Still Fighting the System After all These Years

Since I retired in 2004 I have been fighting the Veterans Administration (VA) over issues brought on by the abuse my body took after 20 years in the Air Force. One of the biggest mistakes I made was not complaining about physical issue while in the military. Like most military members I was shamed and guilted into not complain about any medical issues, and ridiculed if I did not press on unless the issue was life threatening. I rarely went to sick call or the doctor. When I did seek medical treatment, it was for colds and viruses, seldom for aches and pains from abuse my body was taking. When I did go to the doctor for aches and pains I was given “Air Force candy”, Motrin. I knew the treatment so I did not go, I went to the Base Exchange and got my own Motrin. When I reached my 30’s the physical abuse of my body started catching up with me. I still didn’t complain and pressed on like a good Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).

When I retired I remember telling my wife, I’ve got to quit being a truck mechanic. I could not continue to bend wrenches and jump off the back of trucks like I used to, it was too hard on my body and the pains were catching up with me. I decided to go back to school so I could get a desk job and stop abusing my body the way I had for 20 years. About a year and a half after I retired, I struggled to walk without severe pain. I was surprised when I was told by the doctor I needed surgery on both knees, I did not think they were that bad. As I get older I find myself falling apart with a lot of medical issues including aches and pains that I believe are directly relate to the abuse my body took while in the Air Force.

After receiving another denial letter from the VA for issues I am suffering, I spent an entire day going through my military medical records looking for evidence to support my claim. I did find some evidence but not enough to show a chronic issue. There was little in there because we were shamed and guilted into not complaining. If I couldn’t do PT, my job, deploy, or whatever it took to get the job done I would be considered weak and dispensable, so I didn’t complain about my twisted ankles, hurting knees, back, shoulders, and any other joints that I have been abusing for years, I just “walked it off” like a good troop. Of course, there’s not much documentation of my issues in my official medical records, I didn’t complain, I continued to do my work through the pain, thus causing more damage.

There comes a point in time to where common sense needs to prevail with the VA compensation section. Almost everyone who has spent time in the military knows that they’re probably going to be physical issues stemming from the abuse their bodies took while serving their country. Carrying 100-pound rucksack, working on equipment, jumping off trucks, tanks, Bradley’s, or whatever plays hell on ankles, knees, back, hips, and shoulders. There is also little doubt that we have a higher probability of developing hearing issues. Most equipment, weapons, explosions, aircraft, and various other loud noises create a high decibel level which can cause prolong hearing loss.

After continuing to fight the system I understand why people give up, it looks to me like the system is rigged. You can’t be awarded a claim because you didn’t complain, you were told to “shut up and color” or considered weak if your body couldn’t take the abuse while serving. I understand there are those who abuse the system, and they should be weeded out. But I also know that if I hadn’t served 20 years in the military I would not be having the body aches and pains I presently have. My body took abuse for 20 years and I could not complain, this has put me in the position I’m in now, no evidence. I have decided I am going to fight the VA until the day I die, if for no other reason, principle. For those of you out there who feel the same way I do, all I can say is don’t give up. Be a good troop and press on.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at bo@afterdutyvets.com or visit our website at afterdutyvets.com.