10 Comments

I know how much 100% military disability can mean to a family. My daughter-in-law finally earned that rating after several years of jumping through hoops, submitting medical records repeatedly for the autoimmune disorders she deals with. (She, too, spent a month in the same Salt Lake City facility in a program specifically for female vets whose PTSD came from reasons other than war. Enough said.)

Given how few of us serve in the ranks of our five armed forces, it's the least we can do as a nation to ensure our vets get the care -- mental health as well as medical -- they deserve.

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Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing about your DIL. Quite a few guys in at that facility were also there from non-combat related PTSD. Those were the worst stories.

Thanks for reading, as always!

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Congratulations! Hope your disability(ies) don’t compromise your life too much. I wanted to let you know, though, that the Hazelwood Act does not require a disability at all. If you are a veteran who entered the military from Texas, and have exhausted the GI Bill, Texas will extend another 150 hours in a state university (or community college) to you or a dependent. My step-daughter got her BA at tu that way.

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Will, new subscriber and pleased to do so. Congrats on the designation as I know it was a tough road and I truly and sincerely wish you the best. I tell people all the time that, though I served, those that saw combat are the true veterans who we should be honoring and looking out for. On another note since your Substack is likely to have other veterans on it, please go check out Vet the Vote that is trying to recruit vets as poll workers this fall. I signed up and encourage others to do so. We all still have an oath to uphold.

Look forward to more of your writing!

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100% deserved. I see all those emotions come into okay. The great news- I know we will be enjoying your writing for years to come. It is a gift.

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Wonderful and great news!!!!!!!! You earned it and it is well deserved. For people that aren't familiar, a VA disability rating does not limit work-- it means that you are being compensated for your service related health issues. Yes, there are always frustrations in the process with the VA but Texas takes care of its vets better than other states.

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I’m at 90% but still have issues. From what I heard, it’s almost impossible to make up the delta based on how the VA calculates the disability rating. Any pointers?

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I don't know, bro. I don't. I had a good VSO, and I spent the last year smothered in medical appointments. All the TBIs, headaches, and everything multiplied. I just walked in and told them where it hurt. Idk.

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Congratulations Will!! Like you said, Happy, relieved and sad at the same time but I'm happy for you and your precious family that you can finally pursue your passion full-time. No one deserves it more. I remember celebrating when I got my "Disability" too. Altho it about did me in waiting for it.

Sorry I've been such a stranger. Been dealing with some health issues and working to get healthier and stronger as I prepare for knee surgery after the Election.

This is a beautiful piece. You most certainly have a gift. I feel honored that you share it with all of us As I have from the start. I sure pray you'll be around for many many years to come!! Much Love and respect. ❤️🇺🇸💙

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This is one of my favorite writings of you! I loved it. I am happy that you are relieved and have time for family.

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