And it's Tommy, 'ows yer soul,
But it's a thin red line of 'eros
When the drums begin to roll.

I suppose I am a little sensitive on this topic. While I don't have any eligible disabilities, barring a future claim for PTSS or some Agent Orange related illness (neither of which I anticipate), I watched my father, a 27-year veteran with service in two wars, get screwed over and over again on his retirement benefits.

I have a favor to ask of each of you. Please, read the entire article. If it makes you as angry as it does me, then write (e-mail) your Representative and Senators. If it doesn't anger you, please do not tell me.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,3682816.story

Marine Cpl. James Dixon was wounded twice in Iraq -- by a roadside bomb and a land mine. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, a concussion, a dislocated hip and hearing loss. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Army Sgt. Lori Meshell shattered a hip and crushed her back and knees while diving for cover during a mortar attack in Iraq. She has undergone a hip replacement and knee reconstruction and needs at least three more surgeries.


In each case, the Pentagon ruled that their disabilities were not combat-related.

Nothing new. DoD has long tried to force disabled veterans onto the VA's budget rather than carry them on Defense rolls.

If a service member is retired on disability by the military, they pay for it. If they can seperate the service member and refer them to the Department of Veterans Affairs and are deemed disabled then those costs are borne by the VA.

This is especially tough on first-termers who may not understand the distinction and then have to go through the VA disability claim process. The Disabled American Veterans is probably the best resource to help in applying for a service-connected disability. The American Legion is also good, but not as focused on claims processing.