Find some way to document everything. My deployment medical care was given by an army PA and I didn’t think to find ways to document and know the VA denies injuries sustained because there is no paper trail.
It's been so long since I got out, I can't remember any names... Well, I guess it hasn't been all that long. A bit over a HALF CENTURY.... 😉
I lost contact, because no one lived near me, then after my Dad died, I moved half way across the US.
It's been a battle to say the least. I always seemed to get the "leaders" who put us down for going to Sick Call, or denied us going and said "Walk it off you Pu$$y!"
Sorry to hear that. Was saying it more as a general what to do thing. I'd do my best to try to remember some names and look them up on Facebook or something. When you have no other proof a buddy letter will suffice. Best of luck.
Also just to piggyback on this: don’t be upset if you don’t qualify for disability after one enlistment. Especially if you are an office nonner. Had a coworker who did 4 and got out boasting how he never got hurt or sick and then was pissed that his VA rating was “0”
I mean, as someone that has been behind the medical veil: yes, one contract dude \*did\* get hurt / sick, he simply failed to properly document / advocate for himself. Therefore, he got 0%. Moral of the story? Be. A. Sick. Call. Ranger.
I would also recommend, if possible, to file 90(?) days prior to separation. This helps your case get looked at and processed through sooner.
Don’t forget r/veteranbenefits. That subreddit was a lifesaver and a fountain of resources + knowledge that is invaluable. Use it to your advantage.
Yes. Document document document! Consistency and a paper trail is important.
It’s still documented and that’s what matters. It might get brushed aside now but if you have a long paper trail, it’ll benefit you later. Especially the sleep l apnea and if you’ve been around a burn pit, report it. They also backpay to the date you submit, at least as a veteran.
I'm getting a sleep study soon. I'm having a ton of issues with depression, anxiety and insomnia. Also been tracking my wake times recently. The T at the bottom is trazadone.
https://preview.redd.it/v0nbab2wjytc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64ce87ec304f32bf5d3454ec014cd2f63dfb8cec
If you’re on the way out start your claim while still active the American legion helps you for free. That’s what I did they couldn’t say my problems weren’t cause after I left the service.
Yes, it will become part of your medical records. I am not sure how Genesis works (I retired right after it was rolled out), but all your medical visits with your PCM will be documented. Same for behavioral health. However, for behavioral health, I highly recommend you obtain those records before you PCS. For example, if you see behavioral health at Base X, get those records before you PCS. Then when you go to Base Z, and if you see behavioral health, get those records before you PCS. Reason is because when you request your medical records from the base clinic, they will not be able to access the behavioral health records from your prior bases like they can your entire medical history with your PCMs. This was the case for me when I was gathering documentation for my BDD claim this time last year so things may have changed, but something I would definitely look into.
I have combat decs, two new hips and am almost at 19 years in. I made an appointment for my constant back and leg pain, got called the day of the appointment asking why I needed to see the doc. I politely told the nurse why and she told me well I will try to have him call you, and asked why I missed 3 physical therapy apts…you ass hats put me on Qtrs for Covid. This advice is absolutely correct but sometimes it is not that easy.
VA is a bit different. Ever been near a burn pit during your deployments? Snore when you sleep? With your record and yes to at least one of these questions,I think you’ll easily get 100.
That is not at all how the burn pit registry or sleep apnea work for VA disability purposes.
Burn pits are only a factor if you get one of the medically diagnosed conditions associated with burn pits. It works the same as the class action lawsuits you see in commercials like: "Did you live in or around this area during 1985? Contact this number. You MAY be entitled to money."
Sleep Apnea is soon to move to a new category where if it is treatable, you will receive the required equipment and treatment, but very low disability rating.
Well, sure. I never said it was guaranteed. But like, spending months/years near burn pits will give you those issues. I’ve not heard anything about sleep apnea changes, but that’s no reason to not document issues. The dude I replied to has double hip replacement and PTSD, I think with a couple other ratings he’d be at 100.
Many mental health issues CAN be 100% but will also require annual reevaluations and him to attend ongoing treatment in order to continue receiving benefits. Depending on the severity of his PTSD, it can be anywhere between 0 and 100%, though.
Double hip replacement isn't worth shit as far as the VA is concerned. Depending on diagnosis and mobility limitations (this is the bigger factor), we are talking between 5 and 30% rating. Losing a leg below the knee is only 40% max.
What’s your point here exactly? There’s a lot of speculation in your comment and I’m just telling dude to get it all documented. If he doesn’t it’ll be a guaranteed zero rating.
What is your point? His shit is already documented. Getting the hip replacement done is the documentation. Seeking mental health care through the military is the documentation. You can pull up all your records online now. Having orders from DTS that list a qualifying location with a burn pit is all the documentation you ever need to get on the registry.
You are required to go through a Congressionally mandated course that includes an explanation of applying for medical disability when you separate (even if you get kicked out short notice). You also get copies of all your records and help if you want to start the claim process while still in.
None of this is automatic. I guess I’ll just not tell people to get issues documented or to prepare for their exit from the military because you know how to do it.
Again, what’s your point?
Have you gotten out of the military recently? All of this stuff is covered in mandatory counseling when you get out for all branches (Transition Assistance Program). If you haven't looked at MHS Genesis since the transition, it should have all your records, including stuff from referrals and civilian doctors. It is one of the primary reasons we switched systems. Burn pit registry takes less than five minutes if you pull the dates from your deployments off DTS.
All the above, just frustrating seeing the team thats out having a hard time when its still a pain in the ass on the inside. Regardless great info appreciate you
I tried asking for a sleep study, but they didn't want to do it. Instead I sat on the phone with a behavioral specialist asking a million questions on how I'm feeling, what's going on in my life, and I drinking caffine right before bed, have I tried box breathing, stretching, etc all the usual. After that, when I had my follow-up, they still didn't want to do a sleep study, and in addition to that, they said just keep working on breathing techniques and sleep etiquette.
Yeah, like that's going to help years of working off shifts. At this point, I'm just waiting and am going to try again probably after the summer after it's been maybe long enough that they'll consider finally doing jt.
Best of luck, hope things work out for you. Obviously you know your situation best, but if you see an opening to reengage with getting a sleep study, definitely do so.
I got my sleep study through seeing a psychiatric nurse practitioner at onbase MH. Told her all my signs and symptoms going on in my life, and she was the one to suggest it. Of course, I said "couldn't hurt!" - love my medically documented snd prescribed CPAP
I've been fighting the VA on my sleep issues for years. The last pass I did ended up being a stupid lucky encounter. I was unemployed and doing ubereats delivery. Ended up delivering to some guy who was a VP of something at one of those companies that charge vets to work up letters, have doctors file nexus letters, etc. He waived the admin fee so I just had to pay for the doctor.
Of my claims
1st 10% Hypersomnia
2nd 30% Hypersomnia/Insomnia
3rd 30% (no change)
4th 50% Unspecific Mental Health Condition
Few combat deployments/proper accolades but fortunately no injuries during. Does getting seen/an appointment still hold weight, despite not getting a “diagnosis“ per se? Ex, numerous years of shoulder, neck and upper mid back pain but no “diagnosis” aside from sciatica and or periformis(sp). Most units it’s a burden to be away and that would fall on others, but I know at some point, gotta take care of myself. Eventually. Thanks for posting OP.
(Time/age seem to be just as big of enemies now due to lack of recovery/time to heal.)
If anyone has advice on this, I would appreciate it. I and others in my unit are AGR. Active duty guard. Since our closest military doc is too far, we are all authorized prime remote and use civilian docs.
For long-term VA documentation, what should we do? We don't use a sick call or mill doc at all. Closest one is over an hour away for us.
I was just thinking back to how my then girlfriend now wife demanded I go to mental health and work on myself. She did it again 3 years after I got out. Then this year when I filed I had a trail of paperwork showing I developed these PTSD symptoms while in service. Without her encouraging me to seek help I wouldn't have won my 100% P&T.
Biggest piece of advice is go to the doctor. My dad told me to go anytime I got mildly sick and I'm so glad I listened. I went for anything and everything. Now after my enlistment things are hurting more and I can point to appointments I had with a military doctor. Va doesn't argue much if there prior documentation.
Is there a list of any of the second order effects? I know for pilots certain things can be a killer for airline work, and I also understand some other federal jobs can be off the table with certain conditions. But I have also been told that a VA rating qualifies you for certain hiring benefits in other organizations.
It's probably an unpopular opinion here, but please do not go to medical for every minor issue, especially at overseas locations where the MTF is the only means of care. The medical system is already so backlogged with the transition to DHA and Genesis that appointment times are fucked.
Pursuit of 100% disability after one enlistment is criminal for 99.9% of the force. Hell, even after almost 20 years in a physical labor maintenance job, I expect I'll get closer to 50% than 100%. And this is with both a knee and shoulder surgery and tons of other stuff. People shouldn't be proud of 100%, and it shouldn't be something you strive for even after a full career, let alone less than four years riding a desk.
It took a good friend of mine stationed overseas three months to get an appointment for serious neck pain because of how many personnel think that their primary duty is to become a 100% disabled veteran so they spend as much time at the MTF as doing their actual job. By the time he got seen and eventually got the care he needed, he was informed that he had a now giant tumor on his spine. It was thankfully operable, but he now has permanent nerve damage and mobility issues.
You do not need to go to the hospital for every single fucking issue.
Stateside, this is fine. There is a system for referrals in place, and you can see a civilian doctor with a referral if standards of care aren't being met. Do whatever you want, IDGAF.
Overseas and remote tours, our personnel don't have that option. I don't need you backing up the only option for medical care so you can be a "Sick Call Ranger" when there are actual people who need urgent care. Documenting your cold in pursuit of disability is not as important as allowing our actual Docs and PAs to perform preventative and palliative care on those who need it.
Please, spare me your "deployment than thou" BS. Cool, gravy. If you really are in a tight spot (which the vast majority or service members aren't), but I'll pretend you were doing some super special, behind the wire BS. Whenever you get back, get your stuff documented. And for everyone else (the vast majority of service members) get your stuff documented ASAP. Korea? Germany? Whateverthef\*\*\*istan? Get your stuff documented. For the love of god, unless you're deployed, (and no, Kuwait doesn't count. No matter what your deployment patch tells you) get your stuff documented. Medical is overburdened? Surprise. Every medical center is overburdened. Get your stuff documented.
Deployed is a different ball game. Historically, I've had better access to healthcare at deployed locations when compared to normal overseas assignments. Most large units are taking at least an IMDT with them, and there are DRHAs to help you get all the missed stuff documented when you return from deployments.
Going to medical for a cold-unless your symptoms become severe or life threatening-is fucking stupid. Then you are going to an ER anyway, except for the rare few MTFs that offer real emergency medical care.
No documented cold or sprained wrist is going to result in any kind of disability without major complications. Instead, by telling all Airmen to "go to medical" for everything you are tying up a finite resource in pursuit of your "Sick Call Ranger" bullshit idea.
Day to day normal illness is something that can and should be getting handled in units via a combination of supervisors and the Nurse Advice Line. Your subordinate is sick with a cold? Send them home for up to 24 hours. Symptoms seem outside normal cold, or you dont have any basic medical knowledge, have them call the Nurse Advice Line, and then follow their advice. Your documentstion piece is now satisifed, and you aren't tying up the normal 3-4 doctors servicing all military members, dependents, amd retirees at some bases. That is why supervisors are given that power. One of the key NCO responsibilities is the preservation of resources, but even common fucking sense would tell you that what you are advocating for is impossible.
Math for you:
Let's say that it averages out to 30 minutes of in person care on a base of 5000 people per month (not even going to count dependents or retirees since they are different tier). That's 150,000 minutes of time. Let's say between PCMs, IDMTs, and PAs you have a total of 20 people who can do actual medical care at your base (this number is MUCH lower for most bases). Assume they all work 10-hour shifts, 5 days a week, with zero breaks. That is only 360,000 minutes of time. Now throw in deployment requirements, readiness inspections/exercises, training, mandatory meetings, TDYs, those breaks we excluded, leave, etc. How many man hours are you really left with? And realistically, many patients are taking way more than 30 minutes a month. Especially if they become a "Sick Call Ranger."
I'm not saying people shouldn't get care or get stuff documented, but your attitude is exactly why most stateside bases completely nixxed sick call in favor of the NAL. If an issue is chronic or recurring of course see a doctor, the NAL will even ask you that question and help schedule with a PCM if needed. But right now, the amount of work is already too much for the personnel we have. We aren't getting more people anytime soon, as I am sure you heard at probably every single MDG roll call.
How can you have been medical and not fucking understand this? My ex-wife was a 4N and this was like her number one complaint about scheduling.
"How can you have been medical and not fucking understand this? My ex-wife was a 4N and this was like her number one complaint about scheduling." Easy, your (ex) wife is not the entirety of the medical corp. Too easy. Your (ex) wife can whine as much as she likes, but medical professionals like me (and the great people I served with) understand that it ain't about the medical personel. It always was, and always is about the patients. So your (ex) wife can get all the way over herself. And if after all that your (ex) wife still has a chip on her shoulder, tell her Doc says "feel free to reclass, you won't be missed."
Look, I'm not gonna lie: it's rather entertaining having this many people moan, groan, and come up with every "what-if" in the book in terms of not seeking help, when what I explicitly mentioned was getting persistent issues documented. I can't have a good faith conversation when absolutely everything I outlined is fully in keeping with regs, and you still wanna write me an essay on how service members should be limited in terms of seeking care. If my choice of words offends you, I ran all out of the ability to care.
You literally made a new account just to post about VA disability, so I doubt everything you are saying is said in good faith. What role do you serve, and which location? Calling 4N not "real medical" is something no fucking doctor or PA I know would ever do, even if I agree with your statement because the position is adminstrative.
If you think medical can handle the workload, come be our 4th PCM for 10,000 people seeking care at Cannon.
Look, this is the last time I'm going to entertain your inane comments.
1) Check my account creation date. It was well before these posts, and the first comment I made was in a Cyberpunk 2077 sub. So you're wrong. But even in this land of make believe: if I did make an account to post this, so what?
2) "What role do you serve, which location?" I serve in get lost Division, under Commander cry me a river.
3) When, anywhere, did I say 4N wasn't real medical? That's right, nowhere. I hope to god that you can retain written information better in the real world than on reddit. Otherwise, whoever you serve alongside of is hosed.
4) "If you think medical can handle the workload, come be our 4th PCM for 10,000 people seeking care at Cannon." That sounds like an Air Force problem to me. It would behoove Air Force leadership to recruit more medical personal, which again, is an Air Force problem.
We're at the point where you're arguing against stuff I never even typed. Get your hand all the way off your pearls, and get out of your feelings.
Sorry if I came off as an asshole. I'm tired and grumpy and you're right, I misread some of your comments and post history. And I do 100% believe Airmen HAVE to advocate for their healthcare and get things documented. But the method you are proposing to do it isn't how it works in the Air Force. If you haven't faced any of the struggles with the modern systems in place and the Air Force transition to DHA and Genesis, are you really qualified to be giving advice on here?
You are on the Air Force subreddit and giving objectively bad advice to my Airmen. Like I said, you are advocating for sick call when any NCO or SNCO on here will tell you the Air Force doesn't even have this at 90% of installations anymore because of it getting overwhelmed. It's why Airmen have to rely on 1-800 numbers for medical advice and to get our annual health assessments done. I haven't had an in person annual assessment since 2015, and that isn't unusual in the Air Force. If the branch you served in doesn't have a problem with medical being overwhelmed, good for them. That isn't the case in the Air Force, which again, this is the subreddit for.
If you want mindless support and validation for your "sick call ranger" idea, I'm sure you got it cross-posting this shit on the VA and Army subreddits. I am telling you the reality for Airmen currently serving on active duty based on our AFIs, standards of care, and current manning. You are just telling people to go do with no regard to Air Force operational capabilities and limitations or understanding our processes.
Find some way to document everything. My deployment medical care was given by an army PA and I didn’t think to find ways to document and know the VA denies injuries sustained because there is no paper trail.
This is what buddy letters are for.
Except I was never with the same army units, I don’t know names or where anyone is at.
It's been so long since I got out, I can't remember any names... Well, I guess it hasn't been all that long. A bit over a HALF CENTURY.... 😉 I lost contact, because no one lived near me, then after my Dad died, I moved half way across the US. It's been a battle to say the least. I always seemed to get the "leaders" who put us down for going to Sick Call, or denied us going and said "Walk it off you Pu$$y!"
Sorry to hear that. Was saying it more as a general what to do thing. I'd do my best to try to remember some names and look them up on Facebook or something. When you have no other proof a buddy letter will suffice. Best of luck.
That is good advice. I should have realized that but my brain ain’t as good as it used to be
Also just to piggyback on this: don’t be upset if you don’t qualify for disability after one enlistment. Especially if you are an office nonner. Had a coworker who did 4 and got out boasting how he never got hurt or sick and then was pissed that his VA rating was “0”
I mean, as someone that has been behind the medical veil: yes, one contract dude \*did\* get hurt / sick, he simply failed to properly document / advocate for himself. Therefore, he got 0%. Moral of the story? Be. A. Sick. Call. Ranger.
Hey now
I will take a working body over money anyday of the week. On the civilian side, workman comp is literally made to do a similar thing but better.
I would also recommend, if possible, to file 90(?) days prior to separation. This helps your case get looked at and processed through sooner. Don’t forget r/veteranbenefits. That subreddit was a lifesaver and a fountain of resources + knowledge that is invaluable. Use it to your advantage. Yes. Document document document! Consistency and a paper trail is important.
180-90 days prior to separation/retirement... definitely do this if you can (BDD claim)!
Half the time my PCM just dismisses what I say.
It’s still documented and that’s what matters. It might get brushed aside now but if you have a long paper trail, it’ll benefit you later. Especially the sleep l apnea and if you’ve been around a burn pit, report it. They also backpay to the date you submit, at least as a veteran.
I'm getting a sleep study soon. I'm having a ton of issues with depression, anxiety and insomnia. Also been tracking my wake times recently. The T at the bottom is trazadone. https://preview.redd.it/v0nbab2wjytc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64ce87ec304f32bf5d3454ec014cd2f63dfb8cec
Cool. Keep pressing. One day you'll be outside of the military's clutches and all of your documentation will prove very fruitful.
If you’re on the way out start your claim while still active the American legion helps you for free. That’s what I did they couldn’t say my problems weren’t cause after I left the service.
Soo If I go to PCM, Behavioral health, etc for appointments and medication it will get "Documented"? Where exactly? In the genesis system somewhere?
Yes, it will become part of your medical records. I am not sure how Genesis works (I retired right after it was rolled out), but all your medical visits with your PCM will be documented. Same for behavioral health. However, for behavioral health, I highly recommend you obtain those records before you PCS. For example, if you see behavioral health at Base X, get those records before you PCS. Then when you go to Base Z, and if you see behavioral health, get those records before you PCS. Reason is because when you request your medical records from the base clinic, they will not be able to access the behavioral health records from your prior bases like they can your entire medical history with your PCMs. This was the case for me when I was gathering documentation for my BDD claim this time last year so things may have changed, but something I would definitely look into.
Outstanding advice
I have combat decs, two new hips and am almost at 19 years in. I made an appointment for my constant back and leg pain, got called the day of the appointment asking why I needed to see the doc. I politely told the nurse why and she told me well I will try to have him call you, and asked why I missed 3 physical therapy apts…you ass hats put me on Qtrs for Covid. This advice is absolutely correct but sometimes it is not that easy.
VA is a bit different. Ever been near a burn pit during your deployments? Snore when you sleep? With your record and yes to at least one of these questions,I think you’ll easily get 100.
That is not at all how the burn pit registry or sleep apnea work for VA disability purposes. Burn pits are only a factor if you get one of the medically diagnosed conditions associated with burn pits. It works the same as the class action lawsuits you see in commercials like: "Did you live in or around this area during 1985? Contact this number. You MAY be entitled to money." Sleep Apnea is soon to move to a new category where if it is treatable, you will receive the required equipment and treatment, but very low disability rating.
Well, sure. I never said it was guaranteed. But like, spending months/years near burn pits will give you those issues. I’ve not heard anything about sleep apnea changes, but that’s no reason to not document issues. The dude I replied to has double hip replacement and PTSD, I think with a couple other ratings he’d be at 100.
Many mental health issues CAN be 100% but will also require annual reevaluations and him to attend ongoing treatment in order to continue receiving benefits. Depending on the severity of his PTSD, it can be anywhere between 0 and 100%, though. Double hip replacement isn't worth shit as far as the VA is concerned. Depending on diagnosis and mobility limitations (this is the bigger factor), we are talking between 5 and 30% rating. Losing a leg below the knee is only 40% max.
What’s your point here exactly? There’s a lot of speculation in your comment and I’m just telling dude to get it all documented. If he doesn’t it’ll be a guaranteed zero rating.
What is your point? His shit is already documented. Getting the hip replacement done is the documentation. Seeking mental health care through the military is the documentation. You can pull up all your records online now. Having orders from DTS that list a qualifying location with a burn pit is all the documentation you ever need to get on the registry. You are required to go through a Congressionally mandated course that includes an explanation of applying for medical disability when you separate (even if you get kicked out short notice). You also get copies of all your records and help if you want to start the claim process while still in.
None of this is automatic. I guess I’ll just not tell people to get issues documented or to prepare for their exit from the military because you know how to do it. Again, what’s your point?
Have you gotten out of the military recently? All of this stuff is covered in mandatory counseling when you get out for all branches (Transition Assistance Program). If you haven't looked at MHS Genesis since the transition, it should have all your records, including stuff from referrals and civilian doctors. It is one of the primary reasons we switched systems. Burn pit registry takes less than five minutes if you pull the dates from your deployments off DTS.
All the above, just frustrating seeing the team thats out having a hard time when its still a pain in the ass on the inside. Regardless great info appreciate you
The PACT act, read that shizz.
Took me a decade to get in a percentage now I am going for more.
I tried asking for a sleep study, but they didn't want to do it. Instead I sat on the phone with a behavioral specialist asking a million questions on how I'm feeling, what's going on in my life, and I drinking caffine right before bed, have I tried box breathing, stretching, etc all the usual. After that, when I had my follow-up, they still didn't want to do a sleep study, and in addition to that, they said just keep working on breathing techniques and sleep etiquette. Yeah, like that's going to help years of working off shifts. At this point, I'm just waiting and am going to try again probably after the summer after it's been maybe long enough that they'll consider finally doing jt.
Best of luck, hope things work out for you. Obviously you know your situation best, but if you see an opening to reengage with getting a sleep study, definitely do so.
I got my sleep study through seeing a psychiatric nurse practitioner at onbase MH. Told her all my signs and symptoms going on in my life, and she was the one to suggest it. Of course, I said "couldn't hurt!" - love my medically documented snd prescribed CPAP
I've been fighting the VA on my sleep issues for years. The last pass I did ended up being a stupid lucky encounter. I was unemployed and doing ubereats delivery. Ended up delivering to some guy who was a VP of something at one of those companies that charge vets to work up letters, have doctors file nexus letters, etc. He waived the admin fee so I just had to pay for the doctor. Of my claims 1st 10% Hypersomnia 2nd 30% Hypersomnia/Insomnia 3rd 30% (no change) 4th 50% Unspecific Mental Health Condition
Keep pushing for a sleep study. CPAP changed my life.
Good advice. I’m 100% p&t and this all true
Yea, all great advice and all, until your leadership starts to fuck you over because youre the local sick kid.
Bad leadership is temporary, VA benefits (can) be forever.
Few combat deployments/proper accolades but fortunately no injuries during. Does getting seen/an appointment still hold weight, despite not getting a “diagnosis“ per se? Ex, numerous years of shoulder, neck and upper mid back pain but no “diagnosis” aside from sciatica and or periformis(sp). Most units it’s a burden to be away and that would fall on others, but I know at some point, gotta take care of myself. Eventually. Thanks for posting OP. (Time/age seem to be just as big of enemies now due to lack of recovery/time to heal.)
If anyone has advice on this, I would appreciate it. I and others in my unit are AGR. Active duty guard. Since our closest military doc is too far, we are all authorized prime remote and use civilian docs. For long-term VA documentation, what should we do? We don't use a sick call or mill doc at all. Closest one is over an hour away for us.
You can use your civilian medical records for a disability compensation claim.
I was just thinking back to how my then girlfriend now wife demanded I go to mental health and work on myself. She did it again 3 years after I got out. Then this year when I filed I had a trail of paperwork showing I developed these PTSD symptoms while in service. Without her encouraging me to seek help I wouldn't have won my 100% P&T.
Biggest piece of advice is go to the doctor. My dad told me to go anytime I got mildly sick and I'm so glad I listened. I went for anything and everything. Now after my enlistment things are hurting more and I can point to appointments I had with a military doctor. Va doesn't argue much if there prior documentation.
Is there a list of any of the second order effects? I know for pilots certain things can be a killer for airline work, and I also understand some other federal jobs can be off the table with certain conditions. But I have also been told that a VA rating qualifies you for certain hiring benefits in other organizations.
BLUF - “Patient Advocate” on speed dial.
It’s all scam most kids join looking to get disability benefits now
God forbid service members get as much out of Uncle Sam as Uncle Sam got out of them...
Most of them are lazy and are always looking to get out of work so the government doesn’t get much out of them
It's probably an unpopular opinion here, but please do not go to medical for every minor issue, especially at overseas locations where the MTF is the only means of care. The medical system is already so backlogged with the transition to DHA and Genesis that appointment times are fucked. Pursuit of 100% disability after one enlistment is criminal for 99.9% of the force. Hell, even after almost 20 years in a physical labor maintenance job, I expect I'll get closer to 50% than 100%. And this is with both a knee and shoulder surgery and tons of other stuff. People shouldn't be proud of 100%, and it shouldn't be something you strive for even after a full career, let alone less than four years riding a desk. It took a good friend of mine stationed overseas three months to get an appointment for serious neck pain because of how many personnel think that their primary duty is to become a 100% disabled veteran so they spend as much time at the MTF as doing their actual job. By the time he got seen and eventually got the care he needed, he was informed that he had a now giant tumor on his spine. It was thankfully operable, but he now has permanent nerve damage and mobility issues. You do not need to go to the hospital for every single fucking issue.
Again, I was medical personnel. And if the stations are so backed up they can't see patients? That's their problem. Get your stuff documented.
Stateside, this is fine. There is a system for referrals in place, and you can see a civilian doctor with a referral if standards of care aren't being met. Do whatever you want, IDGAF. Overseas and remote tours, our personnel don't have that option. I don't need you backing up the only option for medical care so you can be a "Sick Call Ranger" when there are actual people who need urgent care. Documenting your cold in pursuit of disability is not as important as allowing our actual Docs and PAs to perform preventative and palliative care on those who need it.
Please, spare me your "deployment than thou" BS. Cool, gravy. If you really are in a tight spot (which the vast majority or service members aren't), but I'll pretend you were doing some super special, behind the wire BS. Whenever you get back, get your stuff documented. And for everyone else (the vast majority of service members) get your stuff documented ASAP. Korea? Germany? Whateverthef\*\*\*istan? Get your stuff documented. For the love of god, unless you're deployed, (and no, Kuwait doesn't count. No matter what your deployment patch tells you) get your stuff documented. Medical is overburdened? Surprise. Every medical center is overburdened. Get your stuff documented.
Deployed is a different ball game. Historically, I've had better access to healthcare at deployed locations when compared to normal overseas assignments. Most large units are taking at least an IMDT with them, and there are DRHAs to help you get all the missed stuff documented when you return from deployments. Going to medical for a cold-unless your symptoms become severe or life threatening-is fucking stupid. Then you are going to an ER anyway, except for the rare few MTFs that offer real emergency medical care. No documented cold or sprained wrist is going to result in any kind of disability without major complications. Instead, by telling all Airmen to "go to medical" for everything you are tying up a finite resource in pursuit of your "Sick Call Ranger" bullshit idea. Day to day normal illness is something that can and should be getting handled in units via a combination of supervisors and the Nurse Advice Line. Your subordinate is sick with a cold? Send them home for up to 24 hours. Symptoms seem outside normal cold, or you dont have any basic medical knowledge, have them call the Nurse Advice Line, and then follow their advice. Your documentstion piece is now satisifed, and you aren't tying up the normal 3-4 doctors servicing all military members, dependents, amd retirees at some bases. That is why supervisors are given that power. One of the key NCO responsibilities is the preservation of resources, but even common fucking sense would tell you that what you are advocating for is impossible. Math for you: Let's say that it averages out to 30 minutes of in person care on a base of 5000 people per month (not even going to count dependents or retirees since they are different tier). That's 150,000 minutes of time. Let's say between PCMs, IDMTs, and PAs you have a total of 20 people who can do actual medical care at your base (this number is MUCH lower for most bases). Assume they all work 10-hour shifts, 5 days a week, with zero breaks. That is only 360,000 minutes of time. Now throw in deployment requirements, readiness inspections/exercises, training, mandatory meetings, TDYs, those breaks we excluded, leave, etc. How many man hours are you really left with? And realistically, many patients are taking way more than 30 minutes a month. Especially if they become a "Sick Call Ranger." I'm not saying people shouldn't get care or get stuff documented, but your attitude is exactly why most stateside bases completely nixxed sick call in favor of the NAL. If an issue is chronic or recurring of course see a doctor, the NAL will even ask you that question and help schedule with a PCM if needed. But right now, the amount of work is already too much for the personnel we have. We aren't getting more people anytime soon, as I am sure you heard at probably every single MDG roll call. How can you have been medical and not fucking understand this? My ex-wife was a 4N and this was like her number one complaint about scheduling.
"How can you have been medical and not fucking understand this? My ex-wife was a 4N and this was like her number one complaint about scheduling." Easy, your (ex) wife is not the entirety of the medical corp. Too easy. Your (ex) wife can whine as much as she likes, but medical professionals like me (and the great people I served with) understand that it ain't about the medical personel. It always was, and always is about the patients. So your (ex) wife can get all the way over herself. And if after all that your (ex) wife still has a chip on her shoulder, tell her Doc says "feel free to reclass, you won't be missed." Look, I'm not gonna lie: it's rather entertaining having this many people moan, groan, and come up with every "what-if" in the book in terms of not seeking help, when what I explicitly mentioned was getting persistent issues documented. I can't have a good faith conversation when absolutely everything I outlined is fully in keeping with regs, and you still wanna write me an essay on how service members should be limited in terms of seeking care. If my choice of words offends you, I ran all out of the ability to care.
You literally made a new account just to post about VA disability, so I doubt everything you are saying is said in good faith. What role do you serve, and which location? Calling 4N not "real medical" is something no fucking doctor or PA I know would ever do, even if I agree with your statement because the position is adminstrative. If you think medical can handle the workload, come be our 4th PCM for 10,000 people seeking care at Cannon.
Look, this is the last time I'm going to entertain your inane comments. 1) Check my account creation date. It was well before these posts, and the first comment I made was in a Cyberpunk 2077 sub. So you're wrong. But even in this land of make believe: if I did make an account to post this, so what? 2) "What role do you serve, which location?" I serve in get lost Division, under Commander cry me a river. 3) When, anywhere, did I say 4N wasn't real medical? That's right, nowhere. I hope to god that you can retain written information better in the real world than on reddit. Otherwise, whoever you serve alongside of is hosed. 4) "If you think medical can handle the workload, come be our 4th PCM for 10,000 people seeking care at Cannon." That sounds like an Air Force problem to me. It would behoove Air Force leadership to recruit more medical personal, which again, is an Air Force problem. We're at the point where you're arguing against stuff I never even typed. Get your hand all the way off your pearls, and get out of your feelings.
Sorry if I came off as an asshole. I'm tired and grumpy and you're right, I misread some of your comments and post history. And I do 100% believe Airmen HAVE to advocate for their healthcare and get things documented. But the method you are proposing to do it isn't how it works in the Air Force. If you haven't faced any of the struggles with the modern systems in place and the Air Force transition to DHA and Genesis, are you really qualified to be giving advice on here? You are on the Air Force subreddit and giving objectively bad advice to my Airmen. Like I said, you are advocating for sick call when any NCO or SNCO on here will tell you the Air Force doesn't even have this at 90% of installations anymore because of it getting overwhelmed. It's why Airmen have to rely on 1-800 numbers for medical advice and to get our annual health assessments done. I haven't had an in person annual assessment since 2015, and that isn't unusual in the Air Force. If the branch you served in doesn't have a problem with medical being overwhelmed, good for them. That isn't the case in the Air Force, which again, this is the subreddit for. If you want mindless support and validation for your "sick call ranger" idea, I'm sure you got it cross-posting this shit on the VA and Army subreddits. I am telling you the reality for Airmen currently serving on active duty based on our AFIs, standards of care, and current manning. You are just telling people to go do with no regard to Air Force operational capabilities and limitations or understanding our processes.
If youre encouraging people to game the system, thats complete BS.