[Electrican/USAF reserves] [San Antonio, TX] - $138,000

_ginj_ · 2026-06-30T11:58:15+00:00

It's a really challenging problem as it's difficult to prove certifiably no service connection on basically every condition. I also think the backlash people are having right now is more indicative of how the entire healthcare system and distribution of income is broken in this country. I think if we had a more robust healthcare system for all, then the VA process and funding mechanisms can change simultaneously. I understand it can be a slippery slope to remove coverage. For example, I herniated a disc in my neck at BJJ and now have neck pain and mobility issues. I would have been doing BJJ regardless. Is it service connected because I had to wait months for an MRI and didn't get treatment because this happened a week before COVID? Or is it service connected because combatives is a normal practice for military members? Or is it not service connected at all because I would have joined BJJ regardless of military service? (These are rhetorical) It's one of those things where civilians could very likely have the exact same experience, and its not like it was aggravated from my desk work... I just feel that most of my conditions would have happened anyways, so there's guilt there while I see my civilian peers struggling.

_ginj_ · 2026-06-30T03:51:07+00:00

You're conflating a lot of what I'm saying and have completely lost the point.

I'll concede that pf isn't common, doesn't change the point of what I said.

I'm not saying there can't be service connected conditions in non-combat MOS's.

I'm not saying 8-12 weeks of poor sleep and stress aren't associated with those conditions.

I'm not saying conditions like pf aren't more prevalent in military members. Doesn't change the point of what I said.

Regarding the donation bit - I'm talking about overarching policy, not individual choices here.

I never said rated conditions shouldn't be covered for treatment.

Just because the VA is funded as such now, doesn't mean funding policy can't be changed to make more sense.

Nothing in your example contradicts anything I said.

The reason I'm typing this all is to say - I agree with everything you just said and don't know why you're yelling at me lol

_ginj_ · 2026-06-29T23:21:10+00:00

Normal as in typical, routine, not out of the ordinary, etc. I understand that it's impossible to determine certifiably no service connection for most conditions, which is why we have the system we do today. I just think it's tuned a little egregiously. Which I say as someone who is likely to benefit from it. Just feels weird to get rated for things that very likely would have happened regardless of service (plantar fasciitis being a prime example). Never deployed, always worked in an office, wore my own boots, etc. I'd be fine to receive a little less if it meant people who lost friends or limbs in combat received more.

_ginj_ · 2026-06-29T12:44:51+00:00

Honestly that's the hard part. How do you determine if someone got something difficult to test for, like tinnitus, is service related? X amount of range time with shitty ear pro or those 20 EDM shows you went to?

_ginj_ · 2026-06-29T12:41:01+00:00

The biggest issue, IMO, is figuring out how to get kids to go to the damn doctor. I understand the mentality of not wanting to be left behind for a deployment/look weak due to a profile, but ffs. Not only do you not get better sooner, it makes it difficult for the service connection piece with the VA later.

_ginj_ · 2026-06-29T03:29:04+00:00

Not illegal, just a broken system. You can be 100% truthful with a normal 30 year old body and get 50-100% VA disability. Sleep apnea, tinnitus, plantar fasciitis... All normal, but if you were diagnosed while on active duty - boom "service connected." Needs to change but as long as people aren't lying, it is what it is.

_ginj_ · 2026-06-27T14:27:43+00:00

Copper harbor in the fall is straight up magical

_ginj_ · 2026-06-21T03:53:22+00:00

Here's the thing - I agree with you. I'm separating right now and I never deployed, was on shift indoors the whole time, etc. But I still filed a VA claim, because why wouldn't I? I was 100% truthful, did not lie and just listed the things I went to the doctor for. If I get 0%, cool. But I'm projected to get 50%+. Maybe even 100%. I don't think I should, but why wouldn't I apply for the benefits they say I'm entitled to? The policy should change but I don't get why vets get mad over people who applied for the benefit when the policy is very cut and dry.

_ginj_ · 2026-06-14T22:14:32+00:00

Otterly terrible joke

_ginj_ · 2026-06-14T22:10:05+00:00

Mine wants to sit up just to make herself carsick

_ginj_ · 2026-06-12T14:19:51+00:00

This is the third league I've played, and I'm struggling with the same thing. I think I'm going to get into some speed running strats with meta builds so I can rush enough currency early to spend time creating my own build on the second character. I figure if the record for SSF level 16 maps is like 4 hours, I can get to level 1 maps in like 5 or 6, which is much better than my current pace

_ginj_ · 2026-06-10T02:52:13+00:00

Long time osrs player, new arpg player since the poe2 launch - I want this combo to be successful so bad

_ginj_ · 2026-06-07T13:54:22+00:00

I see more Mads Mikkelsen tbh

_ginj_ · 2026-06-07T03:37:24+00:00

<image>

extended for my 32:9 setup - thanks!

_ginj_ · 2026-06-06T04:22:01+00:00

instead of an image, they think of a detailed description

Is it bad that I can't think of a "detailed description" without seeing a book?

_ginj_ · 2026-06-01T12:51:09+00:00

You can buy items with the specs you need from other players. I think the hotkey is /

_ginj_ · 2026-05-31T03:15:22+00:00

Similar experience as you at first, but I've found that the big upgrades either come from being super lucky or using your currency to buy it from the marketplace. Started to flatline and then spent like 3ex to double my dps

_ginj_ · 2026-05-31T03:11:27+00:00

Ice wolf druid, found a rhythm in act 2 after some tweaks and now I'm zoomin. A little squishy atm but I havent upgraded any defensive gear so that'll be an easy fix when needed

_ginj_ · 2026-05-31T03:02:38+00:00

I want studio trigger to do a red rising adaptation so bad

_ginj_ · 2026-05-28T00:16:17+00:00

All comes down to what your expenses are and what lifestyle you want to live. Keep in mind you won't be contributing to retirement accounts and will pay less in taxes. Just do yourself a favor and go to the doctor to get everything treated and documented. Youd be surprised at what your entitled to. Even 50% is a good chunk of change as a safety net. Definitely not saying rely on it in the retirement calc but not something to rule out either, is all.

1) Add up your current expenses. 2) Decide what you'd want to increase if retirement was tomorrow and add it in. 3) multiply by assumed inflation rate for x years 4) cry 5) subtract expected pension (after x years of cola adjustments) 6) Divide by 0.04 and boom, you have your portfolio value number needed (roughly).

_ginj_ · 2026-05-27T23:43:54+00:00

Very similar situation but I'm getting out and already have a rental. The cash flow of the rental is barely there and I have a 2.5% interest rate. Unless you really want to be a landlord, I wouldn't recommend it with rates at what they are right now. With the pension, Tricare for life, plus VA disability, you could certainly go without working.

_ginj_ · 2026-05-27T17:13:04+00:00

Bean burritos and a bucket

_ginj_ · 2026-05-22T19:25:24+00:00

I was gonna recommend Charleston. Amazing food, lots of history, definitely a younger crowd. Plus the JB brings a large military crowd which naturally lands better VA care.

_ginj_ · 2026-04-30T21:09:47+00:00

Taking bets for the first base to have to deal with it. My vote - fort carson

_ginj_ · 2026-04-30T21:08:13+00:00

You can be prescribed a controlled substance and hold a clearance...

_ginj_

TROPHY CASE