VETERANS CORNER: The VA awards disabilities from 0 percent to 100 percent

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by Gary Kennedy

First off let me thank all who participated and those who attended the Mason Lodge #53, Sidney, pig roast. Also, a special thanks to the Oakland Mason Lodge for allowing us the use of their lodge to hold the event. Masons are a family of brothers who love and support each other as well as contribute to the well being of those who struggle to get by on a daily basis. The Sidney lodge is in dire need of repair or replacement. We have existed since the 1800s. Time has taken its toll and urges us to build another home. That is easier said than done, and serve the community as we lovingly do. Many great men have sat in the chairs and did what the good book told them to do. Such has been the case sense before the crusades. We are the oldest Service to Mankind Organization in existence.

Contrary to what you may have been told we don’t delve in mystical arts. We seriously believe in a supreme being and try to live up to his expectations. I have been asked several times in different parts of the world, how do you become a Mason? The answer is simple; “to be one ask one”. It’s as simple as that. As you know I am a Mason as well as a veteran and many of my brothers in fraternity are veterans as well. We are always there for one another. As you can imagine, that is a very satisfying feeling.

Now I will try to answer one of this week’s VA questions. Many of you are not using computers. This is an age of computers and most of what you ask can be located with such. However, for those of you who are not computer savvy I will always try to help.

The VA awards disabilities from 0 percent to 100 percent. Although 0 percent may be disappointing at first glance it is not all doom and gloom. A 0 percent rating is referred to as a non-compensable VA rating. The Veterans Administration recognizes you have a service-connected disability but you currently aren’t suffering with the problem enough to warrant monthly compensation. There are benefits with a 0 percent rating such as free medical treatment at the VA, if income requirements are met. You also may have access to free prescriptions required for your condition, if those same financial requirements are met. You also have a higher priority for health care eligibility. Travel reimbursement may be provided. You may be eligible for life insurance through (S-DHI). You can receive a 10 point preferential award for federal employment. Lastly, you should be able to use on-line and in person commissaries and exchanges.

Also, you can file an appeal seeking a higher percentage. Medical evidence is very important of course. Put together everything you can find to support your claim. Deep thought is needed in this case. Don’t let any possible evidence slip by. Some will refer you to a experienced law firm. I, on the other hand, never choose that pathway. Sometimes lay evidence, statement from a family member or friend can turn the tide. Never give up. There is always someone out there who can help you.

If your condition progressively worsens you can file for an increase. We know you have the problem at this point but now it has become a possible established 10 percent or more. This is a very normal occurrence; I have had several such situations in past years. If you have more than one claimed disability and they interfere with your work (employability), VA should automatically award you with 10 percent or more (38C.F.R. 3.324). All good things will come if you are patient and give it a little time. Don’t waste your money on lawyers at this point in time. Later you might need one but now a good advocate should do. B.V.A. (Bureau of Veterans Affairs) has some very good advisers who are there to help you. Visit with a smile and respect and you should make, “a go to friend”. I advise not to go late in the day. I recommend the hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Have your desired goal in writing so you don’t forget any of the important parts and also have any and all support documentation with you and in good order. If you are in need of records, make that your first request. Have your DD214 and VA ID card with you. The more you can do for yourself shows your desire is real. We’ll talk more next time. Thank you and God bless you and yours.

VETERANS CORNER: How do you say “NO”, to a friend?

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by Gary Kennedy

I keep trying to retire but someone always calls me and says, “Gary this is your friend Joe. I know you are retiring but could you do me a favor?” Of course, it’s another veteran with a problem being referred. How do you say “NO”, to a friend? After my family, I love veterans next. When a job is well done for them most are grateful. Their gratitude is worth all that goes into it. A supportive VA is the greatest reward they can receive for their service to our country. Most V.S.O.’s concur with the elation shared by the relationship when they make it all come together.

Unfortunately, every Veterans Administration office has an employee with poor training who gives poor advice or likes to pound on his or her chest and show how great and important they are. In the past, I told you the story of the veteran who came to Togus in search of help and was turned away as it was believed he made too much money. True he was a hard worker. He dug clams and did some carpentry work. He was honest and reported all his income. Later in life he had a family and one of his son’s lost a leg because of military service and the father, the subject of this story, brought him to V.A. Emergency and waited for him in the waiting room. While there, my wife was doing some volunteer work and I was placing copies of this very newspaper in the upstairs waiting rooms. The now elderly gentleman struck up conversation with my wife about his son losing a leg and his having to help his son with transportation. They lived a considerable distance away. My wife asked if he had ever been in the service and he said, “Yes”. She asked if he used any of the VA services and he replied, “No”. He explained he wasn’t eligible as he was told he made too much money. He explained his problems which were all service connected. She had him speak with me and we filed a case and won 100 percent. Of course, he needed to get an ID card and be hooked up with the system. This was a case of 60 years lost. That was because of poor training on the part of VA and/or service officers.

I have had a couple of veterans come to me and complain about an employee’s treatment regarding their visit. I myself usually take my issue to V.B.A. (B.V.A.) on the second floor of bldg. #248. I recommend them. You can also use V.F.W., American Legion, Maine Vets or D.A.V., but personalities sometimes get in the way. I find veterans and their families to be very special and find a way to engage individuals, as they are all different. Sometimes it’s difficult but it can be done. Remember the broken or damaged soldier you see today is not the same as the one of his youth. However, V.A. employees should never holler or be disrespectful to veterans or their spouses.

I have witnessed this type of behavior myself and couldn’t believe their boss would not be aware of these individuals behavior and reprimand this sort of behavior. You don’t argue with a veteran de-escalation of a tense situation should be done tactfully, thus allowing the steam to evaporate. Personalities are complicated things; you can have great knowledge regarding the veterans need but it’s how you deliver it. We are not competing with veterans, we are trying to satisfy their need and that must be done in a professional, non demeaning manner. You need to prevent aggressive or harmful actions. Safety is paramount. Some veterans walk a thin wire. Some people are placed into positions of direct conflict, such as problem solving. Though they know what to do, they just don’t have people skills and shouldn’t be in that position. I blame that on the placement team.

Here at Togus the problem goes a little bit further with the attrition rate. VA Togus has lost some very good doctors for various reasons. Some medical professionals are retiring and happy to have the longevity to be able to do so. Some, even with the benefit of not bearing civilian responsibility like being held liable for mistakes, no need for insurance, still find the environment too high pressure. A few issues ago I mentioned the Peter Principle. Some have succumbed to that trap and just decided to leave. Some of these great men and women professionals would still be here if management had left them in the positions they were hired for.

When forced to work outside ones comfort zone of knowledge one tends to be uncomfortable and in some cases hide. What a loss! Currently there is a hiring freeze and I feel that is because of President Trump’s revamping the government. I must say, I don’t disagree with that but it does carry some unseen negatives with it. Some of us communicate with the powers that be, perhaps they will get the picture and fix it. There are many brilliant medical professionals who would like to immigrate here but that’s not possible currently. Also, I think the allocation of VA money by the Fed, needs to be reviewed when it comes to VA.

For the first time in five years there is work being done to the infrastructure here. However, I believe the wrong places at the wrong time. We are paying outside crews to “patch” our damaged roads but our internal needs are falling in decay. Veterans are passing away without having their medical needs and others satisfied. There are barricades everywhere. It is my honest opinion that at this rate and direction a drastic change will occur in the vet system itself. Putting a bandaid on it won’t suffice what is ailing our system.

Sad to say but outside doctors are becoming fewer and fewer. When you allocate only one-third of what the medical professionals are asking for they are replying, “We can’t even cover our expenses with that amount”. VA knows what I am talking about. It is a secret, although most veterans don’t see or know this. I personally have traveled as much as five hours to be treated. Those in the county travel as much as eight hours, to some destinations. Why?. Because that specialty won’t work for VA rates in Maine. We all need to realize it isn’t because they don’t love veterans, some are veterans themselves. They just can’t afford to take the continual loss.

I have lost a couple of great doctors myself. I think we need to get our new VA Secretary Douglas Collins on board to what’s happening in the system. He’s new perhaps he isn’t really aware. People tend to take the new guy for granted until he wises up to the job around him. I’d like to see transparency regarding the money allocated to VA to the benefit of veterans. After all it’s our money and there to benefit all veterans and their families. VA needs to realize they work for us and have work because of us. We should have some input in how our money is spent.

The hiring freeze is what is killing us currently. All of you can now spread what I have said to those of us in remote areas. We all should be aware of the problem and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Drop a line to: Honorable Douglas A. Collins, Secretary US Department of Veterans Affairs. 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420.

Have a pleasant and safe weekend. God bless you and your family. See you next time.

VETERANS CORNER: DoD needs to inform veterans of benefits owed to them after discharge

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

I still meet Veterans who don’t know if there is any medical help for them and if so, how? I can’t help but shake my head every time I hear this. I have always been of the opinion that the Department of Defense should shoulder the burden of informing the future veteran of everything he or she will need to know before that individual is released from military service. For me it’s such an easy thing to do. Just give some predischarge counseling, with medical records on hand.

When I work with a veteran the first thing I do is take that individual to I.D. for photo and I.D. card. At that point a DD214 is presented by the veteran to VA. This starts the ball rolling, so to speak. Once the necessary information has been exchanged an internal search will begin for a Primary Care contact assigned to that veteran. The Veteran’s Advocate is very important at this point in the veteran’s life. He or she has several avenues in which to begin this journey through the Veterans Administration system. A friend, guide and advisor is a very handy tool in the process as he or she has knowledge and abilities the veteran doesn’t have and is his adviser during the vets search through the system. The advocate knows the way and all the short cuts and required procedures.

At some point in time the veteran and his advisor will discuss the veteran’s result. So, if you are a veteran who has seen some difficult in-service situations you might have some problems medical or emotional. Your new friend and guide will listen to all you have to say and then use the summation to place the information into a meaningful context, fit for VA submission for either guidance or compensation; both are most likely to happen. Over time records will accumulate and be acted upon. Sometimes things are pretty straight forward and the veteran will be awarded a benefit. Sometimes a VA decision has to be appealed in various ways. Your new friend and guide should be well versed in process and how to help you reach a successful outcome. Some situations are more difficult than others and could take a considerable amount of time.

Be patient and try to be as helpful and respectful as you can. Unfortunately, there are times when personalities get in the way and muddy up the water. Sometimes it becomes necessary to find another friend; one you can meet on level ground. Not all advocates are there for you. Some people work entirely for the paycheck. No fault or blame needs to necessarily be placed. There are many organizations out there that are more than happy to aid in your search. It’s nice to have someone by your side that truly cares but that is not always possible. There are some brilliant advocates who can give you a 100 percent but never become the friend and confidant you would like. If the advocate has a different way of doing things and gets the job done; you have been served well.

Being able to see and verbalize a veteran’s problem in and on VA terms is being familiar with the required process and will get you where you’d like to be in a most expeditious manner. It’s great to have a friend, but far greater is you and your families need for timely solutions to your service connected/related needs. Your advocate will start your journey off with VA form 21-526EZ. If you have computer a handy, you can be at great help by pulling up necessary forms and filling them out. Even in the rough, this is of great benefit to your process.

One thing I didn’t mention is if you didn’t hand carry your records from your E.T.S. (exit) station then you and your advocate will address that at (B.V.A.) Bureau of Veterans Affairs. Now, I believe they are going by (V.B.A.) Veterans Benefits Administration. In any case they send your request for records to (NPRC), National Archives and Records Administration, National Personnel Records Center, located in St. Louis Missouri. Although separated the medical records are located in the same facility with your personnel files.

After 62 years of separation from service your records become archived. Most of us are not around to worry about that. You can submit a request online through National Archives Vetrecs system or by completing a standard form 180, (SF-180). You can do a lot for yourself; however, you probably will never replace the experience of your Advocate or V.B.A.; it’s not their charm, it’s their knowledge and experience. Oh, don’t forget to have your Entry and Exit Exam paperwork. For some of us these are important documents. God bless you and yours and don’t forget, never pass a vet in need. We are in this together and persistence is for winners.

VETERANS CORNER: Getting close to the finish line; hoping for others to fill shoes

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by Gary Kennedy

It seems to this writer that the sharing of veteran information is a never ending circle. I have always loved being part of the Veteran Community. However, there are those who don’t see me as an asset to the hundreds, if not more veterans I have helped here and abroad. I have had a great success in over 40-plus years without being on anyone’s payroll. Because of that I have been able to give more than 15 minutes to those brave men and women who served their country with love and dignity. You can always see the pride and respect they wear on their sleeves. Although I don’t receive Christmas cards from most of them, I am proud of my input in their lives and the happiness the positive results is given to them and their families. I have gone all over this country in aiding some veterans as well as aiding other vets living in the islands of the South Pacific.

I am getting close to the finish line myself and am tired of debating my role in my brother and sister vets lives. It is what was created and in my opinion has serviced many with great success. I have been blessed with many friendships of happy families. I hope others will come along with enough knowledge and grit to be part of a life line to veterans who don’t know or have lost their way. When a soldier/sailor is released on other than a dishonorable discharge he or she should be mandated to carry their medical records along with DD214 to the nearest V.A. facility and should be signed into that facility and given an I.D. Card. It shouldn’t matter the condition and their health at that time. The time will most likely come when they will call on their country to serve them as they did for their country. Our armed forces live and die for us. Our precious resources should never be compromised at our borders while our most cherished succumb to their last days on street corners or under the bridge. The dark places in our cities should not be where they call home. Some have tried V.A. and failed and some don’t even realize what V.A. is all about.

So, you end up with a few veterans like me; not to many, but some. Did you know there are veteran advocates who have even slept under the bridge with veterans who have seemed to be on the edge of using the top of the bridge? Yet there are those who choose to play mind games and turn their heads to truth and reality. Forty plus years has shown me a lot. I’ve seen it all and have never accepted money for what I do. The others like me feel the same way. Once material things get in the picture what you do or want to do become compromised. I have never seen or known an advocate who had lots of material things but they have some wonderful stories, sad and happy.

As I stated earlier, much of this could be eliminated if the military would place in their discharge rule book a mandatory visit to their home state Veterans Administration to have their medical records scanned into the system for a current or future need. It should be mandatory discharge procedure. By the time Veterans are seen at the Bureau of Veterans Affairs (B.V.A.) they are for the most part appearing worn and haggard. Even so, the picture was a lot different prior to service. That is the person we should be seeing. Life caused the result and should be respected as such. Judging a veteran is wrong. Know the story, the truth lies in there somewhere. More hurt is shameful and should not be tolerated. Keep the U.S.A. the way the founders intended; the Constitution can explain it all. There are those in this country that want to do away with law and order; no need for our police and military. We can’t allow what our fore fathers built to be destroyed by outside entities. Be fair but be correct. Let’s fix all that has been broken; that begins with U.S.A. Veterans. Send the radicals back where they come from. At the same time let’s keep all that is good for our country.

I have been asked questions that I have addressed before but I tend to be led by my pen. I promise next time I will address the basics again. Many of you have stopped me and asked where my articles were. I promise I will be more faithful. We have had several successful cases as of late and I am very happy about them.

Help every veteran that you find in need. There is always an answer to their problems and places they can go such as V.B.A. at Togus. There are many good team members at Bldg. 248, second floor. There is new management and several new crewmen and women with lots of knowledge. Until next Thursday, God bless and keep you and yours safe from all harm, both foreign and domestic.

VETERANS CORNER: Special monthly compensation

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by Gary Kennedy

Before I give you the negative residuals of last week’s messages let me say I hope you enjoyed a wonderful July 4.

The big issue I wanted to touch on was those asking about Special Monthly Compensation (S.M.C.). It is a specific VA benefit. It was designed to give extra financial support to veterans who require daily Aid & Attendance but don’t necessarily need professional medical home care.

These benefits were given after WWI and WWII. The need became obvious when our men and women came home after giving important years of their lives defending the USA and keeping us safe so that the rest of us could maintain the way of life that we, to this very day love and cherish. Millions gave their lives defending the worth of our country. Other millions shed tears for the loss of those they loved, who made it happen, but didn’t make it home.

You hear veterans and others speak of PTSD that many of our soldiers carry with them daily, as the, memory of war. I on the other hand think about the survivors and their families as victims of PTSD as well. I think you would be hard put to eliminate the loss of a loved one from your mind. I say “that is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well”, so did others; so family benefits came to exist and grow. The G.I. Bill gave us some which has evolved to this very day.

A veteran can be and is a cook in the mess hall as well as a sniper in concealment in the field. You can’t have one without the other. The men and women who serve the greatest nation on earth are equally needed and worthy of as normal a life as humanly possible. We can’t give back what was taken away, youth, love and the joy of those formative years which was never allowed for them. However, there are some things we can do. War can and does take away opportunity. If you don’t understand just take a drive to a VA facility and find a place to park with a good vantage point. Roll your windows down and view your surroundings. Most people you will encounter are limping, using crutches; wheelchairs, scooters and you will observe the occasional ambulance. You will see many with missing limbs or need the use of robotics or motorized vehicles of some sort. You will undoubtedly see the occasional deformed veteran from injuries, such as burns. I would add here some of the greatest, most inventive materials were created because of war and were created here in the USA such as the burn creams invented at Fort Sam Houston’s Medical Research Center. These were great things invented to save lives as a result of war. People who once died from 40% body burns now have a chance at an almost normal life.

Of course, we still have PTSD to deal with which can be a very powerful life altering event. For me this can be the most debilitating affliction of them all as it affect you day and/or night as well as others around you. When you are down you tend to take others with you. Fortunately, Togus VA has a good support group who are always there to help. Don’t go it alone.

You, who are observing, think about what you are witnessing and what that veteran probably went through to become what you see. Even the homeless are lonely, hungry and dream of things that might have been as they sleep under the bridge with a cardboard box for a bed. For me the most important question in all of this is, “what if”? Those that the observer spent hours witnessing needs to interject this question; what if I/He hadn’t gone and done this? What would/could our life be like? I never had the chance to find out. My question just turned into a dream which can be viewed on my favorite television station, P.T.S.D.. Isn’t that pain and suffering worth something? Monetarily speaking, we could be talking about a lot of money. Emotionally we could be talking about success, family, home and just plain old fashion happiness.

I have had some veterans who have gone 60 years because they were denied once upon a time by a poorly trained staff person. Now those veterans are 100 percent because they asked again and got the right answer; a little late but still a win.

There are still women out there having problems with D.I.C.. For me that is the saddest violation of them all. Yes, some widow pensions are a little more difficult than others but there needs to be truthful answers. We have communities that are upset with some answers they are being given. Next week I will try to get the correct answers and share my result with you. Also, we will try and cover some of the ambiguities of the rating system. In closing let me add when your love one passes away your 1st most important conversation, maybe with a medical examiner or coroner. It is important that he knows he is dealing with a disabled service connected veteran when he writes the cause of death. His/her writing may require detail to negate ambiguity as the spouse and/or siblings might be relying on his report for their continued support.

Until next time, God bless and let the truth be your guide.

VETERANS CORNER: Where did the money go for long-term care facility?

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by Gary Kennedy

I’m sure many of you veterans out there are dealing with subjective as well as objective data, when you not only view, but experience the Veterans Administrations, Medical administrative as well as its physical plant. I have spoken with many of you both as fellow vets, friends and as an advocate on issues which affect us in all related ways. When we look at VA those of us who are not new to the physical plant can see changes that have been carved out of an established bastion of safety and well being to, “What’s going on”?

Several years ago funds were allocated to build an extended care facility for veterans. Many veterans were excited about the fact that a possible long term home would become available to them. I guess we all know many vets who have left us since that promise was made. It’s so sad that they never had the chance to enjoy that promised haven. It is wonderful sharing time with those who have served our country.

I do hope the new National Administration takes a good look at where these dollars, which were paid in taxes, went. Then we have the issue of the gym and swimming pool which was built more than a half century ago and used for our veterans. This was not only given for recreational purposes but for physical therapy. It was a wonderful plus to our VA which no other facility had.

Covid reared its ugly head from China it is believed and that gave opportunity for the administration to close those veterans assets down to never reopen, at least not to disabled veterans. That hurt many of us deeply. Of course it is non-veterans who rule the roost. I personally made many objections in many places and in many ways but to no avail. There was a plan in the works forged by the top administration to use the gym, for a small fee for employees only. I guess that was the beginning of the obvious loss of employee population and VA’s new transitional period to the 21st century. The swimming pool became a storage locker for derelict hospital beds and other trash. What a shameful disgrace and slap in the face to our veterans!

Then and now the attrition rate has reached unsustainable proportions. We have lost great doctors from most, if not all departments. The advent of allowing veterans to use outside doctors became the thing. It was meant originally to circumvent the problem we had getting care to veterans located in remote areas. That was a great idea on its face but control was lost and politicians became involved due to the complaints of their constituents. It became a political football with a very short lived life expectancy.

It seems so simple just to avail ourselves to the outside world, to take the slack, thus saving time and money. The one thing they didn’t consider and don’t want you to know is; how do we pay for this? This doesn’t fit on the balance sheet of our true capitalistic way of life. I belong to groups who say, “you don’t want to go near socialism”. In socialistic states you can’t get the financial credit for your work as you can in a federalistic form of government. Republicans and Democrats both realize this but either they really don’t care about you and I or they have an agenda of their own.

So now the quality of care is at an all time low because of employees being overworked and under paid. We all know that most physicians make a considerable salary. The USA average is $372,283 annually. However, a high end orthopedic surgeon can bring home $745,000 and family medicine hone in at around $289,000. The government has rules, if applied, which states, federal employees can’t earn more than the President of the USA.

Don’t take me wrong, VA has many pluses as a career goal but money isn’t one of them. The reason I am discussing Capitalism with you is not political; it is trying to protect the quality of care we use to have. Doctors receiving their first financial statement regarding veteran fees are agast at what the government is paying them to care for our veterans. I personally have already had two doctors refuse to see me anymore because the VA only paid them less than a third of the bill.

One doctor’s manager told me that the service I received was specialty medical and that the government wasn’t realizing that this particular office paid exceptionally high salaries as their employees were all specialists and the amount the VA paid didn’t even cover their expenses. That is a sad truth about millions who are thanked for their service. I do hope the new federal administration will take some hard looks at what lies ahead. This problem at this level begins at administrations door. Now we are hiring some non veteran employees who are very young with no veteran experience. Take a look next time you visit Togus VA. How many do you remember from five years ago? The limitations will continue to grow.

I am getting very tired and time is running out for me.

I pray constantly for all my brother and sister veterans. I am sure there is an answer. I hope this new administration in Washington will listen to we, the least of us because the answers have just begun to show us the obvious and it’s now that the problem can be solved. Talk to us now as you did when you first needed us. We are more than eager to help solve our problems. Don’t let the Peter Principle lodge itself in one of our most needed institutions.

If you would like to share your thoughts privately go to garyek55@gmail.com. God bless and keep you and yours safe.

VETERANS CORNER: Interesting interpretation of this administration’s medical terms

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by Gary Kennedy

The phone has begun to ring. Don’t you just hate to receive those scam calls? Well, I hate those just as much as you do. Is there any way to escape the torment, lack of privacy? If, you have found one please let me know. Unfortunately, I have recently had to do a mind reset as some of the veteran issues have made me check numbers and notes in search of possible neglect on my part. Sometimes I tend to forget to do things, especially things I have promised to do. After 48 years, some issues begin to blur because of repetition. I am forever saying, “Didn’t I already address that”? Then many veteran’s faces appear because there are just so many body parts and issues of the mind.

I have a fantastic example and that is the administration’s interpretations of the medical terms, Radiculopathy and Neuropathy. Webster says they are different words yet there are some who treat them as if they were the same. When you are dealing with veterans these terms reference medical issues.

In some cases these words are in search of medical help and possibly for record compilation in regards to compensation. An example would be, if you are rated 80 percent disabled, 20 percent able then you are obviously in search for not only health benefits but in hopes of acquiring a percentage increase which will elevate your code sheet to 100 percent. Using VA math, this is not as easy to do as it might seem at 80 percent and single, you would be receiving $2,044.89 per month but at 100 percent you would receive $3,831.30.

Shucks, I feel better already. When you start messing around with these two words this example could be a real possibility. There are hundreds of these types of possible problems. It’s not so much what you say but how you say it. This is in my opinion the number one mistake that veterans as well as their advocates make. A secondary problem needs to be attached to the primary problem. The percentages I used were from 2024. They are higher now.

I think a good example here would be, I am applying for PTSD and headaches. I saw this one fail because the emphasis was placed on the new comer, headaches. What this veteran wanted to say was, I have severe headaches due to my PTSD. There is more to this story but basically, you can’t put the carriage before the horse. In the case I previously mentioned, when the case went to case law the two words were defined in an anatomical way, not in generality.

Again, in this case the nerves themselves were at issue so had to be dissected. Neuropathic nerves are peripheral nerves that have been damaged, leading to abnormal function and symptoms. These nerves begin in the brain and flow outside of the spinal column. Where the radicular nerves are spinal nerves that damage from the spinal cord and travel through the lower body causing such mischief as sciatica. So, you have one set of nerves originating from the brain and traveling throughout the body, outside of the spine and the other traveling through the spine and exiting prior to the sacral nerves. Obviously, different nerves for the most part have different functions. At times they may act similarly but should never be assumed to be the same and do the same. Common sense should dictate, different entities probably do different things. They can coexist as two parts of the same topic. I have filed a complaint about this but as of yet have had no reply.

The other thing I wanted to touch on was D.I.C. I received correspondence even while I was overseas that we still had problems with deceased veteran’s wives receiving their Dependents Indemnity Compensation. That for me is a heart breaker and disgraceful. So, those who have this problem are faithful to this news media so we know you are aware that we hear your anxiety loud and clear and we will be working on this, this week. We will definitely get you the answers you deserve. Thank your neighbors for showing such concern for your predicament. We will certainly get this travesty resolved. We signed on to protect the USA and all that it stands for and the USA promised to protect our families should anything happen to US. I for one will do my best to see that our country honors that promise. God bless and sleep well.

VETERANS CORNER: Returning from South Pacific, ready to get back to veterans affairs

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by Gary Kennedy

Well, here we are again. Julie and I have returned from the South Pacific. As most of you know my wife and I are doing humanitarian projects throughout the winter months in an attempt to escape the cold while at the same time helping those in need. We are always looking for books and school supplies. Believe it or not there are those who can’t afford to attend school. Many of these children really want to go and realize it is the only chance they have to obtain the possibility of success.

For many that only means the ability to become gainfully employed. If that happens then the entire family will benefit. Sometimes that means having food every day. In parts of the world things are very slow to change. Some of these children are very bright but need to be introduced to opportunity. There are many of us out there trying to help change the lot of many. However, we are no where enough to make the change needed. It’s not unusual to shed a tear here and there.

Not being able to help everyone can be a heart breaker for the strongest of us. Also, the older you get the more sensitive you become to the plight of the world. It all boils down to supplies and that carries dollar signs with it. The best you can hope for is someone or some company will have things that you could use in the communities you are working in.

Julie and I gave five scholarships this year, two to elementary students and three to high school and college. Hopefully we will be able to continue to do that again next year. Third world scholarships are very inexpensive. The five that we did cost us less than $5,000. We were able to put in clean well water in one community. The well was drilled the old fashioned way and after 36 feet we hit what we needed. A positive impact on another person’s life can be derived in so many ways. I figure Julie and I give about 25 percent of our annual income. You would be surprised how much can be done with only a little you just need to desire improving the lives of others.

If you remember my articles of last year you will remember my asking for 50 Bibles. Well, some things happen in strange ways; not only did I receive some Bibles from some of you but I received a case of 50 Bibles from a military group at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. That showed me that the military seeks peace not just with bullets but by freely sharing God’s word to anyone in the world who’ll accept it. For me, that was a beautiful message. I will speak with them again.

We still have many vets living in other countries especially in the South Pacific. I check in on some of them now and then. For the most part, most are happy and doing OK. They do have a medical facility in Manila, if the need presents itself. I offer my humble abilities as need presents itself. I thank God daily for the success he has allowed me to have benefiting those in need. Sixty years ago I was a boy scout. In those days it was a lot more than earning and displaying badges. We were taught to be humble and to never look down at others; to never see ourselves as better than others. That was taught to be counterproductive to our moral mandate. Time has probably changed in this politically oriented world but the old creed stated, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight”.

If one were to review the oaths of other humanitarian organizations they would find them to be almost the same. Nonsectarian, Nonpartisan is at the head of most. God is perceived in a different way. Mason, Knights of Rizal, Rotarians share much of the same oath. Some use religion as by Sect/type but nonetheless they all believe in God. God is viewed by the acceptance of a supreme being that created the master piece of all that exists along with all wonders including you and I.

We were given superior brains and the power overall things. How we use that power will determine our reward. Going to church, saying your prayer every night is not going to open the door for you. We all know what we must do. That was built into the hardware at the moment of our life. We can’t hide. Also, you can’t wait until the last minute to be your brother’s keeper. We don’t know when our last day will come. I am home now and I will answer the many VA questions I have been asked next week. Don’t forget those who need your help especially our veterans.

God bless and have a good week.

VETERANS CORNER: The difference between Neuropathic and Radiculopathic conditions

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

As I mentioned last time, I would begin to show you some of the comparisons which seem similar in nature but are definitely not the same and it should never be assumed by anyone, especially non-medical employees that they are. I am also very much set in my way when it comes to discussing any and all changes to a veteran’s record with the veteran and the veteran’s medical team. Short of that I believe the veteran’s diagnosis/prognosis are being jeopardized.

There are reasons for having a medical side and an Administrative side when it comes to the evaluation of a veteran’s disabilities. I will use a case of my own here as it is a fairly common deal evaluation and one I have seen many times throughout the years. I recently issued a letter addressing V.B.A. as the recipient, as changes were made to my record which I only recently become aware of. It seemed that it was taken for granted that Neuropathic conditions were the same as Radiculopathic conditions. This is an understandable mistake, but in any case a mistake. It’s not too complicated so I will continue to try to explain. First, I should state that Radiculopathy is often mistaken for Neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. At times it is explained as insects crawling around the surface of the skin. “Basically”, the difference between Radiculopathy and Neuropathy is caused by a pinched nerve in the spinal cord, while Neuropathy is caused by nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. Radiculopathy can be caused by a herniated disc, thickening of the spinal ligaments, spinal infection, benign growth on the spine, and bone spurs in the spine. Your doctor’s involvement is very important here in order to reserve the correct diagnosis and treatment. Lay persons should not become involved with the doctors opinion. In this particular comparison there are several Neuropathies and the same can be said for Radiculopathy. It can be very complicated if you don’t know what you are talking about and a targeted approach to conclusion can become confusing.

Radiculopathy and Neuropathy area both complex and painful disorders. They both have possibility of numerous complications. To understand the difference between things, you need to compare at least two specific items or concepts. John Hopkins has spent much time on this subject and it can become very complicated if you embrace all the approaches they use in order to find exact, particular solutions. We lay persons need to stick with the basics and find general solutions. Our problem here is to determine if the two situations can exist together. The doctors will figure out the particulars.

The reason for this article is to establish that Neuropathy and Radiculopathy are separate and distinct unto themselves. According to Cleveland Clinic as well as Mayo Clinic, it is very possible to have both Radiculopathy and Neuropathy. (Ex. One case involved a patient with L-5 radiculopathy and peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy). Radiculopathy deals with damage to the nerves associated with the spine, Peripheral Neuropathy is damage to the secondary nerves located at the peripheral of the body. Remember, Neuropathy occurs outside the brain and spinal cords. Also, abnormal sweating, heat intolerance, problems with blood pressure, swallowing, bowel & bladder problems as well as sexual dysfunction are neuropathic in nature. Radicular is inflammation of the root of a “spinal” nerve such as the sciatic nerve, to name one. The clue is, it comes from the spine, not outside. So, if you are exploring your medical records and you have applied for sciatic conditions and also bowel/bladder problems you can see that neurogenic and radicular can and will both be used regarding the nerve involvement.

You always need to be vigilant when it comes to how your records are being interpreted and handled. You could be in the losing end of the stick. If you don’t understand something placed or taken from your record, don’t let it go without an answer or you will always have doubt. Also, you don’t want to be on the losing end of a situation when it could cost you not only financially but medically. You are your own best advocate when it comes to your healthcare. So, in this particular example you are dealing with Neuropathic which are nerves that (Peripheral Neuropathy is shortened to Neuropathy) run from outside of the spine down and radiculapatic which is referred to as pinched nerves, damage to nerve roots in the area where they leave the spine. (Commonly referred to as Sciatica). Just remember there is an absolute difference between Neuropathy and Radiculopathy, two entirely different words.

I hope your holidays were great and you remembered those with less. God bless.

VETERANS CORNER: There will always be a sense which is maintained by the veteran

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by Gary Kennedy

Good day to my fellow veterans and all of you who read and contribute to these articles of importance which support and clarify issues of relevance in the veteran’s life and well being. It can be a long and testy road from active military force overseeing all that we know and love to veteran. The uniform comes off but that which has been instilled in the minds of all those who served will remain always. There will always be a sense which is maintained by the veteran which will never be known by those who never served their country through the military. Veterans just seem to have a special sense when it comes to the stressors facing our country. They have a keen sense of danger when it comes to their homeland and all things that they love that reside within its borders. How many countries in the world have the second amendment? For veterans there is a feeling of security knowing we are able to protect that which we love. Unfortunately, not all in our system feels as most of us do.

I have worked beside veterans for most of my life and become very upset when I see veterans being abused in any way, shape or form. Not all veterans are in line for sainthood but all deserve the truth and a fair shake. Veterans depend on the VA system to protect them and express their problems to said entity to carry the ball for them. When the ball is dropped it needs to be picked back up and carried to the finish line in the most honorable fashion possible. Honor is one of the most elaborated on subjects carried into the battle field.

It is also insisted upon in all we say and do. If you aren’t sure of something then you should handle it as something of an unknown or I need more clarity. Here is where procedure comes into play. You’ve heard the expression “by the book”, this is a point in time when this rule must be adhered to. To exaggerate a situation, to hurt someone or to demean someone is a serious attack on humanity. Gossip, hearsay, insinuation are just a few words under the umbrella of baring false witness, which is an offense in my opinion beyond most. These things can be brought about in different ways.

Lately, I have been addressing this sort of issue with other veterans. As most of us are aware time is the precursor of change and this can be an event of rapidity or a slow change in world events and attitudes. Along with this comes language changes and social changes. This evolution is not necessarily good or bad. However, the impact can be great on certain communities and societies. Veterans are a very large group of individuals who think largely in the past and sometimes take a little more time to catch up with today’s requirements.

Even the brightest most progressive of us can find we aren’t or haven’t caught up with the changes being mandated by current society so in our panic we search out the aid and advice of those trained in the manner in which societal change can be coped with.

On the other hand those mandating these changes should realize that problems can arise because of habits established over time. So, if the societal push is on a vulnerable group in society, patients and real understanding becomes very necessary. Situations can become confused and serious negatives can be drawn from events not deserving of such. Without proper training serious harm can be extrapolated from another wise innocent situation. This can be the case with face to face communication or even in the handling of documentation. Unfortunately, there is also the possibility of the intentional infliction of harm on another.

Next time I will show you a problem I and others have run into recently involving the handling of veteran’s records. Veterans should always be vigilant when it comes to their records. Veterans should always read them carefully, more than once and make sure you understand what has been placed before you. Your future well being may indeed depend on it. If you don’t understand any part of your record take it to your Veteran’s Service Officer and ask for clarity. I will explain more next time.