[Cactusland]

Hi there, I'm a disabled combat veteran, Marine NCO, female. Any other Marines or combat-vet females here?

I know I need help but since I retired in 2006, I haven't gotten squat from the idiots at the VA nor can I afford much on my own (I have other medical bills for combat injuries that the VA also ignores). So I have been making do with a few buddies who live in the area - unfortunately all but 1 has PCS'd now.

I'm still at the point that I don't like talking about it much because it brings on the nightmares and heart problems, but I'm willing to try anything at this point - I have seen too many of my friends wind up drunk, assault charges, suicides, broken families, jails, drugs, and just plain disappearing - I don't want to wind up like that so I am trying to do something!

I've been homeless myself twice already - I just want this sh't over with, but my remaining buddy (a Vietnam vet, actually) has warned me that it takes a few years.

Anyway, any links/advice appreciated, thanks for reading.
Semper fi, Dd.

[bebop]

hi and welcome...look at the links on this page. it has a few resources listed there.

[Troy]

I'm glad you found your way to PC, Cactus.

Re. paying your own medical bills for combat related health situations ... Some of the current administration would just as soon all of the military carry their own personal health insurance as protection against enemy lead poisoning.

Maybe there's another VA hospital you can try for treatment ... or a visit to the patient relations team. There has to be some misunderstanding.

50% or more disability pretty much gets you full treatment. Purple Heart gets just about everything without any co-pays. (well, that's my limited knowledge).
As you always heard on active duty ... go see the IG.

Anyway, welcome to PC and Combat PTSD!

Troy

[(JD)]

Since you're no longer active...go to the media. Contact the local politicians.. right now, as it's an election year. (If you can.) PTSD buddies can help with knowing you aren't alone, but not much else unless someone's had professional help. It won't get better on it's own. Keep pushing, keep asking until someone responds. Thank you for your service. I appreciate my freedom more than you know.

[phoenix7]

HI - - there are post - its at the very top that can help wiht ideas

also the best book ive read is by glen shiraldi the post traumatic stress workbook - it talks you through a lot and i had a lot of Ah ha! moments reading it

PTSD sucks to say the least - ive had it 4 years and every anniv i think it wil be over - the good news is that wiht time and therapy it can get better

as a vet cant you get some sort of help??? it sucks if you cant

post here there are lots of peole who wil listen and offer help wehn they can ok

take care and thanks for being in the services and protecting your country

P7

by the way - the not talking about it - it just keeps it inside (JMO) and it keeps comijg back til you deal wiht it

[Cactusland]

Thanks all. I did have some results today, albeit it crappy ones, but there is a possible method for skylining the va... see my next topic here. Cheers! d

[amy06soccr]

Originally Posted by Cactusland

Hi there, I'm a disabled combat veteran, Marine NCO, female. Any other Marines or combat-vet females here?

I know I need help but since I retired in 2006, I haven't gotten squat from the idiots at the VA nor can I afford much on my own (I have other medical bills for combat injuries that the VA also ignores). So I have been making do with a few buddies who live in the area - unfortunately all but 1 has PCS'd now.

I'm still at the point that I don't like talking about it much because it brings on the nightmares and heart problems, but I'm willing to try anything at this point - I have seen too many of my friends wind up drunk, assault charges, suicides, broken families, jails, drugs, and just plain disappearing - I don't want to wind up like that so I am trying to do something!

I've been homeless myself twice already - I just want this sh't over with, but my remaining buddy (a Vietnam vet, actually) has warned me that it takes a few years.

Anyway, any links/advice appreciated, thanks for reading.
Semper fi, Dd.

Hi. I'm SGT Richardson. Army. Haven't seen combat (going to Iraq in May) but not for lack of trying. But I've been shot at before a few times, and as a medic I've def seeen **** go down on the ranges. If you wanna talk gimme a shout. Take care.

[affinity]

If you retired the VA will only help you with service connected disabilities. My suggestion is apply for VA Medical Care based on service connected disabilities. Also, you may want to consider applying for Social Security Disability and Medicaid. You can definitely qualify for VA Medical Care but you may need to pay a co-pay. Here's how I see things. First: VA doctors aren't like civilian doctors - they don't need your business. Second: Just seeing a Primary Care doctor at a VA hospital takes one to two months and that entitles you to about 15 minutes of medical care. Third: They use a treatment Triage system and you may never get to see a specialist until you're literally dying. Fourth: You will not see a qualified, licensed, medical doctor or psychiatrist until you have been seen by an intern medical student, Medical Assistant or licensed Nurse Practitioner first. Example: I have coronary artery disease and asked to see a cardiologist - I was told by a cardiology Nurse Practitioner that she was shocked I was referred by my PCP and the real cardiologist has no plans to see me unless my condition becomes life threatening. I guess what you may want to ask yourself is "Do I really want to risk being treated in a VA Medical facility?" My answer is - only if I have been diagnosed by a real civilian doctor first. In other words go to an emergency room or civilian specialist to stay alive and than purchase your medications and get specialized tests, if available and offered, from the VA.