Veterans Question

[Hunt NXS]

For those of you whom are Vets and have been through the process, I need some help...

After training in the Marines, I hurt my back,,, and bad. (log drills) It has gotten progressively worse over the years. I've not been able to golf for MANY years and it looks as if bowhunting might be next. Spending quality time with my kids is getting much worse. They are upset that Daddy never feels like doing anything, this scares me. I'm barely able to get to work, and get any work done due to the pain. My psychological state is not good, the pain is bad. I've been taking pain meds for years, but to no avail, much worse now.

My question is should I get an attorney to work on this or go it alone. I dont want to waste years on this so thats why i'm thinking of hiring an attorney to get it done in one fail swoop.

Thanks guys,

Ben

[Punkin]

Was it put into your medical records before you were discharged and do you have copy? If not then yes get an attorney. If yes then contact the VA and see what they say.

[Spoken0313]

Are you looking for disability through the VA? Im a Marine Vet shoot me a pm

[41Chevy]

Were you hurt during active duty? Is it documented? Contact your local VA office first.

[Blood Trail]

Tuff call. Good luck. My wife jacked her knee up while playing on the Marine Corps Softball team, had surgey while in service, and it's never been the same. She's got sick call after sick call documented in her service record, but she keeps getting denied by the VA.

[Hunt NXS]

Dont know if its documented, waiting on my records.

While they were doing a MRI they noticed that I only had one Kidney, reason for discharge, not the back. Back has never been the same however. I was so Gung Ho it was ridiculous. Now that I'm older, its really hurting. I have not hunted in over a year. Getting off the couch is hard enough.

[runnin2live]

Are you in an area that has a VA hospital. You still have benefits. Get ahold of them and get your card with VA. If you are out of the VA area, there are doctors covered by VA. Good luck

[bowhuntntxn]

What is the point of getting an attorney? Have you contacted the VA to see what they can do for you? IMO I would try that route first.

[Hunt NXS]

The point of having an attorney is having someone that knows the ropes, advice, thats all. the area of my back is thorasic, (upper Mid) where they supposedly will NOT operate. I had one surgeon that wanted to open me up two days after I met with him.... This was 10 years ago. He was amazed that I was even functioning.

I miss being able to funtion and enjoy my family. I miss hunting. Golf was a passion, but I realize that is over.

[digdug6496]

I'm a marine vet. I have a buddy that was hurt in the marines and he got an attorney and it got done much quicker for him...

[Hunt NXS]

Digdug, thats exactly why... thanks

[Buck Down]

If everything is documented in the medical record you should be good. Unless your trying to get a certain percentage and I would go ahead and get attorney. Im in the same boat I have a bad back and other injuries. The first time I went to the Va did all my test and a year later they told me Im 60 percent. A few years later my back and a few other problems started to get worst, went back and got 70 percent. Then this last time its been about four years and they rated me 90 percent. As long as everything is documented in your record. You should be ok. Good luck. Feel free to PM me anytime.

[DJM]

You don't need an attorney.Contact your local DAV or VFW.These veterans organizations exist solely to help veterans.Their service officers can help you with the VA process.I am a disabled Army vet and feel your pain brother.

DJ

[White Falcon]

Good Luck!