breathing these little fibers.Of course then there were the cockroach infestations nothing like having roaches in your food to.But the real Mccoy was being sent to a ammunition ship that for four years you slept on hundreds of mega tons of explosives some nuc some not.If you want to know what happens when one blows………check the archives for the Concord navel weapons station , maybe you will find that the anchor is still on top of Mt Diablo.So to all that think you need to be on the front line think again and do all the Vets one justice and quit complaining about the veterans that signed there names so people like you can continue to find something to complain about.
Floyd,
We must be reading different comments because there is no one disrespecting servicemen and women who serve this country. On the contrary. People are upset that a few rotten apples who feign a disability to collect on benefits intended for those who have earned them.
You mention Asbestos contamination. Perhaps you’d like to know that the Navy knew about the dangers in the early 1900 and choose to ignore the dangers and suppress the facts. I don’t know about you, but I find it disturbing when any military service knowingly jeopardizes our troops. A more recent example is when troops where given vehicles that were not reinforced against land mines or other explosive devices. How about families who sent bullet proof jaks to their loved ones because the military didn’t supply them? I can’t think of anything more disturbing than when those in charge withhold information or equipment that places our troops in danger.
In regards to PTSD. Clearly you have misjudged what several people had written in defense of Vets suffering mental disorder. In short, there is no way to judge a person’s mental or physical condition by looking at them. People who need treatment for PTSD often have their claim denied by the VA. So, rather than jump all over the people here, start looking at how certain VA hospitals have had a policy of denying PTSD claims.
Why do you suppose the VA has such harsh actions against PTSD claims? I can’t believe that they are that cold hearted. Could it be that too many suspect claims were filed? I can’t say, but it certainly doesn’t help matters. Perhaps you’ve judged people’s anger against fraudulent claims to be against the Vets who have served us. You couldn’t be more wrong. It is against the frauds who make life difficult for those who have served this country by filling false claims.
You really need to look at the disability claims being denied by the VA. Not for fraud mind you, but seemingly legitimate claims. If you want to get angry get angry at how the VA treats some of the Vets who need the help the most. Start with how the Gulf War Syndrome was handled. Who is to say the VA is denying the claims to stop fraud abuse or as a budgetary matter. In the end it doesn’t matter because it is the Vet that suffers.
For those who truly honor our Vets it is disturbing to watch as disabled Vets are denied benefits. What you’ve missed is that those ‘few bad apples’ set a precedence that contributes to the VA having to raise the bar resulting in Vets not getting the care they need.
I am not sure what you are reading either but let me assure you I am well educated on behalf of my own service connection .Maybe I should direct my comments to several blogs I read about people wanting to turn veterans in for as they stated “filing a bogus claim” It is not my intention to misread or be obstinate with the facts and the facts are certainly clear.It is a national commitment to provide every veteran who suffered a service related disability with compensation to offset the loss of earning capacity owing to the injury or disease. Within this pledge is a special provision whereby a disabled veteran who is unemployable owing to a disability will be compensated at a rate of 100%even if his or her disability is not totally disabling (100%) .
The controlling regulations for this provision are 38 CFR 3.340(a)(2) and 38 CFR 4.16. In addition, the code regulations are backed by numerous court decisions clarifying the intent of congress.If a veteran is unemployable, this special benefit should be one of the easiest to establish.Unfortunately,it is one of the hardest claims to establish and it is one of the easiest benefits for the VA to terminate.
And the facts about as you stated ” I do not think the VA can be so cold hearted”. In the early 1980s there were more then 100,000 veterans in receipt of total disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits.This began a movement in the VA to limit entitlement to this benefit.When the republicans moved into the white house in 1981, President Reagan and his administration moved to cut the costs of social programs.One of the biggest budget gobblers was the VA with it’s compensation and healthcare programs.Thanks to Reagans efforts to divert funds from the VA and other agencys to his missile projects, by the early 1900s, the number of veterans in receipt of TDIU was reduced to a little more then 60,000 nation wide.
The Va ordered a series of reevaluation examinations for veterans in receipt of TDIU.Many veterans were informed that their 100% disabilitys had improved and that in fact they could return to the work place.
The policy changed the way the va handled claims for TDIU and violated the provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7722 (Outreach Services) and 38CFR 3.103(a) (procedural due process and appellate Rights).Veterans Advocate reported that 200 veterans in receipt of TDIU benefits had been terminated in November 1992 while the central office approved only five veterans for benefits.This is how clever and also how ruthless the VA can be so with this I could lay facts on you all day long but I feel there is no need to do so.
I am educated with the facts of the Va and the military by serving and dealing with the systems for decades.I know how Vets have sacrificed because I am one myself and I know the Va because I have been involved with their antics for decades.I would be quick to not Judge ones intentions unless I was informed and educated in the subject I am involved.Futhermore, I am not here with the intent to bash or get in a shooting match about matters clearly some do not understand because they have not lived in the same horror as I have or the Veterans I think of with the utmost of respect.
Floyd,
We are in complete agreement. We have the same goal. We agree that the VA makes a concerted effort to deny benefits. We ALSO agree that there are a few bad apples who submit fraudulent claims.
What you appear to be bothered by is that several people have written to express their anger at (what they believe) are Vets who have gamed the system. As a result many believe that the fraudulent claims take money away from Vets who deserve to have it.
It appears that you are not bothered by the ‘few bad apples’–others are not so generous and are deeply bothered. Everyone wants those who have served and have been disabled (including both mental and physical) to have every benefit they are entitled to have.
Your point of Reagan’s social programs being cut is something else we agree on. I’ll do you one even better. It was during Reagan’s term that they also took the teeth out of the FDA. One only has to look at the history of Aspartame’s approval to see how that administration weakened good policies.
Perhaps you skipped over a few posted comments. In particular the one about the ruthlessness of the VA to deny claims and how my own father was affected. He saw that many claimants were being affected and with the help of his senator got the law changed.
People are upset more at the VA’s treatment of Vets. When they see someone (they believe) abusing the system they want to do something. The reason? Because they feel the scammer is taking something away from someone who rightfully deserves those benefits. If you will take a moment and think about this you will see that we are on the same page, with the same purpose, with the same goal.
I’m 23 years old Iraq veteran. I receive 90%. This is for Diabetes “1,387 sugar level “(with nerve damage) taking 2 types of insulin/pills (Oh i guess its because I’m obese wrong!!!!!!, Generalized anxiety, back, and feet problems. I’m able to do basic daily thing; walk, stand, sit. So what just because i don’t have blown off legs or hands or missing eyes I don’t deserve benefits.
Personally I believe If you have not served in the military, you should shut your mouth!!!!! Whether or not they went oversees or not doesn’t matter. The point is they sacrificed there time to serve, And look what you people are doing with your freedom, complaining about how that person is milking the system. Sad Sad times we live in today.
Now as for compensation, you folks need to realize that most conditions are symptomatically chronic, which means throughout life problems occur.
Its a sad day when people make money more important over others needs. What about people who are on welfare and haven’t lifted a finger, what about inmates in prison. We spend over 40 billion a year on rapist and serial killers…etc. What about AIG, fanny mae, GM…etc. What about the time you people spend your money on stupid things and run credit cards up to $10,000 which by the way is the national avg.
Everyone who is receiving compensation has served there country. Regardless of what your enviousness which is sad because I’ve never seen and heard in my life more people complaining about people receiving money they’ve earned.
You know $1600, or $2400 a month is beans!!!!!! My mom makes that in a week, how is someone who you think appears to be “faking” disability supposed to do that. Come on people WAKE UP. Show some restraint and dignity.
And to that envious brother who posted about his brother…. That’s sad that you would even talk about your family in that matter. You need to be ashamed. Nobody told you that you had to retire from the military, and think that was the ticket, also the mere fact that you lower other people losing there lives in a crash just shows what type of a person you’re. Your brother has compassion for people.
Julian,
My hope is that the VA is doing everything possible to help you.
As you mentioned it is sad when those paying out disability benefits put money before treatment (and assistance.) It is particularly distressing when it is the VA who puts the screws to those Vets who obviously need the benefits, but denies them by claiming that the disease doesn’t exist (Gulf War Syndrome), or that the benefit isn’t covered (because of a loophole), or that the solider doesn’t suffer from anything (PTSD).
It is upsetting to see politicians visit VA wards, where there are soldiers who have lost a limb or have been disfigured, because it makes for a good photo op. Those same politicians avoid the psych ward because those patients ‘look normal’ and don’t make a good photo op.
Most of all, I’m bothered that those who are in pain (emotional and/or physical) and least able to fight the system are abused by the system. (It happens all too often in both the public and private sector.)
I hope everyone who reads your post takes time to reflect on what happens to disabled Vets who have served their country and let their political leaders know how they feel.
This is not meant to bash the VA because there are a lot of good people who work there and are concerned for the Vet. Rather it is to call-out a system that lets Vets get tangled into a system that puts money before treatment and assistants.
I am a vietnam vet.. I was blown to pieces.. can’t use my right hand ..8 surgeries.. all of it in vietnam in 1966 and today I get 10% ..I don’t understand all these people you speak about that get 100% for nothing. I have proof, everything, and yet can’t get more than 10%..so how did they get that 100% I sure couldn’t ..my VA service rep said if I complained they would take my 10% back.
Hi Gary,
Your situation is exactly what upsets people who know positively that VA fraud is taking place. Everyone wants the money to go to those who deserve and need it.
There is something seriously wrong with a VA service rep telling you that you’ll get zip if you complain. It is time for you to call your senators in D.C. and ask for help. Their staff members know perhaps more than anyone how the system works.
Please report back if they were able to help you.
I have read these comment, and some of them make me sick to my stomach. I have not and could not ever be in a war, and I love and respect any soldier for giving me my freedom, but does that in turn give a soldier the right to take an innocent live here in America. I was just a little girl when the Vietnam War was over, but I feel like I suffer from PTSD myself after living with a veteran for twenty-seven years. I cannot imagine the things he saw and went through, but I stood beside him through thick and thin and tried to get him help. He is so bitter, that he thinks everyone owes him something, and he is not satisfied with anything. I do not mean disrespect to him or anyone else, but I feel there is a limit and he has crossed over. I loved this man for more than half my life, but when I see him committing fraud and not trying to get better, you tell me, what am I suppose to feel or do? If you have a suggestion, I am more than open to it. I would give my life for him and my children, but I’ll be Damm if I will let them kill me. I have been put through more than one wall because he said I reminded him of a gook. I have American Indian in me, and do not look like a gook at all. I never turned my back on him, not once, but when he keeps ordering medicine and lying to his doctors’ that is it. I have covered and protected him for almost thirty years, and it is time he steps up to the plate and gets his life together. I really wish some of you would not judge others when they say a veteran is committing fraud, it happens, and I did not put him in the war, but I have paid for it time and again. At this point I am just trying to survive, I have lost 60 pounds, am 5’7″ and wearing a size 4, and he has not missed a beat in his life. Tell me who suffers. All the bank notes are in my name, and everything but the house is in his name. It looks like to me, he is pretty calculating, and if he is as sick as he says he is, how? He says his PTSD won’t let him marry me after twenty-seven years, but I said his PTSD has let him live off me for twenty-seven years. This veteran has used peoples’ sympathy until everyone is fed up with him, and he is going to die a lonely old man. That breaks my heart, but there is nothing I can do for him if he refuses to help himself. God Bless and I Pray I have not offended anyone.. I do not have any friends because of him, and it has been a lonely six months without anyone to vent to. If I could only get the desire to live again back, I know I would be ok. I have always worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week or two full time jobs. Supporting myself is not the problem, I have just let this get me down so bad that I cannot work. I have started drinking, and I am not a drinker at all. When I don’t drink, all I do is cry for what should or could have been, then I fix a drink and face up to what it actually is. I feel it is time for him to be honest and get some serious help, it is free, all it cost him is his time. God Bless
Wow! If the people here put half as much effort into digging up the abuse and fraud committed by the VA itself (shredding scandal, Bay Pines harassment, faulty colonoscopes, Agent Orange, Gulf War Illness, etc etc etc etc etc we would have this gov’t whipped into shape in no time flat! I wont hold my breath.
I guess its easier for paid internet snitches to sling mud for their 30 pieces of silver. Or for non-combat types to kvetch over what amounts to little more than petty jealousy. Lets focus on the veterans that may *possibly* be skimming a little off the top and ignore the VA structure that has wasted BILLIONS UPON BILLIONS over the last 40 years.
All you sycophants and shills need to be aware that tolerance for your antics is grating on the American people. Soon, your kind will be dug up from under your collective rock and put before a trial of your peers for giving aid and comfort to the enemies of America. Attacking our soldiers during a time of war is *treason*.
You will pay the price, and I will get rich selling rope.
All I can say to all of the above posts is …we need more oversight in goverment in general.
There is so much fraud within all goverment programs it makes me sick and also think…why do I wake up everyday at 0445 to go to work?
I was active for 17 years , I left because of my family tired of not seeing me anymore,, went to the reserves and have since spent another year in the nice country of iraq,, now at 21 years searving my country I still wonder sometimes why I do it, most don’t appreciate it, they take it all for granted…yep.. i guess I owe you the welfare and free cheese cause your to lazy to get off your azz and go to work….why should you? There are way too many ways to sit home and get paid. The whole system is broke Di*k…when i have to work 40-60 hrs a week in all kinds of deplorable situations to put mac and cheese on the table but yet in the grocery lane I see someone buying sirloin and lobster with food stamps then hopping in a new lincoln in the parking lot.. I have to stop and think that i am doing something wrong. The fraud that is committed within the VA is just the tip of the iceberg. I searched for a website about VA fraud because I know a guy that did under a year all in conus who now has 90% disability because of PTSD which I know is a bunch of BS and was thinking of blowing him in; but after reading alot of the above posts it mostly sounds like a bunch of disgruntled spouses and neighbors who never had to even go through 1/2 the crap that this guy did in his 10 months of service. I don’t think he joined with the intention of committing fraud…but hey why the hell not everyone else is doing it…all the way to the top…senators,congressmen,,why shouldn’t he hop on the gravy train?
I guess the American model is correct.. “The Land of opportunity”
Does that mean the opportunity to steal from those few of us that still have basic morals and values?
I think American society has changed so much in the last 2-3 decades that things will only be worse for my kids, Think back 20 years ago..how many people did you know collecting from any goverment program??? Could you smack your kid if he got out of line wiyhout the fear of being charged?? If you were convicted of murder, would you dream of seeing the outside of prison again?? If you spilled coffe in your lap from McD’s would you get 2 million??
I guess it is to far gone now to totally reverse this trend, but where will it be 10 years from now? I am hoping when i get off the plane from my next deployment (scheduled for aug 2010) I hope the sweat from my uniform doesn’t offend you so much that you file suit against me.
Why do we send billions to countries that will never pay us back in any way shape or form? But yet soldiers that have fought in every conflict are living in the street..oh ya…they paid taxes to send the people money…don’t know where to go from here…how do we fix the fraud and corruption??? you tell me?? Gotta get some shut eye…formation at 0730…sleep well knowing we are all stealing your money and watching your backs “The Veterans”
A good book on PTSD fraud is Stolen Valor. Once you read the book you will understand that PTSD is a given, you merely have to ask for it. Studies have shown approximately 10 percent of troops in a combat theater actually engage in combat and of that only 10 percent actually fire their weapon. Many of those receiving benefits have never even served in combat, but the VA and other government services don’t check or verify service, just too complicated. Certainly, visiting a PTSD specialist will get you a disability as they have a job due to finding PTSD in everyone. I personally know a guy I served with who returned and founded a very successful business and today collects the maximum from his PTSD. He believes he has it and you would be hard pressed to convince him otherwise. Having gone through the same field operations and exposure as him and not having it, he believes I’m merely in denial. See, if you don’t have PTSD, you’re considered just as sick because you’re in complete denial! Everyone today believes they are entitled and PTSD is difficult to disprove. Hate to see the guy with no legs get nothing while a guy with PTSD that caused his drinking, carousing and wife beating, get everything.
I am currently trying to get compensation for PTSD and let me tell you if it wasn’t for my girlfriend I would have givin up. I believe every vet that tries to get PTSD comp. should have at least served in a combat zone and have seen combat. I hated applying for compensation for PTSD because I was asked so many akward quetions I got the feeling the person I made the claim with din’t believe anything I said or thought I was making it up. It sucked but it is what it is, I am currently not getting any comp. for PTSD and I am getting therapy outside the V.A. for my PTSD. So to all of you who fraud the system Thank you soooo much!
Adam,I am currently rated 100% for PTSD,(IU rated p&t .I am a combat veteran,however I disagree with you.The VA has non – service connected PTSD compensation are you saying that a vet that witnessed lets say a training accident should not get compensation for it?that is just plain stupid,there are other military trauma not related to combat.
Oh wow. I can’t believe there are other people who know about the scams going on at the VA. It can be sickening!
I recently talked to a guy coming back from Iraq and he said he is going “to claim everything”.
PTSD is overdisgnosed.
Someone who is 40 to 99 percent. Their goal is to get 100 percent. It isn’t to get better. And those who say if you have never served shut the he’ll up? Well that’s exactly what you want me to do but I think I should be able to say what I want because I’m the one supporting the VA with my tax dollars……
Hallelujah for this site. I had no idea of how bad the abuse was with veterans collecting fraudulent disability payments was until I started doing some research. It sickens me of how these people use the system and cost the tax paying citizens of this country billions of dollars. And I would think it would sicken those veterans who have legitimately become disabled through their service to this country. My heart does go out to those who have given so much at a very great cost.
What first brought this issue to my attention was when a PA woman was running for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It was noted that she was a disable veteran. It made me wonder why she could hold that position but not hold a job. After very little digging it was apparent this individual was doing some extraordinary things not limited to: capturing and tagging bear, stream restoration, countless research groups, skiing,fishing,hunting. Photos of her doing very physical activities, telling of the countless hours she put into many, many projects. So how can it be that she, and so many more like her are not able to work!!! It just shows that there is a huge flaw in the system that should be weeding out these individuals who are committing a crime!
So my ex brother in law is on 100% for his gunshot wound he received in Iraq. One thing bothers me though. He is getting over $2500/month and decided to go to school online. He tells me that he gets paid an additional amount to go to school. Why?? Why are we paying for a person who is disabled and can apparently NEVER get a job with the degree that we are paying for him to get.
It’s part of the contract. It part of the wage he gets for serving his country. Everybody gets it. Maybe you would like to try serving your country. Then you would get it too. Idiot.
Bec,It is LEGAL for a 100% disabled veteran to work and still collect full disability payments each month its not like workmans comp,If you are a 100% iu veteran then it is not permited to make income above the set poverty line without your benifits being reduced but you can still work legally.
I get HIV meds from the VA but thats about it…I served in 2 services, Im sure people learn the ins and outs of the VA system but its ashame when they abuse it….there are veterans who qould qualify but because of a mental or physical handicap do not know how to go about it…What a shame.
My neighbor, has bragged for two years now…”That the government is paying him 80% disability, and he has a life-time of pain killers and muscle relaxers, delivered to his door step.” He has recently filed for bankruptcy. Now he’s being paid to go to school. The other day he had the nerve to tell me the other day “Man, school is so expensive” I replied “Dude, what do you mean? I thought the Reserves are paying for it?” He responded “Yea man, they are! Paying for school and books! Thank You Tax Payers!” As he said this I told him, “You’re Welcome” Now he tells me tonight that he doesn’t have to claim his disability, so he’s trying to get his daughter on “Free Lunch” at school! Everyday he’s outside skateboarding or doing something active. Yet when it comes time to go to the VA he walks out with his cane! WTF? It makes me sick seeing him get a free ride, get out of all of his debt, and rape the system, that ignores major issues to enable lazy, and worthless people. I wish I could find a clear cut way to report this and remain annonymous! It’s not right that every male in my family has served this country, and taken care of their own families (without the help of these so called helpers!) Can anyone refer me to a website or phone number? Thank you!
First, most of the complaints sound like they came right out of central casting. The neo-con trolls stick to their script pretty hard, right? Class envy, a veteran getting his EARNED BENEFITS while a whiner dodged the war like Rush Limbaugh and his anal cysts. All for the war, so long as its not YOU going? So now the VA IT department passes out $24 MILLION in bonus checks to itself, the Miami VAMC exposes tens of thousands of veterans with dirty colonoscopes, 41 out of 57 VARO’s are openly shredding pension claims, the VA in Philly is improperly injecting cancer patients with radioactive material, so what do we do to fix all this? Declare all PTSD veterans scammers! The chicken hawks come home to roost, become paid shills, while disabled veterans stand in a line at the VA thats literally a million people long.
My name is steven I am just gonna tell me story. I joined the army in 1997 and was in germany and a few other places. My goal was to retire out of the army but my deployment to Iraq changed that. I was there from Jan 2004 to may 2005. I traveled over 32,352 miles in the sunni triangle of Iraq, I know this because of my maintence logs for my truck. I lost two friends, one of them in front of me, he lost 60 pounds in half a second. I have been blown up twice, but thanks to poor timing on one IED and armour on the second one I suffered no missing limbs. I was a very confident man when I first started my tour by the end of it, I was scared of my own shadow. I also was awarded the bronze star over there. I knew my days as a effective soldier were over. So I didn’t reenlist and got out and worked full time for home depot. I did that for almost two years, but during that time I suffered. I didn’t tell my co-workers, but I would see and hear things that weren’t there. I would be scared to death to go to work sometimes because I thought something bad was going to happen. I was always able to smile laugh and joke to fit in , but I always felt like a fake. I also wanted to kill a couple of people that worked there because they thought it was funny to scare me, dropping a piece of wood and watching me jump. I had brought my handgun to kill them a couple of times but always lost the nerve, a few times I would stick it in my mouth because it was so overwhelming at times. I finally went to the VA and got help, They took me in and I did a total of 180 days inside the treatment center. I thank the VA to this day for that. I am connected with PTSD now and live of that check every month and I quit my job at home depot. I do feel ashamed at times that I get this money, but to go back to home depot and try and eat all those emotions I feel now scares me. I live in fear and I think no amount of treatment will change that, or at least it hasn’t so far. I know people do scam the system and those that do deserve it have been screwed, I have seen first it hand. I still don’t know where I fit on this scale. I just don’t know how to live in a world that is surrounded by horror that only I can see.
I’ve read so many posts about VA Fraud well here’s my testimony. I personally know someone who claims to be a Disabled veteran at 100%, but quite the opposite. Well not only can I back these allegations with police reports, but [with] witnesses, pictures, the whole nine yards. He’s someone who carries on as he’s an invalid, but yet he painted his entire house. He’s abusive. I should know, I’m his wife that is no longer living with him. I had to get a restraining order against him due to his volital behavior. For some reason he hasn’t filed for divorce. I DON’T think he’s told the VA about the change of status because of the extra benefits he’s getting. It’s cheaper to keep her. So, if you ever see him on the street he may or may not have a walker or cane he always will have a border in his home running all his errands fetching his smokes and alcohol etc … He needs that extra person there so he can act so needy to the VA. As soon as his brother John gets wind he’s alone he will be back to use Tom up in all that money Toms getting from the VA that he lied to the VA to get.
I am glad I found this website. I am livid — my friend just recieved a $17,000 check from the VA as back pay, and recieved a 70% disability rating for — get this — depression! She claims she deployed for six months, came back, and her daughter didn’t know who she was, and now she collects over $1400/month in disability! She deliberatly manipulated the system to try and make things sound worse than they are. She joined the reserves because she heard that if you are on zanax, you can’t take it and be in the reserves at the same time. So she went fishing doctors to get zanax, so that she could be medically discharged from the reserves (this is after a 6 year tour in active duty). she didnt even go to Iraq!! She went to UAE for 5 months, went to beach, went shopping, and got to drink while she as there! And by the way, EVERY person who deploys with children comes back with some sort of issues. I hate her now and I won’t talk to her, I can’t believe she would try to fraud the gov’t out of money like that because she wants to get handed everything in life. Worthless people suck.
OK – I’m readin all these posts. It seems that, while there are a lot of cases of actual disability fraud, many of you are MISUNDERSTANDING the concept of VA disability, PTSD, or many other terms mentioned. First and foremost, you need to know what you are speaking about before you begin typing. People are stupid if they believe that people in the military do not experience PTSD, and that anyone claiming so should be considered a malingerer. Further, just because you pay taxes does not mean that you should be so self-centered to claim that you “pay for their school” or “pay for their disability.” Get over yourself! People sign up for the military, and in turn, they are due these benefits! The VA disability pay is meant to be supplemental income for those who have suffered a type of disability or illness as a result of their being in the military, and the pay is meant to make up for lost pay possibly in the civilian world. PTSD is a serious mental condition, and it should not be played down just because some stupid person on the internet can’t see what is going on with the vet. If you haven’t been in the military, or deployed rather, than you do not understand what severe PTSD is. Our soldiers go over there and witness death and destruction on a daily basis. They see young children die from wounds they didn’t deserve, and see body parts scattered throughout the streets. They also have to pull the trigger and take lives — don’t you think that might haunt someone for the rest of their life? The VA is set up for these troops, and you should be PROUD that YOUR (selfish) tax dollars are going to support these troops!!! Now, with that said, I also think that there are many disgusting people out there who know exactly what I just mentioned and therefore take advantage of the situation. I do not understand how a person (such as my scamming friend) can claim depression, because it is not a condition that can be attributed to one single instance, where as PTSD is. Depression can be a physiological problem, not just psychological. Depression can not be linked to a service-connected incident, whereas PTSD can. But still, some people will say something absolutely absurd (and completely un-service connected) like “Oh, I got into a fight with a girl whose husband I was sleeping with and she threatened to kill me” — and there you have it, some scammer is recieving money for the rest of their life because they are dramatic and know they can collect on it.
Bottom line: I fully support the military and our troops, and the VA that takes care of them! I think the VA is wonderful and has helped vets, both combat and non-combat, successfully adapt to civlian life and civilian pay. I DO NOT, however, support those who take advantage of the system. I believe it is crude, disgusting, and I think the VA should evaulate these claims a little more discriminately.
I just have one last comment before I am done reading these ignorant posts (well, most of them). So many people are on here saying things like, “he collects disability, but then I see him picking up boxes and playing football with his kids — he MUST be a fraud!” You people do not even take a second to think that something disabling might be affecting them, rather than having a limb missing or not being able to lift heavy things. I was in the military for seven years. I was security, and I spent hours upon hours in remote places conducting security — sometimes in a vehicle, sometimes standing in one spot for hours. I would go 12-16 hours someday without being able to go to the bathroom. (Say what you want, but I can’t just pull my pants down and squat next to the wingtip of a plane and pee, or pee while I am standing directing traffic or guarding a fenceline). Because of the year in and year our holding of my urine (as I am a female), I developed a chronic pain syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, in my bladder because my bladder became stiff and ridden with scar tissue. Now, for the rest of my life, I have to suffer chronic disabling pain, to where I have to be on long-term care, have frequent doctor visits, and haven’t had a good night sleep in years. (If any one is discounting the severity of this disorder, which you have probably never heard of and are therefore prejudice, then just look it up and be thankful you don’t have it.) I was medically discharged from the military due to this illness, promptly after reenlisting my service to the military following a tour to Afghanistan and prior to my tour to Iraq. I was told by the military I was not suitable for military service because of a condition that was brought on directly relating to my duties in the military. I am rated at 60%, mostly for that and YES I have PTSD but it is from being raped and contracting a disease by a military member while being posted overseas, thank you very much, and I do believe that I am fully entitled my compensation. People see me with the title of disabled vet, then they see me at the gym and doing physical activities and have the nerve to judge me and think they know for ONE second anything I’ve been through in my entire life.
I know none of this is anybody’s business, but the anonymity of the website makes me care less. I just wanted to point out to all of those who are critical and judgemental, that you DON’T always know what you are talking about, and that military members, REGARDLESS of what YOU might think is suitable, DO have disabilities which are deserving of compensation.
For all those who have served or understand service-connection disabiilty, thank you and I’m glad that there are some smart people int he world.
I found this site while searching the internet on how to report VA fraud. I called the VA number listed to try to find out more information on how to report someone I felt need investigated. When I finally reached someone, I explained to her that I knew of a person that had just received a motorized wheelchair from the VA because he had been shot in the knee,( by the way he was shot after he retired and it was by his wife) and instead of using the wheelchair he sold it. The lady with VA actually asked me what that had to do with him receiving benefits! When I told her again that he claimed he needed the chair, received it, then sold it she said they did not deal with that. THEN WHO DOES??? I would think that they would want to know when someone is selling their stuff off.
I know this guy who served in the Marines although I’m not sure for how long. He never went to war and let me tell you that this guy is a big guy. I guess I should explain, he looks like a bodybuilder and I know for a fact that he, until he took a new job recently, was hitting the gym everyday. He lifts all kinds of weights and now works for a company doing MRI’s and is required to perform lifting when he has to help transfer some of the patients to the table. He bragged about how they didn’t know that he was working out and if he admitted to his doctor that he was, then he would lose his disability. He works three jobs, one a s bouncer, one tending bar, and one as an MRI tech,. I don’t see any of these jobs being available to someone with a disability. It’s sad how people continue to use the system when there are people who really deserve to get the help. This man has no back injury that deserves disability payments and some really needs to do their job.
relative served in afghan for three years, was kicked out for drug abuse, he admits it and the paperwork states it. He recklessly abused script drugs and street drugs and was hospitalized twice once for OD and once for attempted suicide. Prior to his service he was a serious meth head, and nothing has changed when he was kicked out. BUT during this three years, he learned the system, went through the hoops and right after he was released from his OD in the hospital where he was on a venilator for over a week from abuse of scripts and crank, they grant him backpay of 21k dollars!! AND 2600 a month!! I mean WTF, talk about enabling drug use, its a joke. Now he says hes going on vacation to amusement parks to ride rides, and has blown most of the 21k but doesnt care as its a cash cow at 2600 a month tax free.
I have a new con, my husbands child was adopted without his knowledge or consent to his childs grandmother and grandfather. The grandfather was collecting veterans pension and since his death now his widowed wife is collecting the pension, well they have it set up so that if the wife passes before the children turn 18 the birth mother (who gave up her rights and fraudulently told the court that she could not find the childs father who has pictures of the child of all the years she claims she couldn’t find him and she put him on child support during the same year of the adoption proceeding, also she collected public aid for the same children and the adopted mother collects Social Security Retirement benefits) I would like to let the Veterans pension Inspector General know about all that is going on and the amount of fraud that will progress if they allow this birth mother to receive the pension if the adopted mother passes, but it states they don’t want to know about any cases, but the veteran is dead now, my husband and I are suing for the adoption the be vacated and I will then adopt the child and the other 2 children are being shipped to their father, the birth mother will receive these benefits without any premise. How can our Government be so blind to such outlandish white collar crimes and not enforce their own laws of fraud?
This is very hard to try to explain what is going on. I started to go with a person that is a person that is in the VA system. I learned lots of different things but I learned that he is playing the VA for every thing he gets. He started it this way. He signed up for the service because he was going to go to jail. He was at that time involved in drugs, blames the war for the more drugs he did.
I just broke up with him because of the drugs he does and sells at the same time. I have seen over a lb of weed on the table and a few of his friends and a child that 4 years old standing there watching the whole thing, this is when I left. What my problem is that I lied for him. I went in front of a VA and said things that I didn’t want to do, now I am feeling guilty on what I did and don’t know what to do now.
He says he has PSTD not in my eyes, he reads lots of sites and books on how to say the right words, he is prescribed lots of drugs and doesn’t take one of them he sells them to other people.
Michigan made pot legal now so he say he can use it all he wants, he went to apply for legal papers. I know where he is it is not legal, not a locked stuff or what ever he says. He just posted all of his land and put a gate in is driveway, told me he call the police if I stepped foot on his property.
I am scared of him now. I just want to call someone and tell them what is going on. He said he will get over 200k for back pay.
He has done mushroom, cook speed and proud of doing over 200 hits of acid. One day when I was there he was telling his friends how he was going to get over 200k from the government
He has got fuel assign, and lots of over things and he has sold over 500 dollars of pot in one week.
I guess I am just talking but I like to know who to contact to help me.
If someone has a answer please feel free to contact me [by leaving a comment].
It’s amazing that so many people get away with VA fraud. I know of a vet that claims he is disabled, recieves 100% disability from VA and social security, but goes out to work everyday. He claims he has a bad back but only limps and uses a cane when going to appts. Other than that he is able to do heavy lifting jobs and has no problem dancing around in a bar room and spending his check in the slots. Its awful, but what do we do?
I have worked as a veterans service officer for many years now, and can agree with BOTH ends of the spectrum, as voiced by the postings.
I absolutely LOVE helping those vets missing body parts, bound to wheelchairs and undergoing treatment for Diabetes, Prostate cancer etc. I am likewise HONORED to assist their grieving widows.
Conversely, I absolutely DESPISE helping those whom I have come to KNOW are patent frauds, whom have become sly in the tactics and techniques to GAME the VA disability system.
Sadly, my office cohorts and I all concur that the majority of our clients, are involved in SOME degree of scamming, whether it be blatant falsehood or exaggeration.
This is a system that rewards a “helpless” mindset, squelches ambition, integrity and personal honor. It is what it is.
I am thankful to have my chosen position,…and as long as there is disability fraud, I will maintain job security, though I desperately wish that the VA would reform it’s out of control methodology.
Most of the people complaining on this site have never served and no nothing of the rigors of the military both mentally and physically. Many are jealous seeing veterans getting their just compensation for injuries, diseases, or wounds caused or aggravated by their military service.
There are SOME scammers, as with any program, but the VAST majority of disabled veterans are more than deserving.
During training I received injuries which I cannot prove since there were no witnesses other than myself and the DI who inflicted the injury. It really steams me when I hear of people who get compensated for things such as scar tissue or a friend of mine who injured his elbow in a softball game on base and was awarded 70 %. I can think of numerous other examples, but will end my tirade with this, My Oath, word, was good enough then, when I entered the service, why Isn’t it good enough now. Also, all these observers must take into account , some of the severest injuries cannot be seen. I had a friend who was a Navy Seal and he contracted a Staph infection while being transported on ship during the vietnam war. It got into his kidneys and caused failure, kidney transplant etc. He was 100% and would remark about how people thought he was ok, simply because they could not see his trauma versus someone missing an arm or a leg. God Bless the Veterans, disabled or otherwise, without them we wouldn’t be free, nor could we express ourseles like we are doing on this site!!!!!!!!!
I can’t blame all of the losers for claiming disability. It is free money on the tax-payers back(bad back-they better claim a disability). If everyone claimed a disability for back pain, or mental issues then half of the United States would be hanging out on the couch.
Someone said $2500/mo isn’t that much. It is when you don’t need to do ANYTHING all day. You don’t even set your alarm. You don’t pay taxes. You don’t pay for job travel etc. The least you can do is thank at least one poor tax-payer each day. They are paying for your do-nothing life.
We are an entitlement nation. We will be bankrupt soon enough. Gotta go now – I need to go enlist in the military so I can retire, oops, I mean go on disability in a couple years. Have fun not working. You know in your heart that you are a waste of life working the system!
I believe it is a sad commentary upon us all as Americans that this is going on. I did two tours in Iraq with the Marines, saw limited action, injured by an IED (small-cut on my hand that they wanted to give me a Purple Heart for but refused it). I left the Marines healthy by the grace of God, and didn’t cry about my hearing loss etc. You know what? I signed for it, I got paid for it, you are not entitled to anything. My grandfather was in the Marines in WWII in the “Island Hopping Campaign” and saw extensive action, and didn’t see home for 5 years. Yet he returned, led a good life, raised a family, and never once received anything. Why? Because he could still work, and he did. Now…think about what you leaches are doing to the ones who legitimately need assistance, you are causing them to suffer due to your “backing up the system”. Yet you are probably still the same ones who complain about people on welfare, and etc. etc. You will have to, like me, stand before God and give an account, I am only glad that this is one thing I will not have to give an account for. You know you are doing wrong, so please stop it, it’s the right thing to do.
My name is Brian Smith. I served in the Army during Desert Storm as a 13-B Artillery Crew member. I ruptured 2 disc in my back during Desert Storm. I was treated in the feild with the standard Motrin. I was Honorably Discharged in 1992. I didn’t realize that the VA possibly could help me. I have worked the majority of my post-military life as an electrician. I had 2 back operations in 2004. I finally was informed by a disabled vet friend that I should file a claim, which I did in November of 2008. I have since been told by VA Doctors that I am in need of another much more serious operation on my back. I am not the kind of guy that is looking ofr a hand out. I have owned an operated my own busines for 15 years, but my concern now is for my children ages 2 and 6. I am 38. I have had 2 back operations and am looking at a 3rd. I am now only able to work a couple of days a week. I live on vicodin. In 14 months, I haven’t been able get a C&P exam. I also have been diagnosed by a VA Dr. with combat related PTSD. Today, I received a call from the regional office telling me that they could not find my medical records. I have requested these records 4 times in 14 months from St. Louis. I was also told by the guy from the VA that without my medical records, even though I have buddy statements, statements from VA and private Drs, I was basically out of luck. Now with all of these scams that are going on, what the heck did I do wrong? Does anybody have any advise? Any VA reps out there that are interested in helping a guy with a real issue? Please feel free to email any advise to brian@sbuilders.net. Thanks and God Bless.
Well finally…someone who is WAKING UP TO WHAT IS GOING ON…….HELLO?
I’m all for our Veterans. My Daddy proudly served as a Marine in WWII. I’m Red, White and Blue thru and thru. Nothing humbles me more than a visit to Washington DC memorials or our local cemetary in Leavenworth, KS or in an airport as one of our young men/women ship out…….I walk up to them, shake their hand and say Thank you.
But I’m hopping mad and I’m not taking it anymore. Why? Bear with me…….
I was born mid 1950’s. I grew up and was front and central to the experience of what the Vietnam War was in the news, here in our town of Kansas City, MO as well as watching my best bud male friends leave….some not to return…and welcoming home those who did with tears. love, hugs and a big Thank YOU. To those who came back in a box……I cry for them still.
I was in college during the late 60’s and early 70’s. I remember all about the protesting, the Boys when they came home were spit upon and how that War divided a Nation….ours.
I also married two Vietnam Vets…..so I know all their pain and stories. I loved them for being Vets….and was involved in their day to day lives a combined 23 years between the two.
One served one year in the Army. Military Truck Driver
One served 2-3 years in the Marines, Tunnel Rat and Radio Operator
The Army husband went to Nam at 18
The Marine husband at 17
Both came home. Married had familes, worked at the same trade and career, never missed a day, was highly respected by their peers and worked till Retirement with full benefits and Pensions. Army Husband worked for over 30 years in a Union Trade. The Marine, a sales rep for 38 years. Neither had drug or alchol addictions. Both had built a wonderful life, had kids and were very, very successful, retired with money and nice, large homes. .
I was the second wife of both
Married to Marine Vet 10 yr, one child.
Married to Army Vet 5 years, but with him daily for 11. No kids, StepSon.
BOTTOM LINE:
Our boys coming home TODAY are being delayed on benefits, I read the stories above in this Blog, and realise our recent Vets can’t get help needed,resouces as the Veterans Admin over worked, a system all ready suffering from lack of funding……and bearing a cross now being deluged with PTSD “claims” from the Vietnam Vets who ARE NOT DISABLED WITH THIS KNOWN CONDITION. They are faking it to gain financially. I KNOW this, and I am witness to it..
NOW don’t get me wrong…..I’m all for those who truly suffer…key words truly suffer…..from PTSD. Tthe ones who can’t leave their Apts, are homeless, hermits, druggies/drunks or rage issues, can’t deal with life or crowds, 4th of July fireworks can “trigger” a flashback, ……I’ve seen em’ and I know these men/women truly have disabilites and suffer from PTSD. My heart goes out to them.
BUT, Now we have just in my own life……TWO Vietnam Veterans, who lead full and successful lifes…….retire with Pensions from their company/Union…….and POOF. NOW THEY SUDDENLY “SUFFER’ from PTSD…….and are getting Disability PAYEMENTS each month !!!!!!!!!!!
This is NOT RIGHT, shames the Vets who did need help and it self centered and selfish. Why are Vietnam Vets suddenly PTSD?
Well, let’s see………retirement in the past 3 years and pensions have taken a HUGE HIT. Stock Market, 401K’s. ??? Dumped. Fancy lifestyle and successful life….not shown in the Bank. Hmmm. Can’t get that 100,000 dollar RV now and travel. Can’t hang out at the Lake Condo and fish……as you dreamed for 40 years…….
So, let’s all remember we are Vets of Vietnam and here’s a new term.PTSD and CHHAA CHING……..money.
Two men…….I know of. How many more out there? Thousands.
From a local Chapter right here in Kansas City, you can find out how to “groom” yourself for filing for PTSD. Don’t shave for days….grow out your hair, get some old clothes from Thrift shop, drag them out in the street, run over with your car, get an appointment, go in that day, as per directions listed above, head down, mumble……..don’t look the Intake Rep in the eyes…….”dumb down”…show no emotion……flat line…be dirty and down trodden. Do this each time you go for appointment. Get someone to write a “tigger letter” and give them the exact words to write………even lie about Nam and what it did to you. Then take letter and comply with same “homeless” demeanor….till you get through the System…….be patient
TDAAW……..DING….DING you get a letter verfiy PTSD and how much of percentage you will recieve per month.
Army ex hubby: $680 to $700 per month, now is trying for more, from a fall he suffered in 1980, landed on head, got Work Comp $$$ enough to quit job, bought RV and ‘wife’ at time also quit job, they traveled over USA for 1 year..spent the money, came backto KC home, sold RV and both went back to same jobs. He retired with full benefits from his Local and has no issues.. NOW he has a TB 1 Traumatic Brain Injury, ringing in his ears, PTSD………..imagine that. Trying to collect TWICE on his fall in 1980 (NOT SERVICE CONNECTED) and ringing in ears is from being on job sites for years without ear protection and being a commercial grade firework display operator for years…….no ear protection……(Not service connected, ringing in ears)
LIes, lies lies and also President of Local Chapter so no on questions him
Marine Vet: Remarried 4 months after our divorce, has $300,000 home, $200,000 Condo on local lake, Caddy in garage, diamonds on the wife, money and retired with full benefits, pension from Job in 2009. Also gets “PTSD” suddenly…….and is getting money per month…for it.
Both are members of the same Chapter of Vietnam Veterans for now, will remain namless………two rats means thousands hiding in the dark.
In closing: Their mantra? “Screw the goverment………they owe us”.
I heard this, saw it and lived with it………now I’m standing up and exposing it. Shame upon any Vet who uses the Govt they fought for, and says they are entitled to money, when their lives have been normal, successful and now enjoy the fruits of their labor of their careers but want MORE $$$.
Our Gals/Boys coming home, with kids, homes, are floundering, losing their homes, divorce and kids in the fray………….
STOP THE ABUSE OF PTSD BY VIETNAM VETS. Help those who truly need it…….and are effected.
Thank you.
Erin Brockivich II
It is not enough to want the Truth, you must first know where to find it, and the Truth is elusive, cause it knows where to hide.
If anyone would like me to share more on this, gladly will. Leave email on here and I will respond.
Natalie, please contact me. Thanks
I served 6 years in the Marines, I have 60% [disability] due to a combat related injury. I know that there are people filing fraudulent claims, but that is not the majority. I am only 32 years old and is really hard to wake up every morning with pain and also to feel that you are hopeless.
[Editor’s Note:]
Readers and myself appreciate your military service to this country. We enjoy our freedoms because of people like you and want you to receive every benefit that you are entitled to. I agree that the vast majority of service related claims are legitimate and well deserved.
To Emarchany and Editors Note
I totally agree, with you both. Emarchany you deserve what’s due to you, and if I had my choice for you 100%. Key part of your statement? You are only 32. What is going on is with Vietnam Vets 55 and up who ARE NOT DISABLED, have money, savings, pensions, retirements and homes. They don’t wake up every morning with pain and feeling hopeless……..I know TWO here in KC and more who are checking the mailboxes everyday and LYING about disabilites.
YES I enjoy our freedoms because of people like Emarchany……..and one drop at a time can break a rock in two. IF we would investigate all PTSD from Vietnam filed in the past 5-6 years………even ONE claim like my ex at 800 per month………for the past 5 years…….$48.000 someone else deserves.
To Bill Near the Top:
I was in the military and so I don’t have to shut up at all.
I know someone miliking the system, working under the table and collecting 100% disability thirty years after his two year service commitiment. He did not go to war. He suffered no injuries and went on to take jobs here and there throughout his life and then found a guy at VA that found a way to get him the disability. This man painted my garage and I paid him yet his is 100% disabiled.
the system is not just broken it is cracked in a million pieces.
Vets that are hurt in the LINE OF DUTY deserve everything that they get in the form of compensation but they are left out to dry because of the money grubbers that know how to abuse the system
Get off your soap box about anyone serving in the military deserving disability for anything that goes wrong with them. We all gett sick and injured and none of us get paid by our employer for the rest of our lives.
War is different. True veterans should get what they need and I salute them. Fake Money Grubbers should be jailed. It would not be difficult for the va system to check and ask neighbors and others what they see and check up on what that 100% disabled vet is really up to.
I have suffered from ptsd for five and a half years, I just put in a claim in Jan. I have been getting treated by the VA for two years. Look people if you never been to combat or even in the military you dont need to comment. If your a X and you are talking about a fake ptsd claim you need to stop. By the way people who suffer from ptsd dont push family away do they? think about it. You will never know what war its like sitting in your LIVING ROOM! Sometime’s I want to gather up some of you put you in a parking lot and watch how you respond to a motar attack. You will all S#@% when I would just be waiting for the all clear, I dont fear my life like the rest of you. Ptsd can be very dangerous, one of the reasons I dont have own a gun. Lets not forget soldiers get paid to kill people.
Thank you for posting this information. I know someone who served 2yrs in Army. Was in Iraq for less then a month. Hurt their back lifting something and was sent home. Later to be discharged. This person now claims 100% for PTSD and Back pain. I know PTSD is a serious thing. It’s a terrible thing. I have had my fair share of ‘episodes’ [not PTSD]. This person, who I believe IS depressed however I do not believe they have PTSD. I have become good friends with this person [not so much anymore however. I’m tired of it] and after further judgement, their depression stems from LONG before joining the Army. This individual never saw combat. They were on a base, in a building, processing people coming into the base yet they are using their ‘existing’ depression and calling it PTSD to get $$$.
This person ALSO works out on a regular basis and rides motorcycles. Sport bikes to be exact, and if any are familiar with sport bikes they are a very aggressive bike when it comes to your lower back. This person has even admitted to me how they have to ‘be careful’ on their bike and to avoid any tickets… etc because [in their words] ‘If the VA found out they would take my 100% away’. I was flooored to say the least.
This person is in their 20’s. Now living on 100% disability because they never got the ‘Government Contracting’ job they tried to get. To lazy to settle for something else. This person now also collects social security because they are considered ‘completely disabled’ and to them they feel [and have told me] it’s their right to take SS and theirs for the taking. Excuse me. I work 40+ hours a week. I pay my fair share into the SS-Pot and it’s because of people like THAT, why when I come to the retirement age I won’t HAVE any Social Security. All those years of working. All that money being poured into SS and I can’t collect on any of it because 20-somethings to lazy to lift a finger decided it was ‘their right’ to take from the pot.
And before anyone tries to tell me that ‘I don’t know what it’s like…’ TRUST ME I know what it’s like. I am also a Vet myself. I have served longer in the Military than this indivdual and have served TWO tours in Iraq. I collect 0% from the VA. I never even tried to collect any disability from the VA. Why? Because im healthy. Im not going to ‘fake’ something to try and get some money. I have ringing in my ears from being around Jets all the time. It’s not worth it to me. I can still hear and have perfect hearing.
We have Vets out their with missing limbs and [real] PTSD who get left in the dark where as people [like the one mentioned above] get all this money rolling in from the Government because they are to lazy to better themselves. To lazy to do anything. Does this person at least try and donate some of that money to VA organizations? NOPE! They go and spend spend spend and then brag about their new 42″ Flat screens and their new iPhones… etc. It’s sick.
RIGHT ON NANCY…………
.We have Vets out their with missing limbs and [real] PTSD who get left in the dark where as people [like the one mentioned above] get all this money rolling in from the Government because they are to lazy to better themselves. To lazy to do anything. Does this person at least try and donate some of that money to VA organizations? NOPE! They go and spend spend spend and then brag about their new 42? Flat screens and their new iPhones… etc. It’s sick
EXACTLY…….This is exactly what is going on at the KCMO local Chapter on Union HIll. Fakes, money and more money. Now EX is claiming TB 1…..”new term” by the Veterans Admin. Fell in 1980 on JOB. Got Work Comp. Thousands.
Now claming it again……….does anyone care?
I live in a town of about 5000 and can name at least 200 fakers recieving va benifits. They all school each other on answers to give to get a check. this stress syndrome is the biggest load of crap scam ever run on the taxpayers. You cannot pay every person who served in Nam, af. and Ir. 2500 a month!
My ex receives 5400.00 mo from the VA. plus 1700.00 from ssi for PTSD, he owns a business, works outside sales for another business1600.00mo plus retirement. Brags about how you just have to know how to answer the questions. 8700.00mo ?????? I’d think life was great too, can anything be done? No wonder this country is broke
I believe the response from some vets is more about “Screwing the Government because they screwed Us”. We should have never gone to Iraq. No weapons of mass destruction were found. Investigators stated before the invasion that Iraq did not have WMD’s. After Sept. 11th, people flooded recruitment offices to get the people who hijacked our planes. Iraqi’s did not do this. Saudi’s, Jordanian’s and Kuwaiti’s did. Many soldiers feel that our government invaded Iraq for the sake of creating our generations Vietnam. A bogus war so politicians, lobbyists, Generals and special interest groups could manufacture products used in the war. Products often labeled as items that “will better protect our soldiers”. Like it/believe it or not…carrying 80 pounds of gear while deployed has been found to cause neck and back injuries.
The soldiers were scammed by people like G.W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and L. Paul Bremer. I believe some soldiers feel that they are taking some kind of revenge out on these individuals and others that have profited from this war in Iraq.
I can only imagine what this war will do to the lives of deployed soldiers, spouses, parents and children in the years to come.
i just found this website because I want to report a person for defrauding the VA. I know he is a fraud because I have seen him walk perfectly normal when he thinks no one is watching but then when other people are around he uses a walker and walks as if he cannot bend at the hips (quite literally).He did have two hip replacements yet has admitted that if he shows improvement he will lose his benefits. I believe this is the kind of fraud most people writing here are concerned about . Now I do believe this man needed the assistance until he recieved the replacements and was adequately rehabilitated but like others on this site since he has improved and been successfully healed , why doesn’t the VA re-evaluate him because he is now capable of going back to work and caring for himself , what he lacks is the motivation . I am on SSDI due to multiple orthopedic problems and chronic pain and I am required to be re-evaluated every three years , this should be the same for anyone recieving assistance from the Federal Government . This would help keep the fraud in check . It took me three years to get approved for my disabilities , although this was a very long time to “scrape through” if there was less fraud the people with legitimate disabilities wouldn’t have to wait so long . Unfortunately , fraud is hurting the people that truly have a disability and need the help. I do not believe that all vets collecting disability benefits are frauds but I do believe the that the vets collecting benefits fraudulently are hurting the rest of us . ( I could also collect VA benefits but I refuse to because there are war vets coming home that need it more)!Anyway good luck to everyone and god bless
The VA Clinic in El Paso is well known for it’s racist attitudes regarding claims. If you’re not the right skin color your claim will be either denied or reduced. A so called “disbabled ” veteran receives a 80% disabilty for PTSD. That claim is highly unlikely in Air Defense!
for all those who are interested in ptsd it has a revised policy jun 2008 the government calls ptsd a (personality disorder) i know i have ptsd i have been suffering with this for 24 years. please go to the website above scroll up you will see some letters from congress. if you can not find it please e mail me and i will send to you what i have it is very interesting because it concerns you.and our goverment is not being to kind to us . i’m a vietnam vet and i take this seriously.
i’m presently waiting for my claim to come back ,and no i ‘am not milking the system if you haven’t been there you should not be to quick to judge because brother when you are on the dmz de marcasion zone ,called a combat zone
and your about 5 miles from where the fightings you don’t have to much time to think ,so i will say no more but support the troops because they need us.
and to the commet that rick made as stated above a so called disable ,there is
no so called disable veteran we are retired are you? and i ‘m sorry but this is not about skin color i have some friends that are 100% and they are black and some are white,so rick if you want to find out about real truth about the va go to this site
and surf it good i think you will see things differently.http://www.joshuaKors.com
support our troops
I located this site while trying to find out who i can report possible abuse to. My childrens father was for a brief period of time a army combat medic. he did not serve in any wars. he is currently in child support arrears 47,000 dollars (plus). i was told he may be on disability for the army and if so child support cannot garnish it. what is wrong with this picture if you are in the army you are expected to pay child support but if you are on army disability you don’t have to. Another incentive to fake an injury. I’m not sure if he is on the disability as child support will not disclose that info to me. However when I went out with him he had an old knee injury (from a harness race accident) he used the knee injury to get disability from a feed co. he worked for even though it was a pre-existing condition. years later he worked as an emt and went on disability there too. Does anybody else see a pattern?
I am not anti-veteran i have a cousin in the army and a sister in the navy. our veterans are entitled to benefits.
I just don’t understand why (if he is receiving disability) he is not being made to support his children (he is up to child number 4, 3 different women). I would think the army would frown upon this. if anyone has any suggestions feel free to contact me at lsl_mckinney@yahoo.com.
Thank You and God Bless!
Having never been in the military, let alone combat, I consider myself an expert on all things PTSD, just like most people here. I am motivated purely by greed, jealousy, and revenge. I am the kind of stooge that helped Hitler or Stalin gain power, and I will be the ruin of this nation. I love to attack and destroy those around me, yet I ignore the corruption of police and politicians. I am living proof that stupid is as stupid does. I think all veterans should be put in prison after their done serving their tour, and all combat veterans should be killed after the war, but come to think of it the VA “health care system” does a good job of killing them off already. I hate everyone, including myself. I am just like the rest of you.
To Chad and others,
I don’t know why anyone would fake a disease that robs you of your potentional and motivation for life. Before I joined the military I was well on my way to becoming a top Dr. I just needed money to get there, and parents(and not be wantin’ to mooch the system for college) had noone so I joined the military.
Yes I signed up for the bullets, the being yelled at, grueling schedules, however Chad I did not sign up for being raped by a fellow soldier. I didn’t sign up for his drunken hands to throw me acroos the room like a rag. Yes I had a buddy ststem, but my my buddy felt like it was more important to party with her boyfriend than to adhere to the “buddy system. I didn’t sign up for the outbursts, the nightmares, the overactive starle response(always a joy 0300 hrs in the morning when you are trying to sleep…imagine a cycle of startling over, and over again for about 45min! Its like dying a little death each time.) I served over a decade with this disability until some Dr. from the VA sent me upstairs for futher eval. Even then I didn’t claim anything, because of certain people like you. I only started my claim(over a decade later, even after I got brief treatment in a civialian faciltty, didnt want my military “buddies” finding out) after I realized that outbursts at my co-workers and bosses were going to have me lose my job. It also alarmed me because the creature I worked so hard to control(PTSD) was festering and growing beyond my so-called will power.Then I couldn’t take care of my family, and you wouldnt want me to go on welfare…right!!!????
Yes I look “normal”…a pretty girl with a pretty smile. But talk to me long enough, and you realise something is not quite right(I try so hard to appear/be normal by my” friend” PTSD always manages to wink and nod to let people know something is not quite right…freakin’ lovely right!!!??? ). I dare anyone to try to report me for fraud….that Dr, will get the ride of his life!!!!! After I tell him*** ALL*** that happened in the military he would retire!!!!
I go to the VA and get ugggllly looks, from other Vets. Like who the Hell am I. I use to hang my head…but screw them!!! I am a hero just as much as you!! Granted I didn’t go to combat(my number didnt come up…sorry! I would have been ready to go if it did!), but I am entitled something even if it is a free square of toliet paper to wipe my ___ with. If I want to park my butt in a handicap spot with my psych tag…you’d better let me do it!!! If I have a panic attack or a flashback in the VA I need to(or you need to) be near the closest exit!!! If I could saw off my arm with a butter Knife to be cured of PTSD and never collect another penny from the VA, I would be happy! Because I could at least finish my dream of being a Dr.
Warmest ,screaming @#$*^&, regards,
Ayahme Marie
I am not a vet, but I do have an “invisible” disability from a job injury that is serious and chronic. My employer at the time chose to defraud workers comp and lie. I received minimal treatment for my initial injury (high concentration chemical inhalation-ie sulfuric acid (93%) as a mist) my claim was investigated and found to be valid. Yet my file notes still contain there blatant lies, a statement they obtained from a witness that has acid running uphill in a drain pipe, etc. To my knowledge, they were never investigated for defrauding or attempting to defraud the system (avoid higher premiums). Yet my applications to reopen have not only been denied in the past, but included insulting letters,( I now see were from perceptions from notes in my file ).
I had to find my own way to get needed testing done, which by the way found definitively that my lung disease is from that, and am awaiting another reply form them. I can no longer work in any exposure to any irritants due to severe reactions, all my experience is industrial. My last job (supervisory) paid anywhere from 75k to 125k depending on the year, but also had me very ill almost all the time. Additionally not knowing what was wrong exactly I was getting treatment for symptoms to continue working in this environment that was making my illness worse.I can’t even clean house without a respirator now, and that still sometimes makes me sick.My meds make me fat, mainly prednisone( another nightmare in itself)but keep me alive . My neighbor commented the other day , just like some above, “there is nothing wrong with you except you need to lose weight”. And he knows very well I have been hauled to to the hospital in near fatal respiratory failure..though may perceive it as regular pneumonia-which it was not. I am having enough problems dealing with my illness and restrictions, I really don’t need ignorant comments like that.
I very probably will die from this someday, but I do look fine,on the outside. Not so great on a ct scan etc. I think you all know where I think you can go, but let me quote from most of our elders ” if you can’t say anything nice (or helpful)then( stfu) don’t say anything at all”.Oh and thanks for all the consideration..
NICK above said this BS,:
I work at the VA and I am an advocate for veterans who served in COMBAT to recevie disability and benefits for injuries and diseases due to as a result of COMBAT, I have a real issue with veterans getting disability benefits for disease and injuries that have nothing to do with their military service–it is a joke.
Like Erik said above, too. If you’vw never been in the military like NICK and ERIC above, what the hell are you commenting for?
NICK is an idiot. No wonder we veterans commit 20% of the suicides in this country. The VA has lied to me, stolen from me and hides everything from me. I have a congresswoman looking into the fiduciary arrangement I was duped into. I filed a FOIA request with the VA and they ignored it. I have absolutely no faith in the VA or it’s employees. Just a total waste of money, the VA itself.
By the way, congress screwed us for 100 years before they obeyed the law they passed, to give concurrent receipt.
I can’t get a straight answer to anything from the VA so if your a VA worker: “Shut up!”. I don’t want to hear you bad mouthing veterans. After all, we are the ones that created your job stupid.
If you are duped into accepting a fiduciary, watch out. Kiss your entitlement good buy, the VA owns you and will report the fiduciary appointment to the FBI blocking your 2nd ammendment rights. They don’t tell you that until you go to buy a gun and get turned down. And that is for life.
People who don’t pay their mortgage or credit bills or go bankrupt are not reported like Veterans are. Even though we may not be financially irrisponsible but the VA Field worker doesn’t like you or is getting kickbacks from the fiduciaries, you may find yourself reported for serviing your country. You stupid cowands that didn’t serve should be the ones reported to the FBI for being too stupid to own a gun.
Disolve the VA and fire all the workers. Contract it out. I’ll take my chances.
Signed Eric II and mad as hell.
I am writing to let you know one of my coworkers is receiving 40% disability from you all. He brags about it all the time. We live in a small town of Harlan KY and we both work for the post office. He leaves his office and goes to work out everyday. He also enters into body building contest. As far as I know he claims to have back problems. I just thought you would be interested in knowing this.
I just realized I married a con artist. I must admit I did not do my homework well. I married my husband after dating him for 2 years. He served the navy for 10 yrs prior to meeting me. I admired him so much. I believed he was a man of honor and loyalty. Just to find out he had 2 previous marriages 3 with mine. After the wedding everything changed he said he was confused. We only had been married 5 months and he moved out on Valentines Day with no explanation. He had been divorced for 4 year before we got married. The first week I saw him on the computer changing his last wife name to mine on his VA benefit form. So he collected benefits for her for 4 year even though he was divorced from her and now collecting benefits for me for the last 1 yr 1/2. We are getting divorced now but he has been collecting the marital benefits and I want it to stop. Is this considered fraud and if so who do I report it to and how do I get it stopped?
I recently met a guy in the Philippines, a 28 year old VA from California. His name is Samuel Brace, I could not believe that he is partying every night with groups of girls. There is nothing physically wrong with him, he stated that he was on easy time from being a war veteran, saying he had PTSD. Unbelievable. Well GUYS THATS WHERE YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE GOING HUH? Sort it out. I cant give any other info on the guy but im sure the VA can easily find his name, address in California. He was boasting that he receives 100% disability, collecting $2000.00 a month? he visits the Philippines twice a year for 3 month long vacations. Easy time? Im in the wrong line of work!
I SINCERELY HOPE YOU CATCH THIS GUY, CONTACT THE PHILPPINE IMMIGRATION AND HAVE HIM EXTRADITED FOR FRAUD. THE ONLY THING THAT IS WRONG WITH HIM IS THAT HE IS ONLY 5’7″ TALL….THATS IT.
SO COME ON, FIND THIS GUY, 28 YEAR OLD SAMUEL BRACE FROM CALIFORNIA. CURRENTLY LIVING IN DUMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES
REGARDS
RON
I am friends with a man who is getting 100% disability from the VA for PTSD for which is NOT suffering from. He is just lazy and doesn’t want to work. He just received a check for $28,000 for retroactive payments. He told me that he was going to go through all of the hoops to get disability payments. He now collects 3 grand a month!
What bothers me is that another friend of mine who was in combat during the Vietnam war and was exposed to Agent Orange died two years ago from lung cancer. He never smoked one cigarette in his life. He tried to get VA benefits to help him through his illness, with chemotherapy, but was denied disability.
Another very good buddy of mine was also exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and he developed cancer of the kidney and prostate. Kidney and prostate were removed.. This man survived, but was denied benefits by the VA.
I’m seriously upset that my friend who receives benefits because he defrauded the VA into believing he has PTSD is on cloud nine. He doesn’t have to work, but you and I pay our taxes to support this bum.
I wish that I could report him, but PTSD is too hard to disprove, so this jerk will never be caught.
People with REAL disabilities are denied, while vets feigning to have PTSD are scamming the VA!
Hello,
Wow, I have to admit that reading this postings has been an eye-opener and a great deal that has been discussed affects me on a very personal level. I am a soon to be a retired navy veteran with 20 years of service and I am in the process of getting all of my medical ailments diagnosed and treated prior to my transfer to fleet reserve early next year.
I spent the bulk of my career (at least the first 15 years of it) denying the existence of any real back pain, joint pain, sleeping problems, etc, because I did not want it to potentially affect my advancement, and now that I am near the end of my career I have been obsessed with getting all things that I have had over the years looked at and diagnosed. I have such a fear that as I get older, if I can’t make the service connection – no matter how minor – that I will be denied treatment, and it has scared me to my senses to know that being preparing for retirement is probably the most crucial aspect of my entire career.
Most of my career has been spent IMHO, in a guilded cage. Yes, I have been deployed to hostile areas, and as an aircrewman, has flown over hostile areas, I have lived overseas for most of my career, stationed in Japan, Italy and now, the Middle East. When I put in my papers for retirement last year, I decided to attend some VA benefit briefs and they were an eye-opener. The VA rep told us (and I spoke to him one-on-one as well), that we needed to get everything documented, no matter how minor, prior to getting out. And the irony is, that when I finally reported about all my joint and back pain, they actually FOUND proof via x-rays – arthritis, DJD, spurring, supplemented with extreme muscular strain and the associated pain. I have also grappled with sleep issues, and after I did a sleep study, I was found with a mild sleep disordered breathing, and I’ll be getting prescribed a CPAP soon. I say Thank God. I’m so grateful to finally be getting treated for all these ailments that I have been stomaching for so many years… and having it documented will definitely help out in the long run. I’m trying to think of myself at the age of 61 rather than 41 (my current age), and it’s just too darned important. As I mentioned before, I am obsessed and I do not want to be denied compensation or coverage because I may have thought of myself too much of a “pussy” for not getting it treated while on active duty. That, IMHO, is a great deal of the reason why so many deserving people get their claims denied. It’s all about documentation, documentation, documentation.
I may very well get a rating of 60-70% when my VA claim is said and done, or I may get less but I’ll definitely be able to work. But I am feeling a little bit of guilt over the potential that I may be getting a better claim than the next guy, because I’m so paranoid and it is driving me to the point of getting everything looked at and there will be a service connection because it will have been documented while on active duty.
As I have mentioned before, I have deployed to combat areas, and stationed in combat zones, but I have never directly been shot at, or seen anyone blown up (I am not filing for PTSD, but there may be some basis for some other mental illness in my particular situation); however, I have endured extreme environments, wacky sleep schedules, and some really stressful situations over my career. Should I feel guilty for pursuing these benefits, despite the fact that that many who are obviously more in need than me are getting denied because of the lack of service connection?
I’m just so concerned about insuring my future health care. The honor and privilege has been mine to serve in the armed forces. I have done and seen some amazing things, and I know it is very hard for people back in the U.S. now, and I am grateful that there is at least a system out there in place that should (hopefully) cover for me when I transition to civilian life. I am very grateful to live in and serve for a county that considers taking care of veterans to be a “sacred covenant”. If I could have done it all over again, I would have joined when I was younger, and served longer. But it is time for me to come back home now, and I am hoping that the VA will accord me benefits that are justified. Thank you very much for allowing me to contribute to your forum.
Va should not pay anything unless the injury is service related. I know a man that was in the army two years. He did not go to war. He was a jeep driver. He got out of the military and went on with his life. Job her and there getting fired never really wanting to better himself. Well, about 25 years later he is living off the government because he has not job. Someone at VA , while he was there getting his free medicine simply due to being a Veteran, told him that because he had a heart issue prior to going into the army that he could apply for disability. Well, he applied and he got 30 percent. That started the ball rolling. The VA administrater told him that because he was in a car wreck while in the army that he could get him 100 percent , plus back pay. Mind you that he was off duty and driving to fast and drinking and got in a wreck and injured a couple of disks in his back. Still worked though off and on throughout that 25 year period after getting out of the army. Today he is sitting happy on a house on a hill and gets 100 percent disability. He also got thousands of dollars in back pay.
This man that advised him to do this has since passed away. I called the VA to report the fact that I have seen this disabled man cut trees down, move furniture, work on the side selling antiques etc….They got mad at me , yelled at me and told me that it was none of my business. I live on alimony because my husband beat me up and ruined my back and I am in pain every day. I also served in the Coast Guard and broke my ankle in the Guard and I refuse to blame the Guard for an accident. I have more pride than that. I really want to know how to report this flagrant misuse of the system when the True Disabled Vets need the funding and sources for care and these “oh , poor me” someone owes me something people should be made to pay back Every Dime of what the government gave them if their injury was not directly caused by the duty they performed in the military. To me it is nothing less than stealing to take money that you did not earn even in the military.
To all of the soldiers that did go to war and are seriously injured I thank you for your service to this country and my email is CherieLMontgomery@yahoo.com
I live in Kentucky and if you are in need of help write me. If I can walk and am having a good BACK day I want to help you if you are in need.
God Bless America and the brave men that fought for the people living freely due to their selfless work.
Cherie,
Some of us did not go to war, but did support people that did go to war. It doesn’t make us less of a vet. I was deployed in support of Opporations in Bosnia. Every soldier that does his/her job is supporting another soldier.
I don’t think there is such a thing as”simply being a vet.”
I am totally disgusted reading all of these posts. I personally know of a man who is currently receiving 90% medical disability after serving in the USMC for 8 yrs. He reportedly is suffering excrutiating shoulder pain from an injury that occurred while he was teaching karate – had surgery and now receives disability because of this. He also pulled a groin muscle that required treatment which he’s also receiving disability for. He reportedly broke a bone while running during his time in service, continued running “through the pain” and now receives disability for this. This man is more able-bodied than anyone else that I know yet he is still receiving 90% medical disability from the government. He works out at a gym on a daily basis, lifts weights, lives a very active life, golfing, swimming, throwing his kids while swimming, etc. He is now seeking 100% medical disability so that he can be deemed “medically retired” which will enable him a lifetime of disability payments. This is absolutely shameful and should not be tolerated. The government should follow-up on these individuals on a yearly basis to re-evaluate their disability classifications. Of course, this should be carried out in a manner so that the individual would not know that they are being followed. There are many former vets who know how to work the system and put on award-winning performances when they meet with their VA doctors. This scam is an embarrassment to all who have served this country.
We are an entitlement nation. Look at how many people here are trying to take the taxpayers for every penny they can. These people think they are justified in stealing our money just because they served in the military. We are a nation of wimps that just want to get paid. People don’t want to work anymore. This nation is a freaking joke!
My father in law was never in a war and was in the service during peace time. He was stationed in Germany for some training and while over there he and some buddies got drunk and wrecked a Jeep requiring him to be in a full body cast for about 6 months. That was 25 years ago and now he recieves 100% disability from the military. His claim is back injury and COPD. Yet amazingly he is able to ride his motorcycle across country to go to Sturgis and climbs on top of campers to scrub them to make extra money. He sells his pain pills because he doesnt need them. Makes me sick, especially when I think of the people who really need the money. In my oppinion he should get off his lazy ass and get a job!
Sounds like there are alot of people who are jealous of disabled veterans. Not all of you, but the some of you are the true downfall of society. Instead of hating on these veterans go to the recruiters and sign up for a tour in Iraq or Afganistan and get a true taste of what you THINK you know. This is truely pathetic and some of you should be downright ashamed to look in the mirror.
Wow…I am amazed at the remarks here…..I have to agree that the VA system is abused but that is done by a very, very small percentage of people. Just like all other goverment programs there will be abuse. However most of you sound like old hippies that never or hardly ever worked an honest job in your life. Now that you are old farts you get zippo from social security. 99.9% of the Veterans are deserving of this compensation. I only wish that the low life people that have shit and continue to shit on our military had to pay for the entire cost of the VA programs. The problem is these turds dont have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out.
I made a mistake 13 years ago,and I paid for it dearly. I sent in false
claims to the VA, They held my checks from 2001 April till the present time. I have asked for forgiveness time and time again for what I did to the VA in Pitt. Pa. In doing what I did I lost everything I worked so hard to get, My wife and I lost our Home , Insurance ; car, you name it and we lost it. I was in the process of get a Pres.Pardon when the people in Pitt.Pa told me I did not have to do it that way,All I had to do was write a letter to there office and ask that my benefits be restarted. So I did what I was told and that was in 2005,That was the year the amount that I took was to be repaid to the V A.
My wife and I are both 100% disabled and we live on so little money we have to ask my children to help monthly for us to live. I can’t understand why I can’t have my benefits restored,I paid the price and also was sent to a Fed.Camp in New Jersey which did. Also when I was aprehanded in the VA hospital in Philadelphia.Pa. I gave myself up to end it all. I went back to the states to give my self up like I said they did not come and get me, I did what my laywer told me to do.
I have no Idear who will read this letter But I have beena disabled Vet for 45 years this year , is there anyone out there that can help me get my life togather. I love my country and I was on my way to V Nam when I broke vertabrays in my neck and spent 10 months in the Hosiptal in Fort Benning Ga. And it was service connected. I could have gotten out early from the Army but I wanted to finnish my tour of duty. Please help
I am Mr.James Robert Ponzio ( 68 years old and looking for help)
Phonenumber—-011-49-6409-661450—In Germany
E-Mail Address—- anna_maria-ponzio@t-online.de
My friend is just started claiming PTSD to up her money amount when her mom’s business went under. She kept asking me about my symptoms over and over again. I was brutally attacked at my job and almost raped. I ended up having to get ECT treatments and have angoraphobia. She’s never had depression or anxiety. She spent two years in the Navy partying and planned having a baby to get out. She then said she had headaches and depression. She want’s to pay for her half million dollar house and play on her Harley and go boating all summer and skiing all winter. She still works two jobs under the table and claimed unemployment working up to three jobs at one time clearing up to 150, 000 one year. She then told them she had PTSD, and laughed saying it was more money right. She’s never had a headache in 22 years. I’ve never seen her depressed unless she’s upset about money and it’s not depressed. I’ve lived with her a couple of times. She told people bragging that she was a desert storm vet and we were in high school. She’s always bragging about getting their money for free so she can go boating all day. If she can’t work, than why is she still. She was turned in by a couple of people she screwed over money wise and she used their disabilities for her own benefit, and she still got more money and full disability instead of 3/4.
I wonder how long your friend would be your friend if she was to read your post. My guess is you dont have any friends.
I have a cousin that NEVER finished basic training for the army and hurt her leg while there and lied about being a vet and she recieves disibitliy…… she never fished basic training. its going to stop I myself have been to war and servied proudly for 12 years in the army it makes me sick all these stories but I a glad I read them because it fuels me even more to stop the abuse of our tax paying dollars.
I am tired of disability checks being cut to those that don’t deserve it. A man was in the Army two years. He got out. He did not go to combat. Twenty plus years later he meets a guy at VA , befriends him and WaLa ! He is suddenly 100 percent disabled. Ok, he was born with a heart misfire which was fixed completely 15 years ago and he was in an off time car wreck with buddies while in the military. He has a couple slipped disks. My tax dollars are then given to him at the rate of 3000.00 a month. Now, how is any of this due to the Army??? Also, he worked for me and I have the checks to prove it. While he worked for me he put in for the disability. It took a couple of years and it was approved. He got back pay in the tens of thousands of dollars for the time it took to approve him. He is not supposed to be making money yet he made plenty of money working for me yet they still gave him back pay for that time period. Oh, just for a side note…he is a Pentecostal Christian that thinks he is better than all of us here because he talks to God in Tongues. Oh my, he does not understand that stealing is stealing. Covert Stealing is what he is doing and yet he is a holy man ! Yeah Right !! This should be public information available to all tax payers. It is our money. To all that served in combat just remember it is the ones that are doing this that make the state then run out of money and not be able to pay you that deserve it. Corrupt people make me sick.
Although I am a fumed as the next guy on cases of actual fraud with the VA, I tread a bit lightly on the anger towards veterans that apply for benefits for non-combat related ailments. Having attended multiple VA briefs for my upcoming retirdment from the military, it was stressed time and time again to us at the separation brief that any documented, diagnosed condition – regardless if it was incurred in combat – was covered by the VA. There are different classifications of compensation for those that do incur combat related injuries, but it is different for those that file for disability compensation.
For those that commit genuine fraud, the benefits should be stripped, but if there is a documented condition that was incurred while the servicemember was on active duty, there is not much the VA can do but accept the claim. There are so many people that get denied benefits due to lack of documentation, so it is unlikely (but not impossible, but then it would be unlawful to do so) that anyone is receiving benefits through a backdoor of favoritism.
Please do not denigrate anyone who applies legally for benefits from the VA. It is the VA’s charter to cover members who have served their country, and those benefits are available to those that serve a very short period of time. Those benefits are there, and the VA advertises those benefits. So if there is any issue that people have with generous benefits, it should be with the VA, not with the individual servicemember.
As I said before, I understand the frustration – but it is the VA’s charter to help these veterans, as long as the proof of service connection is there.
People who get disabily should be thankful to what they have, and help others. I have relatives who get (and brag) over $5,000 a month. They have financed a new house, full with very nice new things, they have new cars, a fifth wheel, they go camping a lot, and vacations, they bought a motor cycle, and new furniture, and more. Just the fact that they have to take pictures of everything and BRAG about all the things they get is plain ignorant. I hate people who brag about things, specially things they wouldn’t even have if it wasn’t for us tax payers. His wife even gets paid to take care of him, and he gets paid $100 each time he has to go to a doctor’s appointment. What the hell? Like $5,000 a month isn’t enough??
They were in a tough financial situation and all of a sudden there came the plan to get VA disability. He got a nice check of over $20k because of how long he was in the military for, and has been recieving 5k a month, plus $100 every doctors appointment. All the while bragging to friends and family..it’s just sickening. I’m just waiting for karma to bite them in the butt.
Dear Melissa…..so if they helped YOU then there would be no problem? Get off your butt and earn it.
Someone want to explain how a man who was in Turkey during desert storm and never saw action has now 20 years later got back problems and hearing loss? Ah, but I haven’t even explained the best part, his FULL time job is a lineman (he climbs utility poles with up to 50 lbs of gear on )with the electric company which requires a CDL A (commercial drivers license, class A). To get a CDL you have to pass a biennial physical which includes a hearing test you must pass or you’re grounded. Last year he made $89,000 with base and overtime pay. He also get $697 month from the VA. This didn’t start till his wife went to work at the VA in Indianapolis 3 years ago..coincidence, I don’t think so. My husband works with him and I don’t want my husband’s life on the line with this fraud when someone comes around checking on him and he “all of a sudden has a back spasm”. He’s a total joke and makes every veteran look like a fraud. So many of the other lineman are giving him a hard time over it, he’s teaching them how to do it if they were in the service. His own son is going to do it. 23 yrs old, stateside for 1 year, hurt in a high school wrestling match…now he’s disabled too. This is what you are teaching the military that’s there now when you say all veterans deserve whatever they ask for.
As far as knowing a vet, my husband’s step-uncle was one of three men that came off of the real Heartbreak Ridge in North Korea. He doesn’t talk about his true horror stories in a prison camp for 23 months. He has been asked by the History Channel for a documentary, but that doesn’t interest him. I’m sure he had lots of injuries while getting beat in prison camp. His stateside buddies honored him with a beach party that started 55 years ago in San Diego when he came home and continues every year in July. His name is Delbert Miller and guess what he’s 80 years old, a bartender in Mission Beach, CA and he’s not EVER been on disability. Think he had PTSD?
I forgot to mention previously, when the other linemen asked Donnie how his fdoctors for his CDL don’t know about his VA doctors he said he keeps them separate. He knows exactly what he’s doing. He said he’s hoping to get the full $2400 by the time he retires from the utility. A great example…………….
my grandaughter’s grandfather just got sentenced to21 mo. state prison for lewd and lac. acts upon her.Yet he has been incarcerated since 5-7-10. he will get 5 yrs. parole and will have to register as a sex offender.if he breaks parole within the 5 yrs due to failing drud,alcohol or registering sex offender he’ll go back to prison for 15 yrs which i feel he should’ve got to begin with. he has been getting his v.a. benifit check along! she has been in therapy since it happened but all he’s done is sit in jail collecting his v.a. checks! whats wrong with picture? people who desperatly need this money can’t get it while scum bags like him, you can’t get the v.a. to stop paying him. I say the v.a. need to send his pension to this young 14 yr old for the payment of her therapy and counseling seeions. but what do i know? i’m just an honest American and her only living grand mother (on the other side of the family). excuse all the mis-spelling, i’m irate!.
I know this gentleman who is receiving disability from the service and it really upsets me. He is roughly my age and he states he is unable to work due to two knee replacements caused by the service. He receives his monthly check— drinks seven days a week, works on his brother stock race car every week as a mechanic (for cash of course) and throws darts every night up at the local bar. This year,, even signed up as a sub for darts.He can work anywhere– he is toooooo lazy and the government is paying his way. My husband and I both work to raise our family and he brings in more money than us and wasn’t even in the service as long as my son has been.WTH??? There is no disability——you are just wasting money and it should go to a veteran who really was injured in the service!!!!
My sister was in the military for a year and a half and now gets to live off of the taxes from MY hard earned cash. She is a liar and a fraud but I don’t know what to do. She is on 100% disability because of “mental health issues” that she has lied about. I really wish I could do something because I know there are people out there that actually deserve it.
What can I do? Can I remain anonymous?
am at army wtu… wow you all have no idea just how bad it is ..have had ARMY DOCTORS / VA.MEDICAL STAFF / CASE MANAGERS .admit frustration over being ignored by higher ups over false injury claims… several examples.—one is puerto rico national guard here from africa security deployment. had dislocated finger.he now walks around fort gordon with back brace.cane.claims TBI..and gets away with it… i have to many stories .best stop before i get enraged eats my soul to be around so many faking… a doctor claims its as high as ”80% .fraud” its all about injury percent rating.. .had 3 soldiers here.with PTSD…from BOOT CAMP.And AIT..school and will collect money .ok best stop ..SPC.Pearson
The VA has becomea mockery, I am sure Abraham Lincoln is rolling in his grave.
I am a veteran and I work at the VA, and I am disgusted at what the VA as become. Disability decisions are rendered based on ridiculous doctors opinions and interpretation of laws by the CAVC. If you have any heath issues, any aches or pains blame it on your military service no matter how brief and get some money. Whine enough and you will be granted disability benefits no matter how NOT disabled you are. I work with people who brag that they are service connected for PTSD, they don’t have PTSD!! people who truly suffer from PTSD are not announcing it and bragging about it and the”disability” compensation they receive.
I have known someone who has truly suffered from PTSD and witnessed the affects in their life. NOW any Tom, Dick or Jane can go get a diagnosis of PTSDs, doctor’s hand out the diagnosis left and right-it is sad.
What is wrong with the country is a reflection of what is wrong with the VA, a since of entitlement and the governement owes you!
I decided to start documenting daily the ridiculous grants for service connection for PTSD. A veteran who served during peace time and was discharged under honorable conditions, claimed he suffered from PTSD, his traumatic event-a fist fight with a fellow soldier. A doctor dx PTSD and stated it was all due to that fight in the 1980, and no injuries were incurred in the fight. By the way the veteran is a crack head and been in and out of jail. Now taxpayers are paying him over $1500.00 a month. AND this is not fraud or illegal, if a doctor states a condition is do to military service, oh well -common sense is out the door.
A couple of other grants from the PAST, a grant of PTSD because My drill sergeant yelled at me-NOT kidding!
Another grant a veteran claimed he suffered PTSD, because his drill sergeant did not let him out of formation to use the bathroom and he pooped in his pants-taht was the stressful event that caused PTSD and a doctor diagnosis PTSD due to this incident-it may have been embarrassing, not so stressful as to cause PTSD-AND I promise I am not making this up!
There is no threshold any longer as to what is stressful to cause PTSD, -a stressful event was once defined as condition experienced by a person who had faced a traumatic event which caused a catastrophic stressor outside the range of usual human experience (an event such as war, torture, rape, or natural disaster NOW the VA lowered the definition of a stressor as being in fear..afarid something might happen. The VA has told employees just grant PTSD no matter how ridiculous the claimed event that caused PTSD is, I guarantee that more than 85% of veterans receiving service connection for PTSD is a farce. It is just an easy diagnosis that can be Based on ONE JUST ONE psych exam.
SAD and disgusted VA employee
I am a veteran school bus driver (over two years now). Can I receive VA health care?
sad american……..you ARE sad. You dont work for the VA. If you did you would Know how tough it is to get ANY disability compensation. The hoops that have to be jumped through causes most applicants to give up and just say screw it. It is NOT called a grant. You are a liar and truly a SAD american.
im curious what would happen to someone if i report them for fraud with the VA.. claiming to be married (when he is not) and collecting a check for a family that doesnt live with him.. refusing to pay the amount of child support dicatated on the divorce papers and living it up as a bachelor all the while lying to the people who pay him.. ON top of all of that, his claim to the va for his injury is a load of crap.. he lied, he isnt hurt, he just wants a free paycheck so he can “go to school” get paid for it and sit at home on his butt playing playstation all day long, meanwhile i have friends, close friends who actually deserve to receive VA Compensation, but dont, they are still fighting and serving their country.. SO my question is what will happen to this person if i report him to the VA.. are they going to do anything about it.. is it a big deal to be lying about both being married to recieve more money and be lying about an injury? will they actually investigate it thoroughly cause he has covered his tracks pretty good.. im sick of him getting everything he wants, blaming everyone for anything displeasant happening to him, all the while sitting around living it up as though he actually deserves his life?? ugh. any feedback would be great! meanwhile, ill be researching on how to report him and what could happen.
They are so harsh. I believe everybody is familiar with the saying “Do not judge the book by its cover” right? I mean how can they determine if it is fraudulent. The veterans should at least show documentation of their disability to prove their company that they are indeed disabled. This is hilarious.
Thank you very much for the blog It is an eye opener to what is happening today.
having served in the late 70’s & 80’s discharged, at this point i’ve had 5 back surg, a hip replacement, reconstuctive surg on my rigth ankle, and i was to proud to accecpt the disablity from the goverment.
im 100% disabled and on ssd, who can i contact about VA compensation after almost 30 yr’s later
It is never too late. Contact the VA on your own or get a service rep. through the many different service organizations. VFW, Viet Vet, Disabled Veterans of America, American Legion, etc. Good luck. Please don’t let these extremely jealous people here stop you from applying for and receiving benefits that YOU have earned.
Jealous? I am hardly jealous. I am a 25 year Army veteran with service in the cold war, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. After my retirement I am collecting the benefits I deserve. I receive health insurance at 1/12 of the cost of my civilian counterparts and a nice retirement check on the first of every month. As far as free money for my health problems. I am 51 and after 25 years of tactical Army assignments I am proud to be in great health. I was told on exit physical to get my prostate checked out, OK I went to Fort Sam and had them test for cancer. I was clear of that but while I waited in urology I noticed a 20 something year old man next to me. He was in a wheel chair and had no legs. I then saw he only had a stump. This warrior would no doubt give anything to have my 51 year old enlarged prostate. I left and drove back to Fort Polk and retired. I had no idea until I got out how many greedy veterans are lying and cheating to get to that 100% rating. My post retirement job puts me in contact with veterans every day. Most have never seen combat but every single one of the 100 or so I know are working very hard at collecting the magic 100% rating. Sleep apnea seems to be the latest pot of gold to be chasing. These crooks conspire with each other as to how to caffeine themselves up for the VA sleep test and just what doctors to see. I am disgusted with the whole lot of these crooks. That warrior in San Antonio and the other 30 thousand injured hero’s can have my place in line and check I will not lie cheat or steal or tolerate those who do.
My question is – if a veteran does not have custody of his children- can he claim them as dependents to recieve more disability pay?
I can see why he might be allowed to if he pays child support. Anyone know?
CURT… first I would like to thank your prostate for serving our country for 25 years. You do sound jelouse though. Is it because someone who is 100% diabled gets several hundred more a month than your prostate does? I think we can leave it up to the doctors who gets disability instead of prostates. You are always going to have scammers. Get over it.
Patricia, I have stared at your post for over 30 min now and asked my wife and daughter to read it also. I am afraid I don’t understand it at all. Our country is in serious financial trouble. People can try and blame Bush all they want but it is greed that got us here. A 2008 60 min special reported facts that 65% of VA claims are fraudulent. I was only reporting my first had observations and testifying that I have made an honest assesment of where my health is at age 51 and choose not to blame my military service and jump on the treadmill of deceit. I gather from your name that you do not own a prostate; this may explain why you are unable to use it in proper context. Good day
Curt
You know nothing about sleep apnea. Google it and you will see how ridiculous taking caffeine to pass the disability test would be. I know I have had it for years and use a cpap machine even when I nap or I wake up with ears ringing like I just shot my .357. Plus a terrible headache. I did two tours in Nam and am a fuzz older than you. Don’t comment on something you know absolutely nothing about. Oh and watch something other than 60 minutes for your education, though I do like to watch Andy Roonie. I have always been a republican by the way.
Hold on, you must use your critical thinking skills. I don’t remember the last time I watched 60 min. I came across that report doing research on a .gov site for a college paper. I am an absolute patriot and a republican who is not falling off the right side of the earth. I whole- heartily support the wonderful care systems that have been put in place for our warriors who have truly been wounded physically, or psychologically either in combat or in service to our country. I admit I don’t know about sleep apnea, it’s the fact that I have heard many greedy veterans discuss how to increase their monthly paycheck by somehow faking restlessness in the VA sleep test and dozens of veterans exchange notes on how to convince a VA doc they have PTSD. This first hand experiance is enough to convince me that there is widespread fraud throughout the system and it’s my money they are playing with. I have sat in the VA hospital and heard conversations all around me about what’s your percentage? How do you get that, who’s your doc? You see, that’s the 65% of fraudulent cases that the study conducted by the VA and reported by 60 min referenced. Do we all think that as we grow older our bones are not going to get brittle and our bellies a little bigger? Do we think that we can just give up physical fitness as a lifestyle and diabetes will leave us alone? I suggest everyone take a good look at themselves and how they are living. Compare yourself to civilians of equal age. Take your family history into account and get out of line in favor of those who have truly been injured in service to the country and not just simply grown older.
My name is not Patricia Quinn. She lives in Kent WA and claims to receive 100% disability from the VA. She claims to have been a helicopter mechanic in Nam. I checked and to no surprise there were no woman helicopter mechanics in the service in Nam at anytime. Lots of nurses but that’s it. She has been busted for defrauding Washington state ( some kind of disability fraud ) and has a very large police record. I have never seen absolute proof that she gets VA disability but she says she does and her track record makes you wonder.
That’s ridicules, which just supports my premise that we live in a time of entitlement pursuit and some people have no problem convincing the system and themselves that they are entitled to other people’s money. My service to my country and the generous retirement check and health benefit is thanks enough for me. God bless all the wounded warriors and once again, if you are in fact a wounded warrior you can have my place in line at the VA. If you are riding the system, I hope there is a very special place in hell for you.
Curt
Still don’t understand you. What I am saying is that I am trying to get this gal Patricia busted for VA fraud because of her own statements. I do not personally receive ANY disability. I agree on the fact that people leaving the service getting disability for sleep apnea is at best weird. I am fine if I remember to use the cpap. I have NEVER considered it anymore of a disability than having to wear glass’s. But you sir have to calm down if you are going to be any help getting rid of the leeches.
What slowed me down on judging people trying or getting disability payments was a person who I thought should not be getting 100% for a “problem” he had ( I’m thing 30 maybe 40% if any) died from it less than two years from the time he started receiving his payments. That cooled my jets. Now i need to cool my jets on people that are posting here that are like I WAS and concentrate on fraud. The people you are over hearing may have something going on that they will not share with anyone else and just chuckle along and they may be testing these dorks themselves. You never know. If you have proof…go for it. I am not sure if “Patricia ” has been busted yet or not, I hope so. I will let you know.
I am angry at our VA! I know a man who enlisted in the United States Navy and did not know how to swim. During a swim training exercise he almost drowned. This man got sick and lost some of his left lung. (He still smoked after losing part of his lung). This person named Gary Couch would have received a dishonorable discharge if it wasn’t for his father. His father was a high ranked officer who took it upon himself to get Gary an honorable discharge. This man never even finished boot camp. He did nothing for our country! NOTHING! He is now receiving 100% benefits from the VA. He is able work and he is not disabled. He now stays home spending our tax money on: Televisions, new flooring, new furniture, new washer and dryer, new beds, new truck, new trailer, and vacations. Do you believe our government would give 100% disable benefits to a man who did not even finish boot camp or serve? He loves the title disable veterans and he even brags to all his friends telling them he can try to help them get 100% benefits. This man makes me sick! There are so many REAL Veterans out there who need benefits and they have to fight to get them. If this makes you mad why don’t you write Gary Couch (621 Sea St, Sutherlin, OR 97479) and tell him he does not deserve his benefits a TRUE Veteran does! This is an injustice to our Veterans!
How about this: All you fakes that think you deserve unearned money, when you are caught – we turn you over to all the legitimate disabled vets and let them decide your fate.
All these comments by vets that tell hardworking taxpayers (many of us also being vets) to shut up should also be put on the list.
What gives you the right or entitlement to think this is all about vets- disabled or not.
How do you think these programs are funded?
By the Bosnians? North Koreans? other? oh.. by hard working Americans, thats how. Now why don’t you go out and get a job.
I am with you Bill. Once again, I work in a post retirement environment where I am exposed daily to these cheats. They don’t think twice about sharing their techniques about how to increase their disability ratings. It makes me sick to hear them scheme as few have seen actual combat. I have seen it but made it home unharmed (as have millions) Once again, the truly wounded veterans can have my place in line at the VA, I work and pay my Tri care insurance at 1/12 the rate of my civilian counterparts, and I get a generous retirement check. The truly disabled veterans can have my share of federal payroll tax. You are my sisters and brothers but I was lucky. Truly Wounded? God Bless you all
I completely understand where a lot of you are coming from, it is frustrating, but for us Veteran’s, that was a job. Its no different than suing a previous employer for being hurt on a job at a normal corp. We just chose to work for the government.
I keep seeing the statement, He didn’t even go to war: There are reasons why someone wouldn’t go to war. Some people pick better jobs than others, their entire job may be to support the people who are on the front line, but we still have to train. They may be very good at their job, does that make them less of a soldier? I know this may tick some people off, but some of these amputees go on to live great lives once they adjust and rehabilitate. And while nothing can replace a limb, they may still be able to work and no one questions them, while a veteran who may have severe migraines every day, is questioned why they can’t work, when they can’t stop puking. Everything is relative and being the person who makes that judgement call must be difficult even if there is a backlog. Until this recent war, people spent a LOT of their time in the “field” training which the purpose is to recreate wartime settings. Have you considered the dangers that even a training environment can bring? Things are live, people are stressed and yes, accidents happen!
I’m not saying that there aren’t malingerers and scammers out there, I run into them all the time at the VA, trying to get me to call them so they can “school” me, but it also angers me that people assume because I’m a not-to-bad looking, younger female, I’m lying. If you are questioning someone, try asking them before turning them in. Just because someone rides a motorcycle, doesn’t mean their faking. Some people are actually urged to do things they love! I know some people that just say those things because the real story is just really sad, only another vet (wartime or otherwise) could appreciate it and most people don’t want to hear it anyway.
As far as people working with their disability, make up your mind, are you upset because a veteran sits home all day or pushes themselves to the limit? It takes a strong person to be a servicemember, even the worst servicemember…
So, by all means, do what’s right, but do your research first. Know exactly what kind of disability they are on,. School benefits…that’s what a lot of people join for anyway and usually don’t have the time to finish a semester while enlisted, so hush on that one. To me, a lot of this sounds like jealousy, so my question is, why didn’t you enlist? Most likely, you were scared or didn’t want to take the chance that you would be in harm’s way.
I wish you guys luck in weeding out the bad apples, but really stop and think about whether you are helping the government or settling a personal score.
Thanks for listening!
Do not be alarmed, this is a test………beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep…….we now return you to your abusive behavior……. thank you…..thank you very much
Calm down you two. We cant all be perfect.
there’s just a few of us ………. : l
E from PA…..Right on. You hit the nail on the head. Some of these post suggest that if you are not on life support you shouldn’t get any help. The Vets are told to get out and do somthing…anything…instead of being cooped up. Thank You for serving our country.
No,,,, if you are honestly injured while training for, or fighting in our nations wars, you should receive the best care and financial reimbursement available. However, If you have convinced yourself that the military caused your diabetes or sleep apnea and the fact that you stopped working out and gained 100 pounds had nothing to do with it you should be ashamed of yourself walking into a VA hosp and getting in line in front of our wounded warriors. Beat your face maggot!
Hows it feel to know all and be all curt. YOU ARE A MORON. If you ever go on life support I would love to be the one to pull your plug.
Patricia!!! Shame on you, you are rude!!!
I don’t know about knowing all and being all but it feels good to be honest. It feels good to have served my country for 25 years and collect my due benefits. I am proud that the military introduced me to a lifestyle that allows me to stay fit and healthy. Like I said, if I had been injured training for or fighting in my country’s battles I would ask the VA for assistance and I am sure they would take good care of me. I WILL NOT (see I can use caps also) sit around and try and make up injury or illness or search for a way to pin every ache and pain on my service.
hi all,,
i have to admit that i scrolled to the bottom to leave a comment without reading all replies… sorry, but it was filled with a lot of negative stuff. it began to make me angry that most people who never signed on the dotted line to give their life to their country, would be so narrowminded as to think that most people who recieve compensation,,,, are frauds. that is what i got from most of what i read.
i am 100%….started with 50% 15 years ago… it did not come easily! or painlessly! not everyone gets awarded off the bat. i don’t care if you are missing all of your limbs….. your paperwork, evidence, doctors and many other factors have to be present when you file a claim.
if there is one thing missing, you will have to appeal, and be given another opportunity. the decision makers have to make “without a doubt, certain” that their “t’s are crossed, and I’s are dotted” before they can do anything for you.
it would be extremely difficult to fraud this system!!!
people are calling va decision makers “scum” and out to get us kind of people… there may be some who are incompetent, yes… who lack commitment, yes…. but most are professionals who use great care and consideration.
my last rating decision came favorable, only because their worker, took the time to actually call me on the phone because they were missing information that they needed to award me….(proof of previous years income) i produced the documents, and the rest is history.
by the way, i have sleep apnea… but am not rated for it. because it did not incurr while in active duty. true, sleep apnea cannot be “caused” by anything,, but remember, the us government is “responsible for you while they own you”, meaning, if anything happens to you while your active,,,, they hold themselves responsible, period! that includes apnea. or if you fell down on the job and messed up your nose, which messed up your sinuses and your ability to breathe, which caused complications to your heart or mental state etc… it is all relevant!!!!!!! they will compensate you for it
it can go either way…. but don’t give up, keep trying! it is a frustrating process..
i thank those for their service……. please don’t “assume” the worst.
most of you are just plain jelous and mean………………………
oh, couple more things…. i read back into some more comments…
sleep apnea if left untreated,,, can cause heart problems , memory problems etc… i went untreated for over a decade,,, these problems are real.
you don’t think not breathing correctly can’t cause other health issues?
patricia had reported that this “patricia’ she knows, claimed to be a helicopter pilot or mechanic,, yada yada yada…… she could find no record of this person , and assumes she is lying because,, “they did not have women doing these jobs in nam”…..
do you really think that as “joe public” you are allowed to have all information about everything…… i did things in peace time that you could never find out.
are you using freedom of information act? you only get “bits” of information. don’t be so full of yourself….. get a life.
also, some of us don’t tell people we know, even family,,, what really happened to us. or what we really did! it can be tramatic to have it in our face everytime we see that person,, so, we create, or at least I,, tell people that I loaded aircraft and i have arthritis, broncitis etc..instead of explaining all of the horrible terrible stuff i still deal with.. and leave it at that ..
some don’t feel safe telling people the truth about us…. so you might be right in one aspect… she might be lying,,, so she doesn’t have to explain all the trauma to you!!!
Will, the problem is far from jealously. If you read back through my posts you will see I am a combat veteran of two tours and 25 years service in some of the hard jobs. My anger is not with those who have been truly injured training for or fighting in our nations wars but I still question a system that pays billions every month to people who are experiencing ailments caused by natural aging and their own failure to maintain a healthy lifestyles. The Government themselves admit 65% of VA claims are fraudulent, come on folks get off the gravy train and give your seat up to someone who is truly injured.
Will, Patricia IS a fraud. She was busted for defrauding Washington State on disability claims and has an extensive criminal record. Curt show everyone where we can find this 65% horseshit you have been harping on. My guess is its more like 10 or15% which is way more than it should be.
OK I am going to stop harping. I just feel that in these financial times we can not afford to have so many thousands dipping into the goverments empty koffers. There are truely injured warriors out there and they neen to be in front of the line
This is a deeply emotional hot button issue. Everyone I work with is drawing compensation and they are, for the most part great people, several are preachers but they are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are entitled to claim some sort of illness even if they have to make it up. I will state again that I am happy with the benefits I have received from 25 years service. I am fortunate to not have received any injuries from that service. My civilian physician says that I am one of the healthiest 51 year olds he sees as a patient. I am sure that if I gained 50 pounds and stopped exercising I would get knee and back pain but I try and stay healthy. Still, I am approached on a daily basis from my coworkers who at times become visibly frustrated that I will not make some sort of claim. They point to others who have huge homes and other material wealth supposedly amassed from feeding off the gravy train. Sorry I just won’t do it. I love these guys and gals but I just can’t lie!
A VA representative at my local VA office told me 60 min found 65% of their claims were fraudulent the links and references below support that claim but my first had experience proves it to me.
Good day.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1773730196/Real-wounds-or-fake-claims-Fraud-worries-in-the-VA
• Burkett BG, Whitley G: Stolen Valor: How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and History. Dallas, Verity, 1998
• Southwick SM, Morgan CA, Nicolaou AL, et al: Consistency of memory for combat-related traumatic events in veterans of Operation Desert Storm. American Journal of Psychiatry 154:173-177, 1997[Abstract]
• Frueh BC, Hamner MB, Cahill SP, et al: Apparent symptom overreporting among combat veterans evaluated for PTSD. Clinical Psychology Review 20:853-885, 2000[CrossRef][Medline]
• Kouzis AC, Eaton WW: Psychopathology and the initiation of disability payments. Psychiatric Services 51:908-913, 2000[Abstract/Free Full Text]
• Oboler S: Disability evaluations under the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Impairment Rating and Disability Evaluation. Edited by Rondinelli RD, Katz RT. Philadelphia, Saunders, 2000
This article is all over the internet. It is not a goverment study. It is just opinions. The post at the bottom of the story is the most intresting and just as valid.. Also books on how to file a VA claim has been around for years.
My ex-husband is a Vietnam Vet — he did 11 months in-country — and decided to retire from a $100K a year job at the ripe old age of 54 because it required too many hours. He started planning on how to receive disability for PTSD almost 2 years before he actually retired. He studied up on the symptoms and would actually not shower or shave before his psychiatric evaluations so as to appear more unbalanced. It took a total of 3 1/2 years, but he finally got rated for 100% unemployability for PTSD. He thought of it as retirement income he earned. The irony is that until he decided he didn’t want to have to work anymore, he never sought any treatment for PTSD, never exhibited any symptoms, and often complained about guys who were “messed up” and couldn’t move past their war experiences.
He went on to discover that the state of SC offers tax-exempt status to disabled veterans for real & personal property, so guess what…..he moved there! Between Social Security, VA disability, and his former job’s generous retirement benefits, he is now drawing over $7000 a month, doesn’t pay taxes, and hasn’t lifted a finger in 9 years. He will tell you with a straight face he deserves it and that being drafted was the “best thing that ever happened to him”.
It sickens me.
I don’t understand why I am being treated like the enemy here. Are you people veterans? Are you veterans with honest injuries? So we know the most effective debater is the one with the most supportable evidence. You were right to ask for my sources and I will have to refer you to the 60 min story sometime around March of 08 that mentioned the 65% fraud figure out of the Memphis VA. I spoke to an intake counselor at the VA and he confirmed that statistic I once again submit my story. I understand there is a mindset out there that there is this magic pot of free money that a veteran can get just by submitting a packet full of complaints about bilateral contusions, C7 deterioration, knee and hip joint pain etc. YES many of these ailments were certainly caused by a lifetime of service to this great country. However it is the following that gets me going; there is a definite difference between injuries caused in combat or abruptly by an accident like falling off a deuce and a half or a parachute malfunction etc. PTSD is another serious affliction that affects thousands. I am preparing my 2010 tax return and I owe additional monies after my payroll deductions and I am more than happy to write the check for the wounded hero’s of our nation. It is malingers I write about here. I can’t believe there is such passionate support for the veteran who got out, still smokes, stopped doing physical fitness training and eats his/her way 60 pounds heavier than their body has been for 20 years. Then, as if someone else is responsible they find someone who writes creatively and then take advantage of a broken system sending in dozens of appeals until they get a check every month for their self inflicted deterioration. Damm! How about that for a rambling rant? I served 25 years, I had the tough jobs and I know what I hear and see. What should I believe? You people, or my lying eyes? I am finished with this site. I thought I was entering a forum with like minds but I see it is just more of the status quo. Good luck to each of you on your journeys. GB
Curt,
PTSD drugs make you fat. Seriously. anti-psychotics can make you gain 50 pounds in months. anti-depressants will make you gain weight steadily. also, inactivity and not going outside is a major symptom of the FEAR caused by real experiences you would not want to go through.
So, get off the backs of the weak and fight the real enemy.
Will, there is cause and effect for everything. I had surgery and they gave me steroids for healing and I gained weight. I worked it off later when I healed. What will it take to convince you I realize there are hurting warriors out there, I work with one. I also know there are lazy scheming fraudulent fools who love people like you who enable them to stay frickin cripples. I propose that our Commander in chief stop picking on the rich people who give us jobs and start cleaning out the bottom feeders who scam there service for a free ride.
Here is a VA press release regarding one of their own going down for fraud. What a web of deception the whole VA disability payment scheme is. I went back up through some of the posts and all I read is babys whining about joint pain and sleep apnea and diabetes. I took causality reports for two tours in Iraq and I never heard of a arthritis medivac or a blue-bark reassignment due to someone getting fat and experiancing the onset of diabetes. Can somebody tell me if after you retire from loading packages for UPS do they send you a big fat tax-free taxpayer check for the rest of your life for back pain? Will they atribute your weight gain and lated onset of diabetes to the bad diet you had while you drove the truck around? The day I see an amputee on this site complaining that he or she is not getting benefits I will jump off my ass and advocate for them. If necessary I will float them a loan. Until then all the cold war wannabees need to sit down and stop filing BS claims. We did our tours in Germany, Korea and stateside and we had it made.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=559
Hello, just got caught up on some of the postings that have gotten rather heated in the last couple of months. I’m on the brink of transitioning into retirement after 20 years of service (5 days and counting!) and I wanted to explain what my experience with the VA has been so far…
I didn’t really pay attention to VA disability benefits until about a year and a half ago, and didn’t really understand the process until I went to see the VA benefit briefs a second and third time (I recommend anyone about to be discharged to see your first VA brief at least 18 months before going on terminal leave). The man that was giving me the brief was very concise with his advice to me: get as much as you can documented in your medical record before you get discharged…
To further expound on some of the frustrations of some people that make postings concerning who or who not is eligible for benefits. I asked on more than one occasion to multiple VA reps, if you had to be injured in combat only to receive these benefits and the answer was alway NO, it’s for any injury that you incur while on service, so I took that advice to heart and I swallowed my pride and I started going to the doctor about pulled back muscles, and ankle pain, ear ringing, sleep issues, everything. I basically just did what I was told and advised. And I took control of the VA disability process myself and made sure I had all of my records saved copied, organized, and all the proper diagnosis logged. When I started going to the doctor, I was expecting that nothing would be found, but the doctor found multiple issues that I incurred in service. Now what would be truly sad is if I took the angry side of these arguments and decided not to go to the doctor, then I would be truly screwed and the VA would not cover me. Contrary to popular belief, you have to have documentation to get covered by the VA, period. It’s hard to lie through this BDD process that I just went through, because I had to provide the documentation. I know that there are a lot of judgmental people on this website that may consider my process to meticulous. But I had to do this, because these are things that happened to me while I was in the service, I need to make sure that I am covered. It’s not necessarily about the money. And the VA is briefing to every service member going through the separation process that anything incurred during your time in the military is covered, not just during combat. So in all due respect to those that consider that only combat-related injuries should be covered – isn’t the real beef with the organization of the VA itself? I wouldn’t have gone through my process as meticulously, but I consider it a matter of survival to get medical care for those things that happened to me in the service. I’m not going to “John Wayne” it. And I did only what I was told by the VA reps themselves.
As it stands, I am very grateful that there is an organization like the VA. And my process of going through the disability application process shouldn’t be denigrated. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a part of the discharge process and I did my part to get my benefits locked in, and I have documentation to prove it all. It’s now up to the VA to decide what level of disability I receive.
I am extremely proud of my service and in my last week of active duty I look back bittersweetly at all the hardships and deployments and consider my wounds, however meager as a stamp of pride. Now it’s time to do the next chapter and move forward. Please don’t criticize me for applying for my VA benefits – and that’s exactly what they are, “benefits”, not “entitlements”.
Wow some of you are truly convinced that you have a right to be compensated for age related illnesses above and beyond the Tricare prime insurance and VA Hospital. I can see that there are far too many of you that have been brainwashed into believing there is an endless supply of money out there to compensate you above and beyond your retirement check. I did stress combat a bit in my previous postings just because I did not want to be labeled an armchair warrior. After 25 years active duty I have seen people injured in the course of duty in both peace time and combat. The benefits are rightfully available for both. I am once again going to talk about those many veterans out there who milk the VA and thus our government coffers out of billions every month. I am referring to those who blame their duty, combat or peacetime for causing degenerative bone disease or sleep apnea or diabetes. All the time while letting him/herself go, living a sedimentary lifestyle and gaining excessive weight. The for mentioned ailments are NORMAL occurrences if you don’t take care of yourself. I just refuse to do like many I personally know. Spend days and days sitting at the VA, collaborating with others to get just the right verbiage in your rebuttal. I have even witnessed teams of vets showing how to express pain during normal range of motion movements. I feel so sorry for you all thinking these moneys are free gifts from the taxpayers. Get off your ass and lose that weight. Stop eating all the BBQ and salty snacks. You worked out every day in their military, try just two or three days now that you are retired. Your ridicules rants about all your aches and pains are for the most part motivated by greed. Get over yourself and man/woman up to be part of this countries recovery.
Curtis, I applaud you. You seem to be the one that has posted here that makes the most sense of of this non-sense! I agree with your take on this VA disibility (fraud) thing. I have read alot of the above postings and see the same theme over and over again. Most are in 100% agreement that those vererans that were injured or received injuries that manifest later in their lives as a result of active duty deserve compinsation from the taxpayer (notice I did not say government) for the hardship or disability that resulted. I am just so friggin tired of all these people feeding at the the taxpayer funded trough just because someone told them there is free money available for the taking and/or because they were coached by friends and co-workers on how to go about getting that FREE money.
It turns my stomache to overhear co-workers chatting it up about how “I am now rated at 25% and working with my VA doctor to get to 50% and as soon as he gets my approval for 50% we are going to file a claim that my time in Puerto Rico (partying it up) somehow caused me to loose approx 20% of the hearing in my laft ear and then I will be at 75% and the money I receive will then be XXX.XX amount of dollars a month tax free and I still get to work my job as though I have no disabilities (actually they don’t).
It really ticks me off to overhear them talking about how they found out that Joe in the next department was in the service too and that they made contact with Joe about how he should get on the gravy train with them because it’s free money thats just there for the taking and how Joe is a dumbass if he turns down free money when all he has to do is go apply for it.
I applaud veterans that have served our country, especially in a combat situation. I have a problem with those posting on here that have a scewed interpretation of what the term “served” means. To me (and I am sure many others also) “served my country” does not apply to someone whom had no direction in their life when they were young and chose to ( peace time, no current WARS going on for the US, no draft ) go do time in the military because they had nothing good going on in their life at the time and chose to join the military because they did not have funding for college or the local county judge gave them the ultimatium of “join the military, or do jail time” for whatever infraction they were guilty of!
I have a bigtime problem ( as a taxpayer ) with those that fall into this catagory collecting disability benefits for common typical medical ailments that affect EVERYONE in society regardless of military service or not! I especially have a problem when there seems to be a subculture in our country of people that spent their time in the military during peacetime and were not harmed and were actually given three squares a day, got to travel the world to exotic places got a paycheck, housing clothing, time off, free travel, all the dope they could smoke, all the beer they could consume and now have the damn GALL to go after this so called ( cash cow ) FREE money!
I’m done with my rant now.
Dan, thank you for your comments on my point. I visit this site frequently because I believe in what our nations warriors have done to secure our freedoms and I have witnessed there sacrifice and bravery first had over the 25 years I have served. Serving my country is the best decision I ever made. I began to become disillusioned with the near flawless system I had lived with when I began my retirement process. The Army begins to prepare its servicemen/women for retirement separation about a year out from the final separation date. It is as best a system as can be expected. My chain of command gave me as much time as I needed to go to briefings, work with a resume service, and even permissive travel to go to job interviews. This process put me in the company of other service members also preparing for retirement. Within these groups I began to hear conversations and develop an uneasy feeling about these warriors frame of mind.
The overwhelming theme was get as much as you can regardless of how you do it. Abuse an already overworked system and a nation’s gratitude for the 1% of its citizens who willingly enter harm’s way. The VA rep who briefs you starts this unfortunate ball rolling by putting on quite a performance at the out processing briefings. “Write up everything” he says hangnails, prostrate if your back has ever hurt write it up. There is a magical pot of free government money that has been set aside just for you. You’re a fool if you don’t do whatever it takes to get it.
OK here is where the entitlement brigade steps in and says Hey I was injured back when I was 20 years old and it never bothered me until now that I am 50. Up until that point I did just fine jumping around at the club and maintaining a lifestyle that included regular physical fitness training.
I am afraid that this generation of warriors will be looked down on as not making a sacrifice at all. We are the generation of entitlement and composed of greedy whiners. Our tri care benefits exceed all other health care plans except congress and our retirement checks are there on the first of every month.
The true great generation remains those warriors who left all walks of life to serve in WWII They faced overwhelming enemy fire without body armor and satellite surveillance or steak night at the FOB. They returned home and built the world’s strongest economy. That economy has been ruined. It’s not George Bush or President Obama who did this. It’s an entire generation of spoiled brats who will collect benefits they have convinced themselves they deserve.
The late Senator Everett Dirksen is popularly attributed as having said “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money.”
The fraud I witness first hand adds up to real money. Money we do not have.
Curtis, the fact that we do not have this money to just give away to people that feel entitled is the very thing that boils my blood over this issue. Social Security is flat broke now due to the same type of entitlement payments being doled out over decades and decades for everything under the sun including things that do not have a thing to do with retirement or security of ones social status and paying off on bogus claims. The greedy attitude of going after government ( taxpayer ) funds just because they are there for the taking is just plain wrong no matter how you try to justify it and as a result we ( taxpayers ) are now officially broke!
This is a shining example of government running amok. The typical bureaucratic konundrum at work. The very people in charge of running the system that pays out taxpayer dollars is coaching people on how to get their bogus entitlement payments based on made up or common everyday ailments NOT things that military service is responsible for or was the CAUSE of.
I could go on and on and on here but let me tell you all reading this page, our entire country is in the poor house due to this social welfare entitlement attitude that has taken over like a cancer! Look at what is happening in the state capital in Wisconsin over the public worker pensions. Heck, I am a union member, as was my father before me and many uncle’s, brothers etc. With that said, I actually AGREE ( fundementally ) with what is being attempted up there. It need’s to be done on a nationwide basis. If public workers are going to be entitled to pensions etc. ( and rightfully so ) The money should HAVE to be put on deposit in a pension fund by the politicians that did the bargaining with the union. Not just say that we will get more money from the taxpayer at a later date if we decide that we don’t have enough to cover writing the checks when that time comes.
Do I blame the workers? No, definately not. I blame the politicians for not doing what they should have done with the tax dollars that had been collected over the years to cover these pension funds.
I know this is a bit off track from the issue of bogus VA disability claims but the irresponsibility on the part of government is to blame in both cases. In the case of the bogus VA disability claims I blame the government for not shielding the taxpayers from the greedy, whining, crying, ENTITLED leeches going after free taxpayer money and actually ENCOURAGING this behaviour!
I can’t take on all the social issues of the day. I am only advocating for the legacy being written by today’s veterans. Our country’s citizens (veterans included) seem to be less concerned with our legacy and consumed with personal greed. When confronted, many will actually say “I don’t care as long as I get mine” The cuts in government spending are coming. Sooner or later someone is going to have to look at the VA budget and see where all the money is going. Wouldn’t it be a shame if veterans with injuries honestly caused by their service were affected by cuts made because so many file bogus claims or try and attribute age related ailments to their prior service? The mainstream media would grab hold of the story and destroy the honorable status of todays modern warriors. Imagine media crews filming hundreads of veterans collecting up to 100% disiability out playing basketball or roofing their house. We know 100% disiabled does not meen you cant do those things but the american public would revolt against us. The gravy train is headed for a derailment. There is no magic pot of money just for veterans.
Curt or Curtis, what ever you are going by today. Good honest Veterans will look at your posts and may not contact the VA because they do not want to be looked down on. ATTENTION VETERANS: You will NOT be looked down on. DO NOT let people like this discourage you.
BY THE WAY, in case you didn’t know by now (he has posted it several times) Curt or Curtis served in the military 25 YEARS.
When i was first in the military and after AIT i was riding a bus to Ft. Meade Maryland. I began talking to an E-8 who had just retired. This poor guy was a total blithering idiot. I was 17 years old at the time and this gentleman had convinced me (unknowing to him) by listening to him that i was going to do my 3 years and get out.
Of course not all go insane but i decided THEN that i wouldn’t be one of them.
I did 2 tours in Nam and got a 6 month early out.
Dinky, Curt or Curtis is fine. I guess I missed your gist, are you suggesting that because I served 25 years I am unable to form an opinion regarding the possible effects of large numbers of pure BS disability claims on the public’s opinion of our nation’s warriors? I read your post several times and all I can figure out is you once met someone on a bus (you do meet the most intelligent people there) this guy apparently made a career out of the military. You diagnosed him as being insane and decided just by meeting him that everyone who makes a career out of serving our nation is insane. You have carried this grudge all your life and now project this ridicules stereotype on me. OK I get it now.
Dinky, Curt or Curtis is fine. I guess I missed your gist. Are you suggesting that because I served 25 years I am unable to form an opinion regarding the possible effects that large numbers of pure BS disability claims will have on the public’s opinion of our nation’s warriors? because you once met somebody on a bus that apparently made a career out of the military. You diagnosed him as being insane and decided just by meeting him that everyone who makes a career out of serving our nation is insane. You have carried this grudge all your life and now project this ridicules stereotype on me. OK I get it now. Read my posts again. By the way. I have an active VA claim in on my service connected injuries. I encourage everyone to file a claim.
You are right Curt you are always Curt. You have haunted this site long enough. I will not be back. (I didn’t bother reading your post this time)
Dinky Dau defenition: A Vietnamese term translated by Americans to mean crazy
Nuf said.
I began posting on this site to vent frustrations, not life altering derangement. Just little quirks in the system. that I experience daily in the company of people who manipulate their physical conditions to commit fraud against the Veterans administration. I am not making my claims based on some neighbor or an ex spouse who I suspect is lying. My assertions are based on first hand experiences within the system and I am seriously concerned about the long term affects of this wide spread fraud on the legacy of this generation of warriors. I also enjoy spirited debate about current events and topics that effect them. I don’t deal in rumor or innuendo I follow the line that sergeant Joe Friday from Dragnet use to say “Give me the facts, just the facts” I will continue to monitor the “Dinky Dau” people who come and go from here. This type of debate is what makes this country so damm great!!!
curt……..need any help monitoring this site………looks like you have your hands full…..keep up the good work : |
I know a vet who did 6 years in the army. He went to iraq 2 times as a MP didnt see any real combat. The 2nd time he went he cryed so much the unit sent him back to the states due to missing his wife. Now that he is out he clams to of been a sniper and a ranger with over 100 kills. He also said he was shot 1 time and hit with 3 I.E.D’s with 3 purple hearts. This is all fake. I have seen his DD214 and know folks that were in the army with him. He is a huge lier and always has been. Now the idoit went to the VA and is getting 80% for PTSD and proud of it. He lives in Rochester WA and his name is Clint jason side. He is only after the VA money to pay for his house. He will not seek treatment for the PTSD due to he said the va wont undersant him. What BS I realy wish the VA would look into him. Dont they look into med records at all while giving rateings ????? Why dont they ask vets to come in and get help for their disabilty mainly PTSD thats somthing that needs to be looked at !!! They should make so if you want your money you should HAVE to see a doc for what ever you have. So will anyone who works for the VA in the state of washington near rochester Please look into clint jason side. He is ripping you off to make his house payment !!
Im a vet I would be over joyed to have VA award me the 100% I should have to make a house payment. I was in Desert Storm. Is having chemicle alarms go off all around combat? Is having a vehicle rip thru perimiter while you run to intercept being stopped very last moment before shooting combat? Am I a combat vet? This web site is just like any other people learn to use it wrong. I have been told by Army and VA doc I have all sorts of psyc probs. But who doesnt at one time or another. However there are some with real and terrible MH conditions and many of them would gladly trade an arm or leg instead. People do abuse the system but that doesnt make it easy to do. And believe me the VA is bringing in the reins. My condition is considered MH. Its not PTSD, Depresion or any of the others I bet you are thinking. I cant hold a job but every boss hated to let me go.
Im 40 and lost my licence do to my injury. Physical I can do roofing but not always. I was a good mechanic and dreamer. In high school I built a wind mill that would move 40 times its own wieght with minimal wind. I get 475 a month Ive never been able to support my familly very vell almost always have been well below poverty Im not lazy but my church wont let me volentier. If you saw me many would assume Im ok. I have severe pain that I am refuse all those great drugs for even when I go to the ER. I think both sides like every thing in life need to take a real look… There are very few its a human condition in my oppinion. While some of you are out hunting fraud take some shots of us who are really injured and in need. Yes the fraud needs stopped but most dont realize just how difficult it is for most to get and maintain fair compensation simply because the fraud. SSA just found me totally disabled for the same condition VA has me for a lot less. I agree there is greed in the VA system just like every where else Unions Gov Corps. Many of Nam VET I think some of you forget how they were treated when they came home. These men literally stollen from life and taken to war. Some of you with such big chips against think which direction the chips would fall if you were in there shoes. Or if you had been deployed so much. Some one here comented about doc and nurses and cops not having PTSD I beg to differ take a closer look at there classic MH catagories. Lots of med care persons use prescrips. Look at the divorce rate for cops it higher than soldiers last I heard. But not all have the problems. Heres the deal if a witch hunt is started in the VA sure it will catch a few crooks in the net, but the government net that would have to be use to accomplish what some think needs done would catch a lot more than crooks and there would not be many fish let go. So my diagnosed condition is dementia from a TBI. How about some of you cast some judgements. Because us vets have heard them all. If you really know theres fraud turn it in but if you even have a single doubt better make sure. Soldiers comming home know how hard it is to be taken care of if it is needed. If VA doesnt make sure they are taking care of them there wont be any more vollenteers to burn at the stake and then youll have to gripe about draftees or mabee one will be your son or daughter brother sister equal rights and all.
In 92 I was rated well below what I should’ve been.
Dylan, I agree. Don’t be surprised if your post disappears. Only x-wives and such are allowed to post here very long. Thank you for your service.
Hi, my name is..Bob. I was in boot camp for 26 weeks, came home, then a few months later was on my way to Iraq. I built, lived and helped run camp warhorse toc from april 03 till nov 03. It was much worse than I’m going to take the time here to describe. I was just reading this because I’m worried about my options, my future, and what will happen to me and some people I know, who receive beneifits for many various reasons. PTSD being one. When I started looking for general info I thought hey, how many people are getting ptsd iu pay? 320,000? 320,000!?!?!?!? There is no way that 320,000…. wtf over!?!? When I left they had like, houses, and electricity, and real food, and mail, and the internet, and phones, and communicatin via fbook and who knows what. I wasn’t a soldier for long, but I was definantly given the rare oppertunity to be all I could be. 8 years later, 5 of wich I’ve gotten disability, I feel like, hey I prob could find a pt time job, maybe go to school, do something. Then I read that people are treating it like a retirement plan or scam. I have some friends that will swear I’m scamming the govt! They don’t see, the whole picture of me, where I was what I went thru and what I’ve had to deal with being among some of the first vets to return home. But here I am 8 years later no resume, job refferences, education, or anything. The best I can hope for is a pt job that I won’t get fired from, which I would argue is unlikely… then again see what happens when you get rude to this new smiley customer service rep. Neways. Don’t fucking steal! And be careful who you want to judge, but 320,000 how the hell does the math work that how many a month over ten years? Jesus were not over there burning bodies in the streets!
Clear and substantial major damage
There is “clear and substantial” major damage to federal interests when state court judges make lasting decisions that seriously impact and complicate the Veterans Administration goals. Upsetting, by overruling the medical decisions, and the many hours of work that VA medical care professionals have invested in rehabilitation of disabled veterans, all this when a state court arbitrarily is allowed to take away a veterans VA disability compensation in third party alimony awards in violation of…..
38 USC 5301. Nonassignability and exempt status of benefits, and
38 USC 1155 “Authority for schedule for rating disabilities.
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Now, “.. an argument may be, is that the veteran’s disability rating has not actually been downgraded. No one has actually decreased the VA predetermined rating. In this situation, the judge is merely apportioning it after the fact.”
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This maybe true, however, based on the fact because the rating and compensation are directly tied to each other. Sure the rating may have not gone down, but to a veteran his disability compensation payments is contingent upon what VA medical professionals determined the disabled veteran should be compensated for, forgetting for the moment, any rating system. To the veteran who loses any portion of his compensation payments, he considers his rating has been downgraded. Because, now his VA rating is meaningless. After all, a veterans health and well being are now in jeopardy. A “ cause and effect” situation. We just have to stop this nonsense that’s happening in state courts.
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Which brings up the question, how can state court judges in violating, 38 USC 5301, 42 USC 1408, arbitrarily award as alimony, a portion of a veteran’s VA disability rated compensation, and waive away, by reviewing the disability rights of veteran whose disability rating that maybe determined and factored in as critical? Judgment as if all disabilities are exactly the same. State court judges, playing doctor, border on medical negligence, overstepping those whose authority it belongs, in the practice of medicine, re-evaluation, and rehabilitation of the veteran, and VA medical professionals. In direct violation of 38 USC 1155, “Authority for schedule for rating disabilities.” “…, [I]n no event shall such a readjustment in the rating schedule cause a veteran’s disability rating in effect on the effective date of the readjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran’s disability is shown to have occurred.” Reduced readjustment in a rating schedule, in the taking away money’s used for the recovery and rehabilitation of disabled veterans, and handing it over to a healthy third party. Was it the intent of Congress that judges substitute their judgment for the judgment of VA medical professionals?
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I now wondered, if state court judges are allowed to take away a veteran’s disability compensation without a medical license, or knowledge? How does the Board of Veterans Appeals, who are continually faced with determining a veteran’s disability compensation, or other medical claim, adjudicate these medical questions?
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Part 2 of 3
§ 20.101 Rule 101. Jurisdiction of the Board.
“…Medical determinations, such as determinations of the need for and appropriateness of specific types of medical care and treatment for an individual, are not adjudicative matters and are beyond the Board’s jurisdiction….”
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Even the Social Security Administration… has medical evidence standards they must follow.
42 USC 423 “In making any determination the Commissioner of Social Security shall make every reasonable effort to obtain from the individual’s treating physician (or other treating health care provider) all medical evidence, including diagnostic tests, necessary in order to properly make such determination, prior to evaluating medical evidence obtained from any other source on a consultative basis.”
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State court judges in awarding a veterans’ VA disability compensation as ‘income’ in a divorce, show an indifference to veterans’ and their serious medical needs. The deliberate intrusion by state courts into federal issues and laws, ruling arbitrarily by awarding VA disability compensation to a third party is unwarranted. They are required to obtain advisory medical opinion from medical experts, just as required by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), and as well, as in all other civil litigation.
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Judges, rule arbitrarily that they have the right to award VA disability compensation to third parties. The right to play doctor. Because of this, these judges have taken on the responsibilities of a medical doctor, and ruled as a doctor. Contrary to the veteran’s reliance on 38 USC 5301, and because of the disability of the veteran, they have, by their judicial proceedings determined the disabled veteran is incapable of caring for his or her own interests. Due to a veterans’ disability, and their authority as judge in ruling, awarding of VA disability compensation to third parties. The reality is, the state court judge has taken on another responsibility, and became the veterans’ legal guardian, his “ward”. Another disabled veterans’ right, that of being able handle his or her own rehabilitation now has been taken away .
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The legal recommendation of the VA’s own General Council in medical determinations, and questions, that are beyond the knowledge of those not in the medical field.
Part 3 of 3
38 CFR 20.901 Rule 901. Medical opinions and opinions of the General Counsel.
“(d) Independent medical expert opinions. When, in the judgment of the Board, additional medical opinion is warranted by the medical complexity or controversy involved in an appeal, the Board may obtain an advisory medical opinion from one or more medical experts who are not employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Opinions will be secured, as requested by the Chairman of the Board, from recognized medical schools, universities, clinics, or medical institutions with which arrangements for such opinions have been made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. An appropriate official of the institution will select the individual expert, or experts, to give an opinion.” (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 7109)
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VA Can’t Base Denial on its Own Medical Judgment Colvin v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 171 (1991)
Colvin stands for a now deeply embedded and fundamental principle of veterans law—the VA may use only independent medical evidence to support its benefits decisions. The VA may not use the medical opinion or judgment of the VA rater or BVA Veterans Law Judge to support a decision
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“…before a state law governing domestic relations will be overridden, it “must do ‘major damage’ to `clear and substantial’ federal interests.”
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“Clear and substantial” major damage to federal interests occurs when, in attaching, or “considering” for any reason, the VA rated disability compensation benefits of disabled veterans by judges practicing in a field where they have no expertise. The expertise that VA doctors, and VA healthcare professionals are required to have in order to determine the appropriate medical procedures, and the proper disability compensation payment in order to rehabilitate, with a medical degree of certainty, that would ensure a disabled veteran return to a healthy meaningful outlook, and enjoyment of life, and independence in daily living.
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“Clear and substantial” major damage to federal interests occurs. When the work of the primary medical care provided by Veterans Administration medical teams to disabled veterans’ has been compromised by activist state court judges. Readjusting the VA’s predetermined medical disability payment rating schedules, by court order to lower VA payout levels. Attaching these just acquired disability compensation benefit payments as alimony awards, by judges practicing in a field where they have no business practicing. Doctors do not attempt to practice law. The expertise and knowledge of VA doctors, and VA healthcare professionals are required in order to determine the appropriate medical care, and disability payment compensation in order to rehabilitate, with a medical degree of certainty, that would ensure a disabled veteran return to a healthy meaningful outlook, and enjoyment of life, and independence in daily living.
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“In no event shall such a readjustment in the rating schedule cause a veteran’s disability rating in effect on the effective date of the readjustment to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran’s disability is shown to have occurred.”
I read all these and it makes me sick!! I married such a man, he claims 100% disabled, receives $3200.00 per month and goes to work every day at Lockhead Martin in St. Petersburg Florda earning $21.00 per hour (today that is) before today (coincidentally our court date) he was making $35.00 per hour. He has “sleep apnea” ..Yeah Right and so does his mother and brother as in heriditary yet he was told by a VA staff that if he had a trach put in he could claim 100% disability so guess what…he did. One year later he pulled the thing out and then lied to me about where he was saying he was at the VA when he wasnt so to his(and my) suprise his doctor happened to call right while he was supposedly there and so when I told his doctor that he should be there seeing him, his doctor had no idea. I went on to tell his Doctor about him pulling out his Trach which he got irate with me asking me what I told them… What about your lie asshole!! Listen the bootom line is there are scum out there and they fraud the system anyway they can. He even commited fraud on unemployment twice I may add. This is why he is my soon to be ex as that is only a small part of what I discovered about him and maybe if enough of us complain or make note then someone will do something… I just walked out of court with him owing me close to $1000.00 in child support so at least some of his fraudulent money will go to one of his many children….
I was married to a man who suffered since the day that I met him from emotional problems from his childhood. As a young lad his brother brother in law always hit in the head with his college ring, his parents told him that if he did not eat every three hours he would die, if he went out in the sun he would get a stroke he was a real mess. He idolized his uncle who was able to get 100% disabled and live in Las Vegas. My x husband served in the Navy in around 1972 I did not know him then and was never in the actual war. After the service he managed to claim a 30 percent disability for anxiety. He later took a position as a Veterans Counselor in Long Island and when we were to get divorced he decided he did not want to work anymore. His retirement was also up from the State. Miraculously he was able to get a 100% percent Veterans Disabily for PTSD for never going to war. He knew the sysem. He now gets retirement pay, 100% disability pay for PTSD, pension and social security. I work two jobs and he does not even want to finish paying his last year of child support. The deceit is awful and we pay for this. These people must be stopped. He claims he got nervous during the service….DOnt most men get nervous in the service or home sick a little. He knew how to play. He is now helping his girlfriend, connect her husband’s cancer to being in the airforce under enviornmental hazard. Please there has to be more
investigations on these people. It is sad…
I spent the day with a guy from the VA. He says they are starting to crack down on the number of BS sleep apnea claims that come through the Memphis VA office. He says it all started about 10 years ago. Back then nobody had ever heard of it and all it took was for one doctor to link it to military service and the word spread like wildfire. It is today what hearing loss was in the 1970s. I have been retired for almost four years now and although I started feeling some aches and pains in my shoulders feet and back. I started an exercise program last year and have never felt better. Hey lazy asses! News flash, change your diet, do some exercise and what a miracle. In most cases, the BP drops and the blood sugar goes back to normal range. You sleep better and your arthritis pains almost disappear. Look at the birth date on your retirement ID card, we are all getting older and will someday have to die. It is not all the military’s fault. Remember, if you go around claiming to be sick all the time and exaggerating your age related symptoms purely for profit, many believe there is a greater power watching and you may just wish your illness into actual existence.
I just had an encountered with a “disabled vet” in the parking lot at my local Petsmart. He cold cocked me (a 54 year old woman) for no apparent reason. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck and his hit to my had was full force. He was solid muscle with not a stitch of fat on him. He jumped out of his full size pick up truck with ease. I couldn’t believe he had a disabled veteran tag on his truck. I hope he is getting benefits, because I will be suing him shortly for my pain and suffering. Obviously and after reading all of the above, I know the VA wouldn’t are one bit knowing about this guy.
I have said it before and I will continue to rant over the fact that I believe today’s weak bodied and soft minded veterans are ruining the reputation of our nation’s warriors! There was a time when Drill Instructors could train Joe and make him/her hard and ready for the battlefield those days began to disappear in the early 80s and a frame of mind that the government owes you money above and beyond retirement for the rest of your life has set in. Many pursue entitlements including “free” government money by exaggerating what are mostly age related injuries. This behavior is unacceptable and in many cases criminal, it disgusts me. They act like their case is the only one that matters and seem to believe there is some magic pot of money set aside just for them. The day is fast approaching where our administration is going to examine these cases. I hope they burn all the fakers!
Why doesn’t anyone seem to care? Va claims to be going broke. Cracking down on fraud would help greatly. A 100% dsiabled Vietnam veteran, (so Claimed). His 4th Wife, His 1st Cousin with 3 children from previous Marriages. Have been and currently receiving VA Survivors Benefits, Education. One gets SSI, in addition, because he’s Mildly handicapped, One was caught up with only because she got married, an easy find, DUH!! None of which were ever adopted.
I see allot of stuff in here that I either do not believe or is not fully represented. I am a disabled veteran. I did not serve in combat but did develop a heart condition that had sent me to the hospital nearly 30 times. It is uncertain whether the condition was brought on by the hazards of my work as in exposure to PCBs and high radiation, but in any case, since the first attack took place while I was in service, it was deemed to be a service connected disability. Frankly, I was unaware that I was even being considered for disability. It was a surprise to me to find that I was given disability after my honorable discharge for a service connected disability. After looking into it further I was also shocked to see that a heart condition brought a 10% disability rating roughly $108 a month today. So for my 30+ visits over 20 years missing work for several days, losing jobs directly for missing work, has paid roughly $1000 a year. I would trade for a good heart. When I am not having an attack I am as healthy as the next guy. I don’t carry handicapped plates and could likely outrun most people my age, but I have the knowledge that these people I can easily out run will likely out live me by many years. I would be very careful before you accuse someone who served this country of fraud. Won’t you feel stupid when they are dead from their disability? I think that is some special kind of hell you must live with, I would rather pay someone who doesn’t deserve it than deny someone who does.
The department of defense is a wonderful place to do some budget trimming, but you are wasting you time with such a small section of the budget. The real money is going to the military industrial complex. We are wasting more money on Military hardware now than we were in the height of the cold war. While fraud is a serious issue, stop the dollars from flying out the window before you worry about the nickels.
Instead of getting to the real problem, we will talk about killing all social programs and decreasing the living standards of the poor and middle class when the total amount of the budget deficit is very close to our military spending while fighting an enemy that is NOT sophisticated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_budget_of_the_United_States
I’m an Iraq War veteran with 2 combat deployments. I’ve been shot at, blown up, and witnessed some awful stuff. The witnessing of ‘bad stuff’ happening is what messed my head up the most. I filed a claim with the VA that took me a loooong time to fill out because I had to recall a lot of stuff I would have rather never thought about again.
Reading some of these responses makes me feel like there is always someone out to get me. I want to feel better about living, feel more comfortable in my own skin, and start feeling like less of an outsider but its like once I reach that point (if i ever do) someone like these ‘posters’ is going to report me to the VA because I’m getting better and not showing symptoms that they think I ‘should’ have.
What should I do, just continue feeling miserable and not try to better my state of mind because someone is going to report me and take away the little money I do have that helps support me?
John and George, I couldn’t have said it better. Do not let the kooks posting here get you down. My brother died 2 days after he turned 56. He dealt with PTSD for years which affected his heart. He died of a heart attack 1 year after receiving VA disability. During that year he went to a chiropractor and some how the subject of PTSD came up and the “doctor” said oh ya my wife has PMS too. I am surprised that my brother didn’t nail the prick. This is the kind of crap you have to expect HERE. Good luck to both of you.
PS ..Curt is the worst here. If he truly retired from the military and post these hateful insults then he is sicker than any of us. I believe now that he is just a sick troll and has never served our country.
I’m seeking information on how to report an abuse of VA benefits.
I have the determination it takes to locate witnesses and file all the necessary paperwork and I won’t rest until I see justice done.
The person I am reporting is living a great life on his fraudulently obtained tax payer money, even though he has never worked an honest day in his life, is a notorious thief, bigamist, child molester, con artist, and dead-beat dad. He’s your textbook sociopath and always has been.
Prior to his (very brief, non combat) time in the military, he was never able to hold a job, complained of a litany of mental impairments, expressed severe sociopathic behavior and committed various acts of fraud and petty crime. His most recent bilking of the VA department is only one of many successful attempts to live life without having to work.
He is currently using his money to fuel his victimization of women via the internet and in person in the small town he inhabits. It’s no mistake also that the particular town he lives in has a really hokey police department and a super lazy legal system that allows this to go on, despite proof of credible threats he has made and letters from his own family testifying to the effect that he is a fairly adept con artist exploiting various systems.
If it weren’t for his VA benefits, his ability to victimize young women would be virtually non existent, as he would be struggling daily with the responsibilities of housing and feeding himself, just like the rest of us. As a matter of fact, prior to his being granted these benefits he had all but vanished from view. It is no coincidence that the moment he got back on his feet he was back on the radar.
numba10000, Shame on you for calling me sick! My ears were ringing so I thought I better check in with the forum and see who was misinterpreting the gist of my rants now. You give it a new twist by questioning whether I was even in the service. Well sir, I certainly was and I love the true warriors active and retired who have sacrificed themselves in the defense of our country. It’s what happens to SOME when they retire that I consider shameful. The belief that there is a endless supply of free money available to any retiree who can claim a service related injury regardless if its true or not. This money tree causes veterans to ban together and begin to share their stories, comparing symptoms and showing each other how to link normal age related illness to a bumpy ride they once had on a tank trail. Or then there’s the guy or gal, who links the time they were on deployment and ate MREs for 6 months to their onset of diabetes. Never mind it runs in their family and they have gained 50 pounds and stopped working out. OH no they deserve more taxpayer’s money above and beyond the retirement check. I won’t touch PTSD although I have personally seen more than a few veterans openly discuss how to act and what to say to claim benefits for that. I leave it alone because my two tours in Iraq have had an effect on my life and I have sought and received help through private counsel, paying my copay and using my Tri Care prime benifit that is another fantastic benefit that hardly any civilian retirement plan offers. So call me names and question the validity of my claims if you must. If you are stretching the facts on your age related illness or injury I have a couple of names for you. Liar and Cheat.
check fire where you at?
You all spend so much valuable time trying to bend the regulations in favor of your lies, lies you have convinced yourselves are truths. Why don’t you just give it up and go to work. Let the VA concentrate on the true war veteran. The sleep apnea you think you have has nothing to do with your military service. Your diabetes has nothing to do with some MREs you ate when your supply unit deployed for a month. This is a money grab come on admit it I see it every day. When you go to sleep tonight ask yourself, If I laid off the fast food and started walking around the block or joined a health club would I feel better? Would I feel younger? Perhaps I would recite some cadence as I walk/run and drop a few pounds. Its OK let the VA help those who really need it. I believe those who really deserve it are not visiting this site anyhow
Curt, Curt, Curt. You ARE sick. This has become a obsession with you. Are you related to bin laden?
Mariel how long ago was the divorce? By reading your post i believe you have the skills to be a secretary somewhere. Do not apply to the V.A. you will be fired quickly. Do not take it so hard that he doesn’t have to share his disability payments with you. Get a job. Oh if you want to report something to the V.A., ………uh…… contact the V.A.
To all Military veterans ( except Curt and people like him ) thank you for your service. To people like my cousin who WAS screwing the tax payers, Karma and clear thinking people will get you. Not x-wives or screaming idiots with their dresses over their head.
Curt…I am at a Vietnam Veterans ( all Veterans from all wars are welcome ) reunion at Pigeon Forge Tn. We will be here through Sunday morning. Without telling you the major physical and mental problems here from the 59 yr olds on up. If you take your hateful blinders off you will NOT find a faker here. You are invited, there are 5 days left. I will introduce you to as many as i can of the over 150 combat vets and their families here.
And then if you wont mind i will show them all your post here.
We would be glad to have you. When the band takes a break Saturday you cold grab a mike and get on stage and tell us about your revelations.
I know you can make it because you are tough as nails. A little plane ride or drive wouldn’t bother you in the least.
I go by HUD and everyone knows me so ask for me and i would love to give you the tour.
We have retired State Police a Tennessee Congressman, Doctor, an owner of a chain of pharmacies A man that owns a major group of huge chicken farms on and on. A couple full birds a Captain and 2 lieutenants so far.Two trucking company owners. More coming in every day. They all would love to hear your speech. We have guys here that can hardly walk but they look great until they take their shirt an paints off, Agent Orange. Me too.And NO they dont live on junk food like you claim. Most are married For a loooong time and their wives are great cooks. They are cooking spaghetti and meat balls right now with about every salad you can think off. COME ON DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday will be a BBQ whole hog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good lord can’t you see the gist of my posts, Don’t you understand that I am a pure patriot, a warrior and a lover of those who serve. I know there are tens of thousands of warriors who have been wounded physically and mentally in combat. These heroes deserve every minute of care and every cent of compensation they are owed I have personally helped several get help. I most recently persuaded a Viet Nam vet who was still to proud to ask for help to go the VA and he is now receiving the help he needs for the orange and nightmares. In 2003 I was standing outside the TOC in Baghdad when one of our convoys returned after watching four warriors cook to their deaths in a vehicle that had been blown upside down by an IED, doors jammed shut and all my guys had were water bottles to try and put the fire out. Horror pure Horror. They will suffer the rest of their lives and deserve the best care and every cent of compensation.
Now let me tell you about the rage I have over the sissy fool cowards who never spent a day in combat. The people I work with 165 of them all veterans who retired in the mid to late 90s. They served in horrible places like Germany and Korea, some are drawing 100 disability for terribly disfiguring bunions on BOTH feet caused by those awful combat boots. Oh the horror! They have diabetes that they claimed was caused by all the MREs they were forced to eat on those outrageous 30 day field problems. They have sleep apnea; there is no doubt that was caused by all the nights at the German discos. So come on and blast old Curt If you cant see I am for the truly wounded warrior you are frickin blind! Every 1 honest claim is being held up by 10 other crooks who are just out for a free ride. Please understand that there are few as dedicated to our nations warriors then I.
Pigion Forge? I am in Memphis I would have loved to make it there. You all have been thinking with your emotions and not your minds. Do you want my phone number? cont me at thedrillsgt@gmail.com I would love to explain my stand on this issue I am so upset at being thought of as sick and a traitor. I work in a position of public trust and am a damm good citizen I want the cheaters I see to get out of line so the true warriors can get the help they deserve.
Curt,
Don’t let this calling you “sick” BS get you down man. There is alway’s going to be the posters that come and go from this site that want to call you out (so to speak) about your sincerity on this issue.
People that come here and read this ( such as myself ) know where you are coming from and you have made it totally clear time and time again that you are one that believes that TRUE disabled veterans deserve every bit of compinsation that they receive and in most cases actually do not get what they should in the form of needed help and assistance.
Some people come here and misinterpret your views because they will not take the time to actually read the previous postings in enough detail to get the jist of what it is that you are saying. I have posted in the past and I am in 100% full agreement with what you are saying here. Actually, I find it difficult to understand how any honest, hard working, respectable veteran or non-veteran can disagree with the point that is trying to be made here with this site.
I we are going to turn this welfare society around and get people off of the government tit, this is just one of the many cash-cow entitlement examples of waste of taxpayer dollars that needs to be investigated and corrected to ensure that the dollars spent are spent to provide necessary services and support for those in real “need” of it ( want is not need, it’s greed ).
Why is it that when someone comes out against government waste, fraud and corruption there is alway’s someone who takes it personally as an attack upon them? You have to ask yourself, is there a guilty conscience at play?
To call you out and claim that there is a group of veterans that show all the signs of those that actually need the services they receive and how you need to come explain to them why you take the stance that you take is absurd to say the least!
If there were a push to shut down some particular school due to 90% low student ( grades ) performance, there would alway’s be a person or two that would search and search to round up the 10% of students from that school that actually DID perform and have someone come explain to them why “they” ( the 10% ) DID NOT perform. Some people JUST DON’T GET IT!!
No one is picking on or trying to pick on or degrade deserving disables veterans here! This is about addressing the rampant fraud that is eating up services and revenue that could be better used to support the deserving souls that truly are in need! GET IT PEOPLE??
Dan ..yes i get it. Thats why i post here. You talk out of both sides of your mouth. You want to through the baby out with the bath water. It wont happen. Using a hatchet for an appendix operation wont get it done.
The Va is busting over 100 scum bags a month who has filed false claims. This isn’t a new revelation. Some have never served and got a fake DD214 and some how have bilked 100,s of thousands out of the tax payers.
No, i get it. Unfortunately you do not.
You do not need to make honest deserving veterans fill any worse about having to be on disability.
Guys like you would like to have the Veterans apply all over again as if the stress and years of waiting wasn’t enough.
The Va is finally cross checking records but no mater what a few scum bags will get threw.
I would much rather hurt you feelings than a true deserving Military Veteran who is on disability.
By the way, even though i have problems caused by agent orange i like a hell of a lot of guys have NEVER filed a claim. Not be cause of ranting jerks but because i can still function quite well….so far.
This site is for x wives and tunnel visioned people. I will not be back.
What a fantastic memorial day, did anyone watch the PBS special on the service celebrations on the DC Mall? Dozens of truly wounded warriors were shown in attendance. The outstanding work in rehabbing the amputees and the sacrifice demanded from their families. We cannot do enough for these men and women. They even highlighted those warriors with the invisible wounds from PTSD. General Colin Powell hosted the show for awhile. This man is the general Bradley of our time. I love his first rule of leadership “Sometimes being responsible means pissing somebody off” LOL that reminds me. I must have stepped out of the room when they honored the brave sleep apnea sufferers of this nations Cold War, perhaps I dozed off when the synchronized MRE eating diabetics drill team performed on the mall. Oh well, I assure you they would step in line ahead of the for mentioned truly wounded if given half a chance. Respectively Curt…
I have watched a lady who has not only filed for her VA pention but also was awarded and then reevaluated and given a higher award for a condtion she had to begin with. She never went to any kind of basic training . She has no DD214 and has never served one day in uniform. Yet she is colecting on a condtion granuloma in her leg which was said to have been there from the begining. please explain how this is possible.
I work at Pax Rver Naval Air Station as a contractor on military aircraft.
I was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1984.
Almost every person that I work with are prior military.
A am appauled and digusted by the amount of fraud and abuse that is taking place by many of the recently dicharged people in my work space. Almost all of them are defrauding the VA for disability compensation and the Post 911 GI Bill. Its like a game to see who can get over the most. Up to $1900 a month plus tuition from GI bill for housing to take one real class room course. What a Joke. There laughing all the way to the bank. How is their military service any differant than mine or any one who served before 911. Where is my school money. Yea Right !
As far as the Disability compensation goes Sleep Apnea and PTSD are the biggest scams. They teach each other how to fool the tests so they can “GET PAID”.
There is a women in my shop that is scaming the GI bill.
She also claims that she was sexualy assulted in the military.
So she says she has “Delayed PTSD” from that experiance.
She is getting 100% disability and a back check for $97,000
I’m not saying she is lieing but you can’t rape the willing.
To put it mildly she is one of the most permisques people I have ever met. She came in to work bragging about how she is getting over.
I want to record all of the things that these criminals are saying and turn every single one of them in. It actually gives me a pain in my gut just because of the sheer number of people I know who are lieing ,cheating and stealing from the system while their are people out there that truly are suffering who deserve the assistance but are getting screwed over.
I know people getting 100% VA disability and are committing fraud. One is my brother collecting over 4k per month due to his so-called disability, and then he builds a 5 car garage on his property, mows acres of land that he lives on and plants large apple and other fruit trees on it. His wife is a teacher at a college and brings in another 50k per year.
Another fellow in my small town is collecting over 4k per month and working as a trucker driving across state delivering good to grocery stores. He’s making an additional 6k per month on top of his VA of 4k per mth.
If you are classified as 100% disabled by the VA, you shouldn’t be allowed to work period. What I see is the VA needs to get off their as and put a stop all this fraud. If you can’t work then yes, I suppose you deserve the money, but if you are capable of working, then you shouldn’t be collecting a dime.
The two I mentioned above imo are committing fraud.
Yes Brian and Eric, the mindset of many of our country’s veterans is truly disgusting. Many on this site will slam you calling your comments anti veteran and unpatriotic. In fact those of us who oppose this lying and theft are this country’s true heroes. Like brian I live and work next to a military base who’s civilian workforce is comprised largely by retired military. The parking lot is evidence of the spoils of their efforts. New Harleys and huge pickups even corvettes, homes up into the million dollar range are also not uncommon. Ok before the critic’s start dissecting me its true that these luxuries could have easily been obtained by a life of saving and an understanding of the time value of money, they could be heavily mortgaged due to the care of a credit rating. This is hardly the case with 100% of the people I know who enjoy these spoils. I see what Brian sees, a daily competition to see who can get the highest disability rating. They bring their mail from the VA into the office to show everyone how their claims are progressing. The highest ranking civilian in the building will help write the appeals and there is always someone who is willing to show you just how to fake that lower back pain. Please don’t waste your time claiming I am jealous of these thieves, No I am ashamed of every one of them I am proud to live my frugal life. I am proud of all the PT I did over my career, sure my 52 year old knees hurt but I continue to work out daily and my doctor says my lab results are “perfect” God bless all the true warriors who are getting up today and fitting their prosthetics, for the burn patients undergoing a scrubbing and for the veterans who couldn’t sleep again last night because they can’t get the horror out of their heads. I love every one of you and hope you get every cent you are owed. I doubt if these true warriors will ever visit this site, they have better things to do.
Erik,
I was slammed by “Numba 1000” above because I said that some people that come to this site just “don’t get it”. It appears to me that you (like Curt and myself) are one of the people that actually DO “get it”.
You mention in your post that if a person is classified as 100% disabled by the VA, they should not be able to work period. I could not agree more with that statement. I feel that the word “disabled” is being bastardized by the VA Administration. In the English language the prefix “dis” when followed with another term such as “abled” means NOT, as in NOT able to function in whatever regard it is. The VA is classifying people as “100% disabled” . In my (and any other rational thinking persons) mind I believe this to mean that this person is NOT ABLE to function in a way that would allow them to (work) provied for themself’s financially, therefore the VA Administration will provide the monies necessary to provide for their well being, aka support.
What the VA administration is doing by allowing people to collect thousands and thousands of dollars (per month) in “disability payments” while continuing to work their full time (career) jobs is a slap in the taxpayers faces!
I work with and personally know many people whom have been at my workplace for decades that laugh and carry on about how they are collecting VA disability checks on a monthly basis based upon a certain percentage of so called “dis-ability”, yet they come to work, perform their jobs, get their paychecks (like I do) but snicker and giggle that they ALSO get a free government check in the mail every month that affords them nicer cars, high end boats, more acerage, steak dinners, investment oppertunities, and the list goes on!
All of this because (in peace time) when they were young and had no direction in life and no carreer path they opted to join the military because they had no clue as to what they wanted to do with their life and military time would buy them more time to mature and figure out what they might want to do for a living farther down the road.
Now, as a result of being “babysat” by the military for four years or so, they are all jumping on the VA Administration free money handout wagon! These people are NOT dis-abled, they are obviously still ABLE to come to work 40 hours (sometimes more) per week and get the same paycheck as I do, so will someone please tell me where the DIS-ability lies? Thats where the VA Administration is letting the taxpayer down. Their should be a requirement to show (with proof) that you do NOT have the means to provide for yourself ( gainfull steady employment ) BEFORE they send any taxpayer dollars to your home.
This VA money is supposed to be intended to provide monies that a person can NOT (not able, aka disabled) provide though other means as a result of a ( legitimate ) “dis-ability”. I think I “get it”, it’s others that want to rip off the system that DON’T WANT to get it!
The most disappointing thing about all this is that many of the veterans who are perpetrating this fraud are retired officers and senior non commissioned officers who would have never dreamed of lying about a physical or mental condition in order to gain a financial advantage while they were serving on active duty. I have watched dozens of servicemen and women get out and almost immediately acquire a victim mentality similar to that held by minorities who have been banished to the ghetto so long they have lost all hope. I am horrified when I see the power that is wheeled from the government civilian workforce. They have created an industry out of using government regulations and cash cow programs to provide them and all their insiders with additional paydays. Well, I am powerless over this and do not have the ability to fix it on my own. I will examine political candidates in the future and try and figure out how they feel about this. It is a very very touchy subject. Most of these cheats have a story to back it up and if anyone dares question their disability they slam you to the ground as being anti veteran. The psychological game is shameless and the sad truth is that most who play it have repeated the lies so often they now believe them themselves. I say again, walk around long enough telling everyone you are disabled and a higher power may grant your wish. Well, off to the gym se you all later!!
I need to clairify something that is probably being misinterpreted (by some) in my postings here. I am definately NOT anti Veteran and believe that our Veterans deserve to be taken care of whenever they find themself’s in a position where they can no longer provide for themself’s.
There is the issue of fraud and I understand that the fraud alone is off the charts in terms of dollars wasted.
My biggest problem lies with the policies of the VA. The issue of people continuing to work their life long career jobs at full pay and benefits (including overtime) with the Veterans Administrations full approval, while at the same time collecting “dis-ability” payments from the VA is a total slap in the face to every taxpayer in this country.
What I am saying is that it is the policy of the VA to pay people “dis-ability” payments WHILE they are gainfully employed in their career occupations. I don’t mean someone whom can no longer physically perform the duties of the higher paying job they once had and now must flip burgers for minimum wage and the “dis-ability” payments making up the difference to afford them they lifestyle that would be enjoying if they did not have the “dis-ability”. I am referring to the policy of paying monies to people because they claim to have lower back pain, sleepless nights etc, etc. whom are still gainfully employed in their high paying jobs that they have held since leaving the military service. “Dis-ability” payments should only be made to the Veterans whom are no longer “able” to provide the necessary means of support they once enjoyed due to a service related injury or condition.
With the VA, that is not the case, it’s just a large supply of money to give out to anyone who was ever in the service who decides that they want more money and want to take the time to file a claim to start receiving it without any regard of there being a “need” for it or not.
The VA’s policy seems to be that it does not matter if you are a multi-millionaire living in the huge mansion and owning a fortune 500 company. Just file a claim, get a (crooked) doctor to substantiate your claim and your monthly check is in-the-mail whether or not you actually have a “need” for the money.
I work at the worlds largest commercial aircraft maintenance facility, for one of the worlds largest airlines so you can figure out that this is a union job with good pay and benefits (at least a living wage). This place is chock full of high seniority people under no threat of losing their jobs anytime soon that are currently receiving payments from the VA based upon diffrent levels of “dis-ability”. Some 25%, some 50%, some 75% or more. How can these people be classified as being “dis-abled” when they continue to work their high paying jobs (with benefits and overtime)??
I understand that the VA is starting a slow crawl process to try and weed out what is considered to be fraud. My point is that this is NOT considered to be fraud because the VA administration knows about this and approves of this and is within their “policy”. The VA need’s to change their policies to reflect that those that collect “dis-ability” payments be TRULY “un-able” to provide for themself’s and have the payments see to it that they are. This bullcrap of GIVING money to people that do not NEED it is outlandish to say the least!
Dan, the problem is the tens of thousands of veterans who are fraudulently obtaining these funds are convinced they are right. I don’t think there is anything that will convince them they are truly doing something wrong. I know preachers (2 to be exact) who are collecting 1K plus a month on top of their generous retirements. These guys keep their prescribed leg and knee braces in the closet of the office and only put them on when they have a VA appointment. I have seen these guys play two 90 minute sessions of basketball with the kids at school and not limp or sweat a bit. But if you want to see a fight I mean a big fight, have this conversation with them. Boy I tell ya congressman, lawyers and piles of regulations come spewing from their lips about their rights and the free money set aside just for them by the VA. Problem is they are right. If your paperwork is just right you will get paid. This garbage needs to be flushed out from the top in such a way that only deserving honorable veterans get these monies.
You want to see Fraud just go to any VA hospital ant any given day and just watch the parking lot there you will see people in Cains and walker that don’t even touch the ground until l they get into the building then its like they can’t even walk lol its so funny to watch. Also look at the hundreds of Harley Davidson parked in the parking lot in my Opinion if they can handle a 2000 pound weight with their so called 100% disability injuries then they can work!
Anyone, I need some good advice. I have a neighbor, veteran. He prides himself on always getting more and more disability, and honestly it makes me angry and sick to listen to him. He has diabetes, and is extremely overweight. He gets 100%. He was also getting hospice and additional money (something like an extra $3,000 a month for nursing, cooking, cleaning, lawn care, etc.) About a month and a half ago, hospice told him he did not qualify for their home health services. He then hurt his foot and refused medical treatment until it became so infected that he had to be hospitalized, and was released to a nursing home, who take care of his meds, nursing, cooking, cleaning, but he is still getting the extra VA money for the services and has Va medications still sent to his home. As the neighbor watching this (and the wife of a veteran who works very hard even with his very painful disabilities), it makes me angry. I heard today that the neighbor is planning on moving out of the nursing home and moving his adult son, girlfriend and their child into his house with him (so he doesn’t loose the extra VA dollars monthly). In the past the neighbor told my husband and I his adult kids all had drug problems; we had seen this with at least 2 (they were taking the VA medications that came to the house), and the 1 that is to move in is young (30ish) but doesn’t work since he hurt himself lifting 3 lbs of meat when he was a truck driver. (yes, I said 3, not 13, not 30, not 300, just THREE pounds of meat, and he got $17,000 for being hurt). Please veterans and common sense folks, tell me, am I just being petty or not? I am very concerned with the whole situation. I see the actions as a scam and waste of tax dollars.
Rose, it is very disturbing to see so many cheating veterans out there who have let themselves go and jumped on the free money wagon. Unfortunately, no one will listen to the first hand witnesses out here like you and I. Our observations are minimized and although we are educated concerned citizens we are reduced to jealous snitches if we dare say anything. I have seen dozens of my co workers who fit the profile of the veteran you mentioned. We need to do something fast! Our nation is beyond broke and even military retirement, gov employees and disability checks may not go out next month. Of course I am smart enough to realize that media tag line is designed to scare people of both parties but It is a fact that we are broke and a good chunk of the federal budget is paid out in disability every month. I know my comments will have no real effect but as a retired veteran myself I will continue to go to work for as long as I can and be dam thankful for the generous retirement benefit I get without having to lie about some disability.
I served 14 years Army SOF I was blow up returning from a mission in Northern Iraq Al Salyminia area. I was in the turret when the vehicle rolled from the blast while travelling at around 55 mph. I woke up looking at the truck laying 3 inches from my chest supported by what was left of my .50 cal and mount. I could not move my legs but I knew I had to get out from under this humvee before it falls. I pulled my way out with my hands on conctrete that was arouund 150 degrees and passed out again. I woke up as they were loading me on the blackhawk and was carried to csh 31 in balad then on to landstuhl germany. In landstuhl they said you have nothing wrong with your neck or back then sent me back to iraq i was back with my unit in kirkuk within 3 days of leaving germany. I have had back problems and headaches so bad I can hardly remember my name daily ever since. I sleep maybe 3 hours a nite if I am lucky.
The VA has denied my claim 6 times in the last 6 years. Their excuses range from they have no record of my service to everything they ask for I send them from written statements from witnesses to my dd 214 is not evidence of my service in Iraq.
These comments I see on your site as I was hoping to find someone to talk to about my problems and maybe recieve some advice are insulting.
Gary,
It is upsetting to hear what you have suffered. What’s more upsetting is how the VA has responded to your needs.
What angers most of those who have left comments are the fraudulent claimants who drain the VA funds and prevent those who truly need it from getting it.
My own father had concerns on how the VA treated Vets. At one time if you lived on the west coast and your claim was denied, you would have to travel to the east coast for a review. My father was instrumental in changing that VA practice. He didn’t do it alone; he worked with his senator, which is something that you should consider.
If you decide that a lawyer would be the best bet, then be sure to work with one who has handled your type of case before. Ask to talk with at least three previous clients and verify that their case was handled satisfactorily.
You’ve done your part, let’s see the VA do theirs.
Gary, good lord my brother you are a hero and have my blessings. I served 25 years PSYOP and know the true value of you SOF guys in the field. I am sorry if our brutal postings offend a true warrior like you. Like Richard B above says some of us on this site express outrage over those cheating veterans who stand in the way of a true warrior’s honest claim. Understand that you have the support of most of us in here and its guys like you who make me feel guilty for filing a simple claim for my feet after 25 years of the SOF ruck qualifications. And a bunch of PT at Fort Bragg. Good luck to you and keep on fighting
GARY….. Do not let the comments here discourage you!!!!! Contact D.A.V. Disabled American Veterans. They will help you. It takes much longer than it should to get the V.A. to process your claim but it IS worth waiting for. The D.A.V. will help a lot in speeding up your claim. This site has done more harm than good for deserving Veterans. It is mostly x-wives and nosy neighbors venting their venom here. It is NOT here to help you. Good Luck and remember …NEVER GIVE UP.
Jerry,
Don’t see why Gary should be discouraged EXCEPT that the VA has denied his claim six times in as many years! The point is that fraudsters drain the system and make it that much more difficult for Vets, like Gary, from getting the support they deserve. Let’s pray that the DAV is able to help him…and swiftly.
Curt, you were/are SOF and you shouldn’t feel any guilt at all. I have seen guys file and get 70 percent for screwing up their knee playing basketball and a girl who messed up her neck lifting weights draw 100 percent.
BTW, Had a guy in our unit get a stress fracture in his leg during one of our SOF certs from the near 80 lb. weight of the ruck and the conctrete he was walking on. At least you were traning / testing and not doing something in your free time that got you injured.
And I am no hero. All the ones I know are dead.
Take care guys.
A very good friend of mine just got rated 100% last week; wow, I am happy for him but I once again wonder what %100 percent really means. This guy is a truly good man. He helps kids in the community and would give me the shirt off his back if I asked for it. But 100%? I mean he works full time and has no obvious injuries. Notice I said obvious. This guy was shot twice in Iraq, hell I was in Baghdad and took the causality report; I have no idea what he must dream about at night. This only strengthens my resolve to fight the thousands of lying cheating, lazy veterans out there who are looking for a hand out. Get your lazy ass out of line and let the true warriors in. Your sleep apnea and diabetes was NOT caused by the MREs you ate back in Germany, check that gut!
I am not exactly sure how I got to this page as I was just researching VA fraud for a friend, and I am not exactly sure I am supposed to post here, so kindly disregard if I am in the wrong place. But everything happens for a reason and I am hoping that reason is that maybe someone can help me. My friend’s ex wife is a real piece of work. She served in the military and did actually hurt her back. Had a couple surgeries and pins put in, got a medical discharge with 100% disability. She lived across the street from us for 7 years married to our friend. I did not know at the time she was VA disabled as we did not like each other so she did not let her husband socialize with us unless she needed something done. (my husband is a jack of all trades as well as retired Air Force with 23 year in) Anyways during this time I would see her lift 50 pound bags of manure off of a flat bed, cinder clocks in both hands, jump down from that same flat bed, lift a motorcycle front to the back end of a pick up truck, and the list goes on and on. It was only after she divorced her husband and moved away that I learned she was a 100% disabled veteran and to this day still draws that money along with all the benefits and alimony and child support. Now my friend wants to challenge the courts rulings against custody and wants to use the fraud against her but is just not sure how to go about it since they live in different states. Does anyone have any ideas? I appreciate any help in this matter.
Good luck challenging any of these thieving crooks or their unlimited access to our dying nations coffers. Did you know our nation’s wars now have three brave warriors that have survived quadruple amputations? Three young men living at Walter Reed learning to live with artificial legs and arms! These brave souls only get 100% disability but still the stories come in about the huge click of morons out there who have nothing more than age related ailments and they are convinced to the point of fighting that they deserve thousands of dollars more above the already generous retirement check. I have called to report people before and have been called a snitch by the VA guy right on the phone! When I called back to complain I was told I must be jealous, if they only knew the things I have seen. Oh well good luck in reporting that worthless tool. Once again, it’s amazing how professionals who wouldn’t have dreamed of even adding mileage charges to a travel voucher while on active duty are now capable of saying and doing anything to steel from our government.
So here is my story. My ex was overheard years ago talking to his father about “getting out of the Navy” and claiming that his hearing loss and back pain was a valid claim for VA benefits. Now he climbs mountains, sits for hours doing customer support, takes planes rides across the country, but clearly his hearing loss and back issues are not a problem. He gets $820 a month in VA benefits and has for years. How can someone make all these claims and no one checks up to see if they are valid? He served in the Navy and never went to combat. In fact he never served anywhere but on a ship doing sea trails in Virginia. Of course he can lift things and move around but can claim he is disabled. Scam. On the other hand, my brother was in the Army. Served at least 2 times in Bosnia. Saw horrible things happen there and does not receive any benefits. Got his nursing degree and works hard to support his family. My ex will do anything to do the least possible amount of work and support. He should lose his benefits. I know if he does I will receive less child support, but it is not about the money. It is about honesty and doing right by others. There are men and women who have served our country in COMBAT and do not claim or get benefits, but someone who just wants to skate by in life does. This system is so broken. People need to stand up for those TRULY in need and turn in those who are scamming us taxpayers.
To the women trying to get child support from the accused frauds recieving disability, u opened your legs and that child is your responsibility also. Be independent and take care of your own becuz going after him for child support makes u just like him, a fraud! Most women spend that child support on everything but that child and thats a fraud. To those who served and recieve VETERANS disability and have no combat experience, your free ride is gonna b up when the u.s. Goes broke and its gonna effect veterans like myself who have traumatic brain injury and ptsd and actually has seen combat..i dont care bcuz I feel like there are VETS that deserve it more than me. To those that think ptsd is a joke, go do a couple tours and come back. If u have, then it wont be long b4 the people closest to u give u a wake up call and tell u that u arent the same person. B4 I knew it I was on depricote zoloft and other meds to make me sleep and act like what u people call normal.. So b4 u say someone is faking watch there behavior and make sure they didnt actually partake in combat. I do not side with jealous overworked civilians or lazy baby mommas. I do not side with so called vets that never served in combat. I pray that they take benefits from those who have not served in combat. Please va look at these guys dd214..
Wow, I read through a lot of these posts and I failed to notice any Ph.D’s or M.D.’s, etc. But it does seem that you’re all qualified to say that you are mad because someone is getting something for nothing. As a disabled veteran who worked for the Veterans Administration I can tell you that there are many steps in the process of getting disability approved. You, who look at it from the outside, don’t have a dam clue. I am not saying that fraud isn’t possible, I am saying that I could make a very safe assumption that not one of you jackasses has the credentials to back up your bullshit. If you believe there is fraud, call the hotline. Complain, the organization will look into it. But most of you people piss me off. You piss me off because your clueless and you wine because you think someone is getting something you are not. There are many days I wish to God that I never served in the military. I wish that some foreign bastard would come and do things to you and your families that your worst nightmare couldn’t compare to. Many of you bitch without understanding that because of a pre-existing health condition caused by military service might entitle a veteran to other support. You ever try getting a healthcare plan when you have a pre-existing condition. How about getting life insurance for the protection of your children when you have pre-existing health conditions. You bastards never consider these things. I hate you, I hate you with all of my heart. You are worse than the few veterans who might slip through a system that is difficult to navigate at best. You read an artical or talk to someone but the reality is you don’t have a dam clue. Worry about your own sorry lives or take the time to actually get an education on the topic. No, watching 60 minutes doesn’t count. No, talking to someone who knows someone doesn’t count. Being a pissed off ex-wife trying to take something you never earned doesn’t count. I did not read one post that indicated the individual was qualifed to make an educated comment on this issue. Piss-Off!
Claire…Something must of happen to Curt. Normally he would be here within hours telling us how right you are.
I think you are a chump and your x should get custody of his children.
As far as I know the courts don’t count VA disability as income. Therefore you wont lose a penny in child support. The sad part is you know this and that is why you want his compensation ended.
Get a job! Leave this man alone. He divorced you, get over it.
I myself am a Vet and served 12 Years in the military. My one neighbor has a Purple Heart for almost getting his face blown off and is still active duty. He has metal still in his face and is currently on his 3rd deployment to Iraq. BUT on the other hand this POS that lives one the other side of him has a Purple Heart for getting a head ache. I was deployed 6 times 3 to Iraq 3 to other remote place as transportation so I understand what IED’s feel like. The POS was in a Bradley took a IED and “CLAIMED” he got a TBI. But the bradley never through track and he drove it 20miles back to post. He spent 5 months in combat and was in less than two years before he started his med board process. HE OPENLY TELLS US HOW HE WANTED OUT BECAUSE HIS WIFE WHO WAS ARMY GOT PREGNANT IN IRAQ ODDLY ENOUGH NOT ON THE SAME BASE AS HER POS MAN AND DIDNT WANT TO LEAVE HIS KID TO GO TO WAR. He has listened to myself and my buddy with the real Purple Heart and stole our issues and symptoms and went and cried to the VA about them so he could get 100% but it does get better his wife and 2 kids get Social Security FOR SURVIVER BENEFITS. Plus he gets Social Security also because he is “disabled” His wife just filed her VA claim for her hips that only bother her because he is knocked up again but she thinks the VA should pay her for it. It does sadden because I do know people that have lost life and limb in Iraq and in some other place we have gone over the years and this POS is just riding the system because he doesn’t feel he should have to work and doesn’t want to leave his kids. OH HIS MOM IS 100% ALSO SO I AM SURE SHE DID HELP GUIDE HIM TO HIS NEW JOB OF SCREWING THE GOVERNMENT OVER. I am not writing this because I am pissed off because he is 100% I do have a very high rating myself but I do feel i at least earned mine with 6 deployments over the years. My wife and I do feel very fortunate to get the rating that I did get BUT we also give a decent part of our money to help with Veteran food banks and out reach programs to help the ones that need help and there family’s.
Why does the VA allow a nurse to use a combat veterans disabilities against him to alienate his children from him? I reported this to the VA and nothing ever got done. It’s as if they could care less about the abuse that has been heaped on me. I am not a hardened crmiminal, and matter of fact have never had a run in with the law. Every problem we ever had before our divorce and after was taken to the Department of Family Services and I was exonerated of any wrong doing. This is abuse of my children and this woman being a nurse should know that it is. I turned her into the nursing board and they said there was not enough proof which was just a cop out so they didn’t have to do anything to her. She should have been admonished and even fired, but the chose to do nothing. Even hardened criminals get to see their children but not an honorabley dischrged, Purple Heart veteran, who knows that his kids loved him. This is abuse to me and to my kids and she gets away with it. Why did they ever abolish the “Alienation of Affection Law”? At least I would have had some recourse. I am very angry at the VA for their do nothing attitude about this.
GREAT NEWS!!
For those of you that have missed my rants I am happy to report that I have moved from the south to the north and although I have the same job working mainly with veterans. There is a huge difference in these veterans’ attitudes. They are not on a daily quest to get that magic 100% disability rating. They actually concentrate on the health they have and don’t try and blame every age related ache and pain on the Military. I will not be visiting this site much more but do realize the sleuths and slobs that slime in and around the VA looking for hand-outs. These cheating liars are standing in the way of our honest warriors.
By the Way Jerry, I am quite well, just started a new job and will begin graduate studies in Jan (thank you post 911) so I am trying to get into a better state of mind. All the time spent wasted worrying about disgraceful, lying, cheating veterans is a waste of time. I have always stayed out of arguments that base their rants on domestic situations. There is a lack of critical thinking in most of these cases and a platform such as Jerry Springer would be more appropriate for some of these people. In regards to there being a lack of PHDs commenting on this site I can only say that during my time spent in the Army (see haters, I did not mention 25 years!!) I don’t remember any serving within the fighting ranks so they would have very little firsthand information to add. You all are now free to continue Good day!
Curt, I’m with Ron on this. Piss-Off
,Jerry, perhaps you were unable to read between my lines, I could care less who you are with. I was entwining your name in rhetorical flourishes in order to piss you off. Good day Jerk
Curt, please keep posting here. When I said piss-off I didn’t mean leave. Even though you are a nut job and will never be squared away you ARE entertaining. I look forward to your misguided thoughts. The professors have a ready made sponge to collect their anti-American vile. I like to read your rants with my morning coffee. The longer the rant the better. One or two a day would be nice. Eventually you could put them all in a book.
Best Regards
Jerry
OK one more time for the peanut gallery. I am not a young liberal college puke. I am an educated thinking conservative veteran who has seen firsthand through my job the overwhelming number of cheating veterans using their age related illnesses to milk the VA out of benefits. I did my time honorably. I am a Sergeant Morales member former Drill Instructor and veteran of Iraq. I have worked the hard jobs and go out of my way to shake every veteran hand I see. This site has turned into a bunch of cry-baby’s talking about ex wives and shabby neighbors. That’s all. Many of my friends have said I should write a book also, Thanks for your advice.
Ok fine.. from now on i will be grading your post on… 1) originality ( you have to stop repeating yourself over and over and over and….) 2) unintended humor, 3) pithiness ( get to the point )
Just like in a lot of public schools 50% or better is passing.
Your last post I have to give you
D-
1) Blowing smoke up your own ass
2) You have no friends
3) refer to 1)
Jerry, in an attempt to understand you I read up a little and in your 30 July chat with Gary you seemed to think this sites purpose is to help veterans find help. If that was the case I can understand why you would resent anyone making comments against the documented 69% of cheating malingering veterans who’s whining aching crybaby pussy ass claims slow up the claims of the thousands of honestly wounded warriors; blinded, burnt, amputated and psychologically wounded from service to our country. I only have a problem with you because this particular site is tabbed for users who want to report VA abuse. Why would somebody looking for help even be here?
Curt – I spent 11 years on AD. 16 in the Reserves. In my civilian job, I’ve worked with thousands of retiring and transitioning service men and women. YOU ARE RIGHT. The VA’s disability system is TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL.
In the 1990s, the VA started PRESSURING separating personnel to apply for disabilities. The VA now cuts checks JUST FOR DISABILITY that total $61B each year!!!!! And you’re right . . . MOST OF IT IS GOING TO VETS WHO ARE IN NO WAY DISABLED. Guys getting PTSD for playing the trombone. Gals who are competitive runners getting it for their knees. “Incurable” sleep apnea. The LIST IS ENDLESS.
I’ve written congressman. General Shinseki. Letters to Army/Navy Times. Nothing is working. It’s intensely frustrating because we’re turning able-bodied men and women into dependent welfare queens, pissing away tens of billions of dollars, while wounded warriors don’t get the care they need. And our country is broke! HOW DID WE GET HERE???
PLEASE DON’T LOSE THE FIRE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. And when you figure out how to fix this, please let me know. YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR OUTRAGE.
I want to start by saying that I have never served a day in the military. My family has a long line of army veterans and I have many friends who have or are serving in various branches. I have no apologies to anyone for writing and I have nothing but the utmost respect for our men and women who are serving and who have served. While I agree that most men and women who have earned a disability from the VA are honest people who have sacrificed a lot to this country, I understand the people here who want the obvious fraud rooted out. Those of you who have legitimate claims should have no worries, those who have filed fraudulent claims should.
I too have seen first hand a man who worked for the VA as a counselor get himself a 100 % disability based on his, proven to be dishonest wife’s, sworn statements of his “seizures”. This man never saw a day of combat in Vietnam and was always a desk jockey. He has committed fraud in other areas of his life as well but I won’t bore you with the details. I plan to file with the hotline as soon as the time is right and I have all of the “ducks in a row”. I think what Curt is saying is that we do need to get at the true fraud without touching truly disabled vet benefits. I don’t agree with the statement I would rather see a small group get fraudulent benefits so that the one’s who truly need it get it. To me that is just code for “keep fraud alive and well in the VA”. As a taxpayer I am appalled at the attitudes/tolerance of Americans towards fraud. At all levels of government or sociey it has NO PLACE and should not be tolerated. We are all paying for these freeloaders. Queue the zealots.
I was married to a man who suffered since the day that I met him from emotional problems from his childhood. As a young lad his brother brother in law always hit in the head with his college ring, his parents told him that if he did not eat every three hours he would die, if he went out in the sun he would get a stroke he was a real mess. He idolized his uncle who was able to get 100% disabled and live in Las Vegas. My x husband served in the Navy in around 1972 I did not know him then and was never in the actual war. After the service he managed to claim a 30 percent disability for anxiety. He later took a position as a Veterans Counselor in Long Island and when we were to get divorced he decided he did not want to work anymore. His retirement was also up from the State. Miraculously he was able to get a 100% percent Veterans Disabily for PTSD for never going to war. He knew the sysem. He now gets retirement pay, 100% disability pay for PTSD, pension and social security. I work two jobs and he does not even want to finish paying his last year of child support. The deceit is awful and we pay for this. These people must be stopped. He claims he got nervous during the service….DOnt most men get nervous in the service or home sick a little. He knew how to play. He is now helping his girlfriend, connect her husband’s cancer to being in the airforce under enviornmental hazard. Please there has to be more
investigations on these people. It is sad…
PLEASE CONTACT ME TO STOP THIS PERSON FROM CONTINUING TO RECEIVE SUCH HUGE AMOUNTS OF FRAUDULENT MONIES AND YET HE WORKS INSIDE A HOME UNDER AKA NAMES. IT IS A SHAME.
I came onto this site to see how to report fraudulant disability claims, but all I can see is what the VA “DOESN’T’ want to know. I think some of the things are quite relevant and should be investigated because there are veterans taking advantage of our government and country. I lived with one for 9 months that claimed to have been a wounded veteran of Desert Storm, shot twice from the top of a tank – once in the shoulder and once in the knee. He was honored at a Veteran’s Rodeo where they told his sad story and I about puked as I watched him limp pathetically out into the arena in front of hundreds of teary-eyed, clapping Americans. Little did these people know that yes, he did sustain injuries to his shoulder and knee – one in a bar stabbing and the other playing beach volleyball. Little did these people know that this honored Veteran has done jail time for theft, embezzlement, fraud, 3 DUIs, and has been in and out of drug rehabs for his methamphetamine and presciption drug use. Little did these people know that he has left a path of destruction wherever he has lived and ruined entire families’ lives (he[s been married 5 times) with his deception. He claims to be recieving disability for a debilitating back injury. I have been an RN for 18 years and have taken this man to countless VA appointments and not once has any MRI, CT, MD, or Chiropracter ever stated that this man’s condition is a disability. He has a bulging disk. Yet from the “show” he puts on in the public, every one believes him to be a cripple. I have had major back surgery and yet I work 130 hours a pay period and was supporting this man while he camped out on my couch for 9 months because had refused to work and couldn’t find work because he’s been fired from every job for he’s held for committing illegal activities since leaving the military. In this weeks newspaper there is a picture and article of him chasing down a 300 pound animal and tackling it in a rodeo. He rides horses, team ropes, team pens, loads heavy bales of hay, referees football and basketball games – and our government is paying him to do it! I have a 20 year old son that has never been in trouble a day in his life, has 2 years of college under his belt, and he can’t find a job. But yet, this man has money for his expensive hobbies because of his “disability”. It makes me sick and ashamed.
Hello all, just checking in to say it has been a relief to see a more honorable group of veterans here in the north. I still work exclusively with retirees but I haven’t met one yet who is obsessed with climbing the disability ladder (un-deservingly) I know many of you thought (think) I was nuts with my former posts but imagine my horror as after serving 25 years with honest warriors I retire and begin my second career working with veterans who focused their every activity on getting a higher disability rating. I have personally seen a CSM who held a job as an educator but on VA appointment day he would not shave, he put on dirty grey sweat pants with a coffee stain in the crotch looking like urine. He would go to the VA and act crazy. He got his 100% in 2008. I know three other senior NCOs who kept leg braces and orthopedic shoes in the closet at work and they would strap them on before going to their appointment. Well it appears that is all behind me now, I go to work with a huge smile every day and I can once again enjoy the company of fellow retired warriors who are (like me) living an honest life thrilled to have served our country and getting a retirement check. I do have a claim in for my feet and I only want to get the VA to supply my orthotics for my insoles. I assure you as long as I can still walk I would cancel that claim if I thought it stood in the way of a amputee, PTSD, burn or other tragically injured warrior. I will check this site from time to time to see how you all are doing but I am at peace with my environment here in the north.
I’ve got to stop reading this thread. All this lambasting has shamed me into guilt for applying for V.A. benefits after my discharge from the Navy. I recently received my rating – but I’m feeling racked with guilt, verging on suicidal thoughts. We are 15 trillion dollars in debt and I hate to feel that I am a part of this debt ballon that is imperiling the country that I love so dearly. I want to do my part, but every time I receive my monthly pension payment, I am wrecked, thinking that a full 1/3rd of it is based on debt. I wish I didn’t have to carry this burden.
@Matthew,
You’re missing the point. The rage you’re referring to is against fraudulent claims. What upsets people is that the fraudulent claims reduce the amount of money available to those Vets who have valiantly defended United States and need additional help.
No one can be diagnosed by just looking at them, but when they’ve put in for disability because of an injured back, then observed carrying heavy industrial equipment, you’ve got to wonder how honest they’ve been.
The number of Vets who experience dark thoughts disturbs those of us who support our troops. We want you to get the help you need. Most of all we want programs that help you to be well funded–which means eliminating fraud whenever possible.
You’ve given a lot to this country and you are owed a debt. Please do not hesitate seeking help.
As for the national debt. Thomas Jefferson realized that with human nature the way it is that there would be times in America’s future when the people would need to rise up–and in is many words–throw the bums out of office.
You’ve changed things on foreign soil. It’s a good time to help elect those you feel will make the right choices for us now.
hey i am a 100 disabled active duty army infantryman, and i was injured in iraq and afgahnistan before they forced me out of the service.
as for all these fraud claims, i can say i see them daily. my wifes exhusband is collecting 100, never seen combat, and has 100%ptsd.. he doesnt pay for the kids he has, he works under the table. i was fed up with this, and i went looking for help. i found it at the DAV, they took my claim and they are using their rescources to pull his packet and are looking into it. granted i cant see if they are able to get him or not due to hippa rules, but i do know they are prosecuting it.
THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO IS REPORT…IF ENOUGH REPORTS ARE SENT THROUGH THE VA,THE DAV, AND VFW, THEY WILL GET LOOKED AT.
It’s amazing how many people are down right JEAOUS of others who are receiving disability!
I mean, come on, I am not disabled…. Nor would I want to even pretend to be… Living life on a pathetic 25k a year, even tax free is seriously pathetic!
If you folks are jealous or “overly concerned about” someone living the good life on disability, you must not have worked hard enough as an adult to secure your own fortunes and are crying over your own lack of successes.
I also love the “I was in combat” argument to prove that you are more deserving of disability than the other guy…. But the fact is, that 95% of that severe “combat” was in some REMF Club med with TV, phones, cotton candy and chick,s giving it up for free. So don’t even pull the “I was in combat card” It’s as big of a JOKE as the people scamming disability…. Instead of scamming disability, you are scamming then infantry grunts experiences as your own. So stop faking your “COMBAT” and maybe those scammers on VA disability will stop
scamming the system?
Oh well, a pathetic lot are the VA scammers and the Combat REMFS. Both just as bad IMO.
Grow up and get your own wealth and stop worring about your coworkers and brother in laws who weren’t Air force “combat” lol, veterans.
Jason,
Thank you for your honorable service. We are both blessed to have served such a great nation and I am so thankful to have made so many friends during my career and to receive a generous retirement check and health insurance at a fraction of the cost my civilian counterparts pay.
This disability scheme is so wide spread that it has become a norm for many retirees and other vets. It starts with the out processing briefing usually given by a local VA rep. He or she passes out the claim form right there then goes into a passionate plea for everyone to put in a claim before we leave the building. I remember my briefing at Fort Polk, the guy actually told us to claim hang nails, hemorrhoids and changes in our eyesight! He told us the money had already been set aside and was ours for the asking. We all know what happens after that, normally honest servicemen and women begin networking and exchanging particulars on what type of claims to file for the greatest pay offs. The letters start coming on claim statues and these vets bring them to work and brag about their climb up the rating ladder. When someone in the circle gets to 100% the office phones start ringing and text messages are sent throughout the city Yea! It’s a celebration!!
OK sorry if you don’t like the preceding monolog. It is the unfortunate truth for the majority of the claims submitted to the VA. The silent minority and their families suffer in private. The brave warriors returning from battle with horrible injuries both physical and emotional have to wait in a queue fighting their way through a maze of paperwork and scattered appointments.
This abuse is shameful! The irony of this whole mess is that the senior Noncommissioned officers and Officers who will not hesitate to outright LIE about their physical status in retirement would have prosecuted anyone who even thought of cheating on active duty. We need a stimulus to fund a wide scale investigation and bring all these frauds down. Retirees can still receive UCMJ punishment. Shame on all of you.
I know this one guy named Mr. (Ms) Gifted, who sat at home in and gladly watched others enlist in the military and fight while his country was at war. He always liked to talk about how his dad was in that one war, and grandpa was in another one, so he knew what it was all about and he’d be a complete idiot to enlist! Instead he was so smart and gifted that he enrolled in public college where he majored in self promotion, drinking himself stupid, partying and breaking things while the taxpayers paid 50% of his tuition and the government subsidized and PAID his ENTIRE $ 30K loan interest while he sat in school. (His 1st $35k government free money jackpot!!!)
Then he got married ato his wife (who also won a $35K college tuition jackpot) and they had relations and had 4 kids and he and his wife, gladly claimed tax credits for THEIR KIDS, worth $4K dollars a year times 18 yrs… (That’s a 72K lotto jackpot!) They dam well were entitled to it
By the time his kids entered college (at the 50% subsidized rate), he started to realize that those losers that joined the military were now claiming that they had And when they returned home 20 yrs later this same guy began noticing that these lower class folks were receiving VA disability checks and were trying to enjoy their life..
That was enough to send Mr. Gifted into an uproar. With no medical knowledge, he began to recognize what’s wrong with the VA disability system. He declared himself smart enough to comment on the VA disabilities, afterall, his dad had been in the Navy.
He confided in several of his freinds who, very much like him, never served either and who were having massive financial problems due to overspending and poor impulse control.
Together, they recreated these veterans entire military careers and just knew their disabilities and knew that they were faking it, because these people were trying to enjoy their life!
They saw someone on TV with a disability and they couldn’t do anything and hated their lives and just wanted to die./
Then they heard about this thing called PTSD. Yes, they knew all about trauma, they experienced it first hand when they didn’t get that raise at work. They then made up their own criterion for what real trauma was, based on what they saw on TV.
It was OK for them to take 100K from the government and other taxpayers, but in their own minds, they never received a single penny and it wasnt fair those vets were malingering! Afterall, their dad was in the navy and they would have joined if there was a real war going on… So they know all about it.
What a bunch of losers to be honest. I bet the ones who complain the loudest are the ones who have received the most breaks themselves on the governments teats. They just don’t think anyone else should get something they don’t get.
Well, arm chair warriors with them big balls, you could have enlisted too, but it wasn’t worth your time, maybe you were too scared or whatever. Continue to live your pretend military life through your dads Navy service… I mean, that’s about as close to defending one’s country as it comes!!!!!
But in the mean time, maybe you could put your mouth where your money is and pay back that $200K+ of free money you received from the government all for getting drunk at college, having kids, talking about your dad being in the navy, while talking crap about other peoples actual service. BTW, I don’t have any kids, maybe you could pay your own kids K-12 tuition, as a taxpayer, I don’t want to pay it. That’s another 100k jackpot x’s 4 kids…. $400k more than I got with no kids….
So, in essence, it’s not the Vets who are driving the country broke, it’s really the mooches in the middle class america who never served anything but themselves and their own needs.
BTW
You NONVETERAN patriots who are bashing disabled vets, It’s the middle class entitlements and such that are ruining the country, not disabled vets scamming the system. Look at yourself first for G-ds sake. You and your nobody family are probably sucking at least half a million from the country as a whole. You get your share of scam money too, don’t be jealous… And you get it for doing absolutely nothing more than being utterly useless with a big mouth you would never be able to back up… And when you were given the chance to back up that big mouth, you tucked tail and let others take your place.
There are tons of scams available for the savvy middle class nobody who never served.
So don’t even start trying to evaluate the abuse and fraud in the VA system when you aren’t a veteran. As I said before, you are a nobody who accomplished,,,,,, NOTHING.
And your tax burden is really nothing if you are not in the top 5% of earners in this country, so you can shut up about that right away.
If you are in the top 5% of wage earners, then you should be thankful to those who took your place and protects you against the hundreds of millions of Hajjis/Chinks and psychopaths around the world that would literally kill you and your family if it weren’t for braver men literally standing in their way taking the bullets for you and your family.
It really angers me to read how you worthless trash talk about and feel about VA disability. I’d almost gladly toss your worthless families to Hajji after reading these posts, why should I bother to fill in for your cowardly azzez?
@Richard,
This is not about who is driving America broke. Rather it is about making certain that those who have served this country honorably and are now disabled are taken care of respectfully.
Every dollar siphoned off by fraudulent claims is one less dollar available to a Vet who has earned it by putting their well-being on the line.
I just wish that those who have a fraudulent claim would develop a conscience and conduct themselves as honorably as the day they took the oath to serve this country and realize that other Vets suffer because of their actions.
And I have been called the nut on this site, Richard WTF? Come on dude. Try writing what you want to say on a word doc then holding it for awhile, re-read it and if it still makes sense to you then go see a shrink. Are you a veteran? I am not sure. I don’t think this site is for you.
Everyone on break for the holidays. Good time to swap disability schemes at those Christmas parties.
I am just curious to see what everyone thinks about a vet I know that I feel deserves every bit of his benefits and education reimbursement but is also doing something fraudulent by collecting reimbursement from their company and from the VA for college tuition. I call this “double dipping” but their response was basically that they are owed this money for putting their life on the line for our country. I can understand where they are coming from, but again, this is another example of money that should be going to other maybe more deserving vets.
Interesting point, Curious George. Companies who reimburse employees do so to attract good people and to retain them; as well as to improve an employee’s skills. The college tuition program for Vets is a fulfillment on a promise made before the Vet entered the service.
Because a company is under no legal obligation to provide their education reimbursement program it is difficult to see it as double dipping.
The bigger issue for me is the burden that student loans put on young people. I personally know several college graduates who decades after receiving their diploma are still burdened by their student loans. Anything that prevents the involuntary servitude to financial institutions is a blessing.
Another friend from the past called me the other night. I was in Kroger with my wife picking up a few things and spent the trip with my ear to my phone. He was so happy that he had just been awarded 75% disability for being unemployable. I had been stationed with this guy back in the 80s and we did a pretty good job of tearing the town up with our partying. Well he only did six years than got out and from what I can figure out has had a tough life since, a couple of wives and a drinking problem has never allowed himself to get a foothold on life. He went to the VA and they convinced him that all his problems were caused by his service. I am not a doctor, I don’t know but I have seen so much of this and it all seems to have the same gist; a VA rep convinces a veteran that his or her every problem is caused from the service. I just don’t see it, 25 years and I made it, my family taught me that my success would be earned by ME and any problems were mine to overcome. God bless the truly wounded warriors but where is this all going to end?
Thanks for the reply Richard. I definitely agree that college tuition has gotten way out of hand. I also applaud anyone who can work full time, have a family, and take classes part time to better themselves. You make an excellent point that tuition reimbursement by an employer is not a requirement, but I highly doubt that they would see an employee getting reimbursed twice as fair on their side. On the other hand, I also agree with companies needing to have higher reimbursement funds for their employees to give incentive for people to try to improve their work. Finally, in my last post, I forgot to say Thank You to all of you who have served to defend our freedom and may God bless those who have lost their lives and keep them in heavenly peace.
Yeah…don’t agree with anything said on entitlements to VA because that is what it is. Just like civilians have entitlements with SS so do VA’s but compounded.
I would/could only agree to entitlements and benefits and pay being increased temporary during war time and those on the front line or in harms way. During peace time, not a chance.
I completely understand it’s voluntary, absolutely, but so are the people that work in the civilian world. Some actually join into the military because that is their only option to make any money. Some go into the civilian world because they can’t make it into the military for the reasons of serving.
The people in the civilian world construct a lot of the equipment that the military uses to do their jobs and protect them. The military obviously doesn’t do it themselves. They can’t.
One can obviously counteract everything that is said because it fails to mention the fact that the solders and all get free health care, their families get cheap health care if not free, they get paid for being someplace or housing if even not war time, they get discounts like 10% off at so many civilian places and pretty much for the rest of their lives, they get a pension or retirement only after 20 years, VA benefits, the don’t lose their jobs, get college tuition paid for, etc, etc. Civilians don’t get any of that or if they do like pensions, it is quickly diminishing but yet the governments does not. In some cases civilians have to travel for their jobs and reside in a different state or country too.
The civilian people support them as well through the work they do and the monies (through taxes) they provide. Those sacrificies aren’t mentioned. It is mentioned so many times that the types of sacrifices civilians go through to be able to support them (the military) and their families as well as their own.
People really need to sit back and do a peace time, apples to apples comparison and total cost of employment and service. Not every civilian is on welfare or medicaid (those entitlements) which I think need a complete overhaul because it’s ridiculous. Medicare…well I hate to say it but truth be told…we will ALL get old. 2 facts of life: everyone will die and everyone will pay taxes.
One can say that civilians are the ones that voted people into office and that the people they voted in approved wars and all the other issues. Guess what though…the military people were a part of that as well they share in the democratic nature so they share in the pain.
I’m with most that say that the entitlements and benefits of VA should be provided without question to those deserving! I know my father who is retired military and 100% disabled is truly 100% disabled as a result of time in the military and Vietnam. I know one person who is going to get disablility for the rest of their lives (and they are young) and back pay for it for several years. He was discharged for asthma. He never even completed boot-camp or just completed it. He never went to war even though everybody else did or Iraq and so on. He got his house on a VA and now likely to get disability? Is that deserving? I think not; I think it’s a fraud.
I think our government is all jacked up. As mentioned the civilians and military pay taxes which go to supporting the military and all their needs to support and defend our great country (or the hopes of it getting back to greatness). They are involved so much and much more than people tend to think. Granted the soldiers, some, put themselves in harms way and I bless them for that. But you know, police and firemen on the civilian side do as well. They don’t get that. Civilians support the military personel in many ways. People take it for granted. They wouldn’t have some of the protection, travel means, technology use as they do today. But military pays taxes too so they should be concerned about the fraud and abuse just as the civilian’s.
In a nut-shell, I completely agree with entitlements like VA and other benefits during war time and those on the front-lines and in harms-way. Outside of that during peace time, I don’t see them any differently than the person on the other side of the sidewalk. A lot has changed from what the sacrifices of war were many years ago. They might have to drop everything to get shipped someplace for war but what they say to the military and reality are 2 different things from the soldiers I am good friends with.
Everybody is in this together and the comparison needs to be fair and reasonable and acknowledged. If we don’t then there won’t be a great country to defend or even work in.
Curt…… as we speak Veterans are filling out forms for disability. We must stop this insanity. We need to form a group like the Nazi SS and weed out these terrible, terrible leaches. Just like you, i cannot sleep while this is going on and just like you , (your post on Dec. 11) every waking hour during the Christmas holidays i knew that these scum bags were swapping notes so that after January 1 st they would swamp the V.A. with bogus claims. GOD help us all.
Jerry Yes your right! The Nazi SS of course! I will contact my local uniform shop and see how much it would cost to have the uniforms made in bulk order! What are you, about 5’4 250? You’re a toad
Jerry, jerry, jerry: how sad it is that you sit in your moms basement typing out your foolish attack letters and you can’t even read between the lines that our country has been run into the ground by a social welfare mentality that extends into the ranks of retired military.
My ex husband too is frauding the system and I am sick of it. About 9 years ago my exes dad sent my ex a letter stating that he is getting free money by acting like serving in the military (he was in the marines for 3 month yes bootcamp time) made him crazy. He talked about how he goes to his drs appts every month and prepares himself by walking in talking to himself. My ex knew that a month after that he would be leaving for Iraq and told me that he would do the same thing once he got out which was 3 month after he would leave for Iraq. I told him that was fraud and he said he didn’t care. Well fast forward to 8 months later. We were divorced and he was able to lie and get custody of our kids. He then started his plan to get VA and SS benefits. The checks started to roll in starting with back date checks. He thought it would be funny to show me the check paystubs. The first back pay was from the VA and they dated it back to his first day in Iraq, that check was for $75,000. Yes thousand. Then he showed me the back pay check from SS and it was for $30,000. And then once again showed me 2 more checks. He was able to get SSI checks in both of my sons names cuz he is “disabled” and has custody of them and those totalled $17,000. He hasn’t had to work or do shit besides making sure he goes to his appts and therapy to make sure those checks keep coming in. So every month he gets checks from VA, SSI, and 2 checks for my kids. I can’t stand that he is gettina away with this. I plan on trying to turn him in. His ex gf wants to turn him in as well cuz she knows more about what he is doing then me. I think its just disgusting that he is getting away with this.
Every person I know on PTSD is committing fraud.
My dad is collecting over 3500k from VA for his “PTSD” and “Agent Orange” Its all fraud his back problems (from a motor cycle accident), diabetes (he has always been morbidly obese and lived a very unhealthy life style), bad dreams (what his buddies ant the American Legion told him to say), I could go on and on. He was in an airplane most of the time, and was in VN but has told me he spent his time drinking when not running camera equipment on airplane. I was with him when he went to a reunion and all of his buddies all talk about how they game the system. In my dads case it all started when he was about to get laid off and need to find a new source of income.
Guy at my work that is in his 60s just started collecting 800 a month for some hearing lose and he is trying to get more for other fake stuff.
One of my friends just started collecting, never served outside of US and was only in 2 years, but gets PTSD for herpes that he got of some chick serving on base.
There are more and it’s just ridiculous. Seems especially with baby boomers that need replacement income. How do you work your whole life and then all of a sudden claim this stuff in you retirement years. The VA needs to clean house.
To start , I am a 50 yr old Marine Corps Vet. When I was discharged back in 1983 I was not even made aware of disability compensation. It was just hey thanks for your time. Have a nice life. I have medical issues that are definately related to my time in service. Nothing that severe.
I have been employed as a Military aircraft avioncs tech sense 1992. A skill that I learned in the Military . That said, all of my co-workers are ex military and have been sense I started working there. Still I had not even heard about VA disability compensation untill about 3 years ago when an influx of young freshly discharged veterans began at my job. Sense then I have learned a thing or two about disability compensation .Or should I say disability compensation FRAUD! I don’t know what the hell they are telling these people before they get out but almost every single one of them is blatently and collectively gaming the system. PTSD MY ASS. They maintained aircraft in the service. None of them has ever really seen combat. Most have never even been close. All are full time employees. Many are getting 100% disability and the rest are close. They laugh and gloat about it. I thought this money was supposed to be there for people with proplems that keep them form being gainfully employed. These crooks have absolutely no issues keeping them from working. They really believe they are intitled to free money just because they can get away with it. Their boldness about it is unreal. They actually sit out and openly teach each other how and what to say to perpitrate their FRAUD. These people are morally deficiant and have no Conscience or commitment to any thing but their own greed.
You Serve your country just to turn around and screw it and the honest hard working tax payers. Not to mention the poor vets who have legit issues that get bogged down in the system because of all the crooks wasting the administrative resources to handle their problems. I actually tried to report them to the fraud hot line. I got shut right down, They required me to give them detailed information about the guilty individuals that only they the IRS or an identity thief should have. IT IS DISCUSTING !!! It makes me sick.
Just check their tax returns. Their income will prove they are frauds and crooks.
Bryan, you better be careful or the lazy frauds that frequent this site will try and tear your heart out. I hear you brother. The amount of fraud from these crooks is everywhere and they will fight for their supposed right to what they think is free money set aside just for them. WATCH out you sorry ass cheaters, all veterans benefits are now on the democrat’s chopping block. Vets don’t vote in as many numbers as college students and twenty something’s, and they don’t give a crap about vets. You cheating bastards did it, because of the mis-managed VA and the thousands of veteran crooks, many collecting 100% for diabetes caused by frickin MREs or whatever. Never mind the fact they have put on 60 pounds since they retired. I am tired of crying about this, read my long list of prior posts for first hand observations of cheating vets. Oh ya, Obamas on to this all now. It takes a democrat to go after the military to finance a welfare society but what do you expect with as many cheating vets as there are they are the NEW welfare society.
After years of going to VA hospitals and CBOCS i finally witnessed what appeared to be a scam in the making. My wife over heard it also. Why the door to the Service Officers room was open and everyone in the waiting room could overhear is beyond me.
The only time i am approached by another Veteran is to talk about things that are totally unrelated to the VA or my service. The closest would be if i knew where the Vet Centers are nearby.
After many years and many hours spent in the hospital or CBOC, i have come to the conclusion that just like any other government agency there is fraud. However, i would bet my life that there is less fraud in the VA system than any other.
Welfare, section 8 housing, food stamps, earned income credit, and others make VA frauds look like amateurs.
We have so much waist (including fraud) in this country that it is almost incomprehensible.
Being able to retire after 20 years in the service is coming to an end along with making retires pay more for their health care. This program was started after WW2 to keep people in and recruit new service members. Back then the pay sucked so they had to do something. The program is out dated and will soon be changed.
So Curt, you made it under the wire. If i were you i would be very thankful. Your bitterness over something (VA fraud) real or imagined is disturbing to say the least.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, zero in on ALL fraud.
I agree that this Country is in deep trouble and we need to get it handled quick or we are in for a world of hurt.
Jerry I don’t understand what wire you’re talking about. You imply that I am some cynical, bitter old man just sitting around banging out a hypercritical manifesto intended to spew hate. No I am a critical thinker with a well-developed emotional intelligence who sees the reality in all this. Yes, I agree there are certainly other areas in the social welfare systems that are under more attack then our VA. I look at the base root of that sub- culture and realize they are void of any type of values and perpetrating fraud against the government has become a norm to them. On the other hand; our nation’s veterans, the vast majority who have spent their entire life running into danger are in danger of being shamed by the growing number of fraud cases being submitted by these once honorable men and women. When this shit hits the fan (and it will), and all the fraud is exposed two things will happen immediately.
1. The nation as a whole will rebel against us
2. The politicians will then see us as acceptable targets for deep deep cuts
You see Jerry; your logic is flawed even though there is a much larger set of fraud occurring those involved in social welfare fraud are last on the list to have their benefits investigated and or cut because they are first in line to get bussed to the polls on Election Day.
Keep up the good work fellow posters. Your queries into my psyche keep me on my toes and visiting this site gives me a break from my graduate studies. Good day
I wonder how many of these people are on welfare, sucking up foodstamps, dont’ really pay taxes because they get a big refund back in a few days, or are on ssdi, or ssi? Not to mention they are supporters of the big joke of all free health care!!! Talk about wasting taxpayer’s money?
Damn, irony…..
A rather specious argument bs. What makes you think they aren’t upset about fraud across the board.
As for health care you’d better look around. The U.S. is the only modern country in the world where people go bankrupt because of medical cost. In fact it’s hovers around 80% for the reason for all bankruptcy is the U.S. You’ve been duped if you think that the U.S. has the best medicine in the world.
The only irony here is the waste of money wasted on your education.
Curt = liberal/progressive, a very rare {claims to be} previous U.S.A. military service member. He would be a great OWS participant. The only people he can BS is those with IQ below room Temperature.
I would bet that he was a military brat { where he learned the lingo] and hates most everything about the armed services.
I have read ALL of his post. Do not read them unless you need to puke.
MSNBC TROLL
DO NOT FEED HIM
Jerry is it so hard for you to believe that there just might be one honorable retired veteran out here. I assure you I completed 25 years of honorable service doing the hard jobs. I have served in Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. I have served as a Drill Sergeant and have been inducted into the Sergeant Morales Club. I am 52 years old and am a JROTC Instructor in one of the most successful programs in the country. I assure you my credentials and experience make me an expert on first had accounts of chronic abuse of the VA and that the type of fraud being committed by thousands of crooked cheating vets is far more dangerous to our country’s reputation than the millions ripping off the social welfare system.
MSNBC Troll? Bull shit! I watched in horror from the mess hall at Camp Victory Iraq as Chris Matthis night after night slamed our military and its honorable efforts in Iraq. You just cant believe that a retired vet would NOT want to rip off his country by making up bullshit illnesses. I give up my place in line at the VA for truely wounded warriors. I am in great health thanks to the military.
Oh, I believe it Curt……… YOU, are the “ONE honorable retired veteran”. It is just so sad that we don’t have more. But, at least we have you.
GET HELP
Jerry, I am confused. Am I to assume by your ad hominem attacks on me that you support veterans who purposely distort their age related illnesses; some of which, smoking and obesity are even the result of their own gross negligence? You are a very evil person, without diagnoses I would go out on the limb and say you are suffering from a very critical spirit. You must hold some deep guilt for your own shortcomings. Perhaps you are a coward and were not brave enough to have served. Then seeing all the coverage of our nation’s finest young men and women leave and go off to war triggered a guilt complex that makes you actually believe that it’s OK for up to 67 percent of VA claims to be fraudulent. It makes you shift your focus to social welfare frauds even though the second and third order effects of their fraud only hurt the American taxpayer.
My rebuttal to your rhetoric is that I have chosen to use my battle to support the truly wounded veterans who’s numbers in the tens of thousands are being threatened by the thousands of frauds among us. In order to do this I had to make a conscience decision to leave my emotions aside. The whole Idea that once honorable men and women who would have never dreamed of even adding an unauthorized expenditure to their travel voucher are now strapping on braces and putting on dirty clothing and acting crazy just for their VA appointments in hopes of getting more money. Or blaming their diabetes on some field rations (MREs) they ate sometime back in the 80s. Come on Jerry I enjoy the spirit of a good argument but you have to have a little class. You must be an educated man but because your tone is so overloaded with emotion you are having a hard time convincing anyone else that your argument is in support of veterans as a whole and not just designed to serve an individual’s desire to commit fraud, now you play nice! Good day
Mr Jerry, I am confused. Am I to assume by your ad hominem attacks on me that you support veterans who purposely distort their age related illnesses; some of which, smoking and obesity are even the result of their own gross negligence? You are a very evil person, without diagnoses I would go out on the limb and say you are suffering from a very critical spirit. You must hold some deep guilt for your own shortcomings. Perhaps you are a coward and were not brave enough to have served. Then seeing all the coverage of our nation’s finest young men and women leave and go off to war triggered a guilt complex that makes you actually believe that it’s OK for up to 67 percent of VA claims to be fraudulent. It makes you shift your focus to social welfare frauds even though the second and third order effects of their fraud only hurt the American taxpayer.
My rebuttal to your rhetoric is that I have chosen to use my battle to support the truly wounded veterans who’s numbers in the tens of thousands are being threatened by the thousands of frauds among us. In order to do this I had to make a conscience decision to leave my emotions aside. The whole Idea that once honorable men and women who would have never dreamed of even adding an unauthorized expenditure to their travel voucher are now strapping on braces and putting on dirty clothing and acting crazy just for their VA appointments in hopes of getting more money. Or blaming their diabetes on some field rations (MREs) they ate sometime back in the 80s. Come on Jerry I enjoy the spirit of a good argument but you have to have a little class. You must be an educated man but because your tone is so overloaded with emotion you are having a hard time convincing anyone else that your argument is in support of veterans as a whole and not just designed to serve an individual’s desire to commit fraud, now you play nice! Good day
It is to bad that this site has little to zero exposure.
However, it is the perfect playpen for those ( like curt) who are narcissistic, tunnel visioned, don’t confuse me with facts afflicted, I be going to skoo on the public dime so i be smart . Sociopath, maggots that were more than likely forced out of the military.
I pity your family.
Over and OUT
Jerry, are you a physician with a license to practice medicine and treat and diagnose patients? Just as I do not judge true combat warriors and their absolute struggles with PTSD and physical ailments I would appreciate it if you would not judge me for going head to head with knuckleheads who fail to see the value of policing one’s own ranks of malingers and lying deadbeats. You still fail to dispute one of my pertinent points regarding the fact that the majority of VA claims are fictitious lies and an entire network of people engage in a never ending process of generating appeal after appeal until their claims are approved and they get more of the taxpayers money.
Interesting that you mention narcissistic personality disorder. The chronic symptoms of this disorder can be similar to the traits of individuals with strong self-esteem and confidence. I taught this subject in the Senior Non Commissioned Officer Academy and it is true that many of our nation’s best leaders demonstrated several of the traits of a narcissist. General Colin Powell even refers to it in his book. The margin that successful people keep in this arena is a strong emotional intelligence. Thanks for showing concern for my family. They are fine
That’s what Josh Powell said about his family two years ago. Believe it or not I really am concerned. I’ll bet it is a big relief for them to get away from you even if it is only to go to the restroom for a few minutes.
I know, I know, they say you are wonderful. What do you expect them to say.
Over and out good buddy
Jerry, in all my years in dealing with people I don’t believe I have ever understood those like you; people who, when faced with facts they cannot refute, attack the messenger. It is a sad desperate reaction originating from our primeval fight or flight reflex. I know you have a point to make here but I just don’t know what it is. You don’t have to like or even agree with me but there is no need to be a hater. I know very few people visit this site; I found it while researching the topic of fraud and abuse for a paper I had to write. The subject hit home because I did serve my entire life in the Army and I loved it and since I have retired I have run into dozens of fellow retirees who openly defraud the system and invite me to. When I decline their offers they become visibly disturbed. I can’t fix stupid so I will carry-on Hope you can get over your rage with me because I assure you, you got it all wrong. Good day
in all my years in dealing with people I don’t believe I have ever understood those like Jerry; people who, when faced with facts they cannot refute, attack the messenger. It is a sad desperate reaction originating from our primeval fight or flight reflex. I know you have a point to make here but I just don’t know what it is. You don’t have to like or even agree with me but there is no need to be a hater. I know very few people visit this site; I found it while researching the topic of fraud and abuse for a paper I had to write. The subject hit home because I did serve my entire life in the Army and I loved it and since I have retired I have run into dozens of fellow retirees who openly defraud the system and invite me to. When I decline their offers they become visibly disturbed. I can’t fix stupid so I will carry-on Hope you can get over your rage with me because I assure you, you got it all wrong. Good day
Curt, Mark Twain once stated an old quote that even today and on into the future holds extremely true.
There are three types of lies people use to bolster their argument.
1) Lies
2) damned Lies
3) statistics
Every time you use #3, you change the number as if we were talking about the stock market,
No, i don’t hate you Curt. There are very few things that i hate.
I disagree with Obama and people like you bring out the hate/race card faster than their ID at the welfare office.
Just because people disagree with you doesn’t mean they are terrible people ( a lib/prog fantasy)
I do enjoy reading your post however. As months have gone by your choice of words have changed. Eventually you could be used to design contract gobbledygook. Whoops, nope, cant do that. They are being forced to make contracts that the ordinary mortal can understand with ease.
There is always burger flipping. : )
This kind of stuff is bringing down this country. It’s funny when politics it brought into it Jerry. You’re comparing Curt to Obama, you the one that can’t see how all of these entitlements are killing this country and ruining it for the people that really need help. All of the fraudsters I know gaming the system at the VA are republicans and its funny because they all talk about people on section 8 and welfare are scum which makes it even funnier because they are no different the rest of the thugs and dregs of society taking advantage of the system and the very people in the country that do work for a living. Jerry I can only guess that you have not been exposed to the mass fraud going and are really disabled or that you are a fraudster but must justify it in your head to help your conscience to the point you believe in it.
I know this fraud is real the people I know are friends and family and it’s a joke to them. I have even been told “Rob keep paying taxes so I can get my money” “Ha Ha I’m set for life now Jackpot”. My dad which I love no matter what makes me so sick when I see him spending money on trips to Vegas and on things that have nothing to do with his care. He takes home at least 60k from SS and VA a year that he doesn’t pay taxes on which is ridiculous. Even if his problems were real which 0% are, does he need that much, its twice as much as what his wage was when he working in for the last 30 years. Just my dads case how many taxpayers it takes just to support him and multiply that by all the other fraudsters. And this Fraud is spreading like Wildfire in the VFWs and American legions as more baby boomer find out. I’m sure it’s the same for the younger veterans but most of the veterans I know are in there 60s except the guy collecting for the herpes.
Its Sad because I use to go to the VA a lot where Vets are coming home with serious spinal problems and are paralyzed and then I see these other Vets that are going to ruin it for people that are in serious need for help for the rest of there lives. Its only a matter of time before all this fraud comes out and a lot of deserving people get screwed.
Look Jerry, The site is for people who have had it with fraud specifically committed against the VA. Like I said, I first found the site while doing research for a paper I had to write for an English class. I never expected it to take on the controversy that it has. I thought I would run into other like-minded individuals who had witnessed outright fraud for the sole purpose of getting more “free Money” from the government. Hell yes deserving veterans should submit a claim for their service connected injuries, since my retirement I have submitted a claim for my feet and I got rated zero. There are days that I can barely make it out to my car after school because of the pain but I suck it up and accept their decision. Now because I work in the public trust as a teacher I have remained civil to you. I assume you are trying to evoke a reaction from me by your personal attacks. What’s the big deal about the tone and context of my posts changing? I guess it may have but like I said I never expected to run into someone like you and a few others who seem hell bent on minimizing my point. I am willing to bet you had some stinking leg job in the military and just waited your time in marginal units doing marginal work until you retired. Now you no doubt brag about yourself without end and have no doubt exaggerated every ache and pain in an attempt to rip off the tax payer yourself. I tell you what Jerry. If you ever find yourself in Detroit just drop a post and let’s have lunch I would love to meet you mono on mono.
Median home price in Detroit is $9000. What a dump.No thanks. The closest i get to “motor city” is Kentucky. Next time i go there maybe we can meet half way.
Update!!!!!!!!!!! median list price in Detroit jumped to $11,900.00.
See Jerry, there you go with the immature attacks on my person (ad holmium, for those in the know) OK one more time for the peanut gallery. I am not from Detroit I live here and teach JROTC. I am proud of what many people here are doing for their community. In the short time I have lived here I have felt a new hope for revitalization among the communities. The fact that this city is in the condition it is gives testimony to the results of a social welfare system gone crazy. Perhaps you should venture outside of your comfort zone and do some hard work to help rebuild this great nation. That work includes protecting the reputation of honest veterans, Veterans whose reputation is being tarnished by fraudulent lying cheaters milking the system
Curtster, you are getting way too emotional. I don’t want you to vapor lock. So, i am going to back out of here.
One more thing before i go.
I believe furthering your education is a great item on your Bucket List. However, i (along with most people) do not believe that it should be paid for with tax payer monies. This too shall end within a couple years.
Jerry, Let me take you to the classroom. First of all I did not even begin to attend college until after I retired from the Army. I was 47 and had not invested in any of the GI bill programs offered to me during my enlistment. Because I wanted a good job I self-paid for my Associate Degree and still owe about 4K on it. In 2009 the Post 911 GI bill became available and yes it is funded by taxpayer monies but hell I figure that mine along with a couple million others efforts fighting overseas made this one benefit I would take advantage of and I am. I just turned 52 and am in graduate studies. I never thought I would make it to this level and I enjoy being in the night classroom. So yes THANKYOU TAXPAYERS (I am one also) I promise the citizen of this gracious nation that I will never lie about a claim or try and make a service related claim against an age related illness.
And Jerry, you need to do a little research on what it costs a nation NOT to pay for its citizen’s education. I would suggest a little Macroeconomics to start with. There is not one successful country in the industrial world that does not in one way or another fund its citizens college educations. So are you starting to see how this works Jerry? It’s simple debate you state your claim or resolve and I counter with a fact to dismiss it. There is no need to attack each other personally or talk about where we choose to live. Let’s grow up and fight the real enemy here. The cheating veterans who are falsifying claims and collecting money and educational vocational rehab costing us billions each year and ruining the reputation of this nation’s overall majority of honorable warriors.
I am disgusted that an acquaintance has successfully feigned PTSD and will now receive $35K tax free for the rest of his life – more than many make while working and paying taxes! While in his thirties, this person attempted to sue three different employers for the same back injury, finally winning enough to buy a house outright! He gone through two inheritances and will go through his wife’s. He is 62 and has worked a total of about 4 years of his life, unless you count serving jail time and dealing marijuana and other prescription drugs as a job. He had been using his bad back to collect VA disability while his wife worked “under the table.” I guess with the PTSD, he can stop faking the back injury. Now his wife, an addict, conveniently has a bad back, too, and is retiring at 55. Their retirement is secure. The rest of us have to hope that what is left of our 401Ks and IRAs isn’t scammed away on Wall Street and that our Social Security isn’t privatized and stolen, too! I’ve ranted, perhaps incoherently, but I am very annoyed. That family knows all of the tricks. They have tried Agent Orange, Anxiety Attacks, Bi-Polar Disorder, too. The guy was a flake before Vietnam, and it is doubtful that he was involved in too much during the short time he was there.
I’m so mad that i want to pull all my hair out.
I was a Vietnam war protester and proud of it. Jane Fonda is my hero. The real men ran off to Canada during the “war”.
Now, all of these killers are getting disability payments and i have to live on SSI $400 month.
My ex divorced me and ran off with some woman that retired from the Air Force. I’m so mad i could spit nails.
I have a bad back and flashbacks from mescaline. Wheres my $3000 a month.
My neighbor is scamming the VA to.
Wendy, I don’t think this site is for you. Veteran’s benefits are reserved for our nation’s warriors. Your life choices and failure to invest in your own human capital have created a environment you will have to live with. The “killers” you refer to have dedicated and sacrificed their lives, physical and mental health to maintain a safe and secure nation for freaks like you to sleep safely in their beds each night. Our nations warriors live and die by a set of values you could never embrace. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage
You have the nerve to ask where your $3000 is. Lady it’s lost in your past, you have failed to set yourself up for success. I don’t care what you have to live on. You better suck it up and get back to school and get a better job. The precious benefits available to honest veterans will never be touched by the likes of people like you.
This is all painfully true. I’m a combat veteran who was unfortunate enough to be exposed to a lot of small arms fire and IEDs. I got hit by one in particular that did some damage tomy spine and my motor functions, memory, and cognitive abilities. although i’ve to the point where I can function and no longer has to hold on to walls for balance while I go to the restoom, nor suffer from chronic nausea due to my vertigo (along with a couple of other malfunctions) I’ve managed to survive homelessness since returning at the age of 22, and more than my fare share of reckless, amost suicidal behavior…it blows my mind when I see some of the ratings that people get when they’ve never even been in combat. My life is still a struggle..i’ve been on, up to 11 different medications up until recently, but for the longest time, i’d only had a 10 percent rating. Evidently, going at it alone is not a smart idea, specially if you can’t think straight and youre more concerned with making it through the day than you are about getting compensation; this is what it basically comes down to. Those that are full of BS have the time and the ability to focus on milking the system while those that are truelly suffering are left in the dust…especially since the abuse makes it even harder for those to get benefits to receive them.
I ended up running a program through a nonprofit that assisted wounded and disabled veterans with finding employment, and I was amazed that some veterans had higher ratings for something as simple as bunions, than I did. I can honestly say that most veterans who have a disability rating are full of it. In the meantime..i’ll see how long I can maintain this job before I’m let-go since I can’t manage all my doctor’s appointments and a full-time job. Hope these people milking the system realize how bad they’re screwing those who really need the help.
I am a vet of 15 years. I have been through the VA system and work for the VA. I see fraud from within and without. Yes, there are Vets that need assistance and yes there are vets that are full of sh**. I have seen the 300+lbs diabetic that insist a nurse must wrap his leg cause he can’t reach them while eating a box of jelly filled krispy cream doughnut while waiting for his next insulin shot and proudly braging he was a desk clerk in Ft Belvior, maryland while the rest of his division went to Vietnam and with no Service Connected rating at all, demands: you have to give me what ever I want. Oh, net net moose breath, I can try and help you get what ever the Congress says I can give you and that $400 bottle of concentrated insulin is not what your Senator has in mind.
Now let go the other way, elderly old grunt that worked the big guns in world war II with proven herring loss. Has his hearing reassessed because it is so bad he needs hearing aids–but wait, the VA in its infinite wisdom decides that miraculously his hearing has improved so his rating can be decreased.
Don’t change that channel:there’s a fella in his 23rd year with the VA, can’t leave him on the phone – he tells people having chest pain to take an aspirin and the doc will call you back in 2 days. when counseled for this and other inappropriate phone conversation, the first 2 sentences out of his mouth were: Can ya guess, 1. Iwant my union rep, and if that didn’work, 2 you don’t like me cause I’m black! He will be there for another 40 years I’ll bet ya.
got time for 1 more. Husband and wife doctor team, hired at same clinic 2 years part. Husband is the local college Liaison and is only in clinic seeing patients maybe 2 days a week and can never be accounted for when out of the building, might be here, might be there.One day when he was supposed to be in a high level college negotiation and I was taking my daughter to school, he come zipping by my car on a real fancy 25 gear helium tired racing bike on the other side of town. Gets better yet, wife is supposed to by a shit-hot doctor and can raise Lazerus. The fist week she is in the clinic she is out the 2nd and 4th day for her doctor appts. By the time May rolled around she was gasping for air and the Sunday night Before memorial day weekend, she calls our boss and says, “i am sick and will be out the next 6 weeks – possibly longer”. 3 1/2 months later she returns on a part time schedule. And I am still trying to figure out why there are at least 3 assistants to an assistant to some one and you can never get any of then to take responsibly for anything until they figure out if its a good thing or a bad thing.
I would be glad to be back on ship again or out with the Marines anytime.
Those that lie to get a PTSD diagnosis are a detriment to those of us who have a legitimate reason for the diagnosis. I am sure the VA is right in there thoughts that many study these symptoms to try and fool the doctor when he sees them. These people should be imprisoned, and left there to rot. My former wife has knowledge of this and tells my kids that I am a phoney and even though my picture and name has been in print hundreds of times proving that I saw some real combat action, she overlooks it and lies to my kids about me. This has caused big family problems for me. I have never been in jail in my life but my kids act like I am some type of criminal, all because of the lies my former spouse has fed them since they were young. Talk about abuse of veterans, yet I can’t seem to get the VA’a attention on this, and she works for the VA.
Curt…..
WTF….
Where’s your hate speech?
You see numnuts, it’s not hate speech it’s my very own observations of hundreds of veterans who conspire to rip off the VA and in doing so our government by making up symptoms. I don’t know what to do or say to those who refuse to admit that this epidemic is occurring and what the effects of these cheaters actions will have on everyone
This shameless activity is occurring at a time when we have an administration with a history of having little respect for our nation’s warriors anyhow. When Obamas bean counters get to the VA they are going to rip it apart. The signs are already here. Post 9 11 benefits cut by 40% massive troop cuts and little or no enlistment bonuses for our country’s brightest enlistees. Then there’s the cuts for retires, prescription drug copays have doubled and there is legislation pending that will raise our Tricare payment to $1100 per annual.
The VA has already conducted an audit and found that 69% of PTSD claims are false . I have seen this with my own eyes
whew…….i thought you were dead……welcome back…..
numba, why don’t you take me to terms on the issues? Why do you continuously resort to ad hominem attacks? If you really wanted to discredit me you would read up and pull excerpts from my previous posts and then present facts to nullify my resolve. Fact is, many of our country’s veterans are stone cold lying thieves. There deceitful actions fueled by greed are screwing thousands of honest veterans with legitimate combat injuries both physical and mental. They need to be called out, investigated and prosecuted for the crap they pull.
Dearest Curtster
There is no point in confusing you with facts.
Your clouded mind is made up.
Your attempt to baffle us with your brilliance is humorous which is why i read your drivel.
It would seem that having your hateful comments removed would give you a clue.
But nope, there is no hope for you to wake up.
I assume that you were in the military and not a mooselum troll.
You would have an excuse for your hate if you were a troll.
Love and kisses
A True Patriot
Honor,Duty, Country
Numba, its Duty Honor Country get it? that’s the way General Douglas MacArthur stated the words in his hallowed speech at West Point.
Sir, you insist on attacking me personally (that’s called ad hominem) my facts are justified and verifiable. I am a dedicated conservative and a proud retiree I continue to serve by teaching ROTC your failure to see through your own hate is keeping you from engaging in a civil conversation.
I don’t understand, this site is for those who want to fight back against fraud. I hoped to find likeminded people here but you continue to attack me. Am I to believe you accept fraud committed by once proud veterans against the taxpayers of this nation? Fraud so extensive that it affects our national debt and causes delay to truly wounded warriors? Is this what you stand for NUMBA?
Curt…….Calm down honey. Before you vapor lock. I prefer honor first. Use your own mind instead of others..
Curt…….Calm down honey. Before you vapor lock. I prefer honor first. Use your own mind instead of others.. : )
NUMBA! Now I get it, you’re a female! No doubt you have had issues with men throughout your life and this asynchronous communication medium offers a platform for you to vent. I knew I would figure you out! Good day ma’am ROFL
You’r a man? oops
So I used to know a guy that was homeless a long time ago. One of the most laziest people that I have ever met joined the service for one reason only. Not to serve his country, not to defend freedom, but to con a disability. His name is Ryan Matthew M. He told me he had this all planned out. When he was sent overseas, he waited a specific amount of time and then was sent to the brig for disobeying a direct order(wouldn’t do push-ups at a fatboy camp), he claimed to have mental problems and state that he couldn’t work anymore.He had the same problems when I met him at the homeless shelter. The first words out of his mouth were, “Hey do you got 50 cents for a soda?” WHAT A FUCKING BUM!!! This guy is 34 years old and considers himself retired. He bragged to me about how he is going to get his disability to 100 percent (that is almost 2k a month!)when his credit is better, buy a house, and sit on his ass and smoke weed all day. And that doesn’t include the SSDI that he collects along with the vet disability that he receives. He has been getting his benefits since 2007 and hasn’t done shit for this country except buy shit; which increases our trading deficit.
I am sick and tired of living in a place that all I see is freeloaders on their asses collecting SSDI and vet benefits for bullshit excuses. That is why this country is going to shit. Too many leechers like that fat fuck that get to collect almost $2000.00 dollars a month while I have to work in some dirty ass warehouse or take a job overseas. Well fuck that. I say lets have another war and weed out all these lazy fat fucks that take pills and kill off the stupid. It worked in the past, now it is a fucking joke. Im not going to support a place and work my ass of when everyone else around me gets to sit on their ass and use drugs and drink. Foreign people are laughing at us, we are greedily turning on each other, America is burning with fury.
Hey Lawrence, just let it all out. Why dont you let us know how you realy feel! Watch out though Numba will get ya
Curt…at least you have a job. A lot of people in Detroit would take your dirty ass warehouse job in a heart beat.
I am retired from the Air Force and am currently working for my civilian company in Iraq. I have met several veterans working as civilian contractors here and in Afghanistan who are still young enough for military service but are receiving monthly disability checks from the VA. They are too disabled to serve in uniform anymore but they are healthy enough to deploy to a war zone and work out in the gym every day.
Brian
Good for them.
There are a lot of different health issues that qualify as a disability. It doesn’t mean that the person can no longer work. And it doesn’t matter what “zone” you work in as long as you can do the job.
I would much rather see them in the work force and contributing to society than setting on their hands.
Numba, that’s enough, I chose to work in Detroit. I think it is a city on the rebound and the people here are far less hateful then other places I have lived. I teach in a Detroit High School and there are some great kids here. I am actually embarrassed that I spend my lunch time entertaining your nonsense but that’s the one thing about professional educators, we sometimes think we can fix everyone.
Brian, Numba is so much into herself that your point flew right over her head. 100% disability checks from a broke government while you continue to work for another paycheck is pure thievery. I know several veterans like that whose main mission is to get as much free money for themselves and screw the country and make honest vets wait longer for there just and deserved services. We all knew what we were getting into, suck it up be a citizen
Curt
Brian never mentioned that they were getting 100%. Just like all your post you embellish as mush as you can.
If you teach in a public school then its hopefully P.E. I damn sure wouldn’t want my child taught by you even if it was just P.E.
You are a bitter old fart at a young age. There is no cure for you.
As they say, if you cant do it, teach it.
p.s.
They dropped don’t ask don’t tell so why not go back in the military? Forced out for other reasons?
We are finishing up final details for our annual Vietnam Veterans reunion. All Veterans of the United States Military are invited (except Curt).
You can find info in the VFW magazine.
Thank you for your service and Welcome Home.
Numba, I want to come. Your talking my business now My DD 214 says it all, I have plenty of Namm vet friends back at post 7175 in Tennessee and my current post 1156, Saint Clair Shores MI always has my back.Come up here and bad mouth Michigan and you will find out how proud these people are.
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
II
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
In ye name of God Amen· We whose names are vnderwriten,
the loyall subjects of our dread soueraigne Lord King James
by ye grace of God, of great Britaine, franc, & Ireland king,
defender of ye faith, &c
Haueing vndertaken, for ye glorie of God, and aduancemente
of ye christian ^faith and honour of our king & countrie, a voyage to
plant ye first colonie in ye Northerne parts of Virginia· doe
by these presents solemnly & mutualy in ye presence of God, and
one of another, couenant, & combine our selues togeather into a
ciuill body politick; for ye our better ordering, & preseruation & fur=
therance of ye ends aforesaid; and by vertue hearof, to enacte,
constitute, and frame shuch just & equall lawes, ordinances,
Acts, constitutions, & offices, from time to time, as shall be thought
most meete & conuenient for ye generall good of ye colonie: vnto
which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witnes
wherof we haue herevnder subscribed our names at Cap=
Codd ye ·11· of Nouember, in ye year of ye raigne of our soueraigne
Lord king James of England, france, & Ireland ye eighteenth
and of Scotland ye fiftie fourth. Ano: Dom ·1620·|
(4) By whom worn.
(a) Officers and enlisted personnel of the infantry, holding an infantry PMOS or specialty, who have been awarded
the Combat Infantryman badge, the Expert Infantry badge, or who have successfully completed the basic unit phase of
an Army training program or equivalent.
(b) Enlisted personnel who have completed one station unit training (OSUT) resulting in the award of an infantry
PMOS.
(c) Infantry officers who have graduated from the resident infantry officer basic or advanced course.
(d) Infantry officers who have graduated from the Infantry Officer Candidate Course (during mobilization).
(e) Infantry officers and enlisted personnel in the Reserve components who hold an infantry PMOS or specialty.
(5) When worn. Infantry personnel (as described above) may wear the infantry cord as follows.
(a) During the period of assignment to an infantry regiment, brigade, separate infantry battalion, infantry company
(including the headquarters and headquarters company of an infantry division), infantry platoon, or infantry TDA unit.
In addition, infantrymen assigned to infantry sections or squads within units other than infantry units may wear the
cord when authorized by battalion or higher-level commanders.
(b) During the period assigned for duty as an Army recruiter or advisor, ROTC instructor, or member of the staff
and faculty of the U.S. Military Academy, as long as personnel retain their infantry PMOS.
(c) During the period of assignment at brigade- or lower-level BT or AIT units, or in OSUT infantry units, as long
as personnel retain their infantry PMOS.
(d) Infantry OSUT and IOBC graduates may wear the cord en route to their initial follow-on infantry assignment.
(e) Soldiers en route from an assignment where wear of the shoulder cord was authorized are permitted to wear the
shoulder cord if they are pending reassignment to another organization authorized wear of the cord, or when assigned
to a separation point for discharge purposes.
b. Insignia disk; branch and U.S. insignia.
(1) Description. A plastic disk in infantry blue, 1–1/14 inches in diameter.
(2) Approval authority. The same as in paragraph a(2), above. The insignia is issued without cost to enlisted
personnel.
(3) How worn. The blue infantry disk is worn secured beneath the branch and U.S. insignia disks, with a 1?8-inch
border around the insignia. infantry personnel wear the insignia on the Army green, blue, and white uniforms (see fig
28–173).
(4) By whom worn.
(a) Enlisted infantry personnel, who hold an infantry PMOS; who were awarded the Combat Infantryman badge or
Curt
GREAT JOB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are now on your own. There is no need for me to point out to others what a fool (i’m being nice) you are.
You are receiving an A+ on your final score.
Keep up the good work.
Here’s to you never forgetting me. Cheers
Yours truly
Numba ten thousand
I am a 40 year old recieving 100 VA ans SSDI I pocket almost 5000 bucks a month tax free,get free medical,free school for the kiddos,the VA even pays me milage to go to my appointments,my wife and I travel the world and go to exotic places on the taxpayers dime LOL what recession? lol…….
VETERANS ARE ALL SCAMMERS. this is a one sided commenting approved webpage set up by disgruntled x wives of veterans or some other pissed off vet that couldnt get any benefits because he received a dishonorable discharge for acting like an idiot. I typed up a long comment opposing the one sided same guy comments that are anti VA! So maybe now that my first sentence is VETERANS are all SCAMMERS then maybe just maybe the moderator will go ahead and approve this comment…test test we will see if this will get approved. VETERANS ARE ALL SCAMMERS!
Alvaros and Amanda D. have been scamming the VA for over 3 to 4 years . They brag about how they get free money n they don’t have to work any more . They always say how when he was charged with rapping a minor he was discharged from the marines n the only job he had was working at a gas station and he hated working there , so he told the VA he had back issues n he was going to put a show to get benefits , then he had his wife Amanda say that she was his care taker n now she gets paid over $ 1,100 a month to take care of him . they don’t do anything but sit home and make babies , if you claim your back is in so much pain that u can’t move , then how can you have sex to pregnant your wife . The North Carolina should check on this couple because they have been scammig the VA for years now . There are Real Veterans that need the help , but instead they give it to a man that was kicked out the militarty for being convicted as a felon for rape with a minor . Get it together VA and so something about it . Their names are Alvaros and Amanda D. from North Carolina
I am a Civil Service employee who has lost countless promotions to medically retired Army Soldiers due to point preferance. It is always down to “me or the retired person” and I lose every time. Then we are expected to train them because they don’t know a thing about the job they just got. No experience but they get the job.
We spend each working day busting ourselves while the 4 ‘medically retired’ in my office do their college homework together, not hiding it, spend hours online researching additional ways to increase their disability percentage.
One has a 90% disability (82d Airborne) yet paints homes, dances, raises a family, hosts huge church functions, vacations everywhere in the USA, lugs heavy boxes all day long without a sweat to the brow. Hours are spent with them huddled together discussing yet another way to claim additional retirement funds. The few (not retired military)civilian employees bear the brunt of every work day, doing their work.
Another has a house full of children, stays pregnant; she was discharged with a BAD BACK after a fews years in service. Due to the number of children she has had during her service time and after,, she now also receives State Aid and food stamps. Her work days are spent on the telephone with friends and family or making another medical appointment. Oh, only after discussing thoroughly with the others about when to start taking the VA prescirbed meds before the appt so it will appear she has them in her system. The rest of the meds get dumped down the drain.
Another has about 3 medical appointments each week for the past 3 years; this will get more disability…I guess so she can continue to work on her new home with her spouse who is doing the same thing.
Got a rash? Earache? Migraine? Sinus problem? Diabetic? Hair thinning? Crooked toe? Asthma? Legs hurt? Get it documented and prove it is because you were in the Army.
Sigh.
We spend each single working like beasts with them hanging out each day, all day, hearing nothing but ‘how to get over a bit more’ and the laughs about how easy it is; we get our noses rubbed in their mess on how much money they get each month, plus their civil service job, plus money for going to college.
We hear each day how they don’t NEED this civil service job, it is just extra money to indulge themselves and to stay busy.
Some of us need this check to pay our rent and bills and food;we have no other income.
We spend eacfh day hearing about their new cars, the new homes, the vacations, everything they have accomplished during their career.
When we approached our civilian chain of command, we were told to let it alone, let it go, they are doing nothing wrong, to shut up.
Our highest chain of command (2 highest) are retired military so have the other people’s backs. They see nothing wrong with this farce.
My Oh My! All of this hilarity and I am the one who has routinely gotten bashed for airing my dissatisfaction with fellow veterans who are scamming the system? Well folks for the first time since retiring in 2008 I went to the VA and registered for services. Since I served in Iraq I was interviewed for any symptoms of PTSD and any other combat related injuries. I must say I was fortunate, I survived my two tours and came home and retired, I feel I am a better man and citizen because of it. Bothe the interviewing nurse, herself a retired army nurse and the PA (retired SF told me about the countless number of scammers who walk across their thresholds every single day. I only have a few small concerns and am not looking for any compensation above my own generous retirement check. Thank you Detroit VA! All staff were courteous and helpful and the facility appeared to be functioning effetely.
Thank you to all prior service members, I’m currently active duty. Severely injured, out of combat & due to pride & medical misdiagnosis/mishandling- I will most likely never walk without an assistive device again, let alone run. Lost my quality of life long ago and have been going through the painstaking process for 3 years now. I’m curious, how does a Marine that has no health issues, runs barefoot and practices par cour (sorry if I butchered the spelling), get a 70% va rating for his foot? He was never injured at work, only by his own stupidity from pting on his time & once he got out began a career as an automotive mechanic & weight lifter. Is this worth reporting? It bothered me not only as an injured service member, it angered me to see friends blown up with families that legitimately need help get buried in paperwork & bills, most of all it pissed me off by setting a poor example for junior Marines to scam the system. Any advice?
zkeeter
i have come to understand that reporting this fraud to the VA will get you nowhere. I believe the VA itself is in on this fraud. you see, even a fradulent claim needs somene to process it and thats a JOB for somebody. my VA rep got real defensive when I complained. the system and depth of the fraud is way to big. it will all blow up someday and I am afraid the truley wounded warriors will get hurt by all the lazy ass frauds milking this money pit
I’m a retired vet with 22 years of service along with combat experience and I only receive $2200 a month before taxes, but a women I know only served three years in the Army reserve and one year of active duty (basic training, AIT and linguist school), she receives 100% disability for a back condition she already had previous to the service. The worst part is she makes more than I do along with Social Security, $3400 a month for the rest of her life. Someone needs to look this over, what is considered a veteran? Should someone whom never served in combat or more than a year of active service receive a 100% disability? By the way, she has gone in cruises, has a new car, owns her house, and still milking the system…makes you wonder!
O.K. I have to say this. Don’t veterans…or any other victims…Yes…PTSD is not limited to soldiers, it can happen to anyone…know that a good psychotherapist is needed to help with PTSD? Why would someone with PTSD not look into psychotherapy rather than being trapped in an endless cycle of PTSD. GET THE PSYCHOTHERAPIST ON BOARD!… And, yes, you will have to pay for this service-it doesn’t come free.
This whole site is creepy to me I wll leave the house today go visit guy from unit KIA Iraq spring of 2007 IED think it helps me make sure his gravestone is cleaned for when his mother goes there as he was only 25 and was a true AMERICAN HERO! He served for all of you here to now attack us at home when we just trying to have peace in our lives but now its clear no peace here at home either this site is evidence of this to me. God Bless America IRAQ VET 06-07
you retards just dont get it, this site serves to expose frauds who are standing in line in front of honest vets with real illnesses go visit your friend and hero. I spent the weekend at a VFW fundraiser for homeless vets and will drive some truley disabled vets in our towns memorial day parade this weekend.
I will not lay off the theving morons who continue to cheat the system.
So Im a retard Now Curt? How about I meet you at his gravesite in michigan you say that to my face and his mothers face that Im a retard.
Sounds great! I live in Michigan, I am not certain of your mental diagnosis but I do question your cognitive skills.
I was NOT calling you a retard or minimizing in any way your efforts to support HONEST VETS and their familys.
Let’s look at your previous post:
YOU SAID: This whole site is creepy to me
This site is called “how and where to report FRAUD against the VA! Why would you be creeped out when people express their concern about the documented 67% of malingers who commit fraud against the VA?
YOU SAID: I will leave the house today go visit guy from unit KIA Iraq spring of 2007 IED think it helps me make sure his gravestone is cleaned for when his mother goes there as he was only 25 and was a true AMERICAN HERO! He served for all of you
I applaud you for your continued service to our veterans and their families.
You label me as some kind of vicious asshole but I am a loyal member of my VFW and volunteer to place flags on memorial day and worked all weekend on a fund raiser for homeless vets.
YOU SAID: here to now attack us at home when we just trying to have peace in our lives but now its clear no peace here at home either this site is evidence of this to me. God Bless America IRAQ VET 06-07
I am not afraid to meet you I am proud of my goal of exposing those vets who attempt to commit fraud against our VA and our country. I will be driving a WWII Vet in the upcoming Memorial day parade, A vet who cannot walk.
I love vets I am a proud Iraq vet and I will do anything to help honest vets get the help and services they deserve!
In California, in the Penal Code. There is a subsection for 67.5. This give the right for any commissioned peace officer to file a lawsuit against an individual who files a false report or complaint. In terms of this definition. There needs to be a law implemented against many people like yourselves who want to play investigator and doctor. I also know for a fact that many of you weekly tuned police story watchers have people within the the Veteran Administration that illegally printout and give copies to unauthorized people in terms of harassing these Service-Connected Veterans for no other reason, but, for your personal beliefs. Everybody is entitled to their opinions. On the other hand, when those opinions are malicious, or attempts to destroy someones family and lively hood due to receiving compensation they so rightly deserve, is nothing more but a Nazi Witch Hunt. Laws need to be implemented against those who wrongfully report, or intercede into ones personal lives. California Penal 67.5 needs to be re-written and placed into the Service-Connected Veterans favor for such witch hunts and Cause Stalking agendas such as this. Remember, this is America and everyone has their opinion. As no system is perfect. By far the Veteran Administration is no even close. But, Veterans need to be protected from people with agendas. The question is…”IF YOU WERE RATED AND COMPENSATED. WOULD YOU BE LEAVING SUCH PROPAGANDA ON THIS SITE.” I respect all and everyones inquiries for such First Amendment Rights being posted. But, when you cross the line, there needs to be laws set to protect those Veterans that have served.
PDST ?? There may be a few cases but thousands is ridiculous. I have a
psdt who lives behind me, He sleeps all day and sets up all night. On the week-ends and Mondays they party till the wee morning smoking pot and
drinking and who knows what else, with NO regard to the neighbors. AND
I am supposed to thank him for going to war. He used a chain saw cuts down
trees and bushes to burn in his all night fire pit. He mulch his back yard and
mows, weed eats and remodels his house. For a mental person isn’t all these
tools considered dangerous? What he does have is called LAZY and a desire
to live off entitlements paid for by others, his wife also enjoys these benefits when anyone ask she is the one who responds so he doesn’t.. People have moved away because of their parting. I have been called names and talked about loud enough to here them through my windows. My biggest fear is the undesirables they invite to these parties.
I AM ASKING FOR A REVALUATION OF PTDS VETS.
My great grandfather was in the civil was with a statute in a cemetery, my Dad was in WW IIl an uncle in the Korean war My brother now packs oxygen with him from the Vietnam war and my younger brother served during Desert Storm and 9-11
They are a bunch of dead beats living off all Americans and giving
REAL VETS A BAD NAME.
Vitner
You must be Curts child.
numba 10000
You must be one of ????
I am a 68 year old great grandmother who likes to sleep with a cool breeze
blowing through my windows. NOT vulgar language and fighting, cursing and the smell of pot and evergreen bush burning in the fire pit until 4 in the morning.. Also 7 other neighbors have signed a complaint also are recording and taping them after 11. to be used in court which can done we inquired before we began.
I am a Vietnam combat veteran, rated 50% PTSD + 10% hearing loss. I did not apply for disability until I was in my mid 50’s, jobless, and destitute. I’ve never tried to have my original rating increased.
Some of you seem to be having some difficulty understanding what PTSD is, and what causes it. So I’ve decided to give you a few clues.
For starters, being attacked from behind by a New York pimp with an M-79 and a vendetta while being attacked from 3 sides by his NVA sapper buddies, with a jammed rifle, will get you started down that long, dark road to PTSD. Especially when the pimp was put behind you by an incompetent judge who gave the pimp the choice of going to the Marines instead of prison where the drug addict human trafficker belonged. And your journey to PTSD will be helped along considerably if you are subsequently considered for scapegoat statue for allowing an enemy penetration when you weren’t even on watch when it happened, and in fact were the only one in the vicinity who even fired on the enemy before your rifle jammed.
That’s just the introduction. Introduction To PTSD 101. 4 months down, 8 to go.
Don’t let my ability to write coherently fool you. I used to be a near genius before PTSD robbed me of 30 I.Q. points and what would otherwise have been a life.
But I don’t look disabled. And I don’t go around acting crazy, as long as people don’t mess with me or try to get me stripped of my pension and tossed out on the street penniless. You wouldn’t want me to find out who you are if you try that.
PTSD doesn’t alway turn people into bowls of quivering jello. Sometimes it just makes us mean and a little nervous.
Yeah. I have a sense of humor. What of it? Sorry if you don’t see the humor. Sometimes I have a little trouble seeing it too.
You pack of whiny beeatches, never had a bad day in your lives, have you. I could tell you about a lot of bad days, but you wouldn’t understand.
You may be one of few
AS for this whiny bitche. I had two sons who served one is DEAD.
I have had a spinal fussion, brain tumor and Cancer and am going into
the hospital for exploratory surgery next week. Not only vets suffer so do
moms. NOW how does those bad days you can tell me about. At least
YOU ARE ALIVE.?? but you wouldn’t understand ??
I will try to get this guys pension revoked he never made it to combat
He has no pride or honor only disrespect for others.
You have to remember there are people like this guy.
STILL i wish only good for you.
.
One last thought in your own words, don’t be too quick to judge others.
This is my last reply I will delete this web sight tonight.
How do I report someone that says there is a child living with them when the child is not living with them.
It depends if they are currently collecting state or federal benefits for this dependent. Keep in mind that although the child may not be living under the same roof they may be contributing financially to this child; then it becomes a matter of an agency’s policy. The best bet is to speak with a representative from the agency involved.
Maybe the reason you are not receiving full deserving benefits is
ALL OF THE FRAUDULENT CLAIMS THEY HAVE TO PAY
ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO NEVER MADE IT THROUGH BASIC
My brother who was in Vietnam who is on oxygen can’t
even go visit his mothers grave.,
Thank God for a few Good MEN, who still have pride and honor and
are fighting today for us.
I have a 130 Percent rating for various injuries from the VA but I get only 90 percent since I am now working. I have come a long way, recovery was slow and painful. I am still effected by these injuries but deal with the pain physically and mentally, I served in combat as a infantrymen in Iraq for 15 months. What business is it of any of yours about what I get and for what? For the most part when I am around people I don’t know I come off as a nice guy and know one would know what I have been through. But that doesn’t mean I dont have these wounds. As soldiers we are taught not to show anyone any weakness and that is what I still do, I cover it up in front of others, I don’t complain in front of you civilians who have never been to combat because I know you would not understand. I have accepted the cards I was dealt and live with it. I just wish you people would leave us Vets alone. You think we have it made? I get 1700 a month, whoopity doo… These days with a family of four you can not live off that kind of money depending where you live. That amount is a joke at the end of the day. Either way its something and I am still great full for it I suppose.
Thank you for serving our country.
You might have misinterpreted what has irked posters. The vast majority fully support our service men and woman who have gallantly served this country; especially those who have given their life and those who have been disabled (physically and/or emotionally). In fact, because they have sacrificed so much to our country we’d like to see those injured be treated well and compassionately–including just financial compensation.
What upsets a lot of supporters are those individuals who game the VA, which places a strain on an already overburdened system. That strain reduces the benefits and attention the truly wounded deserve. In a perfect world those scamming the system would feel the shame and withdraw their claims. Since this isn’t a perfect world this forum is to give voice to those who support our disabled troops and feel they would be better off if the scammers were called out.
Richard, I know what your getting at and what the point of most of the posters is. But I rather see a 1 imposter get benefits for every 10 legitimate veterans out there who need them. By adding more restrictions to this already flawed system will only make it hard and longer for the wounded vets to get the help they need. Most of us vets already have to jump through a lot of hurdles and tons of red tape to get our benefits. It took me up to 3 and half years to get through an appeals process after being denied on several injuries that were connected to my service. Other veterans have faced years and years to get anything even when they were legitimate claims. By forcing more restrictions on a already strained system with a very long backlog is only going to make it tougher for the vets that need the help. Like I said I rather see a couple game the system then a veteran left behind who needs the assistance. When you look at all programs that assist the public, like Social Disability, works men comp, welfare, food stamps and any other aid out there. There will always be people who abuse it! There is just nothing that can be done about it. As it is the VA already has large restrictions in proving your disability case, it is not as easy as people make it out to be to get away with it. However I do understand that certain things like PTSD can be abused, because there is no real way to tell if a person is lying or not. The VA however did make me show proof that I was in actual combat by proving that I did see danger with showing them I had a combat award or purple heart. But you will have people say they have PTSD even if they never left the base in a combat zone, maybe they faced indirect fire or lost a buddy who was out in the fight. We really don’t know… I just rather not see a veteran left behind because of more red tape.
Gfys, Whoa there. No one said anything about restrictions. If anything the process should be streamlined. What I personally don’t like hearing about are Vets who fall through the cracks in the system; men and women who don’t get what they have earned.
In regards to PTSD. Currently the diagnosis is begin abused. However, progress is being made with functional MRIs that can aid in identifying those suffering from PTSD.
I agree with you that red tape is another affliction added to the wounded Vets suffering and would like to see it reduced.
There is a ton of waste that goes on with government spending. I don’t know why people want to target veterans? maybe because we are a minority… look at the VA budget compared to other spending, it is very small! The VA budget by no means is the one that is totally bankrupting this country!
Well, I’ve been told that I might be one of the few by someone who obviously knows more about me than my health care provider, the VA. So I have a couple more comments, at the risk of being targeted.
Be careful.
It wouldn’t surprise me if one of these heroic watchdogs were to succeed in botching things up to the point where some deserving vet got cut off and tossed out on the street. There is a reason the VA functions the way it does. There are a lot of scum out there who would love to make a meal of some deserving vet, and interfere and gum up the works any way they can. And bureaucracies can be fouled up and caused to make grave errors. I”ve seen it happen, directly as a result of meddling by a self-appointed Exalted Righteous One.
If people really wanted to be heros and root out fraud, they would go after medicare fraud. Medicare fraud alone dwarfs the entire VA budget. But we wouldn’t want to upset any rich doctors, would we. Sure don’t want to rock that boat. Those doctors are rich. They can hire big time lawyers. ‘
A word to the wise should be sufficient, to watchdogs and scammers alike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UD0c58nNCQ
Gfys
Congratulations, you are the first poster I have seen on this site who addresses the crowd in a structured debate style. I understand the motivation behind all the people who respond to my posts but they are reacting out of pure emotions and not taking the time to understand their opponent. I will take issue with your resolve that it’s OK for 1 imposter to get through if 10 legitimate claims are taken care of. I would argue using the Veterans administrations own figures that over half of all applicants are fraudulent. What’s the problem with this? Well, not since the Viet Nam war has an administration targeted veterans. It’s happening right now! Insurance benefits through Tri-care have gone up, Pharmacy pmts doubled last year and the education benefits have been sharply reduced. OK so I ask, what happens when they get comfortable with the results from that and the high number of fraudulent claims gets publicized in the paper and on the evening news the public will lose their respect in our warriors. This is a grass roots initiative, for many retirees it has become a social norm to milk the system. If they think back on the values they held close during their time on active duty and apply them to their post retirement lifestyles they will influence others to do the right thing.
Curt your a piece of crap claiming support of veterans while secretly stabbing them in the back bet you sit around in VFWs gaining information for your secret mission to destroy disabled veterans income .I would love to find out where you work in the V.A. system and REPORT YOU for pretending to care about veterans but in secret betraying them as a self appointed policeman of the V.A. Im also very sure in IRAQ you were as we say a FOBBIT ! Hope you know your violating veterans privacy rights and you can be prosecuted if found out about YOUR OTHER job.
I know from experience there are people inside the VA who cannot be trusted to be self-appointed judges, juries, and executioners.
Several years ago my VA records were hacked. It was an inside job. I know the perp. The first I knew of the hack job was when I was cut off without warning and received a letter telling me I had been dead since before I ever applied for compensation, and that whoever had been collecting my compensation owed the government $32,000. It turned out that the hack job was easily fixed, but I”m lucky I had enough saved up to pay the rent on my rathole apartment.
It gets tiresome, being repeatedly stabbed in the back by your fellow countrymen, who have sneaked up on you from behind. All with the best intentions.
For many old, dependent vets, including myself, cutting them off and tossing them out on the street would be the same as murder. I have no desire or intention to live under bridges to satisfy some twisted Captain America’s vendetta. And I know it can happen, and I know it can happen wrongly, with malice aforethought.
That’s why this forum makes me nervous and a little angry. People nursing agendas and vendettas are not to be trusted. I have the scars, physical and mental, to prove it.
But maybe Curt isn’t one of those, and maybe he has a point. Or maybe he is one of those. He’s just another stranger on the bus to me.
As bad as PTSD can be and it can be BAD, I would much rather have it than what “Curt” suffers with.
PTSD is real bad… just look at the number of suicides committed by soldiers/veterans.
Curt, what do you mean by “I would argue using the Veterans administrations own figures that over half of all applicants are fraudulent.” Do you mean the actual claim is fraudulent? or they are getting a fraudulent rating? When I applied I had no idea at first what I needed to apply for… no one sat down with me and said hey you have these problems write them down and apply. As Soldiers we are trained to be tough mentally and physically, I could not come to terms with admitting to my health and mental issues. Half of what I wrote down on my claims forms ended up being a 0% percent for that injury I thought I might of had, like knee problems or hearing issues, the VA went ahead and had me see doctors to verify the problems. Some problems I rated high for some I did not. But like I said the claims process is really confusing at first, when a soldier is going through mental and physical trauma they are not exactly the best advocate for themselves. Many Vets these days only have themselves, they don’t necessarily have a spouse or parent who may be looking out for the best interests. Anyways I might be off topic but I hope some one can see it from our prospective.
Curt is hiding under his itsdesk.
been out of net at JROTC summer camp
God help us all.
I am a workstudy at a VA counseling center and I cannot stand it anymore. Every day, I receive calls about veterans that complain about what little money they receive in compensation. I don’t think I’m special, but somehow I survived two Iraq deployments as a Marine machinegunner, was hit by an IED in my humvee, and even got in some firefights, but never tried to claim a single medical benefit. For some reason, there are noncombat veterans claiming PTSD, anxiety disorders, and back problems. Further, there are combat veterans who can function just fine in every situation (physical or emotional), but are so destroyed they need VA welfare to survive.
Admittedly, I am against welfare in general. Still, this abuse needs to be addressed. Few politicians have the political stomach for taking-on this issue, but it’s embarrassing for the entire veteran community that our brother’s and sister’s have become whining, incapable children after such honorable service.
There are many veterans that wholly deserve VA medical and disability benefits, not the least of which are those that have lost arms and legs (including a few of my friends), but many vets are just playing the system because of the bad economy and the ease of benefit accessibility. I am ashamed of them!
A solution: Just like in the worker’s compensation insurance industry, there are investigators that look into accusations of fraud and abuse of that system. If the VA were to do something of that sort, it could same money. Also, there should be means testing for disability benefits, not just medical retirement. If, despite one’s “disabilities,” they can go and be extremeley productive, then the disabilities are not very “disabling.”
These two techniques would have no negative effects on those that truly deserve benefits. In fact, by cutting out those fraudulent claims, VA resources could be more successfully routed towards those that do depend on them.
I’ll paraphrase a quote from Paul Ryan, who, referring to welfare, said that we need a safety net, not a hammock. I believe that VA disability claims should be looked at the same way.
KG Wow easy to sit in judgement of others but as an Iraq vet myself in country in one of the worst years for IEDs 06-07 I must disagree with you and think you are looking very one sided. What about those of us who had steady employment but were found to be unfit for duty upon return from Iraq ? Since YOU havnt walked this path let me take you down my path BROTHER! Once you are found to be mentally unfit for duty there is only ONE path to take disability.Now once given this label of mental problems related to combat in Iraq where do I go from here? Who will hire me? Do you have a job for me KG? Just as a side note I had workers comp that I paid into for 17 years but YOU dont know that ALL insurance companys have a WAR CLAUSE.This means they WILL NOT pay workers for any injuries related to war or combat. Now where do I go KG? You claim to be a combat marine and now you choose to stab your brothers in the back? I will agree with you on ONE thing only,all combat vets should be first in line for service from the VA because they stood up first should be first taken care of.I leave you with this old saying “Never judge a man till youve walked a mile in his boots”. God Bless U.S.A. IRAQ VET U.S.ARMY 06-07. 14 months in hell to come home to this BULLSHIT !
If KG isn’t Curt its his twin.
Ron,
I was there in 06-07, too, near Al Qaim; maybe I even saw you? Yes, IEDs are a bitch. As to your situation, you were declared unfit for duty for the Army, and for many civilian/federal law enforcement type careers, but not for the majority of careers in this country. I have filled-out hundreds of applications for jobs in this awful economy, and not one of them (other than SOME law enforcement apps) asked about PTSD or mental fitness. Also, I worked with a guy who was med-boarded for PTSD and depression, and neither of those restricted his career mobility. No, I don’t have a job for you. Unfortunately, you’ll have to do like everybody else and go try to find one; it’s a terrible economy. How dare you say that I stabbed anybody in the back, though. I didn’t take unemployment, military disability (which nearly everybody qualifies for, and since I was hit with an IED, it would be cake to obtain), or any other federal type of welfare. It is/was very hard on my family, but that’s life. I know economics, finance, and accounting, and these programs are killing the US economy and making us uncompetitive. Therefore, I have been trying my best to work whatever job, wherever I have to so that I may pay taxes so that other’s can still have benefits like these available. There are millions of veterans, mostly older generations, that are doing just the same, without taking a dime. Don’t take this the wrong way: once you find a job, I’m sure you will feel better about your situation; I know I did. Just start applying, jobs are there, but harder to find. A man needs to work to feel worthwhile, and being unemployed just makes everything look shitty. Trust me on that.
Trust me……..I’m a doctor, right KG. Also, those who suffer with PTSD do so because they allow it. It’s like getting knocked up……….practice safe war……..RIGHT KG
Your right numba I think KG is Curt he just changed his name because he is a fake and he knows it,if he ever did serve in the Marines Im very sure he was a FOBBIT as we called them in IRAQ. FOBBIT is a word the rest of us gave soldiers who never left the FOB (Forward Operating Base) unlike the rest of us who spent MOST of our time off the base eating dust and hitting IEDs now people like Curt and KG have the nerve to stab us in the back who actually fought the war while they sat on the base in the name of saving money for the government.This whole site is nothing but crybaby cowards who never faced an enemy on a battlefield now they want to stand up be brave on the internet. I earned my medals with blood and sweat I will never let these cowards disrespect my brothers in arms who gave their lives for this country Curt and KG STAND DOWN you have been relieved of your duty in disgrace.P.S. If your so worried about saving money for the government DONT START WARS IN THE FIRST PLACE but when you do dont cry about the cost to care for the warriors later !
numba10000,
Let’s not argue the PTSD thing in a medical sense, nobody will win that argument.
Ron,
I did more deployments than you, and was never a fobbit. Despite getting hit with an IED (though I was lucky and didn’t lose a limb, or worse), I still patrolled multiple times every day. I didn’t escort supply trucks or anything else; I was infantry both deployments, and we worked longer/more frequently than any soldiers around us. Don’t make stupid assumptions. Also, don’t align yourself with those that have suffered physical injuries (like missing limbs, bowel parts, eyes, etc) and purport yourself to be something that those people are, or have done. You and I are both physically capable of getting jobs that may not be open to those paralyzed or missing limbs; this makes returning home that much worse. Compared to them, you have nothing to complain about.
To everybody: why did the greatest generation function just fine after WW2, which was a worse war than OIF/OEF? How, despite these “mental injuries” were they able to build the largest businesses the world has ever seen?? The term PTSD, and the bogus benefits that surrounds it, had never been invented. Yet we claim more ailments from the VA. That is my point; we are a sad generation for not being as tough as they were.
Well lets see 2 Marine deployments of 6 months equals 1 Army deployment of 14 months so i dont think you spent 14 months straight on the roads in IRAQ like I did by the way my MOS’s are 11B/88M the two worst hard working jobs to have in Iraq so dont cry to me about your deplyments or your 1 IED. PTSD was NOT INVENTED its a FACT AND A RESULT OF WAR many WWII vets had what was called shell shocked and many murdered and beat their wives and drank did drugs you just didnt see it in national news because all news was local back then,DO YOUR RESEARCH quit being a parrot like the rest of the world.KG your full of shit your either lying about your service or you were a FOBBIT I will stand on that because of your lack of understanding of wounded vets and PTSD its PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT ARE THE REAL PROBLEM and your no brother in arms of mine your just another internet warrior to me.
Ron
I couldn’t agree with you more.
On the other hand I like reading post like KG’s ( curt ) it is good to know your enemy.
The Vietnamese didnt call me numuh ten towzand because i,m pretty.
Ron,
I was extended on the first deployment, so it was 9 months; the second was 7, as nearly all Marine deployments are. Total time in Kuwait was 3 weeks. Yes, shell shock was a term from WW1, but with the high percentage of WW2 vets, every newspaper would have reported stories of such beatings, and the government would have been prepared by the time Vietnam came around. They just didn’t bitch as much as OIF/OEF veterans, and since there was no sympathy back then, WW2 vets didn’t continue.
I am not complaining about anything in the military, except ROEs, which are another matter. I was never a fobbit, but believe what you want; I don’t care about your approval.
Why don’t you quit bitching and go better yourself. Just because you couldn’t mentally handle what many other people can, doesn’t mean somebody should pay you. That’s why it’s called service! Free, special counseling is available from the VA for combat veterans. Your, and numba10000’s, opinion about me and my service is irrelevant, I don’t need to have a whiner on my side. I hope you both can succeed in life since many people choose not to serve at all, while you both did. However, you better get a bit of fight in you and take charge of your life, because even a 100% disability check isn’t crap for earnings each month, and it is not an honorable lifestyle. Get an education/skill, and go make some real money, have a happy life, and then tell people about your service, and Iraq. The people who died in combat did so for us to live, not jump from welfare program to welfare program. In just 1 year working at a VA counseling center, I saw what that does to people. Rise above that crap!
hello all, its nice to see the madness continues in my absence. My wife and I took our granddaughter across several states in our RV for summer vacation. This is an activity that I can afford, not because I am cheating our government out of money based on some BS claim but because after my retirement I used my post 911 GI benefit, got my degree, redefined myself and got on with my second career. It was great to get out and see America and visit with other campers. There are many honorable veterans who enjoy camping and everyone I met has gotten on with their lives and invested in their own human capital to make a life for themselves. I see some of the freaks here think KG is me. Funny, KG writes better than I do but he hits the nail on the head with his time line of human decline and victim mentality. The debate as to weather someone was a “fobbit” or not is not relivent to todays modern warrior. Most of my comments throughout this long line are directed towards those who never even saw combat. Those who served in the late 70s and 80s. These are the guys I work with, the ones who put on their “VA uniforms” (the leg brace they only wear to VA appointments) The guys who blame MREs for their diabetes and even though they smoke and have gained 60 pounds swear their sleep apniea was caused by their service 15 years ago. So if your somehow accusing me of attacking todays modern warriors lay off of me and petition TRADOC to toughen up basic training, perhaps then our young warriors would be better prepared for the reality of combat.
Bag the Christmas letters curt. We don’t care.
P.S.
Old station wagons don’t qualify as RV’s (unless you live in detroit, then they qualify).
numba, why is it you refuse to debate my key points as they relate to the issues? you display the character of an adolescent who’s frontal cortex has not developed to the point where objective thought is posable. your only reply to me is to attack me personally. Such attacks are called adhominon rhetorical attacks, now numba, you must try and correct this behavior or you will never be able to confront a person of intelegence, perhaps you could get your GED and then take a few classes at your local community college. We need to unite all honest veterans and fight the damm lazy cheating veterans so they stop draining our great nations coffers with their bullshit claims.
curtsy…………Anyone with more than a piss ant’s brain understands your “key points”. You have given no intelligent solutions to the fraud problem.
Thousands ETS every week that did at least as well as you did in military service, but you use this forum to blow smoke up your ass.
You are not special and you sure as hell don’t qualify as clairvoyant.
You seam to have a normal IQ but appears that you have had something in your childhood that has made you a narcissistic, bitter male.
People like you are fair game to poke.
numba, I have long understood the behavior traits of a narcissist. The tendencies have been identified in many great Americans, JFK, Eisenhower, Reagan, GEN Patton GEN Schwarzenegger and even Obama. its almost a requirement for a very active professional. practicing psycoligists consider this condition unhealthy when a person is so wound up in ideology that they cant keep a job,friends, or relationships, numba, i had a successful 25 year career, have many great friends all over the country and have been married to the same wonderful woman for 30 years. The only unhealthy symptom of narcisiam is my wanting to be understood on this point so badly that throughout my healthy productive day I take time out to spar with you who by the way, appear to be just as obsessed.
Patton’s reputation went down the shitter just like yours. I bet you have rainbow colored pistol grips.
You are a idiot and I will fuck with you until you go away.
For those who do not know, Curt was presented the Silver Star by Hillary on the airport tarmac in Baghdad Iraq.
At tax payers expense she flew there just for that occasion.
While under heavy sniper fire, the paperwork which was in her pocket was hit by a 50 cal. round and saved her life.
The Medal now resides in Curts apartment on the wall with other BS medals.
The paperwork is now on public display in the National Archives Building next to the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.
numba, i hope the VA is helping you you are truly a pill. see ya Curt.
I have a neighbor that was working on the AF base in Anchorage Alaska. He injured himself in a motorcycle accident. His job on base was military housing maintenance. He was declared 85% disabled and then hired as a civilian FOR THE SAME JOB HE WAS DOING BEFORE HE WAS DECLARED DISABLED. So he (bragging…) told us he get’s 85% of his old pay AND get paid for his “new” job. When he is not working he is out riding on his four-wheeler, hunting, fishing and recently painted the exterior of his house and is now re-roofing it because he is buying a bigger better house and is going to rent the one on our street. Seriously.. WTH??? Did I mention he has a handicap license plate?
I currently work for the US Army as a civilian (I served active duty in the Navy) and am astonished that a number of my co-workers that retired from the Army are on some sort of non-combat related disability and receive money and benefits (such as free college education for their kids) from the VA. It is almost a culture of “get what I can before I get out”. When you ask what is wrong, they just sort of laugh and say “well, I have trouble sleeping” or “my back hurts” but they are very active in sports. And these people are now making $100K+ a year on top of their VA benefits. If you can make a six figure salary, you are not handicapped. Who are these VA doctors that agree to mark these individuals as handicapped?
I guess some people have no conscious or morals and should be ashamed because an actual War Vet is receiving less so they can receive something they did not earn. When I was getting out of the Navy, we never dreamed of trying to get a disability. The VA should investigate these claims or someone should ask 60 Minutes to look into it.
Cranky, I’m not sure your neighbor is telling the truth because there is no such rating of 85%. They are incremented in 10 percent intervals. Now if he is disabled and receiving compensation I would be careful judging him. There are those disabilities such as PTSD that are not evident to others. However, having a handicap sticker does sound suspicious when he works on his roof and able to paint his house. I am rated for PTSD myself and there is no reason for a handicap sticker.
OH Yes Cranky. Don’t judge others it wouldn’t be fair, it may be PTSD and for god’s sake we wouldn’t want to comment on that, whatever you do do not believe your lying eyes! Those that work at the VA have passed that talking point around as their jobs depend on a steady flow of veterans coming into their offices, hospitals and clinics regardless of whether they have legitimate claims or not
Who do I have to report abuse issues to inside of a local hospital. This hospital wasn’t the Veterans Administration. My husband has been physically assaulted and verbally abused by nursing staff. Who should I contact or what steps do I need to follow?
For those who do not know:
curt did one tour in Vietnam. He went out on a Gun Truck on his very first convoy. When the convoy returned two days later he volunteered for shit burning duty for the rest of his tour.
He never failed to get r done. Never once did he fail to stir the correct amount of diesel in with the shit.
By the time he was sent home he had become the best shit burner to ever serve in S.E. Asia.
So now you know why he keeps stirring shit.
http://disabilityhappens.com/how-where-to-report-va-abuse-and-fraud.html/comment-page-26?rcommentid=3053&rerror=incorrect-captcha-sol&rchash=eff9e0c244a4bcb6ecfba878756580c6#commentform
http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/11503862/
Raleigh, N.C. — A Lumberton man who claimed he was an injured veteran was ordered Tuesday to pay back nearly $900,000 in government benefits that authorities said he collected fraudulently over 16 years.
U.S. District Court Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced Ronnie Glenn Eddings, 41, to five years in prison, followed by three years of probation and restitution.
Eddings pleaded guilty in February to theft of government property after being indicted on the charge in 2011.
According to court documents, Eddings served in the Navy and claimed he was injured while deployed in Saudi Arabia. He claimed his symptoms became progressively worse until he was confined to a wheelchair.
In 1994, Eddings applied for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs, was awarded full disability and given monthly compensation. Two years later, he applied for and received increased benefits based on his worsening health.
In 1999, the VA learned Eddings had been employed for about five months as a transportation officer with a sheriff’s office. He had also been employed as a security officer and a social worker. All three jobs required tasks that could not be performed by someone in a wheelchair, authorities said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes prosecuted the case.
Disgruntled
That is GREAT news!
Please keep up the good work.
I love it when these pricks are nailed.
Go Numba, GO! Now you’re talking get-em-all! :-I . once again your emotionally driven empirical thought processes have kept you from getting the gist of these comments. See you on the Maury show!!!
I didn’t say get them all, you dumb fuck. Just the frauds like yourself would be good enough for me.
Frauds Like me? I have been awarded zero percent on my feet and don’t plan on writing any letters to try and get money for disabilities I don’t have. I am satisfied with my retirement check and the memories of the time I had serving my great country. We are in trouble now, there is an election in a couple of months and our decisions on that day will determine our nation’s future. Numba, even stinking nasty panty waste like you, yes the ball of mutated cum stench that dropped out of your whore mothers cunt deserve to have all the rights our founding fathers envisioned. You take it easy and remember, I am looking out fer ya buddy, I got your NUMBA bitch……………..
Hit a nerve did I.
Busted !!!!
You have a tendency to nip on the jug sometimes before you post here.
What would your lesbian parents say about your potty mouth.
Your Tri-care is going to be cut and I would love to have your “retirement payments” cut in half. Not everybody’s, just yours.
Bring it on little man.
The only reason CURT is getting his “GENEROUS retirement” (his words, not mine) and about the only truthful thing that he has puked on this site, is because of a POST world war 2 government program.
Right after WW 2 the federal government had to move fast to keep military personnel in the military because military peep were leaving in droves. The government came up with a retirement plan that would give any person that stayed in the military 20 years, full retirement. You could (and still can) go in the military at the ripe old age of 17 and then you could retire at the still wet behind the ears age of 37.
One of the big reasons behind this was that 75% of the “greatest generation” had to be dragged ( drafted), hollering and screaming into the service (Vietnam Veterans VOLUNTEERED at %75) . Only 1 out of 4 during WW2 volunteered to protect our country.
So when the war was over they ran out of the service as quick as they could.
We wouldn’t have enough personnel to run our military if the “greatest generation” wasn’t offered an incredible retirement program.
This was supposed to be a temporary fix, but like all other government programs, temporary is permanent.
No politician would touch this program, like all the other government give always, UNTIL NOW.
Our federal, state, county and city governments are broke. We are so far in debt that we could easily go tit’s up just like the country of Greece.
Getting back to curt. He truly thinks that he has earned his retirement. NO curt you didn’t. Sorry. Just like the Congress of the United States, you didn’t earn it. It was given to you. After congress, the military retirement program is the most “generous” retirement there is. No curt, you didn’t earn it, you just happen to be there at the right time.
This “retirement program” will be changed shortly. Not because its the right thing to do for tax payers ( which it is) but because the politicians will have no choice.
It is a wonderful thing that a person like curt can set on his butt as a supply clerk for 20 years and then receive a check each month for the rest of his miserable life, that will be on average over $1.5 million for his pathetic service.
Very soon, military retirement will be similar to Social Security. Early retirement will be 62. You will be able to retire sooner than 62 but only after actual combat zone duty and medals earned are considered. So I would say curt would have to wait until he turned 62 ( 65 for full retirement ) if his “generous retirement” was what it should be and what the new program WILL be.
Now, curt will tell us why he has earned $1.5 million in retirement for setting on his ass for 24 years and why YOU didn’t earn it by working your ass off at a civilian job for 35 years.
What gets me more than anything is that he mother fucks people that are legally collecting disability compensation and at the same time he is legally fucking us, the tax payers, every month for the rest of his life.
He and his wife will receive (basically) free health care for the rest of their lives.
Unbelievable, isn’t it.
Most HONORABLE military retirees don’t gloat about the gift.
Your turn curt. Please tell us why you are so special.
Please wait till you are sober to respond if that is possible.
For those who may think that I’m anti military, I’m not. Nothing could be further from the truth.
For those who have a high school diploma and don’t plan on getting a GOOD degree, one that you can actually make a decent living with, then the military is the way to go.
Not only will you meet the best people in your life but you will be able to travel to places that you would not be able to otherwise. The benefits are outstanding. Check it out and it will blow your mind.
The pay has NEVER been better. As an example if you are 19 and a civilian your average pay will be $22000 a year. If you are in the military and a E-2 pay grade (takes four months or less) you will make $38000 a year. If you are married with two children your pay will be $41000. This does not include off base housing pay and a slew of other benefits.
I have met extremely few people who regretted their military service. Drafted or not.
And after that if you stay in 20 years you will receive a retirement that is more than great.
Not only will your service be appreciated but you will be compensated more than being a civilian.
You need to sign up before to long as the benefit package will be change.
The retirement program came about when military pay sucked big time. Poverty wages caused people to leave the service. If they had a nice retirement to look forward to then they stayed in and suffered all those years.
This is no longer the case. They make great money and it has been increasing since the 1980’s.
The likelihood of getting shot is less than living in Detroit.
GO FOR IT !!!!!
It seems your “NUMBAs” are out of wack. According to the DFAS website: http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers.html
An E-2 in the service in 2012 makes $1,671.30 per month…. which unless my calculator is failing me equals $20,055.60 a month.
All enlisted personnel also get a food allowance (BAS) of $348.44 a month, but adding that in only comes to $24,236.88
… just sayin
I would like to know the process for the ones that try to get 100% disability. Isn’t there medical exams? Aren’t they required to apply for employment if they can only sit at a desk? I understand there are many who are disabled and need this, but I don’t believe all are honest and are abusing the system.
The reason I’m asking these questions, because one of my neighbors who has a job now is bragging to others that he plans on quitting his job and if he doesn’t work for 6 months he will get 100% disability..Come on…this guy is very capable of working and is NOT 100% disabled. He is trying to abuse the system. He’s out body surfing and very capable of working.
How can I report this should he go through with his plans and quit a steady job he has?
sg,
The cheating veterans I know that are collecting 100% disability started their journey with a health survey filled out during out processing from the military. It’s during this briefing from the VA that you get a real ear full of BS about how wonderful the VA is. I remember mine, the guy (a vet himself) ranted about how he was getting compensated for his injuries and how we should write down everything from hemorrhoids to hang nails so we can “get paid”. He had the room following up with that chant. It was obscene! He would say “enlarged prostate” the room would repeat “get paid” he said “sore back” the room said “get paid” oh how ridicules to see the people who had served so very proudly reduced to parroting idiots. I turned my form in blank and walked out into my second career proud of my service and happy with my retirement benefit. What I have seen since has shocked me. Veterans getting together to share symptoms and doctors names, certain veterans who are good word smiths rewriting appeals for disapproved claims and more than a handful of veterans I know personally who are at 100% and still working full time in very active jobs on their feet all day long right next to me.
Before you slam me about how I am not a doctor and don’t know what going on inside I know these people! I spend more time with them then their own families. They admit their claims are bogus and get upset with me for not filing a claim. I assure you I would if I was injured in any way. I am proud to be fit. These are veterans of the cold war who base their appeals on things like diabetes caused from MREs not warriors from our recent wars who are severely injured and must wait in line behind the money grabbers and certainly not our brave warriors from Viet Nam who suffered in silence for so many decades many have still not come forward or have already died in misery.
Veterans everywhere need to rise up and stop admiring those veterans who file the false claims. We need to demand investigations on vets who claim 100% disability yet work full time jobs.
And once and for all idiots like NUMBA need to sit don and shut up I don’t know what that nuts stance is its jibberish and personal with no help for the cause
@ WildBill
You are right and my figure was way off, but when you add the benefits it is still MUCH better than most young people make. When I went in the Army in1968 my pay was $112 a month. I left a job driving truck that paid $6 an hour. The wages for driving truck now days would be $50-$60 an hour if all things were equal. The job I had is probably $14 today.
My apologies for the wrong figures earlier.
@ sg
I do not understand why Veterans rated at100% disability can legally have a job. It has never made sense to me.
While in Nashville this year for a funeral for a Vietnam friend of mine I was talking to another Vietnam friends wife and she told me that having a dick that no longer stands at attention is considered a “missing limb”. I laughed, I thought she was joking. Her husband has major agent orange problems.
I guess that it is true. I don’t know what percentage you get, I’m guessing 10%.
@ curt
fuck off dirt bag 🙂
A lot of you guys need to do your research on how the VA rates injuries. Just because you have a 100% rating doesn’t mean your totally disabled in most cases. You could have several injuries that amount to a 100%. If you have a 90% rating doesnt literally mean your totally jacked up either. And because you have a 90 percent rating or so doesnt mean you CAN NOT work.
I have a 90% rating from the VA but I work and make a 6 figure income on top of that. The reason I am compensated it is because of my injuries that occurred in combat and during my active duty time. I have several injuries, for one my back is all kinds of messed up. Three herniated discs, a bulging disc, and several other issues at the age of 23 these issues started. I was an infantrymen and my back has been through a god damn lot compared to the average civilian that works behind a desk all day.
My back will never be the same, it will never be a 100% recovered. I am on a lot of meds to help with the pain. But hey I still have a brain and I can adapt to other work. The disability rating and med board process is basically like workers comp or whatever in the civilian world. If you were to get injured on the job in the civilian world, you would probably lawyer and sue the company for whatever they have. The military is different, I can not “sue”. My compensation is what I get for being injured in the line of duty. Is that hard to understand. Just dont look into the percentages literally. Do your research on the VA website.
At the end of the day I served my country. I was injured. I already get looked at like I am damaged goods like most vets with PTSD. Can you people just leave us the fuck a lone and mind your damn business? Veterans make up like less then 1% of the population. If you want to hound on waste why not look at all these other programs out there? why go for us guys who are the 1% who actually did something when our country was attacked. But I am sure you guys all forgot about that.
@ap
Curt will deal with you sternly now. He may puss out, now that I said something.
Read his post over the last couple years if you want to puke. If you walk by him while he is setting on the park bench feeding pigeons, he can give you a full body MRI, and proclaim that there isn’t a damn thing wrong with you. He is a legend in his own mind. The type of person that gets fragged.
Curt
Please do not say such terrible things about the “Big D”, your home town of Detroit. it’s no wonder you were censored here. Tsk, tsk ,tsk. How could you. You should be totally embarrassed. It is just like you though. Sad, very sad. I feel for your family. Can they voice their opinion around you? I didn’t think so. Get some help Curt, before you lose the only people that still care about you, your wife and daughter.
.
Nice try numba, I have two grown sons no daughter. Detroit is not my home town its where I choose to work because I have always chosen the hard jobs because I am capable.
Oh OK, liar.
Now if you had your shit together like you claim, you would have started a business and retired VERY comfortably at the age of 53. Instead of barely getting by. Your wife and daughter would have no worries either. Better you than me. It must be karma. Sorry, no really, no, no really. 🙂
I love fall weekends, I am off from work for a couple of days so I can get some work done. We finaly got the camper winterized and put up in storage. The race car has had fuel stabilizer added,The nitrious tank is purged and the air is out of the shocks. I wanted to put it into climate controled storage today but theshop owner is out of town. I am proud to have the things I have and gratefull to my ability to serve my country and proud that I dont have to make up dieses in order to suplement a generious retirement check and great second career made posiable from my privilage to serve.
Hey Numba, ??t c? l? nhà m
Good for you curt.. Normal working stiff activities. The only difference between you and most other working stiffs is the fact that THEY are not creeps. Or liars.
THIS JUST IN !!!!!!!!!!
FOX NEWS.COM
POLICE WARN DETROIT TIGER FANS: INTER DETROIT AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE MOST VIOLENT CITY IN THE COUNTRY.
Curt the jerk moved his family there recently. What a mindless troll he is.
I know someone who I believe is commiting fraud to get his VA Disability payments. He told me he takes home $2,000/mo + he gets all his medica/dental paid for 100%. It sickens me because he got on disability because his wife “was mean to him” while he was on active duty. He was never deployed.
He claimed that got depressed from his wife talking mean to him so they gave him permanent disability. I find this really hard to stomach. The guy seems to have no trouble taking trips, he has two nice vehicles, comes and goes as he pleases. I don’t see any deep depression. He even went and got his masters degree while on disability.
He divorced his wife 5+ years ago so it’s not like he’s supporting anyone. He pays no spousal support or alimony. In this day and age with so many struggling to get by I can’t turn a blind eye to it. My brother is mentally handicapped. He still works 2 PT jobs for minimum wage and pays rent in a studio apartment. He isn’t legally able to drive but he still gets his butt to work by bicycle whether it’s 20 below zero or 100 degrees out.
He has to go to the food shelf to supplement his groceries. He’s not taking any vacations. Yet this so-called Vet has 2 cars and he’s about 100 LBS over-weight. He’s eating well and none of it is from a food shelf I know this for sure. He even has a dermatologist. What??
Last summer he went on week-long trips out of state. I can’t do that and I work 50-60 hours a week. I am just irate about what I see. So many deserve the help and are not getting it because of frauds like this guy. I want to turn him in but believe that nothing would be done anyway.
This is so frustrating. How do I at least get an investigation going? This money should be going to vets that saw combat and not some baby that got his feelings hurt and couldn’t deal with it. God what is happening to our country???
It is obvious that the guy doesn’t like you. He is feeding you bullshit and keeping you in the dark.
Get a life.
@numba10000, What are you talking about? Your comment to SLA doesn’t make sense.
Richard, numba offers little in the way of help. He is obsesed with tearing people apart on a deeply personal level. I suspect it is because he is incapable of debating at an intelectual level
just ignore him
Curt, if I need a Dung Beetle to speak for me I will let you know.
Richard B, What i was saying to SLA is that the neighbor is not going to answer what is a very personal question. Obviously SLA is quite nosy. The neighbor has a great sense of humor and the kind of neighbor I prefer. Thank you for asking.
Beautiful Fall day here (I’m told it’s Fall). Well, almost all days are beautiful here. The Palm trees are loving the soft hand of mother nature and it is very soothing for the Palms, myself and Laun.
Relaxing (almost always) at the beach and trying to decide if I should acquire a new Cessna or Bombardier, or just relax and let this young lady (19, she says) have her way with me.
I’m thinking all of the above.
Already have enough aircraft I am told. But as far as I’m concerned, you cant have enough refined toys (when it comes to aircraft). Don’t have a Bombardier and since the Canadians are our friends………I should go,all of the above.
Exotic autos are nice also, but too, two dimensional. I have enough of those. Four is enough for any mortal.
Well, need to mow laun’s (pronounced lawn) lawn.
Love those Giants.
Just talked to my dad he might be getting a 3000.00 bump on top of his 3800.00. I looked at him and said thanks for contributing to the bankruptcy of this country your grandkids and I are paying for your free ride. He also gets lots of other perks and disability so he might be making over 100k in the bank that he pays no taxes on. Pretty good for a guy that screwed around and hardly saved anything for retirement and only worked until he was 55. I know he has a lot of problems but none are related to his service, and like all the others I know collecting it’s a straight up scam. If everyone knew that they could serve in the military for a few years and scam the VA for life everybody would be joining.
If they only gave him money that covered his care and his health it wouldn’t be so bad but what he gets is far and above what he needs and he just blows the rest on junk. I love my dad but it has really lowered my opinion of him.
Yawn……that’s the sound of me just getting up,I usually awake around noon or 1pm but decided to sleep in….my check from the VA is coming tomorrow and I have a way to early flight to the Bahamas that leaves at noon…for me that’s the red eye…lol…..I collect 100% VA comp with SSDI and SMC on top of it….I have life altering PTSD and nightmares but my 22 year old girlfriend helps me through those tough nights..she is somewhat of a service companion….lets say…ohhh I also get my hobby paid for by the va my new hobby is photography witch I have been practicing with my girlfriend well goodbye wish me a safe flight….yawn..
Sorry Numba, I realize you are ghost writing in an imature amature attempt to draw me into an argument. Sorry dude, I am back to work training a inner city drill team to compete in the Nationals in Datona Beach I no longer have long summer vacation days to play with numb nuts like you. You are truly a worthless POC
Like I have said before Cunt, you are not clairvoyant.
Someone that would move their family to the most dangerous city in the country has NO room to call ANYONE worthless. A city of only 700,000 that was built for 2.3 million tells me that anybody that moves there instead of moving out, is the POS.
Calm down Cunt.
@ Roy
I knew that you would get Cunt’s goat but it never crossed my mind that he would think you were me.
He isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
I don’t know where you are coming from, but I did find your post funny.
@numba…..I saw that …..lol …..I have been lurking on this so – called discussion for at least a year and finally decided to contribute…I fly back to Miami tonight,then next week it’s back to Cebu in the Phillipines to party till Christmas,it’s a tough life but someone has to do it….so many women,so little time.
OK, what we have here is a narcissistic battle between a couple of forces that are driven partially by personal experience and partially by vendetta. There is a subtle hint of sexual frustration often seen in older men who have failed to find meaningful relationships in their lives. I will surmise:
1. There is no creditability whatsoever to the grandiose claims to owing ultra expensive aircraft, car and the like, the supposition here is that these items were gained through fraudulent claims to the VA by cheating veterans.
2. The sad truth is that veterans who do cheat the system often live a very mundane life convincing them that they are helpless and can only survive through the help of VA monies. Actually getting up off their cheating asses and making a life for themselves would help them realize the satisfaction of the lavish items you guys refer to in your posts.
Now for the biggest telltales sign that you are indeed struggling with psychosis:
Frequent references to you being surrounded by subservient young women shows just how delusional you are. Quite often, older men who are sexually frustrated, or who have failed to properly please a woman will resort to dreaming about encounters with younger women. (Lottery syndrome. Quails 1983)
Good Day Numba & Roy and whoever
What the f………..The big D cant beat a team that played an overtime game just 4 days ago.
What a fricking, shithole city, detroit is.
Happy Turkey Day you turkeys.
Sure glad I live in Texas.
Aaahh yes Detroit did lose. My wife was gloating about that, she is a Texas girl.
So we have something in common. We love Texas. Met my wife in El Paso when stationed at Fort Bliss back in the 80s. Later in my career I was stationed in San Antonio. My first job after I retired was in Houston. I love Texas and would be working there now if I was bilingual. Not much need for teachers in most Texas markets who do not speak Spanish. Texas is where we will retire in 7more years, but until then I find a great deal of satisfaction in coaching Detroit city schools drill teams to attain national rankings.
THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!! I work my butt off and these slackers get free money, money from those who do work!! I know a number of vets who are receiving 100% disability for PTSD, plus they work!! My brother is one of them. He is bipolar, and had to join the military or be jailed. Deployed to Vietnam for several months, back to the states to finish his 13 months in the services. He now gets 100%, plus all his school paid for, medical, housing etc. Being bipolar he was messed up before he joined the military now he gets paid big bucks. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he is getting some assistance. However, he won’t take his meds for bipolar for fear the VA will find out. In addition to the VA benefits, he also works making big bucks (cash). I deserve 100% disability just for being related to him. I’m so sick of all of these free handouts!!
George, get use to it. This country has changed and it doesn’t look like it is going to change in our lifetime. The people have spoken and re-elected a freebee president. Unfortunately for our honest veterans who do suffer dearly from their wounds the VA and its benefits are on the president’s chopping block. It was fun to bitch about this in the past but now it’s serious we have more takers than makers and that is a recipe for disaster.
If you have a job work harder! There are millions on welfare and fraudulent VA claims that depend on your every tax dollar.
Curt,I do not think you have morals or are very patriotic for bad mouthing our president,the commander in chief this way,you just showed your kookiness by implying his re election a disaster and that the country has changed for the worse for a whole life time.It seems you a drama queen,very few VA claims are fraudulent some are,but the vast majority are not.The 47% has spoken and rejected the Republicans who like you are only for the rich.I being a Socialist am very happy with Theese turn of events and if you don’t like it you are free to leave the country whenever you want to!!!
Send Curt to Kenya.
Curt ( the r is pronounced like a n ) will respond shortly.
He is busy at the local bath house in the Briggs neighborhood playing catcher for the “drill team” that will be competing nationally in San Francisco this summer when the weather allows swinging dicks from freezing.
@numba lol……anyone who hangs around Detroit nowadays has serious and I mean serious mental conditions…..
You selfish worm, when I first retired I worked for 3M in Houston and I made twice what I make teaching. Fact is working for the backward dumb asses in Houston were below me so I took a challenge to work with youth yes the youth of DETROIT. I am not from Detroit, I am from Wisconsin but since I joined the Army I learned real self worth is gained by taking the hard jobs. These Detroit kids are just as much the future of this country as children in Texas, California or Nebraska. We are a sovereign nation with invisible borders and don’t you forget it. If you have to confront me on a personal basis it’s because you don’t have the intellect to even attempt to debunk my points mentioned in past posts. Fraud among once honorable veterans is estimated to be at 67% that’s a fact even quoted on the preamble of this very web site, scroll all the way up and read it if you don’t believe me.
I assure you, my family is very safe we are legally armed and well trained.
http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2012/06/gao-finds-va-pension-claims-fraud/
This is just one of hundreds of reputable sources that should be sending red flags up everywhere. Once honest warriors who are now lying cheating veterans are robbing the system blind. It won’t be long until Obama and his merry men get a hold of this data and use it to convince the American people to allow them to cut the VA budget even more.
See you fools laughed at me, you are intellectually incapable of understanding my fact based logic and the process of reducing all veteran benefits has begun (read the story in the link) You thought by voting for Obama you were getting a basket full of goodies. You thought that YOU had to be the one he was caring about, his campaign was so slick and tailored to the needy and greedy that surely he must want cheating veterans to continue to feed at the government trough; well wrong you now all have huge targets on your back. Look at the bottom of that report, do you see the democratic backed witch hunt that is going to start on each and every veteran who is drawing benefits? Its over yes the free ride is over. Don’t say I did not see this coming fools
http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2012/06/gao-finds-va-pension-claims-fraud/
Get some help Curt.
Curt,you are a complete ignoramus,I read the article you provided and its about VA pensions for low income vets just about any vet can apply and receive the VA pension it is different from VA disability it is two totally different animals,you are really stupid and now it’s showing.Obama made it extremely easy for anyone claiming PTSD by taking away the in service stress statement rule,you no longer have to prove anything happened to you at all to get it…..Obama will not cut anything I repeat anything from Compensation and Pension you are truly mad…..get help please.
@ Roy
Facts only confuse Curt. His thick mind is made up. I have tried to get through to the idiot for 2 years. I don’t bother clicking on any links that he suggest. Its a waste of time.
I wouldn’t even bother with Curt if it wasn’t for his complete disdain for disabled veterans. He thinks that if you are not a quadriplegic or brain dead then you should not receive veterans disability compensation.
If he had more than 2 brain cells to rub together he wouldn’t admit that he moved his family to Detroit, “the big D” he so affectionately calls it. He moved his family from the toilet Memphis to the cesspool Detroit.
@numba Rofl!!!! I doubt Curt ever served anyway,he does not sound like any veteran I know…
@Roy
I suspected that two years ago. But I have come to the conclusion that he was in the military in some weak fashion. Drill team, Basic training bend over and cough monkey, bicycle courier (hey, wait a minute, that’s what Hitler did), shit burner, etc.
OK I will bite on that, BASD Sep 77 I took the SSB in 1992 while recovering from a bad jump from a C130 over Frier Drop Zone. I reenlisted in 1999 served in Bosnia then Kosovo then two tours in Iraq. Was a 16D a 77F and a 37F Damm right I served and I am still serving as a JROTC Instructor. I served honorably. Was a Drill Sergeant and taught at the NCO Academy I am also a life time member of the Sergeant Morales Club. My career Is crystal clear and dripping with honor, Playing with your simple ass is very entertaining I welcome your next post as you are saturated with hate and examining you helps me in my continuing degree studies.
@curt the only thing you are saturated in is your own delusion and bullshit,anyone can cite military slang and MOS its all public info you still don’t sound like any veteran I know,give your google searches a rest…
OK your right you got me, thought I could fool you but your way to smart
Next time Curt, don’t forget life time member VFW. You forgot to Google that.
Yes the Bruce post in Saint Clair Shores MI.
My husbnd just left me and tooks our children!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has scammed the VA fo the last 15 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW this friccing judge gave this pricks custady of our chilsdren!!!!!!!! I am his 2nd wifes and these are his only childrens. I have five from my first two mariage and to by this skumbag. He has been getting 100 pursent disbility plus SSD for before we were maried. How can I get my shares or turn he in.
There you go roy and numba, now that the genius squealing pig has entered the room you have someone to attend GED classes with! One big happy class of Morons. She is no doubt from Tex-ASS also yippie hi o hi o!!
@ squealing pig
I have seen you on Hard Core Pawn. Curt lives near you. I have seen him on there too. He is one of them “dawgs” that had to be escorted out. Stolen laptop that he wanted $40 for.Touch base with him and he can help you track that malingerer down. He is easy to spot. Very unhealthy looking and calls everyone bitch over and over.
@curt
Even though your desktop is a fossil, the least you could do is clean the shit off the key board.
Come on Curt……….drop the skin flute and let us know how you and your “drill team” does anything constructive for the protection of our country.
I was thinking that we could airdrop hundreds of “drill teams” out of the cargo door of C130’s or even Cessna Skyhawks and flabbergast Al Qaeda and the Taliban. They would shoot each other in the head out of disgust.
When I go to a Veterans day parade it isn’t to see girly-men. Put it this way numb-nuts, if all there was to watch at Veterans day parades was “drill teams” there would be NO parade. Take your girly-man shit to San Francisco.
@curt
please respond shortly
I find fucking with you patriotic
@curt
please respond shortly
I find fuck-ing with you patriotic
I know someone with a 60% rate. He works a FT job which is allowable under his condition. My issue is he spends 95% of his time being a firefighter at one of the BUSIEST fire companies in PA. That is NOT disabled-I can say that as a Workers Comp and Disability Investigator for over 14yrs the reason he and others get away with it is because it is VA and not another program. I recently was injured at my federal job and got a rating of 10% and I CANNOT be a firefighter but once again if I was VA and not OWCP DOL and watched what I am doing it would be different. This guy has done NOTHING but complain about his back hurting. Deserve medical benefits sure but you should not be getting over 1k if you can fight fires and spend your time scamming women on personal ads with lies. I’ve been a firefighter and its NO EASY TASK. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Merry Christmas to all and to all a big government check
Keep running your mouth curt I will come to St.Clare Shores and KICK your PUNK A** ! You dont know sh*t about Michigan get out of my state you B***H !!! Your not in Detriot your in the suburbs you wouldnt last 5 minutes talking the way you do in the city.
Heyyou retard, Its Saint Clair (not Clare) Shores, You can find me most nights at the Bruce Lodge. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you
Yes I bet if half the guys in there knew what you write here they would kick your a** to you b***h.Your ego is writing checks your a** cant cash curt you need to just SHUT THE F up before somebody finds out who you are and gives you a dentist appointment. Im only in Lansing why dont you just live your pethetic life that nobody cares about and be quiet you think we care about your life what you are doing? I dont,your life is about as interesting as watching paint dry or watching flies f**k. Your no soldier your just a b***h who acts like you are more important than you really are thats a sure sign of a very small man. Im sure your wife if you even have one will get tired of you very soon and leave you for a real man one day.Im also sure even if you ever went to IRAQ that you were most certainly a “FOBBIT”.
OK let’s just see what a small man is. The McDonalds, 22333 Nine mile in St Clair Shores tomorrow at 1400 I will be inside with a cup of coffee let’s compare DD 214, mine will be on the table. Can you handle it? I will be waiting.
F YOU curt I dont care what your papers say your a B***H ! A disgrace to IRAQ VETS most of us dont run our mouth like you.You think if I met you I would waste time talking looking at your DD-214 wow you got alot to learn about Detroit and the people you live around. Im from here and only way to talk to people like you is with 5 knuckles now shut the F go back to your petty life.You dont speak for detroit or michigan so go back to whatever hole you crawled out of.You spew that crap out your mouth and disgrace ALL VETS disabled or not its truely people like you that ARE the REAL PROBLEM.
I have no time or desire to meet pieces of s**t like you Im too busy at the VA getting counceling and medications and STAYING AWAY from people like YOU!
Ron, your a pussy. Eat shit and die. People like you destroyed a great city and now its going to take people like me to fix it. Sit back, take your meds and let motivated hard core vets unfuck your mess, sit down BOY!!!!!
Better look around curt your in a blue collar democrat state just because your views and a few others FROM THE SUBURBS might be the same around you overall your out numbered here try Arz.
Hey dumb ass where is Arz?
Should change this website to “CURTS CRYBABY SESSION and HOW CURT IS THE GREATEST VETERAN THAT EVER SERVED THE USA” He did 1 mission outside the wire hanging off the CO’s ballsack holding his coffee instead of his own rifle and now he is home the true hero of the IRAQ WAR. Living in St. Clair shores michigan fighting crime cleaning up the streets.Curt a true legend in his own mind all other veterans are scumbag losers.How many hero medals you got on that 214 curt? B***H!
No not even close to being a hero. All the heroes I know are dead, I am just an average Veteran who served a rather uneventful career and retired. I went where my orders told me to go and did what I was told to do. Since my retirement I have been ashamed of some of my fellow veterans who seem to think that drawing disability compensation is a right that is gained through lying about age related problems and overwhelming an already stressed VA system by bombarding them with letters until they give in and send the checks. This is not my assumption or blind crusade; I see it with my own eyes. I know the guys who write the appeal letters.
What about getting blown up in IRAQ that qualify for disability curt?
Tens of thousands of horrible combat injuries both physical and mental have occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was very lucky. While I was assigned to Camp Victory in a very safe environment I did log over3000 convoy miles on weekly routes visiting our teams on Warhorse, Tikrit, Mosul, Baqubah, Balad and in and around Baghdad itself. The wars happened towards the end on my career and while I was eligible for retirement in 2003 I stayed 5 more years to serve with the amazing warriors I served with.
Here is where it all turned for me. When I went to my retirement briefing the VA guy came in and started telling the group I was with about disability benefits. He had the whole group sounding off with “GET PAID” he would say “got a bad back?” the group would say “GET PAID” Hemorrhoids? “GET PAID” he went on and on with no mention of PTSD or actual combat injuries.
I actually bought into it for a second. I went put down enlarged prostrate on the paper and was sent to Ft Sam Houston for evaluation. I already knew my situation was age related and when I arrived at FT Sam (BAMC) I was overcome with what I saw, young warriors everywhere. Amputees, brain dead terribly burnt all being pushed around by mothers and young wives.
I arrived for my appointment in Urology and as I waited my turn A young woman pushed her husband up next to me. He was in a wheel chair and not only were his legs gone he only had a trunk. I got up and left telling the nurse he could have my place in line. I left, went back to Fort Polk and retired.
In my retirement I know hundreds of veterans, most have never seen combat and retired before the wars. They are old guys like me who have gained weight and are suffering age related injuries that they blame on military service and I know three who get 100%. I know I am not a Doctor but you do not have to be a doctor to hear them brag about how it’s all made up.
How about claiming diabetes was caused by MREs eaten in the 1980s, bad knees from a guy that has put on 60 pounds since retirement. Vets who keep their leg braces in the storeroom at work and only put them on for VA appointments? Do you support these guys?
This is where my fight is at, Not with the brave young warriors suffering from their memories and wounds.
Well I was based at FOB Speicher in 06-07 we did covoys to Victory,Warehorse,Ramadi,Rustamaya,Green zone,many trips to Mosul and as far north as the syrian borders its more easy to name the FOBs I hadnt been to then ones I have.This was 06-07 during the surge we were losing about 76 guys a month to IEDs including a Sgt. in my unit was killed north of Tikrit in Bayji by IED.I paid my dues and got hit myself I am not one of the guys you speak of I earned mine in blood and eating lots of sand.You know at some level I could agree with you about fake claims but I do not judge others I leave that to god. Think you should realize some of things you say even makes guys who did pay the price mad when you say things like”Merry Christmas to all and to all a big government check” I dont speak for everyone but Im sure many would rather have their minds and body parts back then a Gov. check I know I would.What you dont understand curt is NO CHECK can give a wounded soldier his normal life back or give my sgt his life back so be careful your words do hurt REAL WAR VETS.
You are right; a couple of years ago I found this site and just wanted to sound off about the crap I see at my civilian job. My fight is against the absolute ass holes I have met since I have retired. Vets from the 1980s who talk about having to get their claims in fast before the Iraq guys slow down the system. It’s all selfishness and when I praise the young guys and gals I served in Iraq with the guys who retired back in the 1990s always seem to find a way to ignore the topic. You see I served from 1977 to 1992 then due to a serious accident I had to get out. I met medical standards 8 years later and I came back in. I was not able to come back in ARTY but was accepted as an AGR with the REMFs. I was an old dog and I was very impressed with the way the Army had changed since I was out. Please forgive me if I gave any hint of loathing for our warriors, there has been a lot of back and forth on this forum and it was never intended even in the slightest to demean the tens of thousands of honestly wounded warriors. Thanks for your service, Curt
Hey curt,those MREs were gross…and very unhealthy,I deserve 100% disability for it,they were not fit to give to dogs,I was made to eat them in the Air Force for basic training….and then I ate them at the super toxic nellis test range….I deserve every penny!
OK better get your claim in real soon. In case you haven’t noticed there’s a whole bunch of cuts coming to the Defense department and the VA. Did you see you paycheck last week? I am 280 dollars a month lighter. Fraud across the board has caused this but the problem is the cuts will not be across the board. No cuts to entitlements but big cuts to the so called working man and nations Warriors. And some have the nerve to accost me for calling attention to some veterans who cheat and get in line ahead of wounded heroes? Shame on them good day
OK everyone, I am 100 % disabled served in the gulf war and the war on terror, I was a reservist, anyway I hate bieng on disability, it makes me feel like less of aman, I complain to My wife alot about dropping the benifits and going back to work but she brings Me back to reality, I worked 24 years in the civilian world and had 55 employers, during that time, went bankrupt 2 times lost a home, and came close to suicide, The Va helped alot, but it took along time, so I dont know about all these fraudulent claims you guys are talking about, And as far as some people bragging about it I believe its just a way to hold face because I hate telling anyone I am disabled, but I have met some guys who say things like that just so they dont have to admit to having a problem, I often lie to people so they dont get scared to be around Me, if a stranger knows you have PTSD they think you might go postal , and try to make friends when your 44 years old and retired it is hard, people ask why and how did you get so lucky, and ask what I saw while overseas, that bothers Me to no end, I just want to be normal, and forget the past and be a regular joe I guess what I am trying to say is leave the vets alone THE VA was a godsend to Me and to the people I here complaining about there relatives you guys are jerks if my brother was recieving disability benifits from the military I would be happy for him not envious,
OK so apparently there is a secret mystery to disabled veterans that I will never understand. Apparently when I see veterans who keep their leg braces and orthopedic shoes in the store room at work then watch them strap them on before they go on a VA appointment I am not suppose to judge them. When I hear my boss, a retired Army LTC on the phone coaching other veterans on how to exaggerate their symptoms and attempting to convince veterans that there diabetes was caused by MREs this is just their way of disguising the horrors they experienced during their tours in Germany back in the 1980s. And I guess I am just too cynical and ignorant to accept the advice of my local VA rep. This dude won’t stop calling me trying to convince me that I must have some sort of disability, he insists I should take time off my job and come hang out at the VA he has a tone of desperation in his voice as he tries to convince me I must have something wrong. He has stooped to the level of deducting that the reason my 25 year old son cannot get a job is because he has a projected form of PTSD that he has somehow caught from me??? That’s the line he gives me! This money grab is fricking nuts. My argument is in support of the truly injured warriors I was there, two tours in Iraq Kosovo Bosnia I know the physical and mental injuries are real and horrific but I also know there are many greedy thieves out there being coached by the VA itself to keep pushing for benefits.
I am amazed at the some of the ignorance so vastly displayed on this sight. Some of these claims you pose to be “fraudulent” are not fraudulent at all. First of all I would like to address those claiming dependency fraud. A dependent need not live with you to be able to claim them. Secondly PTSD claims are not fraudulent unless the stressor is fraud. If you can prove that the veteran did not see or experience the stressor than there might be fraud. There has to be proof. I am a disabled veteran MST rated. Some of you people make me sick to my stomach
Holy shit here we go again, look y’all for the sake of my point lets dismiss PTSD from my conversation about fraud. I know it’s devastating to the warrior and his/her family and it is real. Once again, I am at war with those veterans who retired from the service in the early to mid 1990s, now you will be hard pressed to convince me that the PTSD cases being presented by these cold war veterans are legit. And when I see them putting on leg braces that they keep at work just for the VA appointment you can’t tell me what I am seing and hearing is not fradulent
I guess I am not suppose to get pissed off at these cheaters. When I see them working together to invent new symptoms and in virtual competition to see who gets a higher rating I just want to scream! I served 25 years and two tours in Iraq I am very lucky, I was not hurt. I know many who were and they are true hero’s and proud warriors not the sleuths I have witnessed with my own well educated very aware eyes. As far as I see it they are just slowing down the process for those warriors who are seriously waiting for help.
im thinking that you worry too much about what others are doing. Do you have a better way of spending your time?
I wasn’t even referring to you Curt. I was referring to earlier post of claiming a ex husband ect. And peoples uncanny ability to diagnose people they don’t even know. I want to see their PHD and MD degrees. In addition that haven’t seen the claim the veteran has sent in, nor the C&P exams, nor any evidence the veteran has presented yet the keep screaming “Fraud” with no evidence what so ever. So what if a PTSD Veteran can lift 100lbs (I know one has nothing to do with the other) but some of these accusations are absurd.
OK I see your point but do not agree with it at all. I still have faith in most of my fellow citizens and their ability to detect pure BS when they see it, ever hear of a jury? We need to remove emotions from this system. Emotions are why this country is broke and it won’t be long until Barrack BOZO Obamas handlers manipulate the nations emotions as they relate to retired veterans and the VA, he and his supporters loath the military. When the main stream media feels the American people are beat down enough they will get bold enough to turn on the countries military and they will start by exposing the fraud that does exist, this is red meat for them and we need to reject any and all fraudulent activity. Let’s grow some balls and get off the BS line that if you’re not a medical doctor you have no right to question someone’s disability rating
Curt is a extreme nut case and harmless, except maybe to himself. Humor him and have fun screwing with him but don’t take anything he says as fact. He can be nauseating to the point that no person is safe from puking. Why he is allowed to continue to post his idiocy here concerns me.
Numba, it’s good to hear from you again. I had feared you were dead or had fallen ill or had a stroke or slipped on the ice and were paralyzed. Yes please ignore the fact that fradulent VA claims are keeping true warriors from getting the benifits they deserve. Continue to follow emotions only. So many good things have come from that
Maybe all of you guys should have served. I think you all are jealous…!
No one gets disability on emotion
its amazing the you guys cheer on the ones that keep getting denied their claims. Saying theyre the ones who truly deserve it. U ever thought to think they lack the evidence that theyre disabled in the first place or that it was indeed service connected. Ladies and Gentleman you have to have proof. Perhaps the ones being denied are trying to commit fraud
HeyTruely, NEWS FLASH!! I did serve, served 25 years with two Iraq’s at the end of my career. I have a rating for the blown out feet from rucking and jumping to prove it. I work with many civilians who I am sure are jealous. I wouldn’t be jealous, I am pissed off and ashamed of some of the veterans I have close contact with. These men and women were once honorable soldiers who wouldn’t have even tolerated a $5 cheat on a travel voucher but now are going all out to rob this nation’s empty caufers. Since I retired in 2008 I have met hundreds of retirees who are desperate to get a check, a free check. Now let me state my case again for this limited intelligence audience. These are older vets from the late 1970s and 1980s army. Not modern warriors and not PTSD cases. They are teaming up to design well worded appeals claiming their diabetes was caused by MREs they ate in the 80s. These thieves are collecting up to 100% and keep leg braces and orthopedic shoes at the office only putting them on for VA appointments. Don’t give me that crap that I don’t know because I am not a doctor, that’s an emotional plea and it’s BS I have lived long enough to know a scam when I see one. We need to shame these pricks out of line so the deserving can get the help they need!!!!
I forgive you all for continuing to attack me on this site. It’s not that you’re ignorant; you just know so much that isn’t true. (Reagan 1968)
In my opinion -as far as veterans go- I would rather give them the benefit of the doubt. As a nation we do not want to be seen as someone that neglects their veterans. Peace.
I love it, another day at work and once again I run right into another poor misguided soul. So I am in the gym at work coaching my team. A coach from another school sees my US Army Retired hat. He walks over and asks when did you retire? I said 2008 and he says he retired in 1996. I thanked him for his service and he asks me something about the downtown VA center. I say I don’t go there I use my Tricare Insurance. He looked shocked! He said you don’t draw disability? I said no, what for? He said there must be something wrong. I said well yes I have some busted up feet and have zero percent right now. He said you have to play those feet up, he said I should start calling out sick and get my boss to write a letter saying I am missing work because of my feet. I said I am proud to be 53 and in great shape and I would never lie about my physical condition. He went on to say so you were in Iraq? I said yes his face lit up and he said there you go! You have PTSD! I said that’s no laughing matter, I worked BN ops at Camp Victory and there are a bunch of guys who got shot at every day who deserve those benefits not me. He told me there was a ton of money set aside and I was a fool not to stretch the truth a little to get my share. This is the bull shit I am talking about I run into it all the time.
My so to call husband belongs in this section. He has PTDS but from before the military time, from his childhood. I know more issues he has that he put on claim but that is wrong they are all from before he was active. SAME I will report him today. I am tired that he lives of $4000.00 a month and left his children behind like they never were born. I should done this long time a go, but I did not want to be one of those wife’s well now I am, and i am really tired of it.
LG
Get a life CURT. Scumbag.
@ everyone
I could go on and on about how “Curt” is such a low life dung beetle, but, all you have to do is read his hateful drivel that he (possibly she) has puked here the last 2+ years and you would know that he (it) is sick.
Cunt goes on and on about fraud in the VA system and how easy it is to pull off a fraud, yet he tried to get disability for his “broken feet” and the VA told him to fuck off.
I don’t know if he tried to pull a fraud himself and it didn’t work or he (or she) just hates the U.S.A.
I will cut him some slake and assume that Cunt is a foreigner that hates us.
Either way, I find this sick fuck amusing and hope everyone (who has more than one brain cell) that reads his revolting post, sees the sickness.
@Curt (Cunt)
I will be back in three months to amuse myself and flip you shit.
Poor numba, it’s not that you’re an ignorant old ass who has never come to terms with the truth it’s just that so much of what you think you know just isn’t true. I hope you are getting the help you need.
Numba =nha?t gan
You’re wasting your Curt. It’s unfortunate that eventually all the scammers (mostly baby boomers) are going to screw it up for the people who really need help. I know in my dads case he may be getting his money but he is not respected at all by any of his family, he is no better than the welfare scammer that he always complains about. Every time he brags I just tell him good job your grandchildren are paying for that.
The Curt…ster
The Detroit dweller
The drill team monkey
The loser of losers
I came back a little early ( one month )
I have noticed that the only suck ass that will communicate with you is a lowly chump that has shined on his father. Even says without permission that the rest of the family has done so also.
In my humble opinion I would say that he has told this low life scum bag son (who has never served our Country, to get a job). No more loans!
You would say good for you, we need to stop this insane disability payment to everyone unless they have pussyfoot. Curt’s ailment.
Any who , you suck Curt….you knew that, but I had to tell you once more.
Simper Fi pussyfoot
I know a “vet” (I put that in quotes because he quit disgracefully as he does everything else) who is now receiving benefits due to the physical strain of his time served state side. Yet somehow he has the ability to be in a biker gang, body build at the club and travel extensively. He is fully capable of working but has never been able to hold down a job and has sued several employers because he’s too lazy to work. I previously reported him to state disability but I don’t think they did anything. Now I want to report him to the VA so those who deserve benefits will get them. Unfortunately the VA requires information that I have no access to. So know that while the heroes are suffering, this dirt bag is riding his motorcycle to the gym because the VA is so poorly run.
great story, bikers rule! no better way to live free and ride then on someone elses money HU?
What I am sick of is someone milking the system. I know a person that did not mske it two weeks in to basic snd they get mor disability then me. And I served in combat. And I am very limited to what Ican do. What gets me is this person can run 5k and run obstacle courses through mud. Wtf. Can anyone help me report this person. They are the ones that tske time and money from the ones who really need the help
Curt, I once in a blue moon browse through this site, as I am curious on how you have all this time for several years, to post ignorant trash. Get the hint. Close down your computer and leave this alone. Your ignorant. Do you know how hard it is to get a claim from the government, with finding time to go to all those damn appoimtments over several months or years? It sounds to me you were denied and got rated at 0 percent? Numba and some others have called your bluff brother. Hmmm. Get the hint you are very dellusional and have to ask. “Are you a certifed examining Physician?” And in addition, for those who claim to work for the VA and spew trash, it will only be a matter of time until someone investigates you. Curt, if the Purge ever comes to light, I am sure you won’t survive the night as a rated vet in fhe masses start to line up outside your Five Mile M&M trailer home.
Ok last time for the GED crowd. I do not work at the VA and never claimed to.
@ Curt’s probe
You are 100% correct. It was refreshing to read your post. It takes so long to get a rating from the VA that a lot of Veterans die before they get a straight answer. A very close friend of mine died three months after he received his award letter. Just under the wire. His wife of over 40 years will get around $1200 a month.
If anyone decides to apply for disability comp. from the VA be prepared for a LONG process (2-3 years) and then appeals. Don’t give up (most do) that is what the VA counts on.
I have a niece that is about to file a claimwith the local VA for help finding a place to live. She lost her kids after being arrested for hitting her husband with her car. The kids have been with relatives for four months and she is just now trying to get a place to live before the hearing for her youngest chid. She has already lost the older ones. She is at the local VA office right now filing. She uses the system only when she runs out of people to steal from and lie to. She has been spending her time partying, at the lake and bar and now she is claiming poor me I am now a songle mom with three kids and no where to live.
Numba, thanks. You would be astonished of how many people utilize on line background searches, and/or have people within the VA system that will give out information on a patient. You would also be amazed of how communities try to play cops, and go after rated veterans because they feel they are doing justice. I live in such a community. Therefore, when you begin to intrude into their personal lives, or go to their employer with complaints or to sabotage them, you start hearing the crying of being victimized. In all honesty, I have had a neighbor in my backyard twice leering around when we caught him. And another whom came into my garage to poke around as to give off information on me to his network. Caught him too as I was coming from around the corner with my child who was riding a bike. You would be amazed. And to listen to all the deusche bags cry and holler about justice and fraud. Pieces of shit. 90% of these wannabe police officer medical doctor and investigator wannabes turn tail and run when they get exposed. In agreement Numba, you have to fight for what you are worth and fight hard even when medical evidence is presented. Then you have to deal with these public network stalkers and harassers who follow you around with a $199.99 video camera and picture taker or Iphone, and it makes you ponder how the hell they ever found out about you in the first place, when you never speak to anyone about your deposits. The Attorney General needs to allow rated veterans to access any complaints against them so a rebuttal or a retaliation suit can be placed against those who can’t stay in their own backyard.
If you read back through my far to many posts you will see i am in fact a true advocate of our country heros the i have helped a couple of nam. Vets get over there pride and go to the Va for. There benefits. I have been talking about the far to many who brag outright about cheating the system. I have given enough specifics on this wore out forum. I don’t follow people around and all that cap you suppose. Get a life jack ass
Come on Curt, you said sack of shit. Boggle our minds with your “book smart” brilliance.
Son in law medically discharged from army with back issues and I just found out that he purchased a ged online to enlist in the first place. Now our tax dollars are going to pay him a couple of grand a month for life and he should have never been in the military. Who can I report this to where action might actually be taken?
I have an ex who continues to scam the VA. He was scamint the va and was draw over $3,000 a month for 100% disability but was not and had scammed them into believing he was and was ridin a motorcycle and never wore his brace except when he went to the VA so they would think he was really disabled. He walked 4 miles a day for exercise and told the VA he couldn’t even walk to the mai box. Well he was reported and they sent out a invest to check on him and he nabbed him ridin his motorcycle and they finally terminated his benefits, yeh. Well it really made me mad that he was receiving all this money and the ones who needed it didn’t receive it. So now I am to understand that they may be reinstatin his disability and he is still now disabled and never has been. He is connin them and does everythin he wants to do. He is still on his motorcycle and no braces or anything that he is suppose to wear accordin to the VA., He continues to lie to them that he quit ridin his motorcycle and he has not. He just went to the beach for Bike Week on motorcycle. So why would they even think of
letting him has his disability back. They need to check on him now and see for themselves.
Brenna, Good luck
How to notify the VA that someone that is getting disability for a service connection illness, is claiming and collecting money for being married even though they are and have been separated for about 5 years
vaoighotline@va.gov
That’s where you report the fraud. Their web site is http://www.va.gov/oig/contact/
I know someone who never completed basics, never seen combat and has
100% disability,an never raised a hand to protect his fellow American,has two
children and refuse to support them, with the monies he get from the VA.
My son served in the USAF for 13 months, he never completed tech school and decided he didn’t want to be in, so he faked Mental illness and now he gets 100% disability pay from the VA and he uses it to buy drugs. He is capable of working but instead chooses to sit around and get high all day. I am sick and disgusted but NOBODY will listen to me. What a disgrace to our true service members that deserve the benefits, so sad.
I want to know where I can report a guy who is abusing the system to keep housing for kids that aren’t his and getting full dis[ability] benefits and working for a tile service here in maine?
[Admin’s Note] John, this sounds like a state fraud case rather than Federal. Best to call your local welfare office with your concerns.
I have friends/ coworkers that claim to be disabled yet are snow boarding, riding dirt bikes, etc. Those that I speak of say they have “blown out backs, knees, feet, sholders”. They tell me that they are fine and if the money is free then why not collect. Also I know many more coworkers who claim PTSD and say it’s from seeing violence, hearing weapons firing etc etc yet we are in law enforcement positions with the government and see and do the things they say that caused the PTSD on a day to day basis.
I have a son who was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army and reenlisted using his young son’s Social Security Number. He subsequently claimed a total disability status and receives more than $2,800 a month. He is a real con merchant and brags about all the benefits he receives from the government. The majority of the money he receives goes to support his dope habit. It is a shame that we have countless men who have served our country and fight for the benefits owed to them. How could this have happened? Are not significant background checks done before enlistment procedures are finalized? I would like to also state that he is a fugitive from justice in Oregon. Talk about tax dollars being wasted? I hope someone from the OIG office will contact me for further information. He is 50 years old and will live at least another 20 years. That means we (us tax payers) will shell out almost 3/4 of a million dollars in undeserved benefits to this fraud being perpetuated on a daily basis.
My husband knowing him 13 years and married 10 of those years, did three deployments to Iraq. On his return second he told me HE told me he was PTSD. He has always been a structured man. I never witnessed any of the of document behavior of PTSD. He was more agressive with name calking and emotional and mental abuse only towards me. PERSONAL OPINION…WHEN you got alot of people your around and hearthere storys of JODYS…yeah that should be a diagnosis INSERCURITY…Once he got several years later. HE applied for VA disability and at one point was granted 10%..He appealed it…Now my confusion was that a suffuer with PTSD maby not enjoy activities ,stays away from triggers, he didnt become a user of drugs or drink, still social butterfly that affairs took place during his travel time, took a civilian DOD job with 60 % travel to work on the same installations and to Egypt. Even got top of the class awards, coach sports , gym everyday til this day. But is now collecting 70% disability from the VA. How did he slip through the cracks…Interesting..There’s a breakdown somewhere. In my opinion my husband should not be getting that much..And we’re seperated and he still collecting funds for being married and our kids for educational benifits and disability…
Get this! I had a friend that is receiving $4,000 plus money from disability who has a ex wife now and three kids. He not only spends the money received on numerous drugs i.e marijuana, MDMA or “molly”, mushrooms cocaine and alcohol but also spends the remainder on a friend of his who he loves more than his wife….or ex-wife i should say now. On top of that he supposedly has 100% disability and works on oil rigs in north dakota making a little more than what he gets from disability per month! That is a total of $8,500 PER MONTH!!!! I have been a friend with him for the past two years until i found all of this out by talking with his friends and ex wife and family. No wonder why we are piss poor broke because of people like this and our stupid ass government for not following through on these “claims”. God bless america…
Wow, so many Veterans who were once proud to have the privilege to serve have been turned into thieves and are standing in line ahead of those true warriors who have lost limbs and suffer PTSD. Shame on all the scammers who use the Veterans benefits for free income
Please, this is just the tip of the ice berg. I work with verterans who get disability for ptsd, bad knee, back, sleep apnia, ingrown toenail, and they all get money, and were put at the top of the list for a civil service job, and Im a police officer, who is armed, and have a Physical test every year and is a demanding job, how can u be disabled 30, 40 ,50 ,60 or more % and hold a police officer job? Im just pissed I didnt get in on this scam. Its going to get worse and implode the system. If the American people knew what was going on, they would b mad.
Curt, you are right. My Dad suffered a lot from alimentary medical conditions… and never filed a claim. (Korean War- foot-rot and horrible nightmares. Scaring us kids, “Get the F down! They are shooting at us… and crazy lingo that I didn’t understand. But I knew that “Charlie” was the enemy. Crying and being pushed down behind the bed… I know what PTSD is.
Every military personnel will be lining up for “tax-free” income.
Heck, we should all claim some kind of disability “while working” on the job.
We need to leave the VA Benefits for the truly disabled.
I met an x-military man that was 31 years old at that time and is 33 now. He injured his knee while climbing an indoor rock climb during his active duty. Thanks to an MRI showing a torn ligament in his knee he was discharged and given disability to live on. This man RUNS 10 miles 1-2 times per week and works for a lady doing landscaping. The type of work he does isnt your average landscaping! He digs up trees, stumps, large rocks/stones, loads/unloads 100+ bales of hay, digs ditches, and builds walls just to name a few. This guy does with his hands and hand tools what other people attempt only using machines! This man is the most physically capable person I have ever met or seen! He gets paid cash and does not turn in this income on his taxes. I confronted him about him being a fraud and ask him why he is stealing from Americans and he got angry. He did enlighten me to the fact that his daughter’s mother (which is a good and drug free mother) cant get childsupport from disability and he enjoys his landscaping job because he sets his hours and it challenges him physically! This guy is cheating tax paying citizens and his own child just so he doesnt have to get up with an alarm clock and work a 40 hour week! He was trained in logistics and is qualified to get a high paying job in the civilian world. All thanks to our tax dollars being wasted on lying thiefs like Chris E.
Ex-military man was in a motorcycle accident, because he was going 125 miles an hour, while in the military. I understand that he does have issues with pain, but feel in my heart that you need to know, all I know.
He started fighting for disability after he could not keep a job. He scheduled multiple doctor appointments, and knew what he needed to do. He was not given any pain medication, until he started fighting. He is prescribed 60 mg a morphine a day, and he only takes about 2 a month, but gets it filled, so that the VA and SSI would think that he needs it. He even gave his morphine to someone. How can he go on 18 mile bike rides, used a bobcat multiple times, while landscaping his yard, go sailing, lay sod, install a sprinkler system, build a pond, take down 50 trees, snow mobile, build a sail boat trailer, rebuild a motor in his boat, tiled a basement. Bought a 100 year old farm house (how is he suppose to maintain it), move 4 times in a year, only uses his cane when he is going to the VA, so they think he needs it. States he can not wear a red shirt when he is going to see his Psychiatrist at the VA, because they might think he is happy, by wearing red. And the fact that he is getting 50% disability for depression. He is now coaching his son’s basketball team, where he is on his feet all day, and teaching them drills.
How can he do all these things and more, but cannot work? He knew exactly what he would get from the VA and SS, if he fought. He spent years of research. He realized that he could not afford the life style he was use to, if he did not fight for 100% disability. He is making about $5600.00 with his VA benefits and SS benefits, while there are people that are trying to better their lives.
How is it right that someone being careless and drives 125 miles an hour and crashes his motorcycle is rewarded for his bad behavior? If someone drives under the influence and crashes or even just is pulled over, they go to jail and have to deal with legal problems; while he was sober, he is rewarded for life. He is very capable of working, if he can do all these things.
There is an old guy who gets a lot if morphine and hydrocodone pills from the va. He gives the pills to a father/daughter team and they sell them all over the panhandle of tx. The sheriff in that town knows, but nothing is ever done. I don’t understand why everyone involved isn’t sitting in a prison. A small child is caught up in this mess. Its a very dangerous situation. It was reported but when they went to the sheriff, im sure he made the investigators leave town.
I know of a person that is on disability for being totally blind but still drives and owns a car. The problem is he may still have a driving license and drives his 3 kids around. Does he have to disclose this to the DMV? His wife works for the Air Force and has a high security clearance. They live in San Antonio. He was discharged from the navy in Hawaii and after a few years with no disability was able to use the system to get on disability for being blind. How can he be on disability and still drive little kids around in a new car? They safety of the children is a major concern.
Is this a place that actually get items of fraud and scams looked into or just a place to have people vent?
Hi Doug,
Disability Happens’ main concern is to raise awareness of fraudulent VA claims. A lot of people who post comments are disgusted with the current system that gives money to scam artist, which takes money away from those who have an honest claim. The problem with reporting fraudulent abuse is how to weed out legitimate claims that should be reported from those who are just spiteful and want to make trouble for an ex-spouse, etc.
What I can say is that judging from the IP and email addresses there are folks in the VA who do read the comments. When a particular comment sparks interest I let the person who wrote the comment know of the VA’s interest and leave it up to the person left the comment to either phone or email the individual at the VA who expressed interest in the claims being made.
Also, in the article above there is contact information for reporting fraud to the VA. They are busy folks, so the more specific information (that includes dates, time, location, activity, etc.) that you can provide increases the chances that they will look into the your claim(s). Keep in mind that they are busy folks so be patient in waiting for a response.
I have a brother inlaw who supposedly has PTSD after Iraq.Truth is he is lazy and was before Iraq also. Never had anything and moved alot to avoid bill collectors. Now he has a nice car and just bought a $17,000 tractor?Sets around and plays Xbox war games?Yet has PTSD seems to me that would be the last thing he would want to do.He is a strange guy but was before the war also. Neither he or his wife work and have a daughter. I am sure there getting every kind of welfare handout along with the VA benefits. While the tax payers pay for his car and $17.000.00 tractor he has no need for.
I see fraudulent claims all the time! Pisses me off. Several get their 100% and they start a business under their husbands or wife’s name and work full time for him or her.
I have never heard of anyone in the VA working to get better. They always say they are working to get their 100%.
I used to think veterans were America’s heros. Not heros to me. They are some of the most pathetic people I have ever seen.
I have a brother that has always been a thief and will do anything for free money. He worked at the prison and got busted for bribary from the eternal affairs. Went to
court and got the charges dropped as long as he would leave town and go to the army. He went to war at Afghanistan he died somehow but they brought him back. I’m greatful for what he did but he uses his money on prostitutes and drugs. It is not right. He also has that ptds or whatever it is. He stayed with me for two months and couldn’t help me pay a bill. He gets like almost five thousand dollars. I told him its a blessing from God to get that money. Its like a gran a week. Like winning the lotto weekly grand. But he just abuses it on cocaineweed and pills. Then he thinks he’s the shit. Who can I talk to about this. He’s laughing at God and the government
My brother in law bulls this BS. He gets 100% disability and claims loud noises trigger him except on the 4th of july last year he called my husband to find out if the fireworks we buy have a super loud report. He also is ALWAYS going to the shooting range, guess gunfire doesn’t have the same effect as a loud door slamming shut. He on many occasions has admitted to not shaving and showering for his appointments with the VA because its typical behavior of someone with PTSD to do so. His problem is all the drugs he does not having PTSD. He’s going to CO April 24th to buy weed and bring it back to his home state to sell. I’ve thought about tipping off law enforcement so he gets arrested except all that will do is temporarily decrease his benefits not revoke them which is what should happen. His entire family is sick of his scheme just wish the VA would catch on and give his benefits to someone who actually needs them.
Let’s pray, the VA will read my comment and start an investigation on my CPA husband. He is working substantially while receiving 100% employability from VA and Social Security for 60k/year. How ethical of this CPA to argue to his clients of government waste, while receiving benefits and adding to the government’s debt. His behavior is not only fraud with the obvious of taking the money, but the waste of health resources he is given. Working causes him to become overwhelmed and he will check himself into hospitals other than the VA for treatment. In addition to ‘free healthcare’ he is exempt from property and payroll taxes; through paying himself office rent, and filing a Corporate return. Any income that is earned is under SGA, and passes to his 1040 and leaves no trail to those who do not know how to read tax returns.
He short changes the federal, state, county and city, with accepting benefits and working and exemptions fjrom payroll tax withholdings and property taxes.
Call me VA, I’ve tired of living under the fear one day the government will be at our door saying “we’re from the government.”
My brothers wife got kicked out of the reserves for non compliance
She claims her back hurts her to where she cant work and they give her benefits
But she can work on cars and spit out 2 kids all on the goverments paycheck
I’m appalled how one can easily lie and just sit on the butt \
While the rest of us work ourselves to the bone and have to scrape to make ends meet
I have two brother-in laws that served in Viet Nam in the late 60’s. Both came home healthy, not a scratch and worked at their jobs for over 30 years. Both have huge pensions and saved 401K’s for retirement. They never had an injury or any problems talking about being in Viet Nam when ever the family got together for reunions, birthdays or weddings. Then one day a neighbor told them about how he played “crazy”, that’s what he called it with the VA in order to collect permanent disability for PTSD. He said it was a breeze so they both applied. Now they brag about laughing all the way to the bank. It makes me sick when I hear them brag and see some of these wonderful men and women who have lost limbs, have head injuries and really need this money for themselves and their families. Can’t someone please investigation some of these phonies? Think about it, if they worked for years without any issues on the job with co-workers or never had any on the job problems or any issues with police, why all of the sudden are they bothered by their service in Viet Nam. That conflict has been over for more than 40 years. Here’s another issue about this money these folks are getting, it’s tax free. What’s that all about. My poor dad had black lung from working in the coal mines for over 40 years and had to pay tax on his little $400/month until the day his lungs gave out and he died. No one exempted him from paying tax and he and my mom didn’t get a property tax break either. Come on Veterans Administration, lets do some more research on some of the current PTSD cases where you handed over billions of our money. I’m still paying taxes for them and will probably be working the rest of my life just for my food, rent and medical insurance.
A friend of mine applied for every illness listed on the V.A. website to get 100% disability while working for Ford. First he received 30% mental (really was on crack). He next got a hearing aid [doesn’t wear] a stint put in for his heart [not connected to Vietnam–normal aging] ringing in his ear. He finally got 100%.90.000 $ back-pay and $3000.00 tax free each month. This man stealing, he retired from Ford [no disability] has two businesses that he works and now his son is retiring from the service and he has him doing the same thing when he gets out in April. Our vets that are disabled need help not crooks
I know someone who was in the military for almost two years & when
It was time for him to go over seas, him & his ex wife came up with the idea for him to have seizures. He has been faking seizures for years has told my son & partner about the plan & he sits at home ignoring his 3 yr old daughter playing video & computer games. His second wife only is told, by him, when he has a seizure. The VA has him fully disabled, he doesn’t take his meds, & is a liar. I put in a complaint & he still collects over 3 grand a month. The money belongs to the real vets.
To: Jack J.
In response to his comment: “I used to think veterans were America’s heros. Not heros to me. They are some of the most pathetic people I have ever seen.”
I would like to meet you. I live in SW Florida.
I would like to induce some PTSD on you and see how you deal with it. You obviously never did anything note worthy being that you bash those who swore to protect your sorry @$$.
I served in the Army in Iraq and unfortunately I have PTSD. It took me 6 years to seek treatment out of fear of being, “Pathetic”.
Its people like you that keep true soldiers from seeking help.
Yes, abuse happens. EVERYWHERE.
I’ve seen things that would make you cower like the sorry excuse for a human being that you are. I volunteered to do so.
Please, grow a pair and contact me so that we may figure out a way for you to say this to a soldier Face to Face. M r M 1 A 2 at g mail
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Michael,
Thank you for serving and protecting the citizens of the United States.
Perhaps you misunderstand the comments you’ve read here. As far as I can tell no one doubts that PTSD and TBI are serious and real. That more research needs to be done and treatments must be found to make life more livable for those who suffer from it–all of which takes money.
What you are reading in these comments are from people who want the funds that are be directed to research and treatment for PTSD and TBI sufferers used wisely and not be drained by scam artist. It is those scam artist who hamper the efforts to find better ways to treat those who have served this country. Americans want them to be treated with respect and to get what they so rightfully have earned. What they don’t want are scammers to ride on the coat tails of those who truly need help.
Disabilty Happens
Here’s the real scary thing. We have a lot of guys that have come back from Iraq with PTSD and are now carrying sidearms for the Sheriff’s Office. I know 2 that are collecting a disability benefit from PTSD yet there employed by the SO’s office. That’s just my lil’l county now imagine how many we have in law enforcement around the Country.
I too have a brother that had problems from the time he was in school and no one knew what it was. (He’s now 64 so that many years ago, teachers didn’t know what they know now). He went to Vietnam, came back, sucked off anyone he could; his grandmothers, the only girlfriend he ever had, her family, his mother. He lived with mom for about 12 years; treated her like crap both physically and mentally. Went to the VA to claim PTSD; laughed like a hyena when he’d come back saying “They chased me through the parking lot! They wanted to lock me up! Assholes! They’ll pay.” She and I knew he should be locked up, but to no fault of Vietnam. She was afraid of him, afraid to get him out; he’d come back and kill her. Locked her bedroom door at night. A heck of a way to spend your last years, especially working until the age of 80. I came back to Chicago last May as mom had bone cancer. They had her in the hospital and had I not come home, he would have left her there to die. Her cardiologist told me my brother called every day to tell him she couldn’t come home. They would have never let her go without me being there. He collects full benefits from the VA. He has hundreds of thousands in the bank and an $80,000 Cadillac in the garage. Never paid mom a penny to live there. After a tortuous 2 1/2 months, mom passed at the age of 81. Then he “turned on the tears.” “I just want to keep everything like it is; I miss MY mom so much.” On and on. I bent over backward, actually feeling sorry for him. SHAME on me! It got to where he put his hands on me; wanted me to be his “wife.” (My mom warned me not to stay there after she was gone). My kids were ready to take care of the situation and I moved out to avoid any conflict. My mistake. He’s a lying, coniving SOB that has had everything handed to him; and it still continues. He has gotten rid of/or is in the process of getting rid of everything! Pictures, momentos, everything. He won’t let me in the condo; had the locks changed. Won’t give me the papers I need to file mom’s last income tax or anything to remember her by. I guess all I can do is hope there’s a GOD that will give him his “come-uppance.” I’m not complaining about Vietnam Vets. I’m complaining about the “Vets” that are bilking the system. I know many of them that have issues; but they work, have families and treasure them. They aren’t trying to suck the system dry.
My dad is a big time fraud with this stuff. He served two years in Vietnam on an airplane. Worked most of his life and partying being an idiot not saving any money or taking care of his family. He talks to some guy at the American legion that tells him how to game the system and he jumped on the VA money wagon. He is morbidly obese and when he was in his 30s crash his bike and missed his back up. He has never taken care of himself. Now he is 100% disabled, he is so fat he uses a wheelchair that the VA spent at least 10k on. He gets a new Van every two years thanks to VA. He just sits around watching TV eating, spends money without even thinking about it (700 a month at least on scratcher lottery tickets). Whole family can’t stand him and his constant bragging about not having saved for retirement and hitting the VA jackpot. It’s funny because when I was younger I thought he really deserved it and after all he was my dad and I loved him unconditionally, but now as an adult and a father I have no respect for him, I will always love him and he is blood but a big part of me just can’t stand what he is doing. And it’s not just him it’s all of his buddies they are all doing the same thing. I have a friend my age and he is doing the same thing. They might as well just say if you join the military and serve a term the VA will give you free medical and income for life with all the fraud going on.
I can’t see how it is sustainable, unfortunately I can see all this fraud eventually causing a back lash and they vets that really do deserve these benefits are going to get screwed.
As a VA employee on the rating board, I can definitely back up your statement. I am a Veteran as well and have a 10% rating for my knee. I can absolutely say that >50 of the claims that come in are complete BS. I’ve seen people claim anything and everything from shaving bumbs, ingrown pubic hair, STD’s including AIDS, ingrown toe nails, acne (not related to chemical or herbicide exposure). VA compensation was set up to cover the difference of the income that a Veteran loses due to functional limitation of a service related disability. Anything and everything a Veteran was treated for in service usually comes in as a claim for compensation, even though the Veteran has no functional limitation. This abuse costs taxpayers BILLIONS every single month, and it will never stop because politicians don’t have the balls to do something about it. The liberal media would make that politician out to hate Veterans, or some other stupid crap. The bogus claims are what has created the backlog of claims and Veterans who really need it, are screwed waiting for their claim. It all makes me SICK!!
This issue really hit me hard this weekend. While there are many legitimate claims from the people I served with, there seem to be a larger number of fraudulent claims that both weaken the VA process and spread contempt amongst hard working individuals and/or individuals with actual issues. Out of the three people I talked to this weekend, one is receiving 60% and has serious and noticeable TBI/PTSD issues from multiple deployments, one receives 80%, never deployed and injured his shoulder playing golf, and the other receives 70%, never deployed but wanted money for his kid so he claimed depression and PTSD. The issue is, the two freeloaders never took care of themselves in the military, were overweight, did everything possible to get out of physical training. I’ve thought about this issue during the weekend and realized how devastating it is to the workforce and morality throughout the US…not to mention the financial burden. It keeps legitimate people from going to the VA because they don’t want to be associated with freeloaders. I know there is nothing and individual can do because nobody is going to go against veterans receiving benefits, but if there was a stronger overwatch it may save millions (billions?) but more importantly, make the system smoother for individuals who have legitimate claims and reduce the spread of an atmosphere consisting of fraudulent lies people use to justify their pre/post-military related personal issues.
Im really upset…
I know a person that was never in any combat was in in the military 4 17 months I think had a car accident now yrs later says he has ptsd…hes 61 yrs old living off the va ..close to getting 100 percent plus gets medical…and he runs a business rental homes now how can this crap happen. ..I want this to stop….
I was wondering if someone gets 99 percent disability are they aloud to drive a semi-truck just curious.
Cassandra, they can do whatever they want if they are 100% they can still have a full time job, be sky diving, whatever. VA doesn’t check on people to see if its fraud, once your on the VA gravy train your set for life. It doesn’t matter if you in you 20’s and don’t want to ever work or if you just retired and need extra money for retirement.
yes i also know a free loader he was only in the service a month and know recieves 100% benifts tried to report him several times and was told he would have to report him self yea like thats gonna happen ,,i am raising his son and he gets benifits for him ,,he married a woman beofre he was divoreced so they are not legaly married and he gets benifits for her ,,he has another son they paid for it and its another man child..he says he has PTSD but he does not i was there i seen him cheat he lived at my home ,,he did not shave for 2 weeks preparing for this appt and dress in dirty rag clothes for all appts and lied on all tests saying he was angry and fights can not hold a job he is just lazy and a habital liar ,,he pretended he could not add or spell too ,,said he folds his bed and sheets and clothes as in the milatary still shoot he wont even clean ,,now he is recoieving 3,000 a month spending it on everyone to party and running a company ,,just try to report it they wont do a dang thing while others in the service come home with no arms and legs and worse get 10% pisses me off …
I also read above where the va representives read some comments here and there is a place to report them ,,well i have reported this man several times over many years and nothing has happen he such a con they beleive him ,,i was there he lived with me i know what he did still they do nothing i have his son he pays nothing for the last 5 years he spends that money on him self ,,something needs done this man does nor deserve these benifits ,,attorneys genral tried called them and submitted emails and letters and i am not the onlt one his sister has tried and others still nothing does it take 5 years i know you say there busy but come on ,,does his son not deserve some of that money after me supporting 5 years i am his gaurdian threw court he would not take a mentall test because he said it would prove he was ptsd and he would loose his money so he said take the kid and has lost all 10 children to social services threw out his life ,,he has done so many devious things its unreal and he is getting paid to sit around and run a musical agency for singers ,,unreal ..
I’m writing about sleep apnea, This kind of disability is the worst kind of scam I have ever heard of. People are being urged to get a sleep study so that they get 50%disability. I have two bad shoulders that will never heal or be cured. I only get 30% for them. Sleep apnea is curable and treatable. Why is they government letting people get away with such an abuse of the system. .
I am still waiting to see if my son in law is going to be reevaluated for his “stress” seizures. He still has my daughter believing he has seizures when I told her that he lied about having one at my house in the 7 months they lived here. With all that is going on with the VA you would think they would want the money to go to the vets who have earned it. I am not sure why he is fully disabled stilled? He left for MN & left his meds at home for two weeks. I am watching him get away with free/discounted stuff when he does not have a right to it. His mother is the same way by claiming she was “gang raped” in the army. She has lied about stuff like that before…to me. Anyone have any other ideas of what else can be done? Or is this another one of those things that will get swept under the rug for 20-30 yrs?
My boyfriend and I recently moved in with our roommate, who is a veteran who only served 4 years, and 6 months of them being in Iraq. He gets 50% disability from the VA for rheumatoid arthritis. However, he has a full time + overtime job doing HVAC work, which isn’t an easy job and is very hard on your joints. Not only that, he will come home and work out, run up and down the steps, run and train to do marathons… But claims he’s in so much pain? My boyfriend broke his back and has chronic back pain constantly, he can hardly move most days due to the pain. But our roommate is on the go go go. He doesn’t seem in pain at all… Then on his days off, he acts like he’s in so much pain. The only thing this man talks about is weed. How much he smokes it, how he wants to grow it, how weed is all he has basically. Which is annoying on top of just him. He claims that he never even applied for disability, but that he just woke up one day and had $18k in back pay in his bank account. You ALWAYS have to apply for disability… You don’t just wake up one day with a giant pay day. Well, that $18k went extremely fast. Mostly on weed. I have no doubt in my mind he’s cheating the system and just wants that VA paycheck every month. I just don’t think it’s fair to the other veterans who cannot receive benefits who actually NEED them. I also don’t believe that if you are receiving benefits that you should be allowed to work 40+ hours, making over $2k a month PLUS the money from the VA for your disability. It’s just ridiculous that our tax dollars go to paying for scam artists. Also ridiculous that veterans who have served and suffered permanent damage mentally and physically got nothing. My grandparents served and had permanent damage and didn’t receive a dime. My roommate is 25 and set for life due to his “disability.”
I relative of mine served a little while and supposedly had something traumatic happen to her. But she returned, went to work normally for years, took care of her family, ran errands, did stuff for her church and still does all those things. One day, she saw a news article about how vet benefits were going to people with PTSD in record numbers, and so a lightbult went off and she got herself a PTSD diagnosis for an assault while in Germany, and now gets more benefits than another relative of mine who has an actual injury and actually can’t work. But she is happily sucking up the benefits, running around every day, doing chores, and is now getting her school paid for too as some sort of ‘rehab’… seriously? She is a faker, and a liar and is living off the govt teat while at the same time having the audacity to call other people who actually need the benefits ‘takers’ and ‘lazy’. She needs to get cut off. She’s getting 60% benefits when I know several other vets who get less than that and whose lives are not even remotely as active and capable as hers. This is BS.
Stephanie, are we related? I have a relative doing the same thing. She went into the military knowing full well she had a bum knee needing surgery, she faked a fall in boot camp, was honorably discharged on a medical and now receives a nice monthly check for life. Her knee? Good as new, but she still gets her check despite being able to work. Her husband is officer ranked and still in the military. Go figure. And there is nobody to tell who will do anything about it. And we wonder why this Country is going in the hole.
I have reported a fraudulent claim to the VA. This person suddenly developed PTSD after never seeing combat or anything close. He was court martialed and discharged for committing fraud in the 90’s. He has passed SEVERAL civilian psychological exams (never showing any mental illness) for 20 years before he ran to the VA. He now has his own business, has worked full time for other companies, and trades stocks on a daily basis. All while receiving 100% disability for PTSD. Have you read the symptoms for that???? Impossible. What do you do when the VA won’t investigate?
I agree with most everyone here on the board and whats sad is, I am retired military collecting retirement and a little disability. After my 21 years of service I went into contracting with the military and there are a lot of us there. All I hear is that so and so is drawing so much disability from the VA for whatever and they do not even show the symptoms and most have not been to war. They found some way to dodge it. I have been to Iraq 4 times with a total of 4 years in country and I suffer from PTSD (real…believe me) and it’s not fun!!
One more comment and I’ll leave you all alone…. on Fort Sill I was filling my car up with gas facing the shoppette and this is what happens… seriously. A car zoomed up to the front in the handicap parking and “ran” in… yes ran. I seen the decal on his mirror and also a license plate that says disabled veteran. He then “runs” out, jumps in his car and as he’s pulling away he takes down his placard. Needless to say after contracting on post I decided to leave the workforce and live on my meager retirement but I am much happier now.
What I’m trying to say is, the bad veterans are so many that they mask the truly deserving veterans with their sterotype of a needy veteran. I hate the fact that when I say I am retired military that they will automatically assume I am just another fraud to VA.
CW3(ret) Field Artillery
okay I have a uncle and when i was young he got his kids taken away for touching the way he wasn’t suppose to any way he was in the army for 2 years and he gets 2,700 dollars every month and blows it all in like 4 days on crack. the VA thinks he still has his kids and is a single parent
.. The reason i am trying to do this is because once again I am hos niece and he is always trying to touch me in wrong ways and will beg me to sleep with him and offers me money its so sickening. And he just got out of prison for a DUI he has been to prison serve time for drugs and all kinds of things and got his check the whole time he was in prison my grandma got it in the mail and saved it for when he got out.. but I do know he was not suppose to continue getting it while he was in prison .. I am begging someone to plz help me try to solve this problem he doesn’t deserve the money for his little girls that he destroyed there life….
Some vets are good quality soldiers and have come back to their home only to find their spouse having affairs, my purchased home with no mortgage taken away, vehicle taken away,possessions taken away, no money, and no career. The next step is to be confined to a psycho ward and then to a flop house for all eternity. What joy it is to have the politicians, judicial system and social reformist work for you in obtaining the rewards of saving humanity. Nothing at all, not even what you have worked many diligent hours for. Realizing this horrible abusive situation for many returning vets, I tried to work towards reform by working on VA claims and problems. I sometimes wondered if this is why I was assaulted in the USA and declared retarded. Military rapes are being investigated. I was questioned and I have to say I was never raped in the Military but used as a child prostitute by ill wishing civilian individuals who are receiving monetary rewards and housing. I am not a LESBIAN & not Branded.
A family member of mine was in the navy briefly, no combat. After 10 years, he gets disability from the va due to a shoulder injury-don’t know how he injured it. Now he works for the local VA hospital making 80k a year plus disability. He plays basketball, lifts weights and is in martial arts. Some disability….
A friend of his is angling for disability claiming a mental disability….he is about to retire from a govt job himself.
This sucks
My son was in jail for seven months. He was drinking and over medicating with AMBIEN prescribed by the VA. He was driving 100 mph in a 30 mph zone. He has no recollection of this. So due to that and several other violations he spent time in jail. He was quite open about getting high by taking too many AMBIEN. So here is the clenched. He went to the VA upon his release from jail. He is in their six week program for addiction. The VA prescribed AMBIEN for sleep to my son who loves how it makes him feel. He went seven months without it and they just gave an addict his drug. He could have said no but he didn’t. There have been thousands of reports on the catastrophic effects on individuals, and the VA is handing it out to Veterans who already have serious PTSD and chemical dependency. My son is at the VA in Been Bay, WI.
[Admin Note: One of the reasons that you don’t hear much about this on the news is because of the Federal HIPPA rules. It is only when individuals go to trial and the court record becomes public do you hear about the drugs the violator was using.]
I just recently found out the VA was paying out money under my name/information and I have yet to go in and file anything aside from educational benefits, and I have yet to be seen after separating to file even the initial paperwork from my exit physical. How does this even happen?
[Admin Note: It would be a good idea to get a copy of your credit reports–you’re entitled to one annual report from each of the credit bureaus. One company that will do a lot of the leg work for you is Life Lock. Haven’t used them myself, but it is worth checking out.]
My husband and I are separated. He has held the divorce up for several years, because he was active duty Army, and didn’t want me to get part of his retirement benefits. He recently retired from the Army, due to PTSD. He is hiding out in Georgia and the court system, or his family is doing nothing to help me because I don’t have an address for him, and he is receiving benefits for a family, and we are not receiving anything. We were put out of our home, and I have had to take extreme measures in order to keep food on our table and a roof over our heads. What can be done about this, and who do I need to contact.
At anytime you may contact a service officer or go to your local VA and ask to speak to a patient advocate. They can help you with what information you need and how you can go about getting this corrected. Service officers are available through the american legion, VFW, DAV and many more. I would suggest starting with a patient advocate even if they can not help you they will know exactly who you need to go to. Hope this helps you.
This must be the silliest forum out there. Obviously, the Administrator knows nothing of C & P, or just plain ignorant like 99% of these people? Mr. Administrator, if in fact these people who claim to be working within the VA System, or as a RATER, have compromised their position. Therefore, must be singled out and reported to the VA POLICE.
You claim that you take links you want and turn them over to whom ever, in the VA? Hogwash! Such comments, and actions read within this site sound like an extremist group? In fact, 99% don’t understand anything about why and how someone gets a rating. Yeah, like someone went in and lied through MRI’s, etc. and months to years of doctor appointments. Frankly, your problems and cranking should go toward the system and not the VETERAN. This is nothing more but a soap opera. In closing, you have more fraud happening with SS, WIC, and WELFARE, than VA. Veterans are put through shitloads of evaluations, time off of work, and headaches, then when they get a rating, it was not their choosing. This is why I take low regards, to tasteless innuendoes posted from start to finish in regards to bottom line ENVY AND JEALOUSY THAT SOMEONE HAS SOMETHING I WANT!!! Only in America!
[Admin Note: Apparently you’re not aware of the people who have reported VA Fraud to no avail. You might want to actually read the material because nowhere do we claim to turn links over to anyone in the VA. What we do recommend is that fraud be reported. Or top concern is that the men and women who have valiantly served this country get the treatment they need. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that fraudulent claims have created a bottleneck for legitimate claims, which is evident by the recent problems involving waiting lists at the VA hospitals. Minimizing the impact VA fraud by claiming that fraud happens with other social services does a great disservice to those Vets who are desperate to obtain help.]
I personally have heard stories of people committing fraud (from their own mouths). One guy told me he didn’t sleep for 2 days and drank 2 bottles of NyQuil so he could score higher on his sleep apnea test. he received 100% due to the results. 4 years of service, no time in theater. recently another guy told me he purposely had surgeries done in the military that he needed from college and then claimed his old college injuries for disability and even got 70% for anxiety in which he takes no meds for and has no signs or symptoms. he served 4 years, no time in theater. there is a lot of fraud and it only ruins it for the people who really need it. and it doesn’t help the people who get it either. You don’t benefit by selling your dignity. I have other stories that are worse, but take too long too explain. can’t even tell you how many people put on neck braces and use a walker only when they go to the VA. We have a guy on camera who limped all around the hospital and the moment he was out of site the camera caught him changing his gate. the system needs to change and quit rewarding people for injuries that were there before they served as well as injuries that are a part of normal aging. it is truly ridiculous and where the money comes from i don’t know, how long we can keep this up as a nation, i don’t know, but it runs deep.
Mr. Administrator, how would you know what is bottle necking the system. What fraud are you reporting genius? Again, you are spouting about something you know nothing about? I have read posts, and it’s all jargon. It’s much easier to get state disability than Federal ratings. FACT. You have a recent guy on here claiming to be a VA RATER with a 10% disability? Sounds to me he has committed fraud? Or just a cry baby because he didn’t keep accurate records while in the military? I am done here. You’re another one of these people who are extremists raging war against ghost fraud, and in essence, pumping other clueless ranters who may be in a situation of being sued for slander, or character assassination. I am done here. Best of luck with your pointless soap box agenda. Regards.
[Admin’s Note: You are absolutely right. Your perception is far beyond what the average person can comprehend; it’s brilliant. There is no way that your flawless thoughts can be argued against. To add to your writing of pure intellectual wisdom would only be a disservice to what you’ve already stated.]
I think that winnowing out fraud in the example of PTSD is something that even the experts throw their hands up at, because you just can’t tell. One thing that you can tell, though, is that there are people who used to be in the military, might or might not have been shot at/shot other people, but who are now out of the military, and are not adapting well to civilian life. Some of these people have heard of PTSD, and have learned from their barracks buddies how to ‘fake the funk’, and take a ride on the public for the rest of their lives.
Disability fraud is not unknown to the civilian world, insurance investigators have gone back and found people with serious back problems that later magically healed themselves after receiving a disability judgement. Some percentage of military-related disability probably also has similar characteristics.
Put differently, how depressed could you act, to get 100% VA disability, which translates as $2,800/mo gross income, for which you have to do absolutely nothing?
My feeling is that if a person is 100% disabled, then they need to figure out military nursing homes, where these folks can get the care they need. If they miraculously start to recover upon receiving 3 hots and a cot and a place to shower, but no hard cash, then maybe the situation will resolve itself.
Disability payments do help. They help people to replace income that they won’t be earning, on account that that leg never did heal right, or the concussion shock of the grenade or whathaveyou was sufficient to permanently give them brain damage of some kind. Actual battle injuries, or at least, LOD injuries, where personnel get hurt during training exercises and are similarly maimed for life as a result, and they do happen, because the military is not an OSHA-approved safe working environment. But, sorting out WTF, requires savvy surgeons and claims adjuciators who are long since past wise to the ways of scammers, and ready and able to call representatives of the Federal government to cross-check and re-interview claimants, in the general interest of thorough review of facts, and, at the end of the day, keeping it honest. Disability fraud is a problem, and that’s why the VA has an Office of the Inspector General, to keep things on the line and dress-right dress and otherwise generally as they should be.
When The Government starts handing out money for any reason, the line forms to the right…
Amen! you are right.
My sister told me she is now receiving PTSD money ($800) every month! She never served in battle; never fought on a front line. Not one word to anyone in our family for 30 years about any traumatizing event or complaint PTSD UNTIL she worked at the VA and came home and told me how many people were getting money for it!
I am so ashamed of her.
Please VA do a REAL check about PTSD claims before you pay out! She is bragging about this claim!
You can be 100% and still employable. In fact, if it don’t concern you, mind your own business. What happened? Poor baby got declined bennies? Americans seem to have a sense of judgement and entitlement of what others have. I love how others get all in ones business, however, when someone get’s into yours, it’s poor me being attacked. Go cry to Obama. DEMOWHACK.
What can be done if a VeteraN married your grandmother and turned her against you to keep your child for the compensation benefits of raising a child under the age of 18>?
This system is a joke. Anyone rates Ptsd. VA foes not investigate the claims. There has to be a trail of mental issues. In twenty years there has to some reports. When a man run daily goes to the gym twice a day he is not physically impaired. Cheating does not count as mental case. My ex filed a fraudulent claim when I filed with DFAS. Do you see the timing. He rather die that pay what was a court order.
my son is using the system, yes he is a vet but he was a coward while in battle. now he is back and he is a pill head that takes pain pills just to get high and is claiming he has back problems. he has worked 6 jobs for very few months just to get unemployment checks and now he is playing the system for no reason to get paid from the government. he just had his hearing and said they claimed him 80% disable, when they send his mental meds in the mail they go straight to the trash, he doesn’t take nothing. now he is fixing to start his SS claim and that’s more money the taxes payers have to give him for something he don’t deserve for what being a coward and running from his battle buddies in time of need or freezing up and not shooting when ordered too. someone please help me find out who I need to contact about his false claims with the VA.
I know a woman who claims to be disabled but she is not i have photos of her fraud how do i report her
I know someone who is abusing the system. This person is living with a veteran (not in a romantic way, they are not related) and this person is taking the veteran`s money each month and doing with it as he pleases. The veteran has some judgement issues and sees a psych doc regularly. This person convinced the vet to put her house in his name, has purchased several vehicles in with her money and makes her find her own way to doctor appointments. The list of abuse goes on, something needs to be done.
I am dealing with a similar situation whereas a total of around $60k has been stolen from the veteran by their family so far. Have you received any information or resolution on this?
My husband and i just found out this morning, as of today he will no longer be receiving retirement pay due to adding me as a dependent on his VA wavier. By doing this he now only gets his VA waiver of $640 a month instead of a little over $1200. How is it that adding a dependent makes you worth less than a person without one. We have been receving the $1200 since his separation from service since 2012 but now everything changes. My husband can’t even work. He needs surgery on both of his shoulders and hasn’t even had either one yet; he was hurt back in 2010 (still no treatment). The VA by all means has left my 22yr old husband; broken, confused, in pain, and unemployable. Yet they say he is only 40% disabled and now they take away half of our bread and butter.
[Admin Note: Please contact your Congressman’s office. There should be someone there that can help.]
I need to know who do I call to report a fraud. My sons dad and I had been together for 18 years until 6/17/14 when he was arrested for domestic violence. Now I come to find out he is using my sons social security number as a dependent to get VA benefit. He has never supported my son Financially since he was born. He owes on child support. This is a man who is healthy and able to work. He had even google on “what are some system to get VA disability”. Enough is enough. Let the right VA person get what they deserve, not people like Philip G.
I know someone who was in the army but has never went to even fight she worked in an office. She had 2 surgeries on her hand which had these complications before the army. She wanted to get out on behalf of her boyfriend which ended up being a con artist and she needed the money for all the things he put on a credit card in her name. Prior to that she got out but she was asking around to see how she could get 100% when she get out the army. Now she is getting all this money and child support from the state but want take care of her child just her boy friend now who is in the army as well using her to get 100% so he can get the benefits as well. They said she has PTSD which she do not have. She buys nothing but the best for herself but when she go to the VA. she will wear clothes that’s dirty or do anything to make them think something is wrong with her, give her medicine that she gives out, or drink alcohol with it everyday, she goes bowling even though she says that she is handicap and can’t lift she does everything and you all pay for her to live good. She is a fraud someone needs to do something about this ASAP! VA in Nashville TN
There is a, well not even sure what to call him, that lives close to me. He went AWOL during Basics and ended up serving his time in Prison instead of going to Vietnam. He is somehow now drawing benefits and I have witnessed him at the VA Hospital. I have heard “rumors” he got his dishonorable somehow changed to a medical, claiming his Drill Sergeant drove him crazy. I’ve not reported anything and wouldn’t even know where to begin. Not even sure I want to. However I have several close friends who served and were injured in Vietnam. To say it upsets them every time they have to look at him at the Hospital is putting it very mildly. Any comments or suggestions as to what should be done would be greatly appreciated.
I have a brother that is currently attempting to get 100% disability. He already gets some sort of pension from claiming PTSD. He stated years ago that someone he met told him to put down anything that has ever happened to him (even if it is not service related) on his application for disability. While I am a firm believer in taking care of our soldiers, I detest people that try to scam the system. He has a problem with the truth and always has. When he is questioned about his problem, he doesn’t even come across as slightly believable. In his daily activities he does things that someone with his “problems” couldn’t do. I myself am very handicapped (not service related) but I would never try to scam the system. Our wounded warriors need this money. There is a lot more to the story but, I hope this helps.
My brother I know that is definitely one of the false cases for ptsd. This he claims from Afghanistan which he was there with both his brother in laws and neither of them claim anything and ask him why he is that they never once fired their weapons or engaged in any combat. We came from a very abusive home that lead to our removal from our parents. He may have ptsd from childhood but not from his service. Is this or can this be a fraud case even though he never disclosed his abuse from childhood?
The VA disability system is a mess and the entire system needs an overhaul. When disability exams are based on subjective complaints versus true objective findings there is a real problem.
Subjective complaints vs. true objective findings? Just how many comprehensive exams have you been through to form this opinion? There will not be an objective finding without first having a subjective complaint and vice versa. When I first started going to VA for my conditions, it was found that my subjective complaints were objective findings recorded in my military medical records. A comprehensive exam is not for diagnosis, it’s for evaluating the level of debilitation of what has already been diagnosed. I’ve been through 4 comprehensive exams, they aren’t fun, can take up to 4 hours to complete, are performed by doctors that specialize in comprehensive exams, and aren’t part of the VA to eliminate the potential for fraud and insider good ol boy conflicts of interest.
My husband is scamming the VA for PTSD. He left the army in 1994 and over the last 4 years has convinced them that he has PTSD. Funny how he didn’t have it for 16 years. He has never had a single flashback and has been told by three therapists that he has a personality disorder. He doesn’t drink or do drugs or suffer from depression. He went on the computer and learned what he needed to say in order to convince them he had PTSD. He is a horrible person and I am in the process of a filing for divorce. He told me if I reported him he would kill me so I did it anonymously. I’ve even caught him telling other veterans how to scam the system. They gave him a 100% rating two years ago. I reported him but no one ever investigated. It’s a shame that veterans with real disabilities wait forever for help while con artists clog the system.
I have a Veteran that sells his meds and ONLY uses them on the day on his toxicology test. He is in the process as we speak of packing his close to go back to shelter is San Francisco. We live in Georgia. This is the SECOND time he’s left our home to travel thousands of miles to live at the shelter…at home he feels he’s no one…at the shelter he has all these pills to sell and a pocket full of money to loan out…while he leaves me homeless…smh..what should I do? true…he is disabled..but it is most definitely NOT service related…he’s fighting a case now to get 100%..but I know the truth…
I was just curious of who do you get ahold to report VA fraud. My brother which I am very ashamed to say has been collecting va divas ability first because he says he injured his knee in the military when in fact he jumped off our parents roof and hurt himself. Well that weekend he had guard duty and reported it. Then after a few years after banging it around he got the military to say he needed disability. He would go and go to different doctors until he could find a doctor that would make him more disabled then what he was. Then he went to one of their psychologist who said he had PTSD. How can he have PTSD when he never once saw any form of violence. He is using the system and they are allowing it. It’s very frustrating. Oh and to top it off he is getting support for a child that doesn’t live with him. The child lives with the mother and she has never received anything for child support
You can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs’ hotline at (800) 488-8244, between 8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday–excluding Federal holidays. Write the VA hotline at: VA Inspector General Hotline (53E), P.O. Box 50410, Washington, DC 20091-0410. Or contact them by email: vaoighotline@va.gov
I’d like to know who I contact about a dicharged “vet” from the Minnesota national guard. That is receiving va benefits. For an 80% disability. But is working for his families business and also for a friends business for cash. He is also receciving benefits for our son that he does not pay child support for nor does he see him. I had called the vso and she stated he is entitled to the monies for our child. He is a fraud he was receiving unemployment benefits and collection va benefits at the same time. I have reports from Minnesota dept of revenue showing he worked while receiving va benefits also. He goes out to clubs and bars every weekend and sure don’t act like he is 80% disabled. This is not fair he is able to do this while there are ture vets that need and deserve these beneifts!
Barry O. lowered the threshold of what it takes to claim PTSD as a disability from not having to site a particular occurrence to just being in theater a few years ago. Since then, there has been a wave of people filing for this disorder. Make no mistake, PTSD is a real condition, but it just is not restricted to people in combat or even being in the military. EVERYONE suffers a little PTSD after a substantial loss or traumatic event. What people don’t realize is that once you claim PTSD it is in your medical records and WILL be used to prevent one from purchasing firearms. Another thing people don’t understand is that you can come out of the other end with a 0% rating on anything you claim. A good friend of mine has had 4 Afghanistan tours and has never been involved with an IED, firefight, he’s never even seen anybody injured except for recreational football games. I have witnessed way more gore and guts before and after my service and without ever being in combat. When a rating is awarded, you are not looked at by VA as being 40% disabled, rather 60% enabled. Just because you get 20% from one injury does not mean you get paid at the 20% level. There is an equation used to combine all rated disabilities which comes out as your overall rating. 40% +40% does not equal an 80% rating. It is very confusing, but I believe is very fair. As far as fraudulent claims, sure there are those with no honor. As for myself, I was put through 4 comprehensive exams, x-rays, range of motion, etc. over a period of 2 and a half years. The examiners were very thorough and personally can’t see how fraud can be committed except for mental issues, probably the only thing that can be faked. Different states have different laws, but it is a crime to maliciously report disability fraud out of spite or retribution, which pretty much sounds like every complaint on this blog. these complainers need to get a life and get your nose out of business that is not pertained to you. A troop isn’t committing disability fraud just because their dog craps on your lawn.
You are correct that the bar for PTSD was dramatically lowered (legal standard was changed from ‘more likely than not’ to ‘at least as likely as not’)
But this was not Obama’s fault..he doesn’t submit or vote on legislation. Read up on Gov’t 101 to see for yourself.
I consider myself a somewhat liberal veteran, but the fraud problem is huge and I see the ‘Red Team’ as more of a problem here (can you name a single Repub who has spoken on the issue? AND, remember voting patterns my friend: military and vet org’s usually vote Red)
For those who disagree with me, consider this; statistics clearly show us to be at the highest level of per capita disability in history, and the applications for disability of all kinds skyrocketed with the Great Recession begun under GW’s watch. At some point, unless we bend the curve, we will have TEN PERCENT of the US population on disability of some kind. This is financially unsustainable according to actuaries who crunch the numbers.
I recently had a FOIA request for some documents regarding my equitable relief process denied. Strange thing is, the request never showed up on my eBenefits account. The request was never processed, yet it was denied.
I have addressed this matter all the way to Secretary Hickey. Still no answer. The denial letter stated Exemption 5.
This person has claimed to be retired military getting many benefits from government. He has no current drivers license and accumulated many unpaid fines which state not military yet does much business on his wesite. Became the president of the board for our condo association and has gained four units in the past three years. Something is wrong with this picture and hope this is looked into because he rents these units out like vacation rentals when this is a long term residential condo. Is it that easy to lie about military status to claim benefits? How do we get justice?
[Admin’s Note: Patrick, Is it possible that this guy inherited some money? If you and other condo owners are unhappy (and suspicious) you could run a background check. With the Internet being what it is today there is a lot you can learn about a person. Also, if you have enough votes have you considered changing the CC&Rs to prevent condos being rented as vacation rentals. If that doesn’t work you might want to check with local authorities if a permit is required and if he has one (he’s running it like a business typically there are health and safety laws that need to be followed. Sounds like the guy ODed on Monopoly as a kid.]
I know someone that is collecting 100% VA benefits. Before he started collecting benefits he was a union carpenter but gave it up to collect from out government. He never actually stopped working though. He had been doing construction work ever since and last year opened a construction company using his sons name and social security number. He makes quite a good living doing this. His don has nothing to do with the business other than using his info. He is on every job site. Up on roofs, ladders, swinging hammers, and everything else related to running a company. Including dealing with customers. I think its disgusting that someone like this is collecting a substantial check from the government because he can’t work then runs a business and takes money from the hard working people out there trying to make a living that aren’t collecting “free money”. It hurts hard working people as well as those trying to get benefits that are struggling to get any help due to the overload of people like him cheating the system. What can be done to stop this? It’s not fair to take good off the tables of those who really deserve it. He’s a fraud and it needs to stop!!
I know someone committing fraud. She was discharged from the military for fibromyalgia but I’ve seen her carry beds..TVs.. and even go paint balling and sky zone jumping higher than she ever claims she can jump. She didn’t even fulfill her initial obligation. Someone instructed her to get out and collect benefits. Its crazy because she is very able bodied.
My now Ex husband M. got 100% VA disability in 2008 from AZ—90% then extra for not being able to work. M. got a spinal cord stimulator installed in 2008 paid by Tricare (over $100,000) while I was in the military and was recovered. He didn’t want to lose all his benefits ($5077 each month) since he got for his Disability with VA ($3119) and Social Security ($1308) with $450 from SSN for his kids he now uses for child support. (His take home pay which is tax free is $4427) Since he is 100% disabled by VA he got the Judge convinced during his divorce that VA disability is not included in child support.
He dragged out his divorce for two years without paying child support while getting VA disability with married benefits. This man is convinced since the VA declared him disabled he is exempt from paying taxes and his bills. He stopped paying his mortgage for over a year, ran up credit cards then declared bankruptcy during his divorce. Ruined his wife’s credit and the divorce judge couldn’t touch the bankruptcy property during divorce—so declared a divorce with stipulation have to get permission from Bankruptcy court judge to hear the property issue. M., after getting Spinal Cord stimulator, started volunteering full time as Police Augmentee. He wore full police gear, running in and out of police cars and chasing criminals while wearing bullet proof jacket and gun. He worked full time, full hours with the regular police in the [redacted] AL Police Department. He did this for 3 years until filing for divorce (2010-2013). Then took a leave of absence since it looks bad during divorce to claim disability while doing full time volunteer work. This is clearly a case of fraud. There are many vets, including myself waiting on VA disability benefits and this man is living high and not paying any taxes. To add insult to the tax payers, M. is getting free medical through Medicaid. This kind of fraud and misconduct should be criminal. I am not whining—I want proper justice. I have filed a VA complaint but not heard anything. I will be writing every congressman I can find on this issue. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
[ADMIN’s Reply]
When it comes to taxes report the situation to both the IRS and his state board. There may be violations in regards to Medicaid that should be reported as well. Unless he specifically claims physical limitations it’s difficult for anyone to gauge the amount of pain he can endure. Photos/videos is the best documentation when a fraudulent disability is claimed and are difficult to dispute and will help your congressman take action The more documentation you provide with a complaint the better. Good luck to you and your children.
Well I am going to first say forgive the writing skills. Seams to me since it took one letter from a retired DOCTOR to blow this Phoenix thing open and the thousands of complaints from the VETs did nothing I would send all the fraud complaints of disability to the provider who signed them off as disabled a maybe one will remember what integrity is and not wait until they retire to save try and save the lives of the men and woman who served while he was in med school. I installed Sen John McCain’s security system in his Phoenix home years ago cant help but wonder how many letters of complaint he received from Phoenix Vets hoping he was their security system. Someone explain something to me. The first thing out of boot camp the Coast Guard sent me to FBI shoot dont shoot school so when we were in harms way I didn’t kill a friendly. The last thing I wanted was to be the 18 year old kid with the m16 thats why I joined the Coast Guard. My point is my job was to do what I was told if it meant be a killer that was my job period. Why if I would have been shot or the Coast Guard kid as we speak putting his ass on the line every day not as respected and valued with the same benefits as every bad ass kid who after 911 said I want Marines infantry so I can go kill me some 911 lovers the front lines of war. Granted I am pretty sure no comparison to the Coast Guard guy but bet your ass if needed he would be side to side and dam sure didn’t volunteer for the horrors of war. But yet he is less than and I don’t get it. If it was a draft thats different but I dont go to my groups and talk about the waves were just to scary and now I cant take a bath cuz it reminds me of my sinking ship. It was my job. I took my dead butty to his Mom as she cried at my feet as I stood attention at his coufin. I cant get it out of my head her asking why why cuz her son joined the Coast Guard not the front line bad asses. It was my job period end of story. We all hope well I did anyway that during my time war would not be declared but knowing its my job if it does. Men I have not one clue what that level of combat experience is like but if I wanted to brag that I was a bad ass I wouldnt be crying about it cuz it was my job nore would I feel better than the non war Vet. Now remember all Navy,Coast Guard, and Air Force who never picked up a weapon are more respected and I just dont get but I am sure I am going to find out some opinions.
Much respect !!!!
Once again my point is this. If you loose a limb in piece time or war time it don’t matter you out a limb and you volunteered. So my local VA hospital and office has sabotaged me and my disability claims to the point of a low life clerk lying and steeling my soul by accusing me of saying if the VA dont give me what I want I will blow the place up. Men words or tears cant come close to ya I am saying it not even WAR can equal that. Just because thirty five years later I now need disability for the things I said on my discharge physical and somehow I don’t deserve it because it wasn’t war time and thats wrong. I lived with it and asked for nothing for thirty years if there’s anything left after putting the kids back together I would like to die with whats left cuz I earned it. Shame on the Boise VA shame on you!!!
I have a neighbor that has stated that he faked his disability by answering most questions in the psychological test in the scale from 1 – 10, 6 and he got 100% disable status. Was planning to have the wife to apply for benefits as the only person to take care of him as he could not even drive. He is consider to have PTSD and has stated he does not have it at times, other times he claims he does. The fact is that he shoots fireworks, his gun in the pond across the street of our house and constantly smokes pot, even distributes in the close gas stations. Is this a wrong thing?
i work at a VA hospital and am a proud veteran. It appears every body who is getting out of the military is getting disability. The Vietnam veterans are jealous so they are all going after it. I see nothing but fraud and very few real combat related disabilities if any. Even employees all around me who are veterans are either getting it or going after it. It is disgusting. I blame a lot of it on politicians who wrap the flag around themselves and proclaim all that serve are war heroes. NOT. I also blame it on the rats of this generation who are of the mindset that the government owes them something when they get out. Getting disability, forcing their way into government jobs because of veteran preference. There is no shame.
To whom it may concern,
I need to know if collecting disability for a child you don’t have custody of. My daughter is currently collecting monies from the service for a disability she got while in the service. The problem is, she’s collecting for her son. I have legal and residential custody of him since he was 1. She went into the service 2 years later and even at that time received a 2 bedroom housing by lying saying she had a son. Well she does, but she has never had him physically. Why is she allowed to collect for the child and the child’s portion be sent to the child????
[admin: You might start by speaking with the base commander.]
Ringing of the ears, back pain and headaches are three things that are used and are unable to disprove. People who have never left a nice climate controlled office job on US soil are collecting for bogus claims. These ridiculous scammers are the ones that give the Military Disabled Vets a bad name.
I am angry because my husband was sent to Beirut, Granada , and fought in Desert Storm. Retired after 20 years. Suffer heavily with PTSD, mental wards the whole nine yards and I know this man was in the Navy from 70-71. Never complained about anything never seem any combat, heard people talking about how they are getting money from the VA he decided to get him a representative to process a claim that he has PTSD. The VA turned him down twice but he trying again. I think it is awful how people are getting benefits basic on a lie. When my husband was truly serving his country. How can the VA let this happen of people falling through the cracks just to get money that clearly do not deserve it. Nowadays, you don’t know know who to thanks for serving our country.
Non-combat ‘Nan veteran with non-service related “medical issues” is receiving 100% disability payment plus full medical benefits….his issues are (1) surgery for a brain tumor and (2) a bad back, both still being **treated** by the VA , treatment consisting mostly of pain medication. This veteran is not so disabled that he cannot work for cash at construction-related jobs..I have personally paid him over $ 1500 in 2015 for same type work.
My question is….will the VA Fraud Div. Look into this if I report it?
This plus what he gets from others is not a lot of money…..but he is taking benefits from other veterans….that bothers this’ Nam era lady a lot!!! Thanks for help and suggestions.
I have an older brother who just got approved for 50% disability. He joined the army after highschool and in boot camp he was discharged for having irregular heart beat. But when I talked to him he said he was growing suspicious of his gf of having an affair and he wanted out. He made it only 4 weeks through boot camp and got sent home. About 8 years go by and he starts developing anxiety attacks he gets approved fmla and he abuses it he starts getting behind on his bills. Then he starts using marijuana. He gets fired from his job and now is unemployed making money off the unemployment while he smokes all day every day. Puts in to see if he can get benefits from the VA they approve him at 50% he’s suppose to get a back pay of 12,000 dollars. While I work 50 hours a week. This lazy ass is getting money from the government and he’s just sitting on his ass smoking every day he’s a poor excuse for a person. Is there anyone than can help me stop this abuse of the system.
My exhusband is still claiming me as his dependant spouse on his va benefits for ptsd. Is that fraud? Hes taking trips and having extra money on my behalf. What should I do? We’ve been divorced for 5yrs now. I only found out because he accidentally told me in a conversation.
There is a man I’m my town who has handicap stickers, on his 8″ lifted truck, that claims he hurt his knee while on training for the Army Reserve. He brags about how much he the military pays him with a clothing allowance and other benefits because he has to ware a knee brace, which I’ve never seen him ware. I also have video of him playing softball, sand volleyball, regular volleyball, mud volleyball, and basketball. This upsets me to no end, what can I do?
I really need advice. My brother in law had a bank injury in high school. He never informed the navy of it. He slipped while cleaning the deck of his ship, in Pendleton. He filed for disability and has been receiving it ever since. He chooses not to work because he does not want to lose his disability. He is 33. He travels, goes to theme parks, baseball games, plays with his children, does side jobs for people. Yet he claims he cant work because of his back. He has admitted to scamming the system. What is the worst part, is he is utilizing Wounded Warrior Project for things such as home benefits, travel benefits etc. He never left the states and to take those benefits from real wounded soldiers just disgusts me. Is there anything I can do?? I come from a military family, who honorably served. I cant stand seeing this blatant abuse of the system. Please help if you can.
After reading some of these posts I have formed the opinion that we shouldn’t “hate the vet”; rather be upset at the system. Some research will tell you that many times rating decisions are done simply by a computer programs. In fact I read one article about a vet that went in for PTSD and told the ratings psychologist that he could work but would just sit around and smoke weed and play video games all day. Apparently the vet was asked a series of questions and this questionnaire was then fed into a computer and it spit out what his rating is and how much he will be paid. Did the vet do anything wrong? Not in my opinion.
I can see why the VA is getting some bad press, when from what it appears to me is that many of the comments posted are abusive to the veteran, that is being Rat Packed by a X wife and / or X friend or both with regards to having PTSD or some other injury from serving this great nation, (which means they at one time signed a contract payable with his or her Life) so many veterans do lose their lives due to PTSD here at home, the doctors do what they can do with the time they can spend with the Vet. if you know a Vet with a diagnosis of PTSD maybe take 10 min. and learn about PTSD and just maybe you will see a different person? and I know that not all veterans served honorably or had his buddies blown up or what ever one thinks or sees their hero as, we are not all the RAMBO type, some of us carry a brief case, or operate drones, or just pass on the orders, all of US are a part of a team, from DoD to VA, and all records are kept, and the professionals serving us after our enlistment is up, are the best at what they do. so STFU and go to your nearest VA hospital and volunteer, maybe you will see the price we pay, or take a stroll through on of our cemeteries and look at the inscriptions on the markers, and think about how yours will read.
I hear so much about veterans taking a so called free ride on the system and if a person does that kind of activity then he or she should be held accountable.What about all of the doctors,nurse’s and va personel that commit all kinds of what i would call abuse.They or should i say some are just taking a free ride in the va system.When they should be helping people they get the what do you want today look! Some of the people that work at the va and i will speak as a whole do nothing that make veterans lives miserable.There are some veterans that PAY OUT IN TOWN to see a doctor because of the harsh disrespectful treatment.You will have to excuse my grammer i have trouble with words and things i will try and do a spell check.My point being when you see a veteran and you pass judgement you should take into consideration that there could be other factors involved.There is a veteran that i know that is service connected if you were to see this person on one occassion you might think how does he get disability from the va.However what you dont see is this person is housebound and has severe panic attacts and major depression disorder,GAD,agorophobia,and several other severe impairments oh and did i say has to do his shopping at 3 or 4 a.m. because he says he just cant handle the people.He is afraid to go out in public like a normal person but this is just an example of how you think a person might not have anything wrong there could be a bigger picture that your just not seeing. Think about that,this person be it he or she goes in the military right out of highschool with no impairments and comes out a completely different person not to mention what this person could have lost or suffered along the way.Yes there should be things in place to weed out people that ride the va system INSIDE AND OUT………
they’ll yell at you and if you complain to the patient advocate they’ll flag you for it. I’ll never go to the VHA again. Those doctors are the worst malingerers in the world. waste of tax payer money.
My daughter’s ex-boyfriend recently discharged from the Marines. He served in NC at an Armory, fixing electronics, etc. His wack mother put him up to it, supposedly, to claim PTSD from being exposed to explosions from being around the armory. He never left the USA. I on the other hand, went to Afghanistan 5 times (short visits). I came under fire the last time and even heard the Phalanx Gatling guns shooting at the mortars. I never felt threatened. But I’ve never been exposed to the horror of combat or witnessing friends/comrades die around me like TRUE PTSD victims experience. I’ve seen the TV shows how dogs help those victims and their stories. It has to be very tough for them and their families and my heart goes out in prayer to them. But this ex boyfriend…What a piece of shit! Using a known issue to free $$$ at the expense of true PTSD victims….Gotta work this out.
I want everyone to know that yes there are many who are on VA justified disability and justly so. My gripe is there are [my guess] 20 times as many who are abusing the system. I am a Vietnam vet who lost a brother in the conflict and several friends as well. I have many friends who draw some % of military disability knowing full well that they are not military related. Hell I was even approached and told i should apply. How could I live with myself and go to my brothers grave, knowing so many sacrificed everything so that many could greedly benefit?
I am a Viet Nam army vet and am appalled by 42 yr old air force get who is a neighbor. He never was injured due to service connected issues. A motorcycle mishap while serving qualify you for disability! He collects 70% butis able to ride his dirt bike in the desert and brag about his 20 ft air and other stunts. He rides acrotch rocket daily has a 10 inch lifted truck he jumps in and out of rebuilds carry’s bends over his classic car to change motors. He is nothing but a drug addict being supported by the VA. THIIS IS PLAIN FRAUD!!!!!!!
I could not agree with you more Joe. I have a neighbor who never saw battle yet is on full disability and still runs his own portable sawmill along with doing all kinds of construction getting paid under the table .
Along with all kinds of other things that you would think somebody with such a debilitating back injury he would not be able to do. It infuriates me when I know so many who really need the help are being cheated out of it by these fraudulently criminal phonies. The one I know I have even heard sells some of his meds for money also. It’s deplorable.
It’s sad when some say they get 100 percent disability because of a head injury and migraines and never have to work again. But this guy just does not act disable he lights firecrackers, rides a motorcycle, climbs on roofs, rides a riding lawn mower, has parties, buys a big boat, drove a rig well on disability, I can understand if something was wrong with the man yes to get disability but there seems like nothing is wrong with him. There maybe but he sure don’t act like there is, because with migraines you would not be able to do all of this. I just wonder sometimes.
This really bugs me. I know guys that have literally lost their left nut for this country and kept going back. Then there is guys like my ex wife’s husband. He told me he volunteered to deploy to Iraq while enlisted as a MP with the Navy and he crashed his vehicle screwing around. He claims 100 percent PTSD with brain trauma and unemployable. He claims he cannot legally drive, can’t do math, and can’t be in large crowds. He gets 4,000 a month and his wife gets 1,000 a month to take care of him. The problem with this is he can and does legally drive. He trained to be computer graphics designer which requires a lot of math and scripting skills (I’m a comp. tech. and know this). His wife works all day and he works all night (under the table). He participates in renisance fairs regularly (huge public events). He claims on his graphics design page he is in “early medical retirement”. He sits around all day smoking weed and playing video games. He was a spokesperson for the local pot dispensaries when the county moved to ban them (its all over the internet). As far as his “PTSD” comes off as is someone who is bipolar and has a big mouth. I have hung out with several vet friends whos’ ptsd went as far as boarding up there doors and windows and avoiding any interaction with anyone except a chosen few they were comfortable with. Whenever I see these poor homeless vets on the street it pisses me off that people like him are the cause of true disabled vets not getting the care they need. I think people like him are a disgrace to this country and our military.
I know this guy that collects 100% disability (over $4,000 per month). He was in Vietnam as an Airforce military police. He saw no combat and no violence at all. He said all he did in Vietnam was to go to village to village screwing all the whores. He had a good time. Two years ago he started his fraudulent path to obtain disability by going to the local VA Hospital and faking every one of his so called disabilities. He lied to the phychiatrists and to all his doctors. They fell for it and now he’s got it made for the rest of his life. What a joke. Me and all the tax payers in the US are paying this bum to have the good life and there is absolutely nothing wrong with him. And he brags about it all the time. He’s proud of himself. This is nothing but fraud.
Ryan M. –needs investigating. Drawing VA Disability for back but has held a job since coming out of the military. Several but keeps getting fired for not showing up. Can play in summer softball leagues swinging the bat, running, fielding the ball. But is drawing VA Disability for back. We’ve heard that he’s addicted to pain pills and uses both local prescription and VA.
You know I believe if you deserve compensation, then you should receive it. But hear near a major army post in Texas, it’s ridiculous. Top of the line fancy cars,SUV’s, Harleys,Boats, etc. is nuts. I feel like i’m at Boca Raton, Fla. or somewhere. The fakers I see everyday are too ashamed to even park in the handicapped spot, even though it’s empty. Most dress head to toe fully color-coordinated-top of the line stuff. When I was in the military, you were hard-charging, didn’t whine or complain. You suck it up and drive on. Now you get a substantial tax-free check for life after your first enlistment if you claim disabilities. It used to be you had to do 20 years to get this kind of money. Why retire when you can live free on your enormous disability check.
Retired navy person receives disability for bad back and feet.
But is able to ride horses and play softball.
My tax money being wasted
I feel that some of these posts are greatly exaggerated. Assuming I made TDUI for Migraines, I’d only bring in $3100 a month. Seeing as how I live in Northern VA, Rent for a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom is $1500. My $18,000 car at 1.9% interest rate is $400 a month, internet is $100, electric/gas is $180, $200 a month in food at the minimum (assuming I don’t eat out). These aren’t even all of the bills of an average adult, yet I’m already at $2300ish. I’m sure if I added property taxes, insurance, unplanned expenses (a night out for a movie, or a broken appliance), etc. I’d likely not be able to live the exaggerated lifestyle you guys discuss.
I think the only way it’d be possible is if I had a spouse who made a lot of money, but then we’d have to add in her bills, her car payments, her debt, her schooling, etc. Or if I lived in an area where the cost of living is at the lowest. I just feel that the VA itself doesn’t give them enough to be “lavish”. Only additional income from a spouse would make their live’s lavish. If an individual is caught working and making over the poverty line while TDUI, that is illegal. They will match his income with the IRS to ensure everything checks out. If he’s doing it under the table, the amount of money he’s bringing in likely isn’t even worth the effort of reporting.
I just want to begin that I believe that VA is a great organization if only they employed more intelligent staff. I know many Vet’s that receive money. My mother-in-law served in the Navy for one tour. She fell off a ladder onboard ship and suffers from seizures. She went to school for her masters degree (after her injury) for Social Work and quit the semester before graduation. She receives 100% VA assistance, VA helped purchase her a $120,000 home, and a top of the line sewing machine for a hobby for her.
She suffers from many ailments including PTSD. She lived in the VA home that they purchased (loan) for one year before a leak occurred in her basement. VA kindly paid her $20,000 to get it repaired properly. She pocketed the money and instead of following her bids she paid her brother to repair it for her for $500. Sadly it wasn’t repaired and she left her home and abandoned it to the elements. When VA caught on that she no longer lived there they asked many questions but they found the home completely covered in mold.
Since she allowed her home to be foreclosed on she has struggled to make enough money to live off of. She receives $3500 from the VA and still collects from SSD. She sold her sewing machine. She rents houses and lives in them for less then six months. She purchases new vehicles on a monthly basis but it’s sad that she doesn’t actually own a car. She has taken so many cash advances that her benefits no longer help. So she started a new hobby of selling her medicines to bad people. (One even hit her in the head with a cast iron skillet). She is educated enough to know how to cover her expenses by selling jewelry at flea markets and fairs.
I understand that she deserves disability benefits but my problem with VA is that even though she suffers from violent seizures they still allow her to drive. She pays her registration fees every four years and done so without any red flags. I have tried to speak with the VA because I worry for my mother-in-law but VA still allows her to drive.
I have helped to pay her bills when she can’t do it herself. She has rent of $600 for a two bedroom house. Has a $50 phone bill that keeps getting lower of she pays on time. A car payment of $350. Her renter insurance and car insurance is just under $450. Her credit cards and cash advances are what hurt her…
I care for my mother-in-law but a few weeks ago, she suffered a Absentee Seizure while driving with my child. She almost killed both of them. I told her that I don’t want her to drive with my children – not until she is 6 months seizure free. Since this, she HATES me. She has called animal control, child protective services, and code enforcement on us. I don’t want any revenge on her because I know she needs help but the VA will not listen. Her case worker doesn’t care for her welfare. I just hope someone could help her… maybe someone will listen and hopefully not to late.
I was told by a guy that before his check ups he doesn’t shower for two weeks and when asked ?’s, he acts like he is crazy so he can keep his 5000.00 a month rolling in
Typical…I’m sick of veterans being lumped in retired military. Veterans wait in line for free pancakes.
I have been separated from my husband for almost are whole marriage (almost 10 years) I just found out he has been claiming me and our daughter this whole time. He is VA disabled and now collecting 100% over 3000 a month. I have never saw a dime of the money. He has never paid child support. He works as a tattoo artist and only gets paid cash so he won’t have to claim it on his taxes. He moves place to place to avoid a divorce and child support. You want to talk fraud I have plenty. I don’t even know where to begin. I am shocked someone can live this way and not take care of their responsibilities.
He served his country and I was always proud of that. 4 tours in Afghanistan. I just don’t know what happens to these men when they have had there fill of war. PTSD is such a common thing now. It’s really sad to see someone you care about return no longer whole. All that aside it does not excuse taking care of your responsibilities.
So if anyone would like to comment on a situation i have i would greatly appreciate it. My best friend collects ptsd disabilitie but than he uses the money to go on trips all over the US doing fun things paying for up to 3 or 4 friends to go along with him on the road trips sometimes up to a week at a time. He has no problem being around people or working. In addition he actually works for a moving company getting payed under the table and posts it on his social media. I feel morally this is all wrong for all the hard working people that have to earn a living and pay taxes. Should i or can i report this as abuse of government disability????? And how if so how do i go about doing that
I had the misfortune of meeting my neighbor for the first time after moving in next door. In one breath he managed to tell me he is a few days away from getting 100% and how he is going to buy a $60,000 Jeep for his wife and a $50,000 Charger , all this on a $4,000 a month sheriff deputy paycheck? I grit my teeth so hard I felt my molars cringe as I walked away and as I told my wife about our conversation I began to tremble with such anger. I know each case is different, but c’mon people this HAS TO END SOMEWHERE…………WE ARE GOING BROKE!!!!! except for the malingerers who one day will meet their “Brothers in arms” one the other side. what are they gonna tell em?
Well i’m a veteran and so is my wife. I’ve had four surgeries since service connected and I’m only at 10% disability and have been since 2000. My wife has lymphedema and has developed RSD all from her injuries and the VA is now claiming she’s all better. lol FRAUD goes both ways and believe me, they are committing Fraud every single day while we the VETS continue to suffer every single day.
My ex is getting , 1700 a month, he never served war time. He shattered his elbow playing football, he has also been getting dependants benefits for 5 yrs and my kids didn’t live with him. To top this off he is an RN, so completely able to work and does work. I don’t get why he gets all this money when people really need it don’t get it.
This does not make any sense to me’ I’ve met a couple Veterans in my life’ one of the vets’ I’ve actually met was phony about his injuries’ every time i have seen this man he is living it up in no pain what so ever. riding bikes’ going 4 wheeling’ swimming just fine’ walks just fine runs just fine’ an collects so much money monthly and yearly just fine for Injuries no one can see and he is pretty smart as well to be still scamming the way he does. he is a big scam in everything he does not to mention I know for a fact all this vet does is buy Drugs and sells them making more money on the side’ he also does the drugs he sells, also yes it goes on he is seeing a woman who collects social security monthly but does not report it to social security so that is extra money this house hold.. they recently just got 60 thousand dollars and have been bragging about it on face book showing off all the stuff they are buying with the money with there new play money. that is not including what he gets monthly’ these people are terrible people and has been doing this fraud for years’ I have not seen no injuries what so ever from this man’ I feel sorry for the real vets who actually was hurt and still hurt to this day’ them i can see them collecting that much money they deserve it the most. people missing legs arms that can’t work’ I appreciate the vets for what they do to help our country. what i don’t appreciate is what I just describe’ everyone loves blaming social security and welfare for taking all the money are you kidding me. Its people like this taking all the money they are no better than the celeb’s in my opinion being over paid.. anyway these people have been scamming for a while’ Its awful how they continue to get away with it’ I know this has been a long rant but come on something has got to give’
I know a veteran who saw no combat and receives 90% disability and he works as a capable manager earnings $150,000 a year. Some people are not moral about this stuff.
Please shut your mouth if you dont know what kind of disabilities a person has. It is none of your fucken buisness. Disability pay is pased on injuries that happened in the Military and you need a lot of facts to support your claim. FYI, the negative comments on here are also proof of the harasment Veterans recieve from people about their disabilities. This type of harassment makes Veterans with disablities struggle more in daily life. Please stop being assholes and try to support a Veteran. Maybe the disability will improve and they can stop collecting money.
This subject infuriates me to no end! My father has lived since he was 19 years old with no legs, full of shrapnel, a painful skin graft from his neck to his glute, and symptoms of Malaria. He is a tough Veitnam Combat Veteran who never complains, works small jobs on his own land and will come in early just to witness his blisters on his stumps. He then retires to his wheelchair early evening cause the pain is too great, however he will never admit it.
Now, I have an ex-friend who went to Germany during peace time for the GI Bill and free college tuition. He graduates from college and in the meantime always told me he would retire by the time he hits 40 years old. I knew something was going on around his 39th birthday, this poser was crying and complaining of “Not being able to make a decision” so he made multiple appointments at the local VA Hospital. One year later, he’s living high on the hog, swimming, kayaking, snowmobiling, ATV’ing, snowshoeing, vacationing, buying a new home, working on yard work, operating a new tractor for hours on end. Does not have one lick of disability. One thing that I learned is that SOME PEOPLE ARE TAKERS, and OTHERS ARE GIVERS. My father is definitely a giver! This jerk is a pure taker!!! Thief!!!
Why does a veteran with 50% to 80% disability for his knee being damaged receiving a nice check monthly be able to do that and also working as a deisel mechanic lifting heavy tires and freight ,walking all day be able to claim disability and people who really need it cant receive it,is that allowed??
My ex husband served in the army, but since our divorce I have found out that he lied and was unhonorable discharge. He also lied and said he’s paying child support. Which he is not. I have proof and he doesn’t except for lies he makes up.
I know of someone who gets full disability says he cant work but can ride a motorcycle during the summer all day long plus boating and fishing also. He also can ride a snowmobile in the winter. Can also stand for hours in the bars. Even helps a friend trim tree’s! If someone can do that I would think there is some sort of a job he can do. Iam tired of coming to work everyday to support people like this especially when others who are not Vets cant get anything.
I know a freeloDer who draws extra for my kids and his but neither live with him!!! My kids live at my home,& on my insurance and all my other benifits, so how is he allowed to draw money for my children?? He’s divorced from my kids mother, so how&why is he allowed to get money for them??? Is that not fraud????
I know a sickbay commando who receives 100% disability. He goes dancing, takes trips, and seems to do whatever he wants….no cares at all! He also coaches others on how to work the system and become 100% disable. Moreover, he portrays himself as a Vietnam vet who served with the 82nd Airborne when his real service was with National Guard. Can’t something be done to stop these malingers?
I’m a disabled vet and you wouldn’t know it to look at me. Physically, I’m in decent shape. Mentally is another story. I was sexually assaulted by my boss while I was in the military. I didn’t report it because it was my word against his. Several months later, he raped my wife. I managed to stop him and I took a horrible beating for it from his buddies. I reported it up the chain of command and no one would do a damn thing, except to me. I don’t need to go into anything more except to say that my life and dreams of a military career were ruined. The nightmares that I have and the panic attacks that I have would cause most people to end their lives. If you don’t have PTSD, whether caused by combat or sexual trauma, then you won’t understand. The depression and the guilt are killing me. Normal relationships are no longer an option. My faith and my family are the only reasons that I am still here. If for some reason they are ever gone, I see no reason to be here.
So, when you see a veteran drawing benefits or parking in a handicapped spot, just thank them for their service, for they were the ones who when they were younger, wrote a blank check to our country for an amount up to and including their life, not you. BTW, if you don’t believe me, think of my wife’s brother the next time that you visit the Vietnam Wall in DC. His name is on there. My wife was 10 years old when he didn’t make it back from Nam. He was her whole world. I can tell by the letters that he wrote to her from Nam how much he missed her and loved her. She carries the pain of watching her parents fall to their knees in shock when the sergeants came to the door and told them that her only sibling was dead.
I know a guy who is getting full disability living off the army disability but he is running marathons a 5k its all posted on his facebook i think people like this should be investigated and have their money taken away they obviously dont need all this money if they go around running 5k races and traveling to go on vacations all off the army money he should be ashamed and punished
Amy,
Do you know for “certain” what his Service Connected disabilities are?
Do you know what medications he may be taking?
Do you know if he is going to therapy, either for mental conditions or physical ones?
Do you know if he has terminal cancer, like a friend of mine, because he was exposed to Agent Orange? (BTW, my friend plays golf and he rides in a cart. I guess he is faking the cancer if he can play golf, eh?)
Do you know if he was in combat, like a high school friend of mine, and has PTSD from seeing his comrades killed? (My friend came back from Nam and he didn’t get the help that he needed and drank himself to death.)
Do you know if he was a victim of sexual trauma?
Do you know what his financial circumstances are since you say that people like him “don’t need the money?”
Do you know if has Sleep Apnea, like I do, and has to wear a CPAP mask at night to survive?
Do you know if he has heart problems and is running because his doctor says that running will strengthen his cardiovascular system and maybe give him a few more years of life?
When you get the answers to these questions, please post them along with the medical school that you graduated from or what college that you earned your Phd in Psychology from.
BTW, did you write a check, like I did, for an amount up to and including your life?
I’m just asking…….
Thank you Amy, that is so true. just because someone receives VA money doesn’t mean he/she is milking the system, to all that feels this is wrong then check yourself in the mirror and ask yourself,”WHY AM I sO jealous of others and WHY don’t I just MiNd my own business… all you VA disability hatters just sck it!@
I’ve been married to a scam artist for 17 years and have watched him work the system to the fullest! He’s receiving 100% VA disability, 100% Social Security (a little over $5,000 a month), and has a home improvement business that he lies about having. He is tax-exempt because of all of this. He plays on 2 softball teams, and bowls in 2 leagues. He claims to have PTSD.
He had been trying to get free money for as long as I’ve known him. I would go with him to his doctors appointments (therapists) but he stopped letting me go because I wouldn’t agree to the lies he was telling. He has NEVER woken up with sweats and screaming!!! These are the types of things he would tell them. His stories to the therapists got better when the World Wide Web became a household name. He spent hours every night researching PTSD.
I’ve turned him in to SS and VA (twice each) but have never heard a thing. I have pictures and documents to prove my allegations. No one seems to care.
I tired of of sickbay commandos, vets complaining about BS, and National Guard, getting benefits. Only those who received combat injuries and are disabled and 20 year retired should benefits. I am sick of National Guard begging to be thanked for their service.
is it fraudulent to still claim a wife you have been divorced from for three years and her 2 children as your dependents to get more disability? I would think yes but when I tried to call someone at the VA about it I got a very rude woman that didn’t want to hear what I had to say. What should I do? He is another one that has always tried to milk the system for anything and everything. it sickens me that their are people that actually need the help and then their is him!!
If VA compensation is supposed to be issued to veterans due to problems finding work why do all the DV license plates in Florida seem to be on $40,000 SUVs and pickup trucks?
There should be an immediate review, stopping all payments ALL sickbay commando DA claims.
PAUL! get over yourself, I got 100% VA and you don’t the END! please cry me a river… I drive a 40K vehicle, I drive to my VA appointments, I served my country, so you’re making it sound like I am getting welfare? I earned mine, and all other vets that served did too. ITS OUR RIGHT TO RECEIVE CARE! so stop crying about it and move on btw I love my DV plates in FL, I park in handicap spots all the time, I walk to and from where I need to go but sure makes it easy to get into stores LOL, FL statue allows 100% vets to have these plates because we EARNED it retard PAUL!!!!
I am tired of veterans…sickbay commandos stealing our benefits. Something needs to be done with all vets claiming they are 100% diasabled. I earned my benefits, I gave 25 years of service.
Dear Sir:
I have written before this years ago! The case on Mr. Dennis S.
This man I have seen as well as my neighbors across the street up and around and walking and standing just fine. We noticed he received a walker many months before now from the VA that he brought home and never used ….until just recently! Now he is using his walker and scooting along…..but just recently he was fine. This Man to me I have seen walking standing working on his vehicles erect and looking fine till recently…now all of a sudden he cant hardly move. I had a father that was the same way as Mr. S. and had his legs cut off just so he didn’t have to work and could get benefits for it. Dennis I have seem fake many instances and act like he is crippled when he really isn’t. Unless his health went down hill that fast? Which we doubt. Dennis is a hypochondriac like my dad was. He isn’t as ill as he puts on to be. He just wants to milk the VA systems just like many others I have seen and fake just how bad they really are when they are not!
I hate people who fraud the system like my dad and the VA does nothing years ago I ask them to send someone out to see for there selves how well Mr S. has gotten around up until just recently. He just now used his walker after months of it collecting cob webs.
I don’t mind people getting paid for there disabilities but if they are really hurt and need help. As for the fakers which I have seen many over the years get paid from the VA and they don’t deserve it. I was also in the military and served in the air force..but never once would I apply for help through the VA unless I really needed it. There are so many out there that are not in need of it but receive it . The VA never investigates or checks up on these people. I feel that is wrong and wasting government money on people who do not deserve it and are really good fakers. Like my dad they would go to the lengths of getting there limbs cut off just so they didn’t have to works and get money for free and to take care of him when he was able to work.
I don’t agree paying people who do not need it or deserve.
THE VA NEVER DOES… CHECK UP ON THESE PEOPLE….THEY JUST THROW MY COMPLAINTS IN THE TRASH…AND KEEP PAYING THESE PEOPLE.
ANYONE CAN FAKE IT!!!!! AND PEOPLE ARE DUMB ENOUGH TO FALL FOR IT.
gov. money wasted…….
I hope you are all sending these stories to your legislators.
I have sent this to our local news station, and to my Congressman.
Well, length of service and combat doesn’t always have anything to do with PTSD and other metal problems people get from being in the service. You can be in there 35 yr. and served in all kinds of combat and go through it fine. Length of service never has anything to do with it and no one is entitled to it just because they were in for a long time. Yes, you can serve 1 yr. and come out with problems, even if you were not in combat. There are women who are rapped and the military does not see it. There is bad harassment of some people because of where they are from or the way they talk, that causes them huge problems afterwards. There are many things that can cause PTSD and other mental problems from being in the military. Most of the time it is the result of the military turning a blind eye to the things that are going on. Sorry, but if the military broke you and you left not being the same person you went in as, or can’t hold jobs or function afterward, it IS the military’s fault. They need to open their eyes and see what is going on around their bases and forts everyday. Many people do abuse the system and should be reported, but you have to get the facts first. People with PTSD have nothing wrong with them physically. They can run and play sports, and it does help a little. The problem is this does not fix them and they can’t do it 24/7. Until you judge someone, you have to have been there and walked in their shoes. If you feel someone is abusing the system and lying, by all means, google it and report them. The first thing they are going to do is tell you what I have told you here and you have to come up with evidence. Things are not always they way they look in both cases.
What can about Freddie O., of Las Vegas? He is constantly coaching vets on how to scam the VA
When will the VA wake up and do something about these fakes and and frauds. Example, Freddie O., of Las Vegas, misrepresented active duty service to the VA and a US congressman to gain disability VA benefits. The majority of his time was with the National Guard, not the 82nd Airborne!
I know a first Sargent that divorced his wife in 2007 and still claim all benefits for the ex wife. He has remarried another lady in 2014. My question if anyone knows is it fraud to not tell the military that your divorced and still claim all wife and family benefits even though the kids live with the mom also?
My soon-to-be ex husband is frauding the VA and Social Security and I can prove it. He claims PTSD but he doesn’t have that. He’s an alcoholic but that’s all. When we got our first computer in 2002, he spent every free moment he had researching PTSD because he knew it was hard to dispute. He stopped letting me go into his mental health appointments because he would say he wakes up screaming and in cold sweats and I’d tell them that wasn’t true. He receives 100% disability from VA and SS in the amount of over $5,000 a month, tax free plus he has a home improvement business that he has in his mother’s name so there’s no money trail to him.
He plays on 2 bowling leagues, 2 softball teams, and plays indoor soccer. In August of 2014, he moved into our basement and said that when school got out for the summer, out daughter (15) and I were leaving and we weren’t getting a damn thing. I hired an attorney so I’ve been able to stay in our home for now. But I was told that even though we’ve been married 16 1/2 years, I’m not entitled to anything. He hasn’t given anyone a reason for this divorce but then I realized that he wanted to keep all the money, our home, our furniture, everything and for our daughter and I to just walk away. I hired an attorney who told me that I won’t get alimony. So, he suggested we drag the divorce out as long as we could so that I can receive Spousal Support. I’m 56 and had a stroke a few years ago, severe arthritis, and scoliosis.
I have told my attorney about this illegal business and even showed the proof because that should be included in the income. When we went to the Support hearing, I told the judge about the business and he looked her right in the eyes and said I was lying. Nothing more was said about it. I’ve turned him in to the VA twice and SS twice but nothing has been done. Two weeks ago a Private Investigator came by my house to talk about my husband. It seems that he filed a claim with our insurance company, saying his vehicle had been in a wreck. Then, two weeks after that, he filed a claim stating that his home had been broken into. He listed thousands of dollars worth of items. The PI showed me a copy of the police report and right there in black and white, he wrote that the “high dollar” equipment was for his home improvement business. I asked if I could have a copy of that and he said no. I went on tape and stated that none of the items had been stolen because he just picked them up from our garage two days ago.
Now, he has recently moved to New Jersey with his parents because he found out he can get more money from VA if he “takes care” of his parents. His brother owns a Home Inspection business and can keep my ex busy doing home improvement work. But, years ago (maybe 20), he had his NJ license taken and he couldn’t get it until he paid the fines. Well, he never paid so he’s driving around there using his PA license. He owes thousands! But, he’s using his brothers PA address so he’ll be able to stay under the radar. I turned him in to the NJ State Highway Patrol but I don’t know if they’ll do anything. This man is a Narcissist! I’ve never seen anything like it! How are so many people falling for his never-ending scams?
My soon-to-be ex husband is frauding the VA and Social Security. He claims PTSD but he doesn’t have that. He’s an alcoholic but he’s had that issue since his teen years. When we got our first computer in 2002, he spent every free moment he had researching PTSD because he knew it was hard to dispute. He stopped letting me go into his mental health appointments because he would say he wakes up screaming and in cold sweats and I’d tell them that wasn’t true. He receives 100% disability from VA and SS in the amount of over $5,000 a month, tax free plus he has a home improvement business that he has in his mother’s name so there’s no money trail to him.
John plays on 2 bowling leagues, 2 softball teams, and plays indoor soccer. In August of 2014, he moved into our basement and said that when school got out for the summer, my daughter and I were leaving and we weren’t getting a damn thing. I hired an attorney so I’ve been able to stay in our home for now. When he moved into the basement, I noticed his guns were gone. I called every agency I could think of and I told them that he owns 5 guns. He’s not supposed to have any!! Nothing was done and he still has the guns! I told my attorney about it, nothing more has been mentioned.
We’ve been married 16 years and living together 17 years. He hasn’t given anyone a reason for this divorce but then I realized that he wanted to keep all the money, our home, our furniture, everything and for our daughter and I to just walk away. I hired an attorney who told me that I won’t get alimony. So, he suggested we drag the divorce out as long as we could so that I can receive Spousal Support. I’m 56 and had a stroke a few years ago, severe arthritis, and scoliosis. I’ve worked my whole life until I couldn’t about 5 years ago. And now he tells his attorney that I should be able to work at a minimum wage job.
I have told my attorney about this illegal business and even shown him proof because that should be included in the income. When we went to the Support hearing, I told the judge about the business and he looked her right in the eyes and said I was lying. Nothing more was said about it. I’ve turned him in to the VA twice and SS twice but nothing has been done.
Two weeks ago a Private Investigator came by my house to talk about my husband. It seems that John filed a claim with our insurance company saying his vehicle had been in a wreck. Then, two weeks after that, he filed a claim stating that his home had been broken into. He listed thousands of dollars worth of items. The PI showed me a copy of the police report and there in black and white, John wrote that the “high dollar” equipment was for his home improvement business. I asked if I could have a copy of that and he said no. I went on tape and stated that none of the items had been stolen because he just picked them up from our garage two days ago. Now, he has recently moved to New Jersey with his parents because he found out he can get more money from VA if he “takes care” of his parents. Years ago (maybe 20), John had his NJ license taken and he couldn’t get it until he paid. Well, he never paid so he’s driving around there using his PA license. He owes thousands! But, he’s using his brothers PA address so he’ll be able to stay under the radar. I turned him in to the NJ State Highway Patrol but I don’t know if they’ll do anything. This man is a Narcissist! I’ve