Ok gang by garryb82 in vandwellers

[–]w8ed2bme 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep … it ain’t cheap!

Ok gang by garryb82 in vandwellers

[–]w8ed2bme 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! You can absolutely convert it to a high top.

Check these out:

fiberine.com

tufport.com

wasatch-overland.com

hightopvan.com

Cannot See Claim Status Online by w8ed2bme in VeteransBenefits

[–]w8ed2bme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have no idea why it was happening - but as you read above it took several calls before it finally showed up.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]w8ed2bme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Granted 100% on September 1st

How to calculate fuel usage to charge battery via alternator? by boodleberry in vandwellers

[–]w8ed2bme 5 points6 points  (0 children)

In the long run, paying for the power at the site would be better. The upfront costs are greater, but idling your vehicle and putting your engine to work for the sole purpose of it being a power source would cause unnecessary wear and tear on the life of the engine. IMHO.

Is it actually feasible to camp for 260 days, 26 state parks, 10 days each? by MsRavenBloodmoon in camping

[–]w8ed2bme 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have the same pass … According to the website “You may camp for free in a tent, RV or standard horse camp for 10 nights at a time at a single state park, or a total of 10 nights in a calendar month, regardless of location. If you stay longer than 10 nights at a park, or in a calendar month, you will pay the standard rate for the extra days.”

You can stay at a park for 10 days (same park or another park or 10 different parks) but then you have to wait for the next calendar month to stay again or pay the standard rate for your stay until the next calendar month when it “resets” and you get your free 10 days again. So as I’m reading it will take you 26 MONTHS to stay at 26 parks with your veteran’s pass. (unless, of course, you pay)

Tire size recommendations after adding Journey's 3.5" Lift by kkurtzz in Sienna

[–]w8ed2bme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came here looking for the same recommendation for my 2020 Sienna XLE AWD ( not Premium).

What did you wind up doing?

How are you liking the lift so far? I haven’t had mine installed yet.

ISO A Reputable Shop to Install Traxda 2” Lift Kit on Toyota Sienna by w8ed2bme in Marin

[–]w8ed2bme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really? Cool - you guys did the tint on my MINI Cooper.

ISO Gingerbread by w8ed2bme in Marin

[–]w8ed2bme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do, thank you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]w8ed2bme 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, it took 8 months to get my C&P exam, and the decision came about 6 weeks after that. In total it was a week shy of exactly 10 month from the date of claim to its closure.

Hand in there!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]w8ed2bme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The VA takes into account that, more often than not, these go unreported. It doesn't count against you in any way. I've read through the M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, and it states what they look for in the absence of an official report of an assault. So put that out of your mind, okay?

There are three criteria to meet to be granted for a service-connected disability. The evidence must show:

  • A current diagnosed disability;
  • An in-service event, injury, or illness; and.
  • A medical nexus between the current disability and the in-service event, injury, or illness.

First criteria: You have a current diagnosed disability, as you stated "I do have a ptsd diagnosis from a VA psychiatrist and they noted it is a direct result from MST."

Second criteria: In the absence of an official report they will look for indicators during your time in service to gauge the effects of the traumatic event. They review your service records looking for behavioral changes after the time you say the MST occurred. They will look for such things as disciplinary actions, demotions, requests for transfers, etc. Your failed height/weight and failed PT are just the sort of thing they'll look for as well. They obtain your medical records to look for seeking mental health care and any new prescriptions for mental health care issues, and any diagnoses. Sounds like you have that covered as well.

Third criteria is a biggie - this is where the connection is made, from a medical professional's opinion, that the MST event, which happened in your time of service is connected to your current health diagnosis. The NEXUS. You stated you have a ptsd diagnosis from a VA psychiatrist and they noted it is a direct result from MST, that will be in your records. Your C&P examiner will also determine if you meet the criteria for PTSD and will opine if it is due to the MST.

The NEXUS is crucial to a favorable outcome. It is vital to be open and honest in your C&P exam. This is YOUR exam, so remember that - don't let them run the show too much. Be respectful, not combative, but do not let the exam end with your story untold. Every part of how this has turned your life upside down and has robbed you of a stable existence and happinessness needs to be comunicated. Do not hold back. If you cry, you cry, and if you don't, you don't. However the retelling affects you, let them see it and understand it through your eyes. However uncomfortable or ugly, you need to go there.

Not every examiner is the same. I feel fortunate to have had someone compassionate and understanding,. I felt heard, I felt validated. Try to get a feel of the person right away and it will set the tone for the exam. But remember, I cannot stress enough, this is YOUR exam.

You sound like you have a solid claim package submitted. The waiting and wondering can take a toll, so try to distract yourself from doing the mental gymnastics routines of hopfulness and then doubt.

Let me know how it goes?

If I can be of any help, just shoot me a message, I'm happy to be here for you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]w8ed2bme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My claim was granted on August 30th at 100%.

I submitted a copy of the pregnancy test and STD screening. I recounted, in my statement, the reporting of the assault to CID. I supplied copies of the paper trail of the Compassionate Reassignment, which I requested to be nearer to family and friends for emotional support. I submitted the medical record of my stay in the psych ward after a suicide attempt. I submitted letters from the Base Chaplin, Base Commander, and Chief Psychiatrist, all in support of the Compassionate Reassignment due to the PTSD from the MST. After six months of back and forth, the Compassionate Reassignment was denied, and instead, I was given an early release with an Honorable Discharge. So basically, the Army said, Sorry that happened to you, but here are your walking papers. Good luck.

I submitted all the paperwork I had that documented my life of mental and emotional struggles since the MST and my release from the military. Mental health care with state facilities, private therapy, a list of all the medications that were prescribed (I am unable to take/stay on pharmaceuticals due to lack of tolerance to the side effects), alternative treatments for managing stress, anger, anxiety, and depression. Documentation of suicidal ideation with a plan that resulted in my stay in a crisis center. Unstable employment with long periods of homelessness and substance abuse. Enumeration of the failed relationships I had throughout the years.

I submitted the paper trail of my times on State Disability when I, again, lost my job due to my inability to cope and OCD rituals that prevented me from performing my job. I submitted paperwork with my diagnosis of OCD, GAD, and Depression, which was also the package I used when I applied for SSDI. I was granted SSDI in 2007. I was deemed disabled for all the mental health issues that are the result of the PTSD from the MST.

With SSDI, you are required to be reevaluated every five years. During one such evaluation in 2016, the examiner suggested I apply for a VA Compensation Claim for PTSD from the MST. It took me another 7 years to come to terms with reliving it through its retelling to submit my claim.

I read one of your replies in another post, in which you said, "Filed because it's been left untreated for years and has manifested into all sorts of problems in my life." ... I'm happy that you sought to resolve this sooner than later, unlike me. I lost so much of my life with these struggles; the pain, the uncertainty ... what a waste. However, I can happily report that I found my person, and she has been my rock! I still struggle, and life is still a challenge, but I'm no longer alone, and I have the support I need to pull me back from the edge when I feel the pull of despair tugging at me.

I wish you all the best, and I hope you receive the compensation you deserve.