Trouble Getting Disability Benefits: What Can We Do About It?

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!

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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".

Online Petitions by iPetitions.com

Is a VA Home Loan Worth It?

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.

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Merry Christmas

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.

Feel free to share your holiday experiences with all of us, as I am about to.

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!

Mya Rhea Dade

Guest Post about PTSD Treatment

Drug Treatments & Alternatives for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The most common psychotherapy and prescription treatments for PTSD

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.

The National Institute of Mental Health links PTSD with numerous symptoms, including:

• Flashbacks
• Bad dreams
• Frightening thoughts
• Feelings of guilt
• Worry/anxiety
• Depression
• Fear avoidance behavior
• Memory problems
• Loss of interest in social activities
• Persistent feelings of stress and tension
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness or insomnia

Common drug treatments for PTSD

My Story of Military Abuse Part 3: Conclusion

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.

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My Story of Military Abuse Part 2

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.

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My Story of Military Abuse Part 1

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.

Me taking inventory of our weapons.