If the VA puts me on the Street...
So, got a nice little shock today. Apparently, the VA has decided that they're going to end a homeless veteran program. Now, here's something that royally pisses me off.
They haven't mentioned which program it is, so there's no way for me to know if I'm effected. However, I have reason to believe that I won't be homeless, but I will lose support... My program fortunately is through the state of Oregon... but my counselor/social worker is funded through the VA. Yep, after almost three years of being stable, looks like they're gonna send me on my way, problem solved.
If they're going after our housing, you know the next thing is going to be our medical. No guarantees that this cut will be made, but I find it fucking HILARIOUS with the huge DOD increase, that somehow there just isn't enough money to pay for the costs of the war...
Considering the Army offers no guidance for the exiting veteran on how to access any of their benefits, the fact that I have any at all is a miracle. Even then it was 5 years before I even thought about getting help. For Chrissakes TOMORROW is the first time I'm going back to see a psychiatrist because I finally worked up the nerve... There are many more who have Nothing, and now even that hope that has been obscured is being snuffed...
So, just know that if the politicians put me back on the street after all the fighting I had to do to claw my way back to some semblance of a life... I will be less than happy.
NSFI so.
Comments
I apologize in advance for sounding entrepreneurial
but
If that's true, it sounds like an opportunity. Vets in need probably couldn't pay, but consider a non-profit set up to provide that sort of counseling. Solicit contributions not to pay to vets directly, but to pay an office to help them apply and keep current on their paperwork to get the benefits they are entitled to (and already funded in the bloated defense budget). That's potentially huge leverage for donations. "Your $10 can mean thousands to a vet in need.". That sort of thing.
Hard to believe something like that doesn't already exist. Have you checked around?
"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." -- Albert Bartlett
"A species that is hurtling toward extinction has no business promoting slow incremental change." -- Caitlin Johnstone
There are, but...
they are mostly funded by the VA, and require you to go hunting for them.
Often they offer nothing but "Mediation" services, and end up giving you the run-around for months while promising the moon. (Sorry, very bitter experience in Monterey, CA with three advocacy groups, one of which decided that I didn't deserve help because I refused to promise to never smoke pot.)
So, while it would be a great idea, in practice it's a bunch of grifters on salary no matter what their results are.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
vets' advocates
I think WoodsDweller's idea is to create a new agency, funded only by private donations and run by vets who have been where their clients are now. Obviously, this is a need yet unmet.....
"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar
"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides
That would be nice.
Honestly, it would help to just have a person who contacts folks out of the Army, and helps them set up a plan for what their next steps are. And not that condescending bullshit that exists now. Just the VERY next steps they need to do in order to secure housing, food, pension, and any other benefits.
Everything else is out of the jurisdiction. Vets need help, not babysitting...
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
This is insane
I'm sorry that you are being targeted by this. There's enough money to constantly send people to war, yet no money for them after they get home. Keep us informed on this.
Apparently holocaust denial is not an issue anymore. Lots of people are denying the one in Gaza with absolutely no repercussions.
I shall. Going to call my social worker, and talk to the VA
tomorrow, and I'll find out how this effects me.
I'm not surprised, but it just makes my decisions and choices easier.
Life is surprisingly simple when you're threatened directly.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
I'm glad that you have someone who can offer you support
This is very important for anyone who is dealing with stress. I call them mental punching bags. I'm seeing a behavioral therapist to help deal with my pain, but we rarely talk about it because of all the other things I'm stressed about.
You are right that life is simple when you are threatened. Once one gives up their fear, they can find ways to deal with it. I'm trying to get there for my housing situation.
Apparently holocaust denial is not an issue anymore. Lots of people are denying the one in Gaza with absolutely no repercussions.
@detroitmechworks I'm extremely angry
I'm extremely angry about this.
Don't fall out of touch--as others have said, keep us posted.
"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha
"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver
Raging. Am starting new meds...
And as mentioned below, looks like the VA is pulling back on this particularly bone-headed idea.
However, no matter if they fix it, the fact remains that somebody, somewhere figured they could fuck millions of people who fought for this country without anybody in the MSM peeping. And they were right, because I haven't seen a damn thing from the MSM, and they will happily forget about this.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
You have to be proactive.
As a retired vet, I know.
I give you accolades because
.
It's hard enough out there without putting up your own block to possible help. Too proud. Too independent.
The VA is not there for those who bitch the most but for those who bust their ass to understand how it works. I'm very fortunate to be serviced by what I consider one of the best VA centers in the country. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Not only do we have a top notch medical facility, it's also situated next to and supported by the University of Michigan.
Never give up because that's what they want. I'll fight with you.
If I can be of any help at all, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Sending some peace your way.
Regardless of the path in life I chose, I realize it's always forward, never straight.
Thank you. Just got back from the VA...
Smoking some very nice Sour Tsunami High CBD Marijuana, and trying to relax a bit.
First volley deflected, but there's more incoming, so time to batten things down. This was their year ONE attempt.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
Gook luck, DMW--if I may echo SD,
I hope that you'll update us on the situation.
It's truly amazing in that DT came in ready to pick up where the Dems left off--finishing the privatization of VA medical services, except for those relating to war-related injuries/conditions. We are livid. (Mr M is a Category 3 vet.) Although he doesn't currently utilize the VA, he'd like to think that it would be around in the future
Some of the best medical care we've ever received was as Active Duty Air Force, including surgical care received after being medevaced from Alaska to a very excellent Army Medical Center in Tacoma (Madigan).
You probably know that uber-privatizer (Dr) David Shulkin was confirmed by the Senate in February of this year--100 to 0. Disgusting--especially, since his reputation and agenda are/were well known.
Hope you get good news, and that your benefits remain intact!
Mollie
“If we can divide the electorate this way, we can have them expending their energies fighting amongst themselves, over issues that for us, have no meaning whatsoever."
--USA Bankers Magazine, August 25, 1924
"Every time I lose a dog, he takes a piece of my heart. Every new dog gifts me with a piece of his. Someday, my heart will be total dog, and maybe then I will be just as generous, loving, and forgiving."
--Author Unknown
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
@Unabashed Liberal It's truly amazing in
It's truly amazing in that DT came in ready to pick up where the Dems left off--finishing the privatization of VA medical services, except for those relating to war-related injuries/conditions.
Faces change, policies stay the same (or advance along the same trajectory). I think it was Carroll Quigley, Bill Clinton's professor, who first taught him about that idea as a political theory.
"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha
"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver
VA Reverses Cuts To Program
Facing Backlash, VA Reverses Cuts To Program Helping Homeless Vets
Apparently holocaust denial is not an issue anymore. Lots of people are denying the one in Gaza with absolutely no repercussions.
Backlash... yeah right...
As in "Bonus Army" level of anger.
They're still pulling some massive shit, like trying to make disabled veterans lose their pensions at 65, since at that point "Social Security will cover it."
No, I'm not making this shit up. Sounds like the PTB have learned not to OPENLY fuck with the Vets, but they're gonna go after us one by one now.
I'm still mad, and even if the decision is reversed, that means that they had the go ahead at one point.
NSFI comments deleted.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g79mLV9b30c]
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
I'm confused--are you referring to losing VA Disability at
age 65, once an individuals begins to draw (Old Age) Social Security benefits? Or, is the VA pension that you're referring to losing, the needs-based pension, similar to the SSI supplement?
I've never heard that a vet loses his VA Disability benefit automatically, once he begins to draw his (Old Age) Social Security benefit. Of course, with Shulkin at the helm, I suppose anything is possible! 'O' appointed a Military Benefits Commission that pretty much decimated military retirement benefits. Maybe this is a result of that Commission's recommendations.
Mollie
"The standard of living of the average American has to decline. I don't think you can escape that."
--Paul Volcker, The New York Times, October 18, 1979, Page 1.
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
Yup, that's what my contact at the VA...
was telling me had come up in interoffice memos.
Apparently, the way they figure it, disability pension will end when you qualify for social security, because it will end "double Dipping" etc...
Still hunting for document confirmation on that, but if they're pulling this shit, it's huge. It will cut many pensioners income in half, and for new guys on disability, if our benefits are calculated as standard, we'll get jack shit for social security anyway...
Edit: Not in place, but being discussed. Enough smoke for me to get the water ready.
I do not pretend I know what I do not know.
Yet...Patriotism!
I am amazed, or not, that people don't notice or don't care that the MIC gets huge funding, yet none is going to veterans. I want to vomit when I hear them talk about patriotism, when cheetolini bashes the NFL for taking a knee, for Pence walking out of a game because of "patriotism," yet they have no problem hurting the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their concern is more for a piece of cloth than actual people. That is mind-blowing! Hell, they don't even take care of them while serving, why should it be any different when they're out and trying to transition into civilian life...with no jobs and high rents.
I've seen several excellent videos lately of (ret) Col. Larry Wilkerson. Today I watched a two-part speech he gave at the VFP (Veterans for Peace). It's hard to believe he was in the service when you hear him speak. He does not hold back...on anybody...Trump, Kelly, McMasters, et al. I can link it if interested, or please google it. It was apprx. a 50-minute speech. Well worth the time!
I like the idea of a genuine service to help vets get back into this hellhole, we call reality.
Is reality for people who can't handle drugs?
In life, as in dance, grace glides on blistered feet. ~Alice Abrams