Hawk Wolf

VA Disability Tips Updated: A conversation which arises regularly surrounds the process and "roadblocks" with filing for VA disability. It is my opinion that ALL veterans should file for disability. Regardless of your service, there will be something which negatively affects your life after your ETS date. This article is NOT the "be-all-end-all" for filing a claim. This is the path I used, and these recommendations here have been used successfully by other vets. YMMV and none of this is intended to be legal advice. First and foremost, get your medical records. If still on active duty/nearing ETS, see medical (TMC/hospital/whatever) and make sure to note all issues so they are recorded in your file. If it hurts, tell them and make sure it is recorded! Get a copy of your final records, and verify everything is recorded, before you ETS. If you have already separated, request a "full copy of all active-duty medical records" from "archives"/St. Luis. You can file this request on the VA website, or the "National Archives" (#BasicInformation" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest…). It may be necessary to request both Inpatient and Outpatient records. I had to specifically request "All active-duty medical records", otherwise they only sent my DD-214. This can take months, in my case almost a year, and I received a CD with all scanned copies. I made several copies to be sure I didn't lose them... Before you ETS, or as soon as possible, submit an "intent to file" for disability. This “starts the clock” for disability compensation once your levels are established. va.gov/disability/how… Your initial claim is likely to be denied. This has happened so often to other vets that it should be expected. The claim will require references connecting your disabilities to your service, "service connected", to count towards compensation. There are three websites I used to learn how to file my claims: DISCLAIMER: I am NOT ASSOCIATED with any of these companies/entities, only that the information gained assisted me in my claims: hillandponton.com/va-disability-… helpful in understanding "VA Math". They are also VA Disability attorneys, although I did NOT engage them in that capacity. https://militarydisabilitymadeeasy.comThis website has a subscription cost associated but was very helpful in understanding HOW the VA rates disabilities, and HOW medical conditions interact. One thing many have noted is we (veterans) tend to compensate for difficult or painful movement (FIDO), but THAT is what is evaluated. Reduced range of movement or pain when moving is measurable and part of the rating! https://valor4vet.comAlso has a cost associated but was invaluable in helping me to gather and validate the evidence needed to support my claims, and to obtain "Nexus Letters" (an independent medical opinion) in support of those claims. The VA website benefits.va.gov/compensation/d… Disability Benefits Questionnaires available which explain the VA guidelines. I have discussed this with civilian doctors, seeking help filling these out, but invariably they decline. “I don’t know how they want those completed, so no.” There are other companies/websites which would be valuable, but these are the ones *I* used. Again, YMMV, I only recount MY journey. In some cases, it may be helpful to engage with a disability attorney who focuses on military disability. I did not do so. You can do this on your own. However, it is not a simple task, and you must remain focused on the mission. Having said that, recall the above statement: Your initial claim will likely be denied. This is NOT the end of the mission; it is the beginning of a long slog through the mud. Any denial should be appealed within one calendar year of the denial! This keeps the clock ticking. As long as you don't let the clock wind down to "0", your claims are still in play. The VA pays backpay once a rating is set and approved, although they have set a limit on how far back they will pay (I have been advised it is two years). There are "presumptive" disabilities: back, knees and ankles for many; tinnitus is common (usually only 10%); hearing loss for artillery/aircraft mechs/generators, etc.; there are others. Even the presumptive conditions may need medical records OR a Nexus letter connecting them to military service. I know a Ranger who was injured on a jump and had back surgery TWICE yet required a Nexus letter for back conditions! All claims will require a medical evaluation, usually by a third party contracted by the VA. A common contractor is VES (Veteran Evaluation Services?). I had several such appointments. A quick note about mental health ratings. "Depression" is a fairly common occurrence in today’s world. There is a difference between "clinically depressed" and having "depressive episodes". If your pet dies, you will feel depressed, but only for a time. This is a depressive episode, not likely "clinical depression". If you see a counsellor/therapist for mental health, discuss this with them because it has a serious impact on other aspects of your life. To recap: 1. a. Get all active medical records (civilian also if they support your claims). (in parallel with 1b) b. File your claim. (in parallel with 1a, don't wait!) You can file your claim while waiting for your military/medical records. 2. APPEAL ALL DENIALS! 3. Gather and submit your evidence. a. Obtain Nexus letters and "buddy letters" (if you can get someone who witnessed/is familiar with your circumstances). 4. Make sure you understand what is evaluated and how. 5. Stay the course. You signed on the dotted line, you served, don't let it go.

@LightOnLiberty Please reference the history book with the information being stated. I do not recall this in any of the history books in any school I ever attended.

Boston Mayor Wu says Boston was built by the Somali people! 😂

Stolen... "We pay them..." to take our data & information.

Join us on the Frank @FS41075 and Joe @joe_Lnu Show for a good laugh. x.com/i/spaces/1AKEm…

@BM554455 @StyriaAnon @ShieldsClips Pesky "physics"!! It has no place in polite conversation and conspiracy theories!

@HawkWolf556 @StyriaAnon @ShieldsClips Shhhh leave physics out of this he won’t understand

This is what happens when a plane hits a firetruck but if it hits the twin towers it will knock them down

@relentlessrep @nettermike Starts with “last week”, but has to be in the same location as last week. Got it.

@nettermike Hmm… story happens in Baltimore but the guy lives in Oklahoma…(according to the website)

Last week in Baltimore, Uber charged me $85 for a trip that usually costs $20. So today, I called Lyft and was picked up by a guy named Mike. He was driving a red F-150, clearly a work truck, full of tools and lumber... I sat up front. “How far to the airport,” I asked. “Fifteen minutes,” he said. “You in a hurry?” “Not really,” I said. “Are you?” “Never.” As we merged onto the road and settled into the slow lane, I asked Mike if he was a carpenter in real life. “Among other things,” he said. “Jack of all trades?” “Well, I don’t know about that,” he said. A while ago, I was a plumber’s helper. Then I worked in the heating and air condition game.” “How was that?,” I asked. “Hot and cold,” he said. I couldn’t tell if he was making a joke or not. His voice had a midwestern drawl with no expression on his face. “After that, I started carpentry. Trim, then framing." “You retired now? “No. I build campers these days.” “What kind of campers?” I asked. “I build them small ones you can tow most anywhere. They call ‘em teardrop trailers. I build ‘em by hand, one at a time.” “Yeah? How’s the quality,” I asked. “Pretty good,” he said. “Got a website?” I asked. “Sure,” he said. “What’s your website called?” I asked. “Mike’s Pretty Good Campers.” “Your company is called 'Mike’s Pretty Good Campers?'” “I like to manage expectations,” said Mike. "Under promise and over deliver?" "That's the idea," said Mike. "Is that what you were doing before you picked me up? Building a pretty good camper?” “Yup. But I was frustrated. I don’t work when I’m frustrated. So, every now and then I step away.” “And drive a stranger to the airport?” I said. “Never too frustrated to drive.” said Mike. “Driving relaxes me. Besides, we ain’t strangers no more, are we?” “No,” I said. “I suppose not.” As we turned on Airport Road, I said, “So what’s the plan? Wait for another call? Or head back to the shop?” “Ain’t decided yet. Guess I'll see how I feel in a few minutes.” “Good plan,” I said. “By the way, if I like your website, do you care if I share it on Facebook?” “Why do you want to do that?” he asked. “I’ve got a few people who follow me on social media. Maybe some want a pretty good camper, custom made by a quasi-retired carpenter who drives for Lyft when he's frustrated?” “Can’t hurt,” said Mike. “Once people see these things, they fall in love with ‘em. They got conventions all over the country for teardrop trailer owners. Thousands show up.” As we pulled up to the airport, Mike asked me what carrier I was on. “American,” I said. “Right here is fine.” “Pre-check?” he asked. “Yes,” I said. We pulled up to the curb. I hopped out, as Mike dragged my bags out of the bed of his truck. “You look familiar,” he said. “Have I driven you before?” “I don’t think so,” I said. “I would have remembered. Thanks for the lift.” “No problem,” he said. “Was the ride okay?” "Pretty Good" Source: Mike Rowe

@BM554455 @StyriaAnon @ShieldsClips 😂😂 yup m.youtube.com/watch?v=F-zUsw…

@StyriaAnon @ShieldsClips m.youtube.com/watch?v=F-zUsw…

@ShieldsClips Of course they can penetrate steel columns.

@JackDadogoff m.youtube.com/watch?v=F-zUsw…

Seems weird doesn’t it?

@re40500 x.com/i/grok/share/3…

@Geniustechw The "giggle factor"...

Give me ONE good reason any American should own fully automatic rifles.

@rorythompson78 😂😂😂😂 @re40500 is this your fav? @joe_Lnu FYI

@FS41075 Damn. I tried giving you a mic

@HawkWolf556 Booted 3 times

@JayMac_Slacking @WhineAndDivine This is often the case. “FIDO”, fuck it, drive on! When it comes to disability ratings, that works against you. The “average civilian” will stop when it hurts. The average vet keeps pushing. The system is “for us”, but not “set up for us”.

You have "shut up and color" drilled into your brain for your entire enlistment. There's a culture of putting up with things and putting mission first. This is helpful in some circumstances but it does little to instill self advocacy. And for the record, I did find a VA rep and got re evaluated. I still didnt push for 100, because with the treatments and pain management I've undergone, I'm relatively healthy and functioning.

I injured myself while in the AF. Was doing a job on an F16 and due to faulty equipment, fell over the side, onto the sill of the cockpit while holding up a 220 lb ejection seat. I had to get a sacroiliac fusion at 25. After a year and a half of failed physical therapy and being undeployable, they finally put me up for medical dishcarge. During ny evaluation, they did the standard range of motion tests. When attempting to bend over, I stopped because it hurt. The Dr asks if that was as far as I could go, to which I replied "I can probably go further but it will hurt". He asks me to show him, I did and that was that. I was discharged at 20% disability, even though I was now permamnetly disabled. The process is incredibly simple and vacuous, it rewards those that will lie and punishes those that are honest. I've since had 2 more spinal surgeries and shoulder surgey before I've even turned 40. I have hearing loss, herniated discs (cervical and lumbar) and arthiritis. Point is, the system is broken and needs attention.

@lilbit7780 @FS41075 MSM…

@FS41075 Do any of you know who's covering the refinery explosion?

@RangerDoc9 @CharlieSue_USA @DonaldTrump Wow! Eloquent! Your language skills are impressive!!

@CharlieSue_USA @DonaldTrump This is where things are now. I hope you come to your senses. But youre an emotional woman and you won't.

President @DonaldTrump There’s no negotiating with the Axis of Resistance IRGC and its Proxies. They won’t suddenly come to Jesus! Nature is nature! They will rebuild and take revenge in the worst form of terror with a vengeance 💯

@aaedindoc @ShieldsClips Civilian and general aviation aircraft are built as light as possible. They are made to survive very high wind loading, but not direct impact. The metal in your car will survive better than the skin on the wings and fuselage of most aircraft.

@ShieldsClips Nothing about this makes sense to me. How can an airplane hit a firetruck & there is that much damage done to the plane? How is it possible that the 2 pilots were killed in the crash but the 2 fireman survived? The whole thing is just a tragedy