Originally Posted by
LowSlowT2
And here's mine: I rant about not knowing what the FAA will do, but please don't take that to mean I don't think you should avail yourself of what you deserve.
Deserve. That's a subjective word when it comes to military service in general, and disability under the VA system specifically. I'm generally very conservative, and tend to agree with your sentiments, however, I will say that I've done some 'extreme' things at the request of my employer when taking Uncle Sam's nickel. I did it with my eyes wide open and fully aware of what my options to decline were and were not. All that said, I'm in favor of anyone who raised their right hand and took a solemn oath to be fully and fairly compensated for actions taken under that oath; aware of what the 'real' options to decline actually were - whether you would've taken those 'risks' on your own or not is somewhat irrelevant (depending).
As for if/when you choose/don't choose to claim disability under the VA system for military related impairments, that is a personal decision and I will not presume to know the circumstances surrounding each and every individual's service, nor make sweeping claims as to their veracity.
I think it's somewhat disingenuous to paint everyone receiving VA disability compensation with a certain brush. I'm not claiming this is your statement, but it certainly comes across that way...
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you also. I had a small statement in there. I should have been more clear. If Uncle Sam asked you for something in your service that disabled you, I feel it should be taken care of by medical benefits. If the disability kept you from making a living after your service then compensation is definitely in order. If, however, you get out and are not financially damaged by potential earnings by your injury, etc. then the taxpayer should pay nothing.
I.E. if I have a 10% hearing loss over a 20 year career, why should I get money? Our whole society is so damn litigious that even when there is no financial damage, people think they get some sort of "pain and suffering". I am specifically talking about flyers in this regard because I know many who have done it. How come they are on flying duty and then the week before they retire, they are disabled?
Then the week after that, they are working flying again. It's called a lie. We've taken many an oath not to be like the rest of society in that regard.
There are many honorable veterans that deserve our money to take care of injuries caused by what we ask of them. Let's not take from that pot with BS claims.
Again, not painting everybody in this light. Just the dirt bags who wake up with a back ache because they are old and want you and I to pay for it.