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I am aware of American Legion's help and have met local VSO ... and they are nice & very kind but only helpful in very limited fashion.
I know their level of service is beneficial to 90%+ of Vets ... but I have circumstances that are probably beyond their capability.
I have Parkinson's, Heart health, TBI, PTS, Orthopedic, Thyroid, etc ... all likely related to LeJeuene and/or Agent Orange.
Of my immediate family (siblings, parents, children) ... 11 out of 14 of us have VERY unusal medical conditions like:
The 3 that are healthy are my wife (obviously not same genetics) - my father who was KIA in Vietnam (we assume he was in good health otherwise but do not know) and my son currently serving in the Corps
My service records were ... well, on an open forum I'll only state that they are/were not accessible through traditional Archives DD214 requests.
Thankfully, I have some friends still working at HQ USMC and they were able to piece together some from unit diaries. Enough to satisfy the VA (I pray) and the like.
I have not/would not apply for 3+ decades because:
However, I have come to the conclusion that my health will become an ever increasing burden to my Family and my ability to make any economic contribution is dwindeling.
Again, not on an open forum, but my Parkinson's has always helped me make wise financial decisions.
My primary concern is for my wife & our son with Down syndrome long term financial security.
Apologies if this long winded. I do not know the etiquette on these forums as I have never posted here (despite being a member for 30+ years)
THUS, My question to the forums is:
Is there anyone out there that specializes, as a professional, on helping me/us apply for and receive benefits?
I need a dedicated advocate that is honorable, highly competent and willing to go the extra mile for a case/situation/client that is 'not traditional'
It is a very difficult thing to admit - but I no longer possess the energy, focus, and stamina to prosecute this as I once did.
Thank you for reading this, and
God speed!
Been Helped! View Most Helpful
No, that's why I included the disclaimer "not an expert". But I recently left active duty and am going through the process myself, so I understand how frustrating it can be.
I'm not an expert, but I imagine it would be difficult to get benefits without something showing characerization of discharge. Even if you had documents to prove that you were in the service, without a DD214 there's no proof you're actually eligible.
Thank you ... I DO HAVE that documentation now. Sorry if I was not clear.
What I meant was going on to US Archives would not yield that result. BUT I now have them in hand (took almost a year to get)
So, to be very very clear:
I do have my honorable discharge papers, readmit code 1, and they state I was discharged for disability.
Oh, well that's good. So if you have a discharge for disibility why are you having trouble getting benefits?
Jesse, thank you so very much for replying and seeking to help.
My trouble is more me & my ability to do the work.
The VSO wants to submit 'fully developed claims.' I'm glad to know that exists. AND, as someone with Parkinson's, sitting down and going through the 3 or 4 foot stack of my medical records is very daunting.
Completing paperwork, itself, is daunting. My mind simply does not comrehened "forms" well or easily.
I also have difficulty keeping track of what needs to be done & when. I have a very poor sense of time now and regretfully am not good at recalling appointments, due dates and such.
So, Jesse, the issue is me.
My wife works 12+ hour days as a Head Nurse.
My children (save son with Down syndrome) are up & out.
I believe this will be a long, and for me, frustrating process without help to complete, follow up on all the paperwork required. Furthermore, I do not know the rules, the proces, what is available, etc - what younger people call 'life hacks'
I hope this clarifies the situation.
My mental & physical health will make this process difficult and I am looking for a professional that can help me.
Again, thank you for your interest and willingness to help and comment Jesse.
God speed.
I forgot to ask Jesse: ... are you a professional (VA approved Lawyer or Agent) that could help?
No, that's why I included the disclaimer "not an expert". But I recently left active duty and am going through the process myself, so I understand how frustrating it can be.