Richard- And the even sadder thing. Same thing since WWII and I suspect before. Your email details exactly many scenarios I saw my own father have to endure as a wounded WWII vet (The DAV and American Legion did finally win some compromises for him). Included in the VAs support; being told he was never injured while mentioning his merit citation (I heard that one personally!); And was not due compensation due to his being in a "safe zone". 2+ years Pacific theater leading up to and including the entire Philippines campaign actually. Somehow he'd earned multiple merit and bronze stars (which, of course are only awarded to those in combat, yada, yada. Hmmmm). I have them including the papers so it's no rumor. Makes one wonder why the vets are bitter. Support the troops, indeed. Seems, they talk the Partiotic talk in Washington but . . . Tim
_______________________________ Timothy O. Shearon, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Psychology Albertson College of Idaho Caldwell, ID 83605 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] teaching: intro to neuropsychology; psychopharmacology; general; history and systems -----Original Message----- From: Richard Pisacreta, Ph.D. [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tue 3/6/2007 6:57 PM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Subject: [tips] playing with the VA If you think university procedures are frustrating, try dealing with the VA. Some examples: They tell you that there is no record indicating that you were in Vietnam, when your DD214 discharge papers list medals earned by serving in Vietnam. They claim they can't find your records but quote those records when they turn you down for a disability. The widow of a deceased vet who had a disability is entitled to his disability. The VA denies the claim saying your husband didn't have a disability although he had been getting monthly checks for years. The vet gets free meds. Your shrink has to prescribe the med every time you are getting low on pills. If your shrink isn't in that day (say friday), you have to wait until monday to get a renewal even if your med is a serious pain killer like Vicodin or Oxycontin. The VA often orders the largest size pill they can (because it is cheaper), and tell you to cut them half or smaller sizes. The VA awards you a 50% disability even though you deserve a 70% rating based on their own criteria. You report this and wait months for them to say OK. Disability pensions can range from 0 to 100% for vets with the same application. You put in a claim for a disability and take 4 shots a month to keep the symptoms in remission. They insist on having their doctor examine you. Even though you tell him that you take shots to keep the illness in remission, the VA turns you down saying that the doctor could find no evidence to support your claim. The VA calls you and tells you that you missed an appointment yesterday and they will let you know when another appointment can be scheduled, usually several weeks later. The next day, you get a letter from the VA telling you of the appointment that you were scheduled for, i.e., days after you missed it. The prime directive of the VA is to make sure that you are not dangerous to yourself or others. Other psychiatric problems are handled at a much slower rate. Any knowlegable vet will tell you that you never deal directly with the VA. You give power of attorney to the VVA, DAV, or the purple heart agencies who represent you for free. If I had the time I would tell about the loads of fun you will have dealing with Social Security. They turn down 70% of all first time applications for a disability pension. Most people get it on appeal but that can take years. Their forms ask questions like "Are you right or left handed" I remember my first SS card said on the back, IN THE EVENT OF YOUR DEATH, NOTIFY THE NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. (caps theirs). \ The motor vehicle manual says that you will lose your drivers licence if you are convicted of treason! Richard Pisacreta, Ph.D. parolled Psychology professor Feris State University Dept. of Social Sciences
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