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ROBERTLYN-SCHULTZ
Always looking for adventure
Articles Posted: 110; Links Seeded: 38
Member Since: 7/2008Last Seen: 11/28/2009
Member Since: 7/2008Last Seen: 11/28/2009
25 Comments
PrintWhy I'm done with the VA (Kind Of)
News Type: Other — Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:55 PM EDT
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I have made a decision today about my further treatment at my local VA health clinic. I will no longer make or keep appointments relating to Anger Management or Authority Issues, because I feel that my input relating to tools that would allow me to deal with stressors have been dismissed out of hand, and the cursory psychiatric evaluation preformed by a VA psychiatrist and my eventual placement with a "counselor" has been interesting but I believe has run its course. The main reason I have come to this decision is I have a serious problem with authority in general and doctors are the ultimate authority I am having trouble dealing with currently. I get very frustrated when I ask for permission from the "chain of command" only to be slapped down by that same chain ( just goes to prove the old adage "Better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission."); I will use this most recent example to illustrate my frustration:
During the second to last session with my counselor I asked about the procedure to get a doctor's recommendation for a companion dog, because when I am with my dogs I have never lost my temper and my attitude toward my fellow man is elevated for some reason. She said she would look into it for me.
The last session she told me that the staff psychologist had never heard of that application of a companion animal, and besides the only companion animal recommendations he's heard about were for blind veterans.
Now I am not saying that the doctor had to give up a recommendation just because I requested one however, I would think that he would have talked to me about it, or hell maybe do some research about the therapeutic benefits of animal and human contact/bonding. I guess that having a professional lower himself to do some reading on a subject he obviously has little experience in is asking to much.
I will no longer jump through anymore hoops trying to get my disability status finalized. This is by far the most convoluted "system' I have ever encountered, and to put the onerous task of tracking down and requesting medical records and service records on the veteran is ridiculous. The determining board should have the capability to pull those records faster and hopefully more completely than a veteran sitting at home writing to various departments and dropping envelopes in the mail.
I don't want government money, and the only reason I started the process was at the behest of my Veterans Outreach case worker. I have no desire to be on any form of assistance, and the thought of fighting for something I am ambivalent about seems to be a giant waste of my time regardless of the eventual outcome.
I have no complaint with the physical health treatment I've received so far and will not turn up my nose at my physician or his treatment of my person, but no more head work for Robbie.
The only thing that nags the back corner of my mind is the competence of the psychologist's determination that "You're not crazy, if you wanted me to tell you that, sorry". I have to think that his conclusion may have been based on economic considerations and not a true read on my personality. I am confident that even if I'm a little "off" I am in control… mostly.
I thank you for reading this little rant.
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- Groups: Open Minded, Pets that are more than pets., Psych, Soc, Philos, Reigning Cats & Dogs , The Winter Soldiers, Veterans & Friends, VETERANS' RIGHTS AND AFFAIRS
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- The Winter Soldiers
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- VETERANS' RIGHTS AND AFFAIRS
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{"commentId":2931564,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
I have been going back and forth about the benefits of publishing this piece for the better part of a month, and I hope if you read this Beth that you do not take this article as a slam to your work counselling me, because you have been great, your bosses on the other hand...
{"commentId":2931564,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
- 3 votes
#1 - Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:05 PM EDT{"commentId":2931760,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
Robert, I can't speak to most of this article but the part about a companion dog sounds very reasonable to me. Yes I think the doctor should have done a little research on it. He would have found all sorts of information about how much they can help.
{"commentId":2931760,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
- 3 votes
#2 - Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:32 PM EDT{"commentId":2931937,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2931912,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}
Hi, Robert. Thanks for the friend request. I'm sorry to hear of your hassles w/ the VA psych jockeys over something as beneficial as a therapeutic canine companion. How dare they, ya know? A valid rebuttal from you would've been, "You're crazy if you think I'll take 'no' for an answer. Goodbye!"
Hang in there, guy. My gut instincts tell me there's a fantastic furry buddy in your future. If you don't believe, then for now at least believe that I believe. It's going to happen. Somehow.
{"commentId":2931912,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}
- 4 votes
#3 - Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:51 PM EDT{"commentId":2932033,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2932825,"authorDomain":"alkimija"}
My ex was disabled (lost an arm). The government actually asked him to prove - every year - that his disability was permanent. Did they think it was actually going to grow back, or what?
I can sympathize with the frustration and depression that the government inflicts upon people validly seeking compensation and aid for their disability. They do it to you in the hopes that they will drive you away.
It's heartbreaking and more than once I went on an angry tirade about what heartless, soul-eating monsters a person had to be to work the sort of job where they'd screw the disabled on behalf of the government - right to their faces.
I understand why you want to put it behind you. I've seen someone walk a very similar and painful path in the past.
{"commentId":2932825,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"alkimija"}
- 3 votes
#4 - Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:55 AM EDT{"commentId":2932959,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2933876,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
OK all,
I'm still awake and not a bit sleepy, I knew when I posted this I would be steamed for a while, oh well. I have an article from The Psychiatric Times called Therapeutic Aspects of the Human-Companion Animal Interaction. All the Doctor had to do was a little googling and there it is, ridiculous.
{"commentId":2933876,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
- 2 votes
#5 - Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:44 AM EDT{"commentId":2935122,"authorDomain":"ElliePhat"}
Robert,
So sorry for your struggles with the VA. My dad is in the system (Korea/Vietnam) now. As you say, there are many good, caring doctors and nurses there, but still much frustration. The private HC system is headed the same way. God forbid the government should take over the entire system!
Lean on those puppies. I know my own mental health would suffer were it not for my beloved lab. I totally feel your situation, man.
You have my best thoughts and prayers.
{"commentId":2935122,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"ElliePhat"}
- 2 votes
#6 - Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:58 AM EDT{"commentId":2939339,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2963465,"authorDomain":"jodye"}
I'm amazed at the number of stories I've seen about the various problems with the VA system. I think it's ridiculous for our vets to be forced to go through the red tape runaround that they do. I've got a real problem with the stories like yours that are in simple terms bs on the part of the doctors. It don't take but a couple of minutes for them to fill out a piece of paper and even if they don't know if there's a benefit, what's the harm in allowing you to have the pup with you on a bus. And things like alkimija pointed out really burns me.
I've started a little private crusade of my own on some of this and am trying to get a couple of senators involved in eliminating some of the stupid stuff at the VA. I know that medically they do help a lot of our vets but the paperwork and delays are unacceptable. Our veterans deserve the best care that this country can provide, and in it's current form the VA system is failing badly in its mission.
{"commentId":2963465,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"jodye"}
- 3 votes
#7 - Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:21 PM EDT{"commentId":2963709,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2973649,"authorDomain":"hoodie-81"}
try getting a hold of your congressman/woman. i know here, they put forward their best effort to try to help us out. maybe they can help you get something done.
sometimes you just have to keep pushing through to get what you want. just think, if you did, you could set the pace for someone else seeking the same.
don't give up even if you think you have lost...sometimes we lose the battle but win the war. i know it's hard, but keep it up and you may just benefit. no one wins by quitting.
i know someone who trudged through for 10 years and got what they needed from the VA.
good luck!
{"commentId":2973649,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"hoodie-81"}
- 3 votes
#8 - Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:07 PM EDT{"commentId":2975549,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2980496,"authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
Dear Robertlyn, I can identify with you. I am a retired employee of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. I am also a Navy veteran. For (26) years I represented my fellow employees as a union official and or "designated representative". I think it rude that your practitioner used the word "crazy". I am sorry that you are struggling. I know you said that you do not want compensation,but if you are entitled to it,which I believe you are,you should not feel guilty about receiving it. You put your life on the line for this country. If I can help I will. The V.A. has a great deal of room for improvement. Please don't give up the ship. Maybe in the upcoming election the VA System will be reformed. Ask for assistance from the Disabled American Veterans or a similar group. They will be able to navigate the system with minimal effortt on your part. I will pray for you. Contacting your Senator and Congressman was and is a great suggestion.
{"commentId":2980496,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
- 3 votes
#9 - Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:44 PM EDT{"commentId":2981514,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":2983085,"authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
I'm just Bob. No "sir" necessary. I'm glad I came across your plight and could advise you,Robertlyn. Mahalo and Aloha.
{"commentId":2983085,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
- 3 votes
#10 - Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:13 AM EDT{"commentId":2983271,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":3031215,"authorDomain":"scott-albright"}
Stick with it Rob. I just received 75% disability for PTSD and it sure feels good to know I have some extra cash if I lose my job. It's also nice to finally have enough to pay the bills. Sorry your struggling witht the VA so much and I'm not telling you to keep trying to get something you don't want. I'm just saying it's nice to have when it does come through. I know I don't feel crazy, but the war screwed me up a bit. I know veterans who were physically wounded pretty badly who receive very little in compensation and it makes me feel bad that I'm getting money they deserve more, but I do need the assistance right now. Just follow your heart, but stay strong.
Do you mind if I post some of what you wrote on my blog? Check it out at iraqwarvets.blogspot.com. I'm going to put a link to this page from there.
{"commentId":3031215,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"scott-albright"}
- 2 votes
#11 - Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:47 PM EDT{"commentId":3031806,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}
{"commentId":3037652,"authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
Never feel guilty for compensation that you receive from the VA. You are entitled to it,it's yours.Truth is that psychiatric wounds can be just as traumatic ,or more so, as physical injuries. I represented an individual who has P.T.S.D, previously known as battle fatigue and shell shock. This man had (3) purple hearts. I worked for the DVA for (26) years and am now retired. Just because others aren't getting their just due ( physically injured vets with major injuries) does not mean that you are receiving compensation that you do not deserve. It just means that the VA is shortchanging them.
{"commentId":3037652,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3040428,"authorDomain":"scott-albright"}
Now if I can only get the VA to pay for marriage counseling. . . Any thoughts?
{"commentId":3040428,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"scott-albright"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3053035,"authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
Many veterans get married while in the service. The Government has family services that can be accessed. Seems to me that marital problems that are caused by a serviceman or servicewoman's service are in the province of the VA to address. Many service men or women ,not necessarily married while in service,never-the-less can seek assistance from their local VA regional Office and/or Medical center. These issues are decided on an individual basis and pursuant to VA Compensation regulations. There has been increasing pressure on the VA to adress emotional problems of veterans.Since,Scott,you have PTSD,you should be covered for such counseling.
{"commentId":3053035,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3056574,"authorDomain":"scott-albright"}
I'll check it out. Thanks.
{"commentId":3056574,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"scott-albright"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3071565,"authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
Scott,You are most welcome.
{"commentId":3071565,"threadId":"358009","contentId":"1866918","authorDomain":"RobertLaity"}
- 2 votes
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