Ok I'm going to get some flak for this and I'm prepared for it, here goes ..... First off I am from a proud military family. My family is full of Marines, former Marines, Airforce, Army, and Navy. I support our armed forces 100%. But one thing seems a little out of hand to me and that's the abuse of military disability. I see it happening with all of my friends who are out of the service now and have gotten into some heated exchanges with some of them. I know they served this country and deserve every care and NEED when they get home, but I know of a few who are in better physical shape than me, work 40+ hrs a week (great paying jobs), and still get over $2000/mo AND do not pay property taxes in the highest property tax state ILLINOIS. They don't have to pay because they are "90% disabled". It's also the fact that they brag and laugh about it that irks me. Now ok.... if anyone gets an extra dipper full at the well, I would rather it be out brave men and women who have served us. But in the same day I can read online how those who are TRULY disabled. E.g. Amputees or P.O.W.'s do NOT GET ENOUGH HELP! Now that burns my ass. Btw. One of my friends is an example I will use. He is classified as 90% disabled. So he gets over $2000/mo. And pays $0 a year in property tax. What is his disability? ..... he saw planes leave the flight deck with bombs and come back without them. (Gore-aphobia). And claims his asthma got worse. This is a guy I deer hunt with, duck hunt with, have worked out with. Mind you he is only one example of the many who are taking this advantage. Here's where I am conflicted. My friend, who gets the benefits says I'm just jealous and would take the money if I could get it, which is entirely untrue. Part of me says "good for them" but then I think of the welfare mentality. Do I wish I didn't have to pay property tax? You betcha. Would I like an extra $2400/mo tax free? Damn skippy. But I would turn it down in a heartbeat like my uncle (former marine) has time and time again. Please don't confuse my opposing view of the abuse of this system. I think those that NEED the help should be taken care of but those who can hold down a full time job, enjoy life, and live just like they did before they served should not be treated like they are "disabled" I guess my real anger is with the system. How can amputees not have enough and guys like my buddy are laughing about raping the system? Btw I got all fired up because I am contemplating moving to Missouri to escape Illinois criminal property tax hikes. So I'm telling a group of people and my buddy chimes in and says " good thing I don't have to pay them" If anyone has a different opinion feel free to express Guess this belongs in the rant thread but this is close enough. Ok let the reaming begin I guess
I was a jarhead in a former life and I am right there with you. I for one don't want anyone to give me a thing and that includes the government. I did my 10 years and decided we should part ways. But I know exactly what you are talking about. There are some that have paid a high price and they have to fight to get what is rightfully theirs and then there are some just play the system and they get what they probably don't deserve at the bat of an eye. Jealous? not even the least because karma is a fickle beast and it all works out in the end. Unfortunately many good people have to suffer because these jack wagons play the system. Suffer in that they have to jump through hoops and fill out endless paper work only to be turned down and have to start some sort of appeal process. If the people who really need it got it that would be ok but the reality is thats usually only a low percentage. I guess your buddy dropped his honor when he dropped his uniform huh? I will always live by the creed I took and defend those who can't defend themselves because it is the right thing to do. Thats how I am programmed. Taking money away from our brothers and sisters that really need it is WRONG! and thats exactly what able body former military personnel are doing.
I'll start by saying my family has sent many off to war including the most recent ones. Vets deserve nothing but respect for their service and I thank them all for it, but I do feel like the word "disabled" is too liberally applied in some cases. True disability benefits should only be for those who really can't work.
Touchy subject for sure. Just like in all other aspects of life some people take advantage of the system. Your friend has been extensively psychologically evaluated by doctors who have been to school specializing in psychology for at least 7 years. I'm sure the doctors can be fooled, but they know what to look for. your friend is using his defense mechanism/front by bragging about it and being a typical tough guy, but meanwhile he is a wreck on the inside. PTSD affects people differently. You can't see what's going on inside their minds. Their scars are not visible. The war for them is never over. Trust me, he is putting up a front. I'm a disabled combat vet, I suffer from PTSD, but know one would know it unless you startle me. I recently had a lightbulb go off on Easter actually, to use my experiences with PTSD to help my brothers, by being a Psychology major, to pursue my masters degree so I can be a therapist at the VA hospital. I know it must be annoying by him bragging, that's not cool that he does that, that pisses me off. but his injuries and scars are real, although not visible. It's a front! comparing a disabled veteran to a welfare recipient is slightly upsetting, considering YOU never served, your welcome for the freedom to use your first amendment right. EDIT: I did say and do think that people take advantage of the system. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I appreciate the response Swamp. I hope you are getting all the support/care you need and deserve. I do not want to take anything away from anyone who has served but the fact is he never saw combat. He was on a flight deck well out of harms way and laughs about being able to get classified with Goraphobia. I've known him for a LONG time and if he truly has been effected then me or even his own brother (who agrees with me) cant tell . I also know a few who truly suffer from PTSD and that is real and no joke for those like yourself.If anyone who has served truly suffers then they deserve help. You are correct, I never served. I tried to join every branch of the service but I have a metal rod in my leg from a car wreck. It crushed me not to be able to join the Marines like my grandpa and uncles did. And Swamp, Thank you for serving. I am forever indebted. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Oh man, sorry you couldn't get in. I feel like even more of a dooosh. I'm on such a roll....I think I should refrain from posting for a few days. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It's not easy to get a 90% rating or any military disability I'd bet that he truly has problems. Maybe just maybe he doesn't want you to know his problems or think he is "LESS" a man because of them and tries to make light of them to down play them. I've seen things have a wide array of effects on the group of people that all had to experience it. Everyone handled it differently. I personally feel veterans aren't rewarded enough for doing what 95% of this country couldn't/wouldn't do. Until gaming the system blue falcons his follow service members I'm ok with it. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
I agree the system is flawed. I got out army 4 years ago. I was medically retired. I was in the infantry for 12 1/2 years and have 3 tours to iraq. I have had multiple surgeries on both knees, metal rod and 2 disk in back. I still can't run around with kids. I wanted to do my 20 but couldn't. My wife was in for 7 years. She was thrown from gunners hatch in a vehicle when hit an ied. She went head first into a brick wall. She has epilepsy from the brain injury. She isn't allowed to drive. She is only 60% disabled though va. I know a lot of troops who have much higher that Rate for lesser injuries. When I was on the trail as a drill sergeant we had 1 trainee that got hurt at basic week 2 and he got a partial retirement. He broke his ankle on ruck march and had to get a pin. I got 2 pins back in 04 from airborne school. Some of it just don't make sense to me.
Well one of the guys in our group of friends works with the VA and that's his job, getting them benefits and disability. So he knows how to pull the strings. At a bachelor party he was telling everyone how much more he could get them qualified for and they were all excited and bragging about it. It was right when they passed the law in Illinois that 90% exempts you from paying any property tax. Turns out he wasn't lying. That's how my buddy went from 50% to 90%. Like I said, if a vet has truly been effected to the point of disability then they deserve to be helped in every way. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
You and your wife are the ones who deserve more. I can't Thank you both enough for your extensive service. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I have an understanding how the system works there are some great advocates out there to navigate the system. I personally couldn't even get counseling from the VA without a disability rating. Luckily my new work insurance covered it. It has gotten more attention and a restructuring to the system. It still isn't easy I personally know guys who have had multiple applications to get a reasonable resolution. Lots of times you have to plan on being down graded so accounting for that apply for a larger amount. Maybe your "friend" bet the odds or maybe he had real problems that aren't your business. Sure he could be playing the system but hell atleast he showed up at game time ready to play.(this isn't personal to anyone just a fact that less than 5% of Americans volunteer for armed services) My values would never allow me to personally cheat the system but don't judge guys who feel so jaded that they will. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Josh I think you should try and have another veterans group review your disability and ensure everything was done right in the first application. I'm sure you know plenty of guys you got kicked back and a few who got way more then they should. Non military people don't understand the paper work trail involved and than add in the politics of the VA and it's carp shoot no matter the situation/injury or how common sense a disability would be. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Wow. Amazing timing. I just saw a friend at a wedding who is retired military and is working full time civilian with a bum back (lumbar messed up), and feels it's wrong to claim disability while he is still able enough to work 40 hours - and this guy is doing so with suffering. He told me exactly what you are sharing - that he knows many guys double dipping and fully know they are taking advantage of the system. Touchy or not, that's just deplorable. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
If it really chaps your rear end then maybe you should have a chat with someone from the OIG. They would probably like to speak with your "buddy"... I can't abide grifters of any sort- just because someone served doesn't necessarily mean they were/are honorable.
I never tried to get anything from va. Since I got retirement didn't try for other. My wife has talked about trying a groyp at local vfw so might look into.
Disabled American veterans. I'd look to the DVA for a review or to be pointed in the correct direction. Thank you both for your service. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
We do a lot of lip service in this country with our vets and not enough for them while in service or when they leave. Trump's veteran bill was long over due and I fully support it. Not going to comment on your friend, because I have no earthly idea what he is going through.
Honestly, that bothers me less than watching someone spend $300 at the grocery store on steaks and cupcakes with their EBT card. I get where you are coming from because I don't like people scamming any of the systems but I will give the benefit of the doubt to our veterans for the most part.
