tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1249978567003434102024-02-06T22:52:28.421-05:00Help For VeteransThis site is designed to help veterans with veteran issues. If you are a veteran or know a veteran who has questions or needs help feel free to comment or email me at redsoxfandade@yahoo.comSteve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-64849104751885694192015-04-04T18:11:00.002-04:002015-04-04T18:13:02.166-04:00VA Disability Benefits Taking Too Long part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Years ago, I wrote an article, pasted at the bottom of this, about benefits taking too long to come though. I have had some recent experience that is baffling to me, and I wanted to hear from other vets on what their experiences have been like.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2015/04/va-disability-benefits-taking-too-long.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-70570478510067302542015-04-04T18:04:00.000-04:002015-04-04T18:04:47.494-04:00I'm back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wanted to write to let everybody know that I am going to be more active in writing on this blog once again. It's been a while, and a lot has happened with me, but I want to devote more time to helping fellow veterans.<br />
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There has been a shift in how the VA is treating veterans because of the spotlight on the VA in the media, and I wanted to hear from people to see what has been the biggest change they have seen so far. It could be from any part of the VA, whether it is medical, eligibility, vocational rehab, or any other program.<br />
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Please share your thoughts and check in with the blog to see what I am writing about. Thank you again!</div>
Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-33715365749602349732014-10-08T12:36:00.000-04:002014-10-08T12:36:04.621-04:00Intentionally or negligently hurt while in the military? It is time to repeal the Feres Docterine!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Feres doctrine refers to a principle whereby a member of the military is barred from recovering damages from the United States on a claim brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act for injuries sustained in military service. The standard was set in the Supreme Court case Feres v. United States, 340 U.S. 135 (U.S. 1950). The Federal Tort Claims Act allows persons intentionally or negligently wronged by a government employee to sue the government for their injuries. However Feres decision bars suits involving injuries to members of the armed forces. Even though the doctrine has long been criticized as unfair to service members it continues to be in force. " (uslegal.com)<br>
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This law was put in place with good intentions I am sure, because the government can not afford to pay large settlements to every member of the military who was injured in service. The problem here is that there are many people that were intentionally and negligently injured by their chain of command, and there are no repercussions for such an act.<br>
</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2014/10/intentionally-or-negligently-hurt-while.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-59937066512978073692012-08-19T17:36:00.003-04:002012-08-19T17:36:42.234-04:00Looking for a Guest Blogger!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am looking for guest bloggers to help others by sharing their stories. They can be good or bad, about the military or the VA. I found that sharing my story with others has helped me to release some of the feelings I had, and it has obviously helped others. I can keep your name out of it, or share it with others. Feel free to email me your story at <a href="mailto:redsoxfandade@yahoo.com">redsoxfandade@yahoo.com</a>.</div>
Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-87433599420169844422012-04-12T15:50:00.000-04:002012-04-12T15:50:31.192-04:00Help a Massachusetts Vet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I came accross this article on MyFoxBoston.com at this address:<br />
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http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/uxbridge-veteran-asking-for-donations-to-ease-constant-pain-with-surgery-20120411<br />
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UXBRIDGE, Mass (FOX25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - An Uxbridge man injured while serving in Iraq in 2005 is trying to raise money for an operation that will help ease his constant pain.<br />
Sgt. Stephen Mandile suffered brain and spinal cord injuries during a Humvee crash in Baghdad. The 34-year-old has a hard time walking and must take 21 pills a day.<br />
Mandile says he applied to have the surgery done by the V.A., but he says the request was denied.<br />
The procedure involves implanting a pain pump in Mandile's body. It will cost as much as $50,000. Mandile and his wife say they decided to ask for help after their daughter was born. <br />
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If you would like to learn more about the fund please click on the link: <a href="http://sgtmandile.com/" target="_blank">sgtmandile.com/</a> <br />
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Read more: <a href="http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/uxbridge-veteran-asking-for-donations-to-ease-constant-pain-with-surgery-20120411#ixzz1rrDpEBVJ" style="color: #003399;">http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/uxbridge-veteran-asking-for-donations-to-ease-constant-pain-with-surgery-20120411#ixzz1rrDpEBVJ</a></div></div>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-84914143739149063722012-03-21T17:54:00.000-04:002012-03-21T17:54:13.272-04:00How the GI Bill Helps Veterans Return to Civilian Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
<div class="MsoNormal">This post was written by Oliver Whitham. Thank you Oliver</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br>
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the biggest challenges faced by military veterans is returning to civilian life. While it might not seem like a huge deal to many, some suffer from the lack of discipline, and often feeling as though there is not much point to what they are doing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br>
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the fact that most military personnel leave the Army with a great skill set (No matter whether they are infantry, logistics or something else) they rarely realize just how useful these skills are, or how to re-purpose them for the ‘real world’.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br>
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The good news is that since WW2, the military and Government have provided the GI Bill, which offers fantastic financial support for veterans once they leave military service.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br>
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many veterans don’t really relish the thought of returning to education, but what many don’t realize is that using your GI bill benefits can be the ideal time to take your military skill set, and help build upon it with higher education to improve your ability to enter the civilian workforce.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justmilitaryloans.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Post-911-GI-Bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://www.justmilitaryloans.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Post-911-GI-Bill.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justmilitaryloans.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Post-911-GI-Bill.jpg">http://www.justmilitaryloans.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Post-911-GI-Bill.jpg</a> </td></tr>
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</div></div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-gi-bill-helps-veterans-return-to.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-80513446274287728152012-02-10T19:03:00.001-05:002012-02-10T19:08:02.874-05:00Trouble Getting Disability Benefits: What Can We Do About It?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It has been very obvious to me that many of the people reading my blog were having the same trouble that I had with getting their disability benefits in a reasonable time. It took me over 18 months, 14 of which I could not work. The last 4 months I was forced to work through the pain to pay my bills. Many people do not know who they can turn to for help. I have received many emails from people that needed some pointers on how to get their benefits faster. There is no one answer, but one thing is for sure: WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceI9cSdWmMVpepPBDb19hwXo5zfxKY3QhbydYC7kF7gIz3BBeWzDBjSLasScsnVgku1u1E4IC8THhbYLIFtJR9FQQpWN6k2598-YUfgwsiHgYWuQ9kGQG_K3xhYeQjugmoFpqxIZuZ790/s1600/remember-veterans.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceI9cSdWmMVpepPBDb19hwXo5zfxKY3QhbydYC7kF7gIz3BBeWzDBjSLasScsnVgku1u1E4IC8THhbYLIFtJR9FQQpWN6k2598-YUfgwsiHgYWuQ9kGQG_K3xhYeQjugmoFpqxIZuZ790/s320/remember-veterans.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceI9cSdWmMVpepPBDb19hwXo5zfxKY3QhbydYC7kF7gIz3BBeWzDBjSLasScsnVgku1u1E4IC8THhbYLIFtJR9FQQpWN6k2598-YUfgwsiHgYWuQ9kGQG_K3xhYeQjugmoFpqxIZuZ790/s1600/remember-veterans.gif">https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceI9cSdWmMVpepPBDb19hwXo5zfxKY3QhbydYC7kF7gIz3BBeWzDBjSLasScsnVgku1u1E4IC8THhbYLIFtJR9FQQpWN6k2598-YUfgwsiHgYWuQ9kGQG_K3xhYeQjugmoFpqxIZuZ790/s1600/remember-veterans.gif</a> </td></tr>
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Let's get a petition going. Please sign the petition below to show the government that we need to be treated better! Tell your friends to come on and sign the petition. I called it "Get Veteran Benefits in 4 Months or Less".<br />
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</div><div style="clear: both; display: block; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.ipetitions.com/widget/view/397160" style="background-color: #e9eaeb; border-bottom: none; border: 1px solid #cdced0; height: 145px; width: 200px;"></iframe></div><div style="background-color: #364950; border-top: none; border: 1px solid #364950; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; margin-top: -5px; padding: 7px 2px 2px; text-align: center; width: 196px;"><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/" style="color: white; text-decoration: none;">Online Petitions</a> by <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/" style="color: white; text-decoration: none;">iPetitions.com</a></div></div></div>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-66554810771254666252011-12-28T19:07:00.000-05:002011-12-28T19:07:14.547-05:00Is a VA Home Loan Worth It?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Most Veterans know about the Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan program, and think that it will help them get their first home. It is a great program, but before signing up for it take a look at other mortgage offers. When I bought my first home, I found a better mortgage offer from the Department of Agriculture. Everybody's situation is different, but in my situation, the option I chose worked best. I did not have 20% to put down on my home, and most mortgages, including VA Home Loans require 20% down or you have to pay an extra fee every month until you have paid your mortgage down enough. The Dept of Agriculture loan did not have that requirement, and I got a great rate.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/va-home-loan-300x234.jpg</td></tr>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/12/is-va-home-loan-worth-it.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-80390445501115128862011-12-25T23:12:00.000-05:002011-12-25T23:12:56.746-05:00Merry Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everybody, and that I hope you have a safe holiday season with loved ones. I know that many of the people that read this blog are not in the best of situations, whether it is a disability or otherwise, but remember that there is always somebody in a worse situation and be happy for what you do have. It can be hard, but just do it. Everybody that loves you wants to see you in a good mood, and so do I.<br />
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Feel free to share your holiday experiences with all of us, as I am about to.<br />
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My neice was born a couple of weeks ago, and she is absolutely beautiful. My brother, her dad, was in Afghanistan when she was born, but he has been able to come home on leave to see her and his wife. They were able to spend Christmas together, and they could not be happier. I am very grateful to have an addition to the family, and I cannot wait to see her!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-Jcgd68F-OjBQiF6cOdIloTGtcNOpSIg7PCeb-Pfrer77NkRn5NbaMiiA5IepQu9GW23ypERr3PCrCRqV83QAJcIbpfRncA2le9R8sn5-HjJBU8uv0M0vgyxYUgCXrNllXvff4y0l18/s1600/390281_2673187881972_1624426252_2498125_1798270560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-Jcgd68F-OjBQiF6cOdIloTGtcNOpSIg7PCeb-Pfrer77NkRn5NbaMiiA5IepQu9GW23ypERr3PCrCRqV83QAJcIbpfRncA2le9R8sn5-HjJBU8uv0M0vgyxYUgCXrNllXvff4y0l18/s320/390281_2673187881972_1624426252_2498125_1798270560_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mya Rhea Dade</td></tr>
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</div>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-19319518074807266792011-10-25T13:46:00.001-04:002011-10-25T13:46:32.109-04:00Guest Post about PTSD Treatment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Drug Treatments & Alternatives for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder<br>
The most common psychotherapy and prescription treatments for PTSD<br>
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that often develops following a traumatic event involving the threat of your personal safety. It can manifest itself in anyone, at any age, but typically develops following horrific events—such as a car crash or a natural disaster—or after a traumatic injury or threat of one’s safety—take an ongoing danger such as child abuse or even war. <br>
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The <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml">National Institute of Mental Health</a> links PTSD with numerous symptoms, including:<br>
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• Flashbacks<br>
• Bad dreams<br>
• Frightening thoughts<br>
• Feelings of guilt<br>
• Worry/anxiety<br>
• Depression<br>
• Fear avoidance behavior<br>
• Memory problems<br>
• Loss of interest in social activities<br>
• Persistent feelings of stress and tension<br>
• Irritability<br>
• Sleeplessness or insomnia<br>
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Common drug treatments for PTSD<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/10/guest-post-about-ptsd-treatment.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-80669548896709870662011-09-26T10:41:00.000-04:002011-09-26T10:41:42.836-04:00My Story of Military Abuse Part 3: Conclusion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After I got back from my surgery and leave, things did change. I had been working in my battalion personnel office and living in the Bachelors Enlisted Quarters prior to my surgery, but when I got back I was given an ultimatum that changed my life. My Platoon Drill Sargent, a man that I trusted, approached me and told me that we needed to talk in a private area. When we got to an empty room, he told me that I had two options: to go back into full training or they would put me in for a dishonorable discharge and I would receive no benefits for my surgically repaired hip. He told me that they wouldn't force me to do anything that would hurt me when I got back into training, and that I would not have to repeat any training I had already completed. Because I wanted to make the Army a 20 year career, I chose to go back into training.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://caosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/firemans%20carry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://caosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/firemans%20carry.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://caosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/firemans%20carry.jpg</td></tr>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-story-of-military-abuse-part-3.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-22128629504218272642011-09-12T11:47:00.000-04:002011-09-12T11:47:28.694-04:00My Story of Military Abuse Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After I was given the crutches, I was not able to get back into full training and I had to stay after the graduation of my basic training company. Three months after graduation, I had my first hip operation in Philadelphia and was sent home for a month to recover. It was amazing how much better I felt after that surgery. I was able to walk without assistance from a cane or crutches, and I felt confident that I would be back to training in no time. I went through physical therapy and did not get back to the point where I could train so I started working in my battalion personnel office.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.cstone.net/~dgarlock/Ft_Benning_22_23_Jan_09/2-58inf.gif</td></tr>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-story-of-military-abuse-part-2.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-42331227572529263452011-09-06T08:38:00.001-04:002011-09-06T08:43:37.683-04:00My Story of Military Abuse Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Seven years ago I signed up for the Army with the intention of being the best paratrooper and best Ranger I could possibly be. I was physically fit and ready to get past basic training with no trouble. It was hard leaving my family and new girlfriend, but I did it and was excited for the next 14 weeks of infantry training before I could see my family again at graduation. I knew that I was going to make the military a 20 year career and that I was going to do some good things for my country.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKiDCBGYoo24SKSLrGSiJp_oPOPCiG-X8fYHiGATEl8gYzse_Rb9ic9lSiIKRpHLSjpY5ADKQDV5CRuEVpe2h7916sdMhrUsoac0uCIiK1u0uwKWVBLOOjfwU6dYLfNmLb1cYWp3G07k/s1600/197358_515228341221_11015591_30181376_3632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKiDCBGYoo24SKSLrGSiJp_oPOPCiG-X8fYHiGATEl8gYzse_Rb9ic9lSiIKRpHLSjpY5ADKQDV5CRuEVpe2h7916sdMhrUsoac0uCIiK1u0uwKWVBLOOjfwU6dYLfNmLb1cYWp3G07k/s1600/197358_515228341221_11015591_30181376_3632_n.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me taking inventory of our weapons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-story-of-military-abuse-part-1.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-32109851126283421812011-08-14T15:43:00.000-04:002011-08-14T15:43:37.915-04:00VA PTSD Disability Ratings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today, many veterans are applying for a disability rating because of their PTSD. It sounds to me that many that have applied have not been granted a rating that is fair. It almost seems that the Department of Veterans' Affairs does not realize how debilitating it can be to not be able to sleep at night or to constantly re-live the traumatic events that are causing the PTSD. This is something that I have lived with for the past five years, and at times it has been difficult to even get out of bed or go out in public. I have been so agrivated at times that it is hard not to snap on the person who mildly irritates me, and at times I have felt my blood boiling over something that did not really matter.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/08/va-ptsd-disability-ratings.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-41878539993944806072011-08-03T09:14:00.000-04:002011-08-03T09:14:18.335-04:00Debt Deal and Veteran's Benefits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The new debt deal was signed and the government has to make billions of dollars in cuts to government spending. Multiple sources have stated that these cuts will not affect veteran's benefits, but I am a bit skeptical. The main reason that I am not so sure that this will not affect benefits is that the government is likely to stop hiring new positions, and we have already seen hiring freezes within the VA. There are millions of new benefit claims each year and that number is growing. If they cannot hire more people to compensate for all of these new claims it will make each claim take longer to approve.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/08/debt-deal-and-veterans-benefits.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-2513424393930212962011-07-20T15:05:00.000-04:002011-07-20T15:05:31.500-04:00Looking for a Guest Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I would love to hear some of your stories about what you are going through so I can post it on here. The more you can share with me and everybody else the better off we will all be. Thank you all for reading my blog and thank you to anybody that wants to submit a blog post.<br />
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Email it to me at <a href="mailto:redsoxfandade@yahoo.com">redsoxfandade@yahoo.com</a></div>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-90727563939700376162011-07-03T14:09:00.000-04:002011-07-03T14:09:57.544-04:00Veterans with Disabilities Deserve More<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.newser.com/square-image/43005-20110401000746/iraq-vets-hit-by-financial-woes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.newser.com/square-image/43005-20110401000746/iraq-vets-hit-by-financial-woes.jpeg"></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>The Department of Veterans' Affairs is supposed to take care of our fallen comrades when they exit the military, and according to all accounts I have heard they are failing miserably in this task. Veterans are struggling to pay their bills as it takes over a year for a disability rating to be approved, they have to suffer from PTSD because of the horrible things they went through, and they have to fight the system to get the benefits they are most deserving of. I know that the people that work for the VA are not purposely depriving Veterans of their benefits, but the system seems to be set up to slow things down and to keep Veterans upset and annoyed.<br>
</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/07/veterans-with-disabilities-deserve-more.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-78816939839557724532011-06-28T13:23:00.000-04:002011-06-28T13:23:02.785-04:00Veterans Disability Claims not Being Processed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Back in May, CNN had a story about the VA not processing disability claims. They found 16,000 unopened pieces of mail at a VA facility, and 132 claims that were shredded and never opened. This type of news saddens me and frustrates me, as I am one of thousands waiting for my disability claim to go through. At this point I have been waiting 14 months for my claim to go through, and I cannot find anybody to talk to to find out why. When I try to call the 800 number either the automated message tells me that my call cannot go through at this point in time, or they tell me that it will be a 15 minute wait to talk with somebody. When I do talk with somebody, they tell me what I have been told for the past 6 months, which is that I just have to wait for the claim to go through.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/06/veterans-disability-claims-not-being.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-48120018743188170452011-06-03T16:10:00.000-04:002011-06-03T16:10:59.310-04:00Veterans with Disabilities Struggling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One thing that I have come to realize over the past few years is that it is difficult to get a job as a veteran with a disability. When I got out of the Army five years ago, I did not have a college degree, and my only work experience was working in the back room of a Best Buy. I could not go back to that job because of the physical requirements, and it has been very hard to find a job that I could enjoy that I could also physically do. I have a lot of skills that I can put to good use, but in today's market most jobs require a degree, or are too physically demanding for many with physical disabilities.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/06/veterans-with-disabilities-struggling.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-296338714581097302011-05-29T13:25:00.000-04:002011-05-29T13:25:57.315-04:00Do Something Nice for Yourself This Memorial Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Memorial Day can be a difficult day for many veterans. Some have lost a good friend, some are constantly reminded of something bad that has happened. For me, I'm reminded of dreams that I was never able to fulfill. Either way I will be proud to put on my uniform and march in my local Memorial Day parade, and I urge any veteran to do the same. One thing that I have realized over the past five years is that people are thankful for your service and it will make you feel good to know that people care about what you have been through.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/05/do-something-nice-for-yourself-this.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-1251734272921388002011-05-17T15:42:00.000-04:002011-05-17T15:42:28.985-04:00Update on Disability Ratings Taking Too Long<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of my first posts was about disability ratings taking too long, and it has been by far the most popular post I have written so far. I have had a lot of people writing to me telling me of their stories of the VA delaying their cases and their disability ratings taking two years or more. To me, the fact that people have to wait for any more than a few months disgusts me, and we need to do something to change the system. If you are reading this, whether or not you have had to wait a long time for a disability rating, please take the time to write a letter to your congressman or senator asking them to be proactive to try to change the way disability ratings are going through the system. This small action can go a long way toward helping those who put their lives on the line to protect you and your family.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/05/update-on-disability-ratings-taking-too.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-25872046453958089472011-05-01T20:10:00.000-04:002011-05-01T20:10:42.860-04:00My Thoughts on People from WWII and Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been doing a lot of reading about World War II recently, and the citizens of that time really should be admired for the sacrifices they were willing to make. People had limits on amounts of milk, gasoline, and other items we take for granted today in order to help with the war effort. As I read in "Flags of Our Fathers", during a Northeastern Women's basketball game, they stopped the game so all of the players, referees, and fans could look for one lost bobby pin that could be used for scrap metal to help in the war effort. People were lining up to sign up to serve to protect their country, and people that couldn't sign up were willing to work long days in factories to build essential equipment for the war. The amount of effort the average citizen was willing to put in is something that everybody should respect, and should be something that we should strive for today.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-thoughts-on-people-from-wwii-and.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-32401081171530454142011-04-27T17:04:00.000-04:002011-04-27T17:04:24.577-04:00One Benefit You Didn't Know About: Vocational Rehab<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When you leave the military, you might not have the best information about benefits you are eligible for, and it is hard to find out all of the benefits you can get from the VA. One benefit that I have taken advantage of is Vocational Rehab. If you have a service connected disability of 20% or more and have not been out of the military for more than 12 years you are likely eligible. The goal of Vocational Rehab is to help you gain employment, which means that they will send you to school or trade school if that will help you reach your goals.<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/04/one-benefit-you-didnt-know-about.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-60524255799910220272011-04-14T11:57:00.001-04:002011-04-14T12:02:09.338-04:00The Possible Shutdown Showed How Our Government Feels About Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The government shutdown was avoided right near the deadline, but it showed our Military and our Veterans how the government feels about us. Reading about how the shutdown would have affected us disgusted me, and it really left a bad taste in my mouth. The government was getting ready to shut down all non-essential government positions, and paying our active Military was considered non-essential, as is rating veterans disability claims. The worst part about this was that even if pay was stopped for Military and Veterans, our Congress who would have been responsible for the shutdown would have still been paid. This just goes to show how many people that are supposed to work for us in our government are self-serving and could care less about the people they "represent".<br>
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</div><a href="http://help-for-veterans.blogspot.com/2011/04/possible-shutdown-showed-how-our.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124997856700343410.post-84609805581998171332011-04-08T16:45:00.001-04:002011-04-08T16:45:52.250-04:00Kathy Lagoli<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have received a few messages from Kathy Lagoli, but for some reason, I cannot reply to your emails. Leave me a message on this post or on my Facebook page. Here it is: http://www.facebook.com/redsoxfandade</div>Steve Dadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828407506505524043noreply@blogger.com0