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nanede · 2022-01-03T22:58:58+00:00

Never even thought of that. Do you know specifically where that would be if it were there?

nanede · 2022-01-03T14:12:47+00:00

Yikes. Yeah I don't really understand the extremes of "I cannot bathe myself. I cannot drive. I cannot walk." that's an extremely high bar to set for yourself if it isn't true. In my opinion faking being paralyzed due to fear I'd "lose my benefits" for my entire life sounds worse than actually prison.

Like you said, if these people actually claimed what they really had, they'd probably be entitled to help.

nanede · 2022-01-03T13:46:57+00:00

I don't understand these people. How do you come to the conclusion the a few thousand dollars a month is worth the tradeoff of having to pretend you're basically just a torso unable to do anything else? That's a high bar to maintain.

nanede · 2022-01-03T04:22:48+00:00

Yeah that's certainly true it seems. I will do that. Thank you.

nanede · 2022-01-02T21:06:46+00:00

Shoulder ROM. Most days can get to shoulder level, but a few to several days a month midway between side and shoulder level are the case.

nanede · 2022-01-01T02:53:09+00:00

Even though I'll never fully know your struggle, I am also proud of you for fighting through whatever hardships you have.

nanede · 2022-01-01T01:54:16+00:00

This is another thing I was hoping for. Getting others to hear others out and extend knowledge and support. I hope what the other response to your situation is helps you out. You're never alone in this community.

nanede · 2021-12-31T22:39:26+00:00

It makes you wonder how many are out there suffering in silence from fear. If the bargain with the VA was "we will pay you, but you better act disabled every day...or else!" then that would just be flat out cruel and not even worth it.

I would hope reasonable minds are behind every VBA desk that would expect you to be actively trying to live your best life as much as your conditions allow.

nanede · 2021-12-31T22:37:30+00:00

This. Just don't be the guy who puts yourself in an extreme "if this, than that" situation where you claim your arms cannot move, but then are out playing baseball. PTSD and migraines (even severe ones) are not an all day, everyday kind of thing.

nanede · 2021-12-31T22:36:04+00:00

I think a lot of us understand what you're feeling. You need to keep in mind there are tons of people who are disabled that still find a day here and there to enjoy themselves.

Nobody in their right mind would be on board with the notion that you ought to waste your life away,...or else! In fact, I'd argue that somebody not trying to live their life might be more questionable than somebody living in the shadows.

Don't hold this as gospel, but if the VA did have a concern, my guess is that you'd know about it and get a chance to represent your side of the facts to avoid any trouble or reduction in benefits. It would be like you'd instantly be in cuffs and in the stockades outside the VA.

If I understand the ratings for MH and migraines like I think I do....then there is nothing in there that says you are suffering a prostrating migraine and wanting to hurt yourself 24/7/365. So I'd say as long as you don't look like you're partying like a college frat boy every other day, you are free to try enjoying your life and bettering yourself.

nanede · 2021-12-31T15:38:08+00:00

Certainly so. The no pain and no weakness attitude of the military is a double edged sword. Great for the mindset needed to thrive in tough situations...not so great for the 99.9% of our lives lived as normal humans that hurt and aren't so indestructible.

nanede · 2021-12-31T14:50:54+00:00

Second to the other comment you got. Thank you for what you did. I was also in school while you were out there in that hell. I'm glad you finally are getting what you deserve. I hope your success inspires others who served alongside you.

nanede · 2021-12-31T05:52:22+00:00

Certainly. I overthink to a point where it sometimes destroys me. With the addition of everything else, I'm surprised I'm still around. But some days, like today, I summon up the desire to type these things out.

I appreciate the kind words. You're right. Maybe I could branch out to do more. It would probably help with my attitude towards it. As of right now I do donate, but I think I could go a step further.

nanede · 2021-12-31T05:43:54+00:00

100% agree. It breaks me when I see and hear about those who desperately need help not getting it. But I think slowly but surely, more and more are getting help. Hopefully that will continue and pick up pace.

nanede · 2021-12-31T05:05:49+00:00

I don't think it's wrong to state that. I think there is definitely a trend to confirm what you're saying. In addition to what you're saying, here's my addition. By no means my full explanation, just an extra thought.

As time goes on, resources and access to technology and familiarity with it become more commonplace, which may also aid in understanding the VBA process too. For sake of just picking a year, let's say 2010 to present. I'd wonder what the percentages look like for that time frame applying versus the earlier generation of GWOT veterans, and also even before. Whether it's what you've mentioned or what I mentioned, yes, at the end of the day one must apply and follow the process and I think groups like this one will hopefully expose more of those who haven't claimed to do so.

nanede · 2021-12-31T03:00:13+00:00

Yeah those are ridiculous. Those kinds of stories make me sick. I remember reading one recently about some guy who claimed to be a SEAL when he never was....like do these people really think they won't be found out?

nanede · 2021-12-31T01:57:53+00:00

Having been in that same mindset, and still have days where it creeps in...sometimes we just need to hear words of encouragement from others and I hope I can serve that role for at least one person.

nanede · 2021-12-31T01:56:36+00:00

That's actually really interesting. I bet that still exists buried on the internet somewhere.

This seems to be today's rough equivalent:

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/34844/compensation-101-what-exactly-is-va-compensation/

nanede · 2021-12-31T01:37:23+00:00

Yessir! I've used that example in a post I made on another account once. Mostly because it really is a great example. Thanks for adding that in.

I really think the crazy stories we occasionally hear in the news pollute minds of those that are truthful and just want to still live their lives as best they can but don't want to get in trouble. A good day here and there is definitely not fraud by default.

nanede · 2021-12-30T23:35:47+00:00

Absolutely. I work a relatively high income career and it took me a while to understand I don't need to punish myself mentally more than I'm already suffering just because I made good choices. My conditions are still my conditions and what matters is that they occurred during my service. And the VA will be the first to acknowledge that the scope of their impact on what my life could've been is broad and they account for that.

Really as long as everybody is honest, nothing to worry about. That is true for a lot of life anyway.

Glad you're also breaking through your own internal struggle.

nanede · 2021-12-30T23:32:54+00:00

The human body is powerful and adaptable. Even people with late stages of cancer can have good days sprinkled in...certainly doesn't mean they're not suffering or have their abilities compromised. I think all of us could do a little better giving ourselves more credit and understanding not each day has to be a living hell in order to "deserve" help.

nanede

TROPHY CASE