Lost my new job ..... Because I have a back injury rating from the veterans admin!

I have a LARGE rubbermaid tub filled with 'va paperwork', none of which is actually anything from my time in service, since they 'lost' all those records. Everytime I even go near it and go through the stuff, it brings on a panic attack. I can't do it alone.

I am grateful that I have had help from the DAV in the state I left in getting my 100%, and I did get help when I first came to this state in getting on my feet, as well as help from friends when I needed it.

I don't need charity or anything, but there is no 'organization' to help me with this..not going through the paperwork, and when I do, it triggers me. because for starters, so much of it isn't even correct. What is on the computer isn't even correct from the past either. And it also brings a rush of memories when I do it that I have a hard time dealing with.

besides. they know what they did to me. and to some extent, they might still want to cover it up. And yet, yes, there are those that want to help. How to even begin to tell the difference? I have no idea.

If you are in central florida Hubby & I can help you sort and organize.

First and foremost, you taking benefits you deserve is not going to take away from programs for homeless vets. It may seem like that, but it's not!

I used to think like you regarding the VA disability benefits. For years I refused to even entertain the idea of applying. When my job ended and I couldn't get a new one, we were fortunate enough for my wife's pay to cover everything and she added me onto her medical policy.

That was great for a few years, then they kept kicking the rate up for me to be on the policy. The rate was $600/month just for me plus meds. Then the last increase was going to push it to where between insurance and meds we would be paying between $12,000 and $16,000 per year. It just wasn't feasible!

So, I thought long and hard about my VA status. I figured, I had volunteered and served for 6 years and damn it I earned whatever benefits they said were mine when I joined. So, I went to the Veteran affairs office and talked with the guy and he agreed with my last assessment. The benefits were mine to receive not theirs to give/grant. He went through my medical records, filed the forms and got me some disability pay and mostly got me in the program so that now I don't have to worry about the cost of my meds (beyond my co-pay). Mainly I don't have to be any financial burden on my wife because of this junk.

I look back and it was just plain stupid pride not to take the benefits, but it was more stupid to have spent the thousands and thousands of dollars for all those years when I didn't have to. My injuries stemmed from service between 1967 and 1973. I didn't file for benefits until about 2004 and we struggled for a time there before I finally filed.

Learn from others experiences. Just do it! File! You'll be better off for it and you'll feel better with that monkey off your back.

Finally, Thank You for your service, my brother and good luck!