[fargon]

My story begins Feb99 when I first applied for Veterans benifits. And fits is what I have got. I have been unemployable since Oct04, in that time I have been run around and delt with lost paperwork. They have lost my DD214(CG) discharge papers(I now keep 10 copies on my desk) at a regular interval. I went to Tomah Wi for a compensation and pention hearing the letter stated that this would be an all day event. after sitting around for 6 hours I spent 15 minutes with a Nurce Practiconer and was told that this was the hearing, and I would be hearing from them. 3 months later I recived a report from the VA stating that I was conciderd only 10% disabled and I would get 108 USD a month. months later I had another hearing for my mental and emotional conditiones(sp) another 30%. I am now rated 40% $485.00 a month.

In the last 26 years I have spent my trust fund, and and liquidated all my assets just to pay my rent and pay medical expenses that should have coverd in the first place.

The VA Dr's are very good at giving out pills to make you feel better, Valium, Vicoden, and others to keep us druged and in control.

All I ever wanted was to serve my contry and be the best Coastguardsman I could be.I had dreams of sewing on a Master Chief Petty Officers crow, and being one of the finest seamen in the world. Instead I have lived with pain and illness, for almost 30 years.

Iff the people in the back room were as good as the Doctors and Nurces I see on a regular basis the VA would be the Mayo Clinic.