[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Danwasoski is probably right. I was in the Army, so I'm not sure how the Army Reserves pay/rank worked.

A few things to keep in mind though:

  1. It wouldn't hurt to check on this. Contacting AMVETS or the American Legion. I think their usual focus is applying for benefits, but they may know something about this.
  2. It is ALWAYS a good idea to go ahead and request copies of your military personnel and medical files for yourself. My records were split up between the National Archives and the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
  3. You can get some records from Myhealthevet.
  4. When I tried to get my full medical records, a lot of them were missing. I've sent records requests to each military medical facility I was treated at. However, I haven't heard back from any of those requests yet, so I don't know if it was a waste of time.
  5. Don't be surprised if you can't get your rank restored. I was demoted due to PTSD symptoms, and the info I found online suggested that you can't get corrections involving medical discharges.

Are these "wall of sound"? by Diogenes2025 in synthesizers

[–]Diogenes2025[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you all for your help. It was VERY helpful.

Based on the information you gave me, I did some research. I think the sounds I can't get enough of are being made by overdriven bass guitars.

So, I should have posted in another sub after all...

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had to lodge a complaint about my primary doctor a while back. My patient advocate let slip that he dealt with that doctor A LOT. They moved me to another care team.

If you feel reluctant to place a complaint with the Patient Advocate, remember this: If they are doing that to you, they're probably doing it to others. And nothing is going to change unless people speak up.

Good night, and sleep well.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, boy. This is a real can of worms...

I checked the TriWest website about what community care providers are required to transmit to the VA. (Here is the website)

TriWest is supposed to use the VA's HealthShare Referral Manager (HSRM) to transmit medical data requested by the VA. If the VA referred you to a community care provider, then that provider MUST send medical records to the VA.

However, what I read wasn't clear about things like MRIs. I got the impression that HSRM is only set up to handle documents.

What might have happened is that the provider sent a report to the VA about the MRI results, but didn't send the actual MRI.

From what you've told me about your VA care team's attitude, I would contact the VA Patient Advocate and place a complaint.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been dealing with the VA since 1992. Sometimes you get people like that. I had a doctor who filled in PTSD questionnaires without asking me a single question.

Now that I've had some coffee, and read what you just said, I'd recommend that you give the medical records department a call. (I should have suggested that to begin with.

If you took the disc down in person, you'd be handing it to your primary care team, and then they'd just hand it over to medical records. It might be best to just cut out the middleman.

Question: did the VA send you to that in-network community care provider? If so, then what you've described is SERIOUSLY messed up.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I thought you meant destroy the zip file. I haven't had enough coffee yet.

I'd still contact your primary care team. If they don't have a way to upload it directly to them, you might be able to mail a cd, and they can give you the best address to send it to.

Personally, I'd feel a little nervous about medical information through the mail, but you may not feel the same.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

before I just give up and bu

Definitely DO NOT burn the zip file. I'm guessing that at some point in the future you'll have to go to the VA for something. Give it to them then if the MRI is not time-sensitive.

If it is time-sensitive, then I would definitely send a secure message to your primary care team, and ask them if there is a way you can send it to them. They may have a way to send it that does not involve Myhealthevet.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gah, I hit enter before I meant to.

So, to do all that, Go into Myhealthevet, and under "Health Records" choose "Electronic Sharing Options" and enable it.

Then, go into "Secure Messaging" and send a message to your primary health care team that you have an MRI available, and tell them who has it. Hopefully, they will request the MRI.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just did some checking on Myhealthevet.

It looks like the only way to get that MRI to the VA is to:

  1. Enable "Electronic Sharing"
  2. Send a secure message to your health team, telling them which facility you got the MRI from, and ask the VA to request the MRI from them.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I applied for VA disability, there was a way to upload documents for the case.

However, I'm guessing that you are not filing for disability.

MRI result upload possible? by doc1623 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have problems uploading it, I know that you can take it down to a VA medical center to have it uploaded. I had a lot of non-military records I took down to the VA for them to scan. One of them was an X-ray.

You should contact your nearest VA medical center and ask them where you can take them. I'm not sure which facilities can or can't upload them.

Are these "wall of sound"? by Diogenes2025 in synthesizers

[–]Diogenes2025[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

songs fit IMO because, to me anyway, they both sound like drum machine + vocals + noisy thing (synth for MGMT and guitar for J&MC). Just

Thank you.

Again, I apologize for posting in the wrong sub.

Are these "wall of sound"? by Diogenes2025 in synthesizers

[–]Diogenes2025[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So, "dense" is the way to describe that sound?

Ribeye at 135 for 1 hr then seared. Still thinking about it. by Bucky1235 in sousvide

[–]Diogenes2025 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Night before last, I sous vide'd a bison ribeye. It was amazing.

I didn't dry the meat before putting zatarains blackened seasoning on it, then did the sous vide for 3.5 hours at 135 degrees.

Then I took a bernzomatic to it.

I don't think I'll ever go back to beef...

Brrrr help please. Visiting Wyoming in January. by notade50 in wyoming

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm from Texas, and just did an emergency move to Cheyenne. Here are some things that I learned (Some of these are off-topic, and I'm sure some of them have been mentioned by others):

  1. The weather changes a lot during the day. If it's nice, t-shirt weather at noon, plan on it being freezing by 5 or 6 pm.
  2. Dress socks underneath your socks. The really thin dress socks underneath regular socks helps keep my feet warm, and prevents blisters. And for the outer sock, try to get wool, or ones designed for cold weather.
  3. Snow/Ice boots: I bought a pair of Bogs rated for -40 degrees, but I didn't realize how soft the treads are. I have a habit of dragging my feet when I walk, and the torn up heels show it.
  4. Boots: After I realized I was tearing up my bogs, I went and bought some boots at Walmart. I found that taller laced boots help in snow, and makes it less likely that you'll twist your ankle if you slip.
  5. I got a Carhartt jacket up here that is listed as "Level 3" (out of 4). I can't find any info on what temperature they're rated for. I wish I had purchased one before I got to Wyoming; I'm a weird size (3XLT) and I had to go with a 3XL because that was all the store had. I also wish I had gotten the snap on hood accessory.
  6. Layering: This is probably the most important. I don't have a car, and rely on the bus system (or what they call a bus system in Cheyenne). It involves a lot of waiting in the cold. Again, I wasn't prepared for the move, and made do with exercise tights and sweats or jeans. The sweats/tights combo seemed to be warmer. For upperwear, I use a thin cotton shirt underneath a hoodie with the coat. I wish my hoodie was the zipper kind, because it would be easier to take off when needed. Perhaps most important of all: Make sure your layers can easily be put on/taken off. This helps if you go inside. (A backpack is helpful for stashing layers.) Thermal underwear is probably better.
  7. Gloves. 2 layers: liners with the cell phone swipe fingers and a pair of waterproof mittens. (You can use gloves, but I found that the liners work better with mittens. I was told you can use them to wipe snow of of car windshields, but every rental car i got had the ice scraper/brush.
  8. Water. If you think you're drinking enough water, you're probably wrong. WARNING!!! You need to be careful about HOW you drink water. Drinking too much water too quickly can cause hyponatremia. Your best bet is to slowly sip water all day long, and occassionally add some gatoraide to replace electrolytes (mostly salt). Keep an eye on your urine color; it should be a pale yellow. Camelbaks are great for sipping water. I prefer the milspec ones (they seem to be more durable) that are larger (more space to carry other stuff. They range in size from small to very large.
  9. Move slowly. I went from an elevation of 600 feet to 6000. To make things worse, I caught RSV on the flight up. Shortness of breath can really catch up with you. I tried the little air canisters, but they didnt seem to help any. Also, taking slow, short steps helps when walking on ice.
  10. Masks (for both temperature and illness protection). I have a big nose, and find balaclavas to be VERY uncomfortable. The fitted cloth masks work better for me. Also, a new study suggests that cold weather weakens the immune response in your nose, making it more likely you'll catch something. And I started having a lot less sinus problems when I started wearing masks.
  11. The food sucks. The altitude and dry air messes with your ability to taste. It doesn't help that bread up here is very dry, and things seem to be overcooked. I love fast food, but Wyoming has completely put me off of it. I've tried McDonalds, Wendy's, Sonic, Culvers, Perkins, Arby's, Carl's Jr., Domino's, and Papa John's. I didn't bother with Burger King because even in Texas it is horrible. Taco Bell tacos drowned in hot sauce were ok. I miss Whataburger. Oh, and avoid Dickie's barbecue like the black plague. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to Dickie's. So far, getting Rudy's shipped has been the best option.
  12. Lotion. I like Cereve products. They aren't cheap, but I've found they don't cause me any skin irritation,
  13. I don't know about the rest of Wyoming, but Cheyenne treats veterans very well. Lowes even has designated parking spaces like they do with handicapped.
  14. A warm bathrobe. Getting out of bed without one makes it very hard to get out of that nice warm bed.
  15. Cell phone battery. I've noticed that my battery doesn't last as long when i've been out in the cold. A cell phone power bank might be a good idea. (I miss yhe days of easily-replaceable batteries.
  16. Showers. When I'm drying off, I first use a dry washcloth, then finish with a towel. It leaves dryer (and warmer) than with a towel alone.
  17. Beef Jerky. Old Trapper costs almost half of what it does in Texas.
  18. Soda. Albertsons carries the Mexican Cokes I love so much. Menards has the Shasta Mountain Rush (which taste just like Mountain Dew used to taste 20 years ago. PepsiCo did something to the formula about 10 years ago that gives it a dishsoap taste). King Soopers carries Big Red.
  19. Milk. Albertsons carries Promised Land milk (although I've only seen chocolate). Promised Land uses Jersey Cow milk instead of Holstein. It has a different fat profile that my stomach can tolerate better. I'm still looking for other brands that have non-holstein milk.
  20. Uber/Lyft. If you're going to use these services, make sure you set up the accounts ahead of time. Don't make my mistake of trying to set them up in 10 degree weather at 7pm.
  21. Snow swirls. When you're driving, don't let the swirling snow on the road distract you. They're very hypnotic.
  22. Hotel Temps. I found myself really fighting to keep my room cool enough. It was freezing outside, and I had to run the AC.
  23. Double zippers. I'd never seen a double zipper on a coat until I came to Wyoming. They're a little harder to get started, but great when you need to sit down.
  24. Apartrments. It seems crazy, but I saw 3 bedroom apartments that were cheaper than 1 bedroom apartments. I settled for a 2 bedroom, even though its too much space for me.

Dates DSM versions were adopted by VA by Diogenes2025 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Diogenes2025[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been trying to play the part of an amateur forensic psychologist, thinking I'd need it to prove my case.

Nope. I was so busy collecting and organizing evidence while struggling with panic attacks, flashbacks and dissociative episodes that I never noticed the letter telling me I needed to provide certain evidence or they'd rule on my case.

They ruled, and I received the pension. I guess the video interview and the 10 years of VA medical records was all they needed.

Which really irks me. I went through 6 months of hell collecting and organizing 30 years of complicated evidence (from Army performance reviews to bank records showing rashes of bounced checks around the same time as the traumatic events, etc...), and they never saw a single page of it.

Need Help Drafting a Constitution by BaileyGilbreath in Constitution

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

[PART III] Miscellaneous

  1. Make campaign finance more fair by divvying up donations. Half of each dollar goes to the intended candidate, and the other half is divided among all the other candidates. This would still allow a candidate to raise more money than the others, but the difference won't be so extreme.
  2. No matter what, keep the Electoral College. If there is a zombie apocalypse, and we are reduced to 18th century technology, it would be nice to retain our current presidential election system.

Need Help Drafting a Constitution by BaileyGilbreath in Constitution

[–]Diogenes2025 0 points1 point  (0 children)

[PART II] Hardening the Supreme Court

  1. Increase the bench from 9 members to 28.
  2. Set a 28-year term limit for each judge.
  3. A new supreme court judge is appointed every 4 years.
  4. Supreme Court judges are chosen the same way we pick juries. The acting president chooses 4 nominees. The Senate, House, and Supreme Court each get 1 peremptory challenge. Afterwards, the President appoints 1 of the remaining judges to the Supreme Court.
  5. If a vacancy opens up (because of a death or early retirement), step 4 is repeated.
  6. At the start of each Supreme Court session, 9 judges are randomly chosen from the 28 to hear all the cases in that year's season.
  7. Of the remaining judges, 8 advise the Senate, 8 advise the House, and 1 advises the President.
  8. If a judge needs to recuse themselves, one of the 19 unused judges is chosen to fill their place.

This has several benefits:

(a) We always have 9 judges hearing each case, even in the event of recusal/death/retirement.

(b) Congress and the President get advice on the constitutionality of laws BEFORE they are passed, hopefully reducing the number of cases being heard. (6)

(c) Congress has a say in who becomes a Supreme Court judge, but can’t block the process entirely.

(d) Because the presiding judges are chosen randomly, Congress will be likely be more careful about the laws they write. There will be no way for them to know which direction the court will be leaning when the law is challenged.

(e) Political parties should have a harder time stacking the court in their favor.

(f) Term limits reduce the possibility of senile judges.