disabled

Here is a link to The Military Veterans PTSD Reference Manual, by MSG. I. S. Parrish, USA Retired, www.ptsdmanual.com

Here is a link to the VA's response to the 20/20 PTSD/Veteran Segment of 24 NOV 99: http://www.va.gov/Pressrel/stmtjt.htm

Posted: 11 OCT 03:

Nearly fourty years after my service I am still crying. Higher Ranking and older WACS took me through a course of disgrace and mental breakdown, in other words sexual abuse. I don't blame the Army only myself and the other women. Today I am only six years sober and still very broken. I have just began to file for benefits. If It doesn't get approved I can still say I tried. I was forced out of the Army in soul sick, physically sick pain and the shrinks said there was nothing wrong with me. I have sought my treatment through county help and I am waking up to a lot that happened to me. I have not talked about this to even those that could help until now. Does anyone owe me anything? I think so.

Note: You may contact the submittor through the Webmaster.

Posted: 25 JUN 03: Homeless Women Veterans

There is a subject that is near and dear to my heart, and that is the subject of homelessness. I am a USAF veteran and I work for Southwest Behavioral Health Veterans Homeless Program. I see on a fairly regular basis females (myself included) who are homeless. Most of our clients are trying to recover from issues of addictions, mental illness. What I see is females less likely to seek help, or become narcotic dependent, or just are not listened to as well at our VA's. When a female comes in with a situation, there are few resources, doctors are less apt to listen to a female (in my opinion) when such symptoms of PTSD come up. Usually they are diagnosed as Bipolar and treated for depression. Unfortunately many of us do have issues that may not be war related as you well know, but we do suffer just as much as men with PTSD for reasons not related to war, but when it comes to treatment in our VA's we are looked upon as an unknown disease. I see female veterans not as willing to seek help and as a result many live in emotional pain, addictions and with the thought that it's a mans world why bother.

Just a few words from a sister.....Betty

Posted: 24 JUN 03:

We're beginning a new support group here in Portland, Oregon. It's for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia & Gulf War Syndrome.

If interested, please contact me.

Roberta Sesso

Portland, Oregon

RobbieSesso@netzero.net

Posted: 24 Jun 03:

Hi, All!

I'm a Navy veteran disabled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia & Osteoarthritis. I've got a claim going now; the symptoms started 6 months after boot camp.

Glad to hear from anyone who'd like to pass on advice about the C&P game!

Roberta Sesso

Portland, Oregon
RobbieSesso@netzero.net

Posted: 24 APR 03:

This is my first time in the site. My heart breaks when I read what is happening to so many female veterans. My mind is filled with anger and I encourage you not to give up. We receive training in the military, remember what you learned, use your training and learn how to deal with the system.

Having said that, I had issues during a C&P exam at the Baltimore, VA Hospital and filed a complaint. As a result of the complaint an investigator called me and she is seeking information from female veterans. She might be looking only for Maryland, but she might offer alternatives for other states.

Here is her email to me. Also, there is a site, www.hadit.com that is filled with information to support veterans and there are lots of people with a helping hand. Check them out.
---------------

...below are my office phone number and VA e-mail address. Please feel free to pass this information along to other female veterans who have experienced similar issues while receiving care at the VAMHCS.

Linda Kalb, Risk Manager
410-605-7624
LINDA.KALB@med.va.gov

Posted: 30 Aug 02: PTSD Appeals

I am an Air Force, Vietnam Era Vet who suffers from PTSD due to sexual assault. I have filed a claim for service connected but was denied. I am

now filing an appeal and need all the help I can get. If there is anyone out there who has any information to share, I would be extremely grateful.

I have been to the Women's Trauma Recovery Center at the National Center for PTSD in Menlo Park, CA. The only way anyone can get accepted into the program is to have been diagnosed with PTSD due to sexual trauma. However, the C&P Review board doctor is now disagreeing with the findings of the VA's Nationa Center for PTSD and has denied my claim. This doctor was also very sexist and filed a false statement with the Regional office.

If you have any information on how I can fight this, please let me know. I cannot work due to my PTSD and am about to lose everything. Please help. You can email me at gurucaddrw@aol.com

Thank you!

Posted: 16 Nov 01

I am a disabled vet of the U. S. Air Force and am currently 100%. The question I pose to all of you is, have any of you woman served at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming doing missile security duty? The reason I ask is myself and 2 of my friends, all entered the service completely healthy, never being sick a day in our lives. Not until we reported to our first duty station did we begin to encounter problems. I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis, and polycystic ovaries. My 2 friends kept having abnormal paps, and one was pre cancerous. We just thought it was odd, since we had never been sick. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Please let me know. You can e mail me at CGwfe@aol.com Thanks. Jenn

Posted: 30 Aug 01: "Notes from A Retired Army SFC

I am a retired SFC with 19 years of active duty and 23 years of combined USAR, ARNG, and regular service. I am also 50% disabled for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which I developed as a result of a rape that I endured at my place of duty as a Army National Guard Recruiter. My perpetrator was a co-worker, a "technician", who was (is) married, white, father of two soldiers in the same National Guard unit at which my office was located, an E-5 at the time, ( I was an E-7 then,) and a drunk. He was also about 48 years old at the time and I was 34. He also gave me genital herpes and I've suffered major depression as a result of the whole ordeal. Before the rape, I was a top recruiter and had received many awards for over-production. After the rape, I couldn't recruit anymore. I had to sell my home and transfer across the state to be able to go to work every day. Of course, I didn't charge him with rape, because there were no witnesses and I knew that I didn't have evidence, proof, or a chance. I felt that bringing charges on him would end my career as a recruiter and I was so close to retirement. The tactic he used to ensure my silence was to tell me that if I told anyone about the rape, that he would charge me with sexually harassing his wife and that I would be investigated for being a lesbian. It was more than I could handle at the time. Fortunately, I was offered early retirement in 1999 and was able to take it. I am now pursuing a certificate from my community college in travel and tourism. The Voc-Rehab. Program is paying for my tuition and I get a $433./month stipend. My pension is $1200./month take home, which qualifies me for Section 8 housing. I live in a YWCA sponsored apartment, which is safer because there are no men living there. To think that at one time, I lived in my dream home and had the world by the tail! I could never have imagined that all this would happen to me. To every woman out there who has suffered as a result of harassment in the US military, my prayers go out to you and I encourage you to claim disability through the VA. I didn't have to prove anything about the rape to them, just visit VA mental health professionals who verified my PTSD. Oh yes, the VA also pays for my Prozac (anti-depressant) and acyclovir ( suppression therapy for herpes.) This ordeal also made me realize that homosexuals can be targeted for rape while in a military that doesn't allow homosexuals; and that rapists have an easy blackmail threat to them. Personally, I would rather serve with homosexuals than rapists. I still love the Army and don't judge all men by the actions of one. I don't regret having served in the Army at all. Just don't take any place for granted and realize that you can't be safe 100% of the time anywhere. If you would like to write to me, my address is : supershawne7@hotmail.com

Posted: 7 Jun 01: "Scoleosis (Curvature of the Spine)

I need help regarding a claim that I am trying to file for SC. I have Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine), this was not detected on either the entrance or exit exam from the military. This back condition was detected at my first C&P exam a few months after discharge. When I did try and file a claim, I was denied do to the fact that this is considered a "birth defect". I now have extreme back pain and live on medications to help. During the '80's when I was in, you had to be dead or dying before they would grant you permission to seek treatment, or they harassed you and made you feel as if you were weak. Does anyone have any idea's on how I can be granted SC for this? There is NO medical evidence that I had any back problems while in the military. Thanks in advance for your help. email:sdkaylynn2000@yahoo.com

Posted: 7 Jun 01: "Have I Got A Story For You"

I enlisted in thee Navy in Oct 1996. Upon entering boot camp, on Oct 28, 1996, at the age of 29,I was excited at the prospect of supporting my family while serving my country. On November 5,th of 96, I was in for routine injections of Bicillan into the hip to cure STDs (a precautionary measure now taken for about seven years). I was prepared and relaxed, being premed in college and at one point wanting to be a doctor, this was nothing new to me. As I relaxed and leaned on the table for support, I felt the Corpsman swab the intended area and then she struck me in an entirely different area. This was an 18 gauge needle, as the serum is very thick and soluble only in a water based environment such as fat cells. I immediately felt tingling from the top of my head to the tip of my toes, and knew that she had hit the Sciatic nerve or one of it's branches. I had asked if I should be feeling this way and was rushed to an observation room for fear ! of allergic reaction. I explained that I have never been allergic to penicillin and that this was a different sensation all together.

Well, Five doctors later and three divisions later (due to abuse I sustained from my first company commanders for being LIMDU and then not being able to keep up with my second unit), three months of boot camp and two months of physical therapy, I was lucky enough to lie my way through to A school and move on. The fifth doctor was a physical therapist who looked at the notes in my record and realized I wasn't "unconditioned" or "malingering" and saw the injury for what it was. I had been hit in the sciatic nerve, the serum injected and permanent damage done. He knew I would lie my way through to get to my PRT and pass the physical requirements if challenged, as did my physical therapist administering my treatment. I went to my MOM and POP night ceremony and was not allowed to march with my unit, instead I was seated in the center of the auditorium in front of the visiting officers and stood at attention with the aid of crutches, doing full salute. I didn't go to m! y graduation because the emotions of hurt and separation for not being allowed to march, and only allowed to sit through the ceremony were too much to bear.

In A school, I was again LIMDU after our first few marching exercises. I was sent again to medical and soon scheduled for a neurology appointment in Pensacola, Florida four days before my scheduled graduation from Personnelman Training. The doctor in medical was furious that they sent me out of boot camp when they should have discharged me with permanent disability. I went to the neurologist, and begged to keep my sea duty, and asked if I could prove to him I was capable of climbing ladder wells by climbing a 12 ft ladder over and over. He ran his tests and confirmed that i had sustained a sciatic nerve injury that should heal within three years and allowed me to keep my sea duty.

I went to my duty station and was blessed to be the only female TAD to a Minesweeper as a day worker while they were in port. Three weeks later I was of to my ship, The U.S.S. Inchon. I spent 28 days aboard, finding out on the 25th day that I was pregnant, two months, and flown off to Italy for bleeding that started20 days prior that could not be explained. I was put through ultrasound after ultrasound, and still no reason was found for the bleeding. I was sent back to the states and placed on half days for the remainder of my pregnancy and worked shore duty in my rating. I continued to bleed, with no explanation, and hemmoraged three times, with the third one landing me in the ER. All three times, my son held on.

During my pregnancy I was treated well by my superiors, even thought the pain I was in was thought only to be part of the pregnancy itself. Once i delivered my son, though, the pain kicked in with a vengeance. I had trouble walking like never before. I had to have help getting up from a sitting position, and the limp was so evident that I was again sent to medical for review. I was placed on pain med after pain med, anti-depressant after anti-depressant until they arrived at the combination of Ultram(Tramadol) and Zoloft. I was taking 300mg of Ultram per day and 150 mg of Zoloft per day. I started to research my meds to make sure they were compatible and non-addictive as I had been told. i was sent to physical therapy again to no avail. The pain was not easing. X-rays revealed that my lower back was beginning to twist...the beginnings of sciatic scoliosis. My Orthopedic doctor gave me my X-rays and told me to say they! were lost, that I would need them for the VA when they finished my medical board. All of this took place over the course of eighteen months. i was also found to have elongated QT syndrome..a condition of the heart that keeps the polyps of the heart from accepting potassium, sodium and thiamin, all necessary to keep it beating. I was passing out seven to twelve times a month for anywhere from 45 seconds to nearly an hour at a time. I was also dealing with a superior enlisted who was verbally abusive to me and against my every effort to try harder.

I was medically separated on Jan 19, 1999. I was place on TDRL and sent home. I filed with the VA immediately and was lucky with my responses. They were quick and just. In February of 2000, I removed myself from all of my meds, endured withdrawals from the Ultram for three weeks and ended up in the VA psyche ward for ten days with suicidal idealations. I was questioned in regards to PTSD, and explained that though I had been brutally raped twice at a very young age, I had receive treatment for those and had long since moved on. My PTSD was related to my newfound fear of injections and the fact that I burst out crying when a syringe comes near me and my body trembles on its own. The VA felt that my PTSD was rape related and let it go. I have found that they do not listen, for many of my statements have been turned around to reflect my husband or wrong ages and dates. There are so many discrepancies in my record to confuse the best of doctors, and I ! find myself re-telling events I wish not to relive. Though the treatment I have received has been top notch and respectful of the fact that I am female, they just don't take notes the way they should and distort the facts so much that it is ridiculous.

I am now fully discharged from the Navy as of March 19, 2001. I have a cane to walk with and a wheelchair that I was given by the VFW in the town where I used to live. On my worst of days, that wheelchair is my best friend. The pain is no longer just in the leg, along with thirteen other classified sensations that run through at random, it is now in my entire spinal column. i wake up paralyzed some mornings, and endure the shear pain of my husband picking me up to sit me up so that I can get to the point of walking again. My husband and I rarely make love, let alone sleep with each other, because he cannot sleep when all he hears is whimpering at night because I cannot get comfortable.

The hardest part of all of this is that my ten year old daughter remembers when mom could get out and play with her, and my three year old son has never known that.

Thank you, I needed to vent. MY suggestion to all of you is never give up!!!!!!! I go in for re-evaluation again on July 10th of this year, and I plan on fighting tooth and nail. Get a good Rep and bug him until he hates you!!!! I am at 20% right now due to a missed appointment I never received, I was at 40%. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! RAISE AWARENESS AND GET YOUR CONGRESSMAN INVOLVED. Thank you for letting this sailor vent.

Posted: 21 May 01: "Education Grants/Scholarships"

Anyone know where to look for grants and scholarships available to disabled woman veterans to pursue graduate degrees?

I am a 20% rated woman Marine veteran and will soon be entering a Master's Degree program... any help finding $$$$$ would be greatly appreciated! Since I was discharged on a medical board before the end of my first

contract, I have expired my entire GI Bill allowance and am told that it would not carry beyond the completion of my Bachelor's degree anyway. Thank you! Please respond to Stefk24@aol.com

Posted: 11 May 01:

I have posted here before but since have moved to another state and a new e-mail address. I want you to know that I also have a private group for women veterans where we can post with a sense of security and safety. So if interested, please contact me by my new e-mail address. I have said before that you can file a claim no matter how many years you have been out and also you can win a claim if you are persistent enough. You cannot win if you do not hang in there and that you have to do with the VA. I am now 100% permanent and total and want you to know that it was worth it to hang in there and tell them each time I was denied, that I did not agree with them. So hang in there and know that you do have rights....even with the VA. Lynda. Pease feel free to contact me at: patches7@northlink.com

Posted: 11 May 01: Support Group in Portland, Oregon"

I'd like to invite any women vets in the Portland, Oregon to begin a support group related to disability & military issues.

Please contact me if you're interested.

Roberta Sesso

Navy

RobbieSesso@netzero.net

Posted: 21 Mar 01: "Degenerative Disc Disease"

I want to share my story of pain and disability. I'm 42 years old, I was medically discharged Aug of 1987, after 7 years of service in the Navy. I had every intentions to stay for 20 years and retire. I was a single mother, and needed a way to support to my child. Once I was in and finished boot, I came to enjoy the Navy. I even planned on becoming a Warrant Officer. I had my every struggles of being a female in a man's job, I was a mechanic. But I did have a few NCO's that stuck up for me. Then when my 2nd child was 9 months old, I injured my back. I was paralyzed by the pain alone. After a few months of physical therapy, it was decided that I needed to go to the hospital. I was ordered to bed rest for a week in the hospital, I was already doing bed rest at home. The x-rays didn't show anything. I didn't know at that time that damage to the disc won't show up on convential x-rays, only on milagrams and MRI's.

I spent the next 4 years in constant pain, taking medication on and off, more on than off. Was to Psych a couple of times. Even put for a rate change, was approved all the up to DC until I was up for new orders, requested to be taken off of Medical Board so I could take accompanying orders with my husband to Puerto Rico. The Senior Chief at our new duty station had the balls to tell DC I had changed my mind and no longer wanted the rate change, before I ever reached PR. When I contacted DC myself, it was too late and had to start the process all over again. Needless to say, my requested was denied at the first stop.

As time wore on, the pain became worse, I was spending more time on bed rest and limited duty than on regular duty. Finally when I was up for new orders again I found unfit for full duty and medically discharged, against my pleas, and arguments that I could still be very productive to the Navy if put in a different rate that didn't require lifting. No luck. I was given 10% upon discharge for mechanical back pain. Only to have my compensation recouped for my severance pay.

I used my state military grants and went back to college, for my associate degree. Was in the hospital a few times for my back, was finally diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. My disability was increased, and I qualified for Voc Rehab with the VA, went on to get my BA in Social Work. I could no longer accompany my husband over seas because I needed to be accessible to a neurosurgeon. (While working on my BA I had back surgery to relieve the pressure off the sciatic nerve. Percocet was no longer relieving the pain.) My disability was increased again to 60%.

After a few years in my new career as a social worker, I required surgery again. I woke one morning completely numb from the waist down. Nerve damage was inevitable. The surgeon said it was the worst he had ever seen in his 10 years of doing surgery where a tumor wasn't involved. I had to learn to walk again, I can now use a cane to get around the house, but I have to use a wheelchair when I go out any length of time. I'm just lucky I'm not permanently paralyzed. I do have some permanent nerve damage, I lost partial use of one leg, (I was given compensation of 40% for that).

Needless to say, I longer can work as a social worker with just a BA, all jobs I interviewed for this year all require that I work out in the field, going to clients homes, taking them out in the community, etc. You'd be surprised the number of doors that are too narrow for a wheelchair to go through, and most are just wide enough, that the wheels scrape when going through them.

However, I do consider myself lucky. I could be paralyzed and in constant pain that most people never experience. I may be in a wheelchair, and not able to walk very well, but I no longer have any pain, that alone is enough to be thankful for. Even though I would gladly spend the rest of life to pay back every penny back to the VA to be the way I was before the Navy. But that is not realistic. This is the lesser of the evils and I'm willing to except it.

In conclusion, don't give up, don't let the VA tell you no. Research your problem, line your ducks up and go at them full blast. Holler as loud as you can, just know what your talking about. If one won't listen to you go to the next one. Keep doing it till they finally tire of you and give in. It may be long haul, but if your in the right it'll will eventually pay off. Especially when you get a check that is retroactive back several months or years.

By the way, I do plan on going back to school again and getting my masters degree in social work. I want to work with other women veterans or others that experience pain at the hands of others.

Posted: 21 Mar 01: "In Response to the 27 May 98 Post, Thyroid Cancer"

In reply to Thyroid Cancer and Fort Gordon. I have a thyroid disease and spent only a month at Fort Gordon for training, since I was in the air force. I also spent some time at Dhahran during Desert Storm. The nodule on my thyroid did not appear until after Desert Storm. I don't know if this helps, but my mother did say she thought there was a drug she took when she was pregnant with me for morning sickness in 1961. She believes she has heard about some connection with thyroid diseases in the babies of that drug that occurs around the age of 30.

Posted: 9 Mar 01: "Disabled Gulf War Veteran Seeking Others with Reiter's Syndrome"

I am seeking other female Gulf War veterans who have been diagnosed with Reiter's Syndrome. Please contact me: DamePEZ@gator.net or by writing:

Rita Hawkins

PO Box 357892

Gainesville, FL 32635-7892

Rita Hawkins

Dhahran Dec 1990 - Jun 1991

Posted: 16 Feb 01: "Service Related Health Problems"

If anyone has any service related health problems go to the nearest Federal building where there are D.A.V. National Service Officers, for the best advice and representation , otherwise The V.A. will yank you around like a toy Poodle on a logging chain.

Posted: 11 Nov 00:

I want to tell women who write about their terrible treatment, PTSD, and other serious consequences of the culture we live in that they are not alone, the past is filled with largely silent women who have undergone gross injustices and mistreatment, but that there is, at least, some information out there about it. See my book, "Warriors Without Weapons: The Victimization of Military Women", by Donna Dean, and "Hornet's Nest" by Missy Cummings for example.

Posted: 11 Nov 00: "In Response to the 8 Jul 99 Post, 'Become Productive Civilians'"

I was looking through the entries for the first time today, and there were so many references to subject post I scrolled down to read it. I am appalled that anyone, much less a veteran, should be so incapable of recognizing reality as to deny that valid medical conditions can, and do, exist in veterans. If the writer is hale and hearty, good for her. Many are not. Furthermore, many disabilities develop over time and get worse and worse until discharge. Many claims aren't filed for years after discharge.

I was the first non-combat nurse woman to successfully fight for a claim for PTSD, finally winning after three denials and five years. I am now 100% Permanent and Total for PTSD, with another 60% for other service-connected conditions. I now have several life-threatening conditions resulting from the PTSD, and my life expectancy is not good. How dare you say I, and any other veteran receiving disability compensation, am a malingerer? How dare you smugly compare yourself, who obviously never underwent any devastating loss through illness, with those of us who suffer daily? We all live the most productive lives we can, given our problems, and who are you to denigrate and condemn us? I, unlike you, do not suffer from cowardice and refuse to sign my name. Donna M. Dean, Ph. D., USN, l963-1981

Posted: 24 Oct 00:

I have been disabled since 1992 with lupus. While serving in the military, I received silicone breast implants at Philadelphia Naval Hospital. There has been much controversy regarding silicone and it's effects on the body, but some women do have lupus, connective tissue disease, etc. as a result of the silicone. Are there any other women veterans who received silicone at a military hospital? Does the VA recognize silicone as a problem? Since the surgery was done at a military hospital and while I was on active duty, I would think that my disability would be compensable, but I have not applied for VA benefits. My medical records could not be found at St. Louis, but I do have a copy of the inpatient records from the hospital

WEBMASTER NOTE: You may contact the submittor through the webmaster.

Posted: 15 Sep 00:

I have posted here before to let other women veterans know they can win their cases for PTSD, depression, etc., concerning assault in the military without proof in their file. It takes a lot of work and research but can be done as I am rated 100%, now permanent and total as of January of last year. Please feel free to contact me concerning your issue and will help you best I can. I am not an expert but did win my case as did most of the work on it. I did have help from DAV representative but he was unusual as he was really good but he did admit to me that he could not have own the case alone without all the work that I did. My advise to anyone is that nothing is impossible and if you can only hang in there you can win your claim. I would use anyone and everyone (which I have done for my husband) that I could do to win my claim. My husband had been fighting with VA for 21 years and in the past ten months (since I went to work on his claim) we have made tremendous progress and he should be getting a letter any day now concerning he is service-connected. We have heard through reliable sources that he is now rated 100% but will know for sure when the letter comes in. The other thing to do is to paper them so much that they don't want to deal with you anymore. I do research on the Internet (per subject/topic) and send the tons of paperwork. I also research the VA rules so that I can throw them back at them as that I know what I am doing. Do not despair for you can get service-connected. If you get discouraged (which is only natural) just remember the long-term goal and that is to be service-connected, hopefully at 100%, permanent and total. Good Luck!!! E-mail: patches7@wavecom.net

Posted: 15 Sep 00: "In Response to the 8 Jul 99 Post 'Become Productive Citizens'"

I wonder if the cretin who posted this unsigned, illiterate notice has returned to the scene of his/her mistaken action. I don't care how this 'person' spent in the military, compassion and empathy were not his/her long suit. First of all, I can't pass up the misspelled words "gait' and 'strait', for if this individual had any education those words would be spelled gate and straight and misspelled words make me crazy. I spent 9-1/2 years in the Army, most of it in the Chemical Corps and all of it in leadership positions. I went from E-3 in basic training to E-6 in my fourth year and to E-7 in my eighth year, so I wasn't letting any grass grow under my feet. In my tenth year I had the misfortune to be retired for disabilility due to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (disease of the brain and spinal cord). If it were not for the disease, I had every intent and every

possibility of being an E-9. I'll put my record up against anyone's for exceptional service and fidelity. That does not change the fact that I am 100% disabled. It also does not make me any less "a productive civilian";

since retirement I finished a bachelors degree in applied science, earned a masters degree in psychology and was within months of having a Ph.D. in psychology when illness (lost of voice and chronic MS type fatigue) forced me to stop study. I now keep myself busy working on veterans issues and on historical research. So, whoever the coward is that wrote the July 8, 1999, post, put up your dukes!! Webmaster, you may publish my email - address StillFightin@aol.com

Posted: 8 Aug 00: "Foot disorders & Fibromyalgia"

I served as a Military Police officer in the Army, and have 10% rating for my feet and 10% for asthma. After discharge, my feet became increasingly worse and now it's difficult to walk a lot. Two years ago I had episodes that were called peripheral polyneuropathy, when my whole body broke down in pain. I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, dystonia (involuntary muscle spasms), depression, chronic pain and my main foot problem is severe pes cavus (very high arch). My feet are changing, with my toes pointing outwards. Currently, I have an appeal pending with the VA for increased foot rating. I did have an upper back injury while working a state job which could have contributed to some of my problems. Two years ago I had to leave the regular work force and now I just keep working with whatever I can manage to do. During the past 18 months I've received Botox injections deep in my upper back muscles, which really help the muscle spasms and pain. I get the injections at the VA. Lately they're having difficulty with scheduling me in for more Botox, so I'm going to an acupuncture school. In just four treatments, I've experienced improvement! Anyone with similar problems? Contact me at isd139.djh@norsol.com

Posted: 8 Aug 00: "Women with Disabilities Australia Under Threat"

Please circulate this widely. If you would like it sent as a flier which you can print out, please let me know.

Carolyn Frohmader

Executive Director

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

PO Box 229, Dickson ACT 2602

Ph: +61 2 62421310 Fax: + 61 2 62421314 Mobile: 0407 301 746

Web: http://www.wwda.org.au

_______________________________________________________________________

WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES AUSTRALIA (WWDA) UNDER THREAT

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) was established in 1994 to address the particular disadvantage of women with disabilities in Australia. It is the only peak organisation for women with disabilities in Australia, and one of only a very small number internationally. WWDA has over 2,000 members, including individuals and organisations within and outside Australia. WWDA is inclusive of all disabilities, and is run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities. The success of this national organisation run largely on the voluntary efforts of women with disabilities with only a small infrastructure is demonstrated by its impressive publications and its awards:

Winner: The Australian Violence Prevention Award 1999

Winner: The ACT Violence Prevention Award 1999

Winner: Capital Region Enterprise & Employment Development Assoc Special

Recognition Award 1999

Currently nominated for the United Nations Millennium Peace Prize for Women

Award 2000

The Australian Government has recently released a Discussion Paper on the future funding structure for peak bodies currently funded through one of its Departments (The Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services (FACS). The Paper, entitled "Funding Peak Bodies - A Discussion Paper" proposes a new model which would see Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) disappear within the next 5 months.

The proposed model involves a two-tier system, and includes Level One ('umbrella') and Level Two ('satellite') organisations. The paper suggests that people with disabilities in Australia could be represented by one single 'umbrella' organisation, or alternatively, 5 smaller 'satellite' organisations. The paper suggests that the smaller 'satellite' organisations could be arranged by diagnostic group: Physical, Intellectual, Neurological,

Sensory, and Psychiatric Disabilities.

The division of disability into diagnostic groups suggests that problems are located in individual deficit (such as blindness or deafness) rather than discriminatory attitudes, structures and institutions. It assumes people can

be neatly divided into their impairments. Similarly, one disability organisation funded as an 'umbrella' would be very vulnerable to control by government as there would be no other voices to intervene and it is likely that the most powerful in the movement would have the greatest say.

The paper proposes that, whether people with disabilities are represented by an 'umbrella' organisation, or by 5 diagnostic 'satellite' organisations, it would be up to the organisation to 'ensure that they also represent the

interests of indigenous, culturally diverse communities and women in their area of interest'. History shows that the experience of immigrants, indigenous communities and women are lost if the "mainstream" is left in charge. In fact, the very reason WWDA was set up was precisely because the needs and issues of women with disabilities in Australia were not being acknowledged or addressed by either the women's movement or the disability movement.

Women with disabilities are, from the government record, one of the most marginalised groups in Australia. They:

: are less likely to be in paid work than other women or men with disabilities. Men with disabilities are almost twice as likely to have jobs than women with disabilities;

: earn less than their male counterparts. 51% of women with a disability earn less than $200 per week, only 16% of women with a disability earn over $400 per week

: are less likely than their male counterparts to receive a senior secondary and/or tertiary education. Only 16% of all women with disabilities are likely to have any secondary education compared to 28% of men with

disabilities;

: are less likely to own their own houses than their male counterparts;

: pay the highest level of their gross income on housing;

: are more likely to be institutionalised than their male counterparts;

: regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or class are assaulted, raped and abused at a rate of at least two times greater than non-disabled women;

: often to live in situations in which they are vulnerable to violence;
: are more likely to experience violence at work than other women, men with

disabilities or the population as a whole;

: are more likely to be unlawfully sterilised than their male counterparts;

: are less likely to receive vocational rehabilitation or entry to labour market programs;

: report a greater need for unmet help than their male counterparts;

: are less likely to receive appropriate services than men with equivalent needs or other women.

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) plays a vital role in providing a voice for women with disabilities at a policy, program and service level and in communicating their needs directly to government. This role is not fulfilled by any other organisation in the disability or women's sector. Individual and systemic advocacy undertaken by WWDA plays an important role in assisting women with disabilities to exercise full citizenship and should be supported by government to do so.

HOW YOU CAN HELP SAVE WWDA:

Write, ring, email, or fax:

Senator Jocelyn Newman

Minister for Family & Community Services

Minister for the Status of Women

Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Ph: +61 2 6277 7560 Fax: + 61 2 6273 4122

Email: senator.newman@aph.gov.au

Write, ring, fax or email:

Director, Government and Community Team (CW2)

Partnership and Service Delivery Branch, Dept of Family and Community

Services

PO Box 7788, Canberra Mail Exchange, ACT 2610

Ph: +61 2 62445529 Fax + 61 2 6244 7321

Email: peakbodydiscussionpaper@facs.gov.au

If you would like to read the Government's Discussion Paper "Funding Peak

Bodies" it is available from WWDA's web site:

http://www.wwda.org.au/facs.htm

If you need more information, contact WWDA:

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

PO Box 229, Dickson ACT 2602 Ph: + 61 2 6242 1310 Fax: +61 2 6242 1314

Email: wwda@ozemail.com.au

Web: http://www.wwda.org.au

Posted: 9 May 00: "Not Alone"

I am so very grateful for the numerous sites that have become available to women veterans. So many of us are fighting PTSD, anxiety disorders etc. due to the violence in the military at the hands of our fellow male

soldiers. I too was raped twice while on active duty in the army. The second rape, I concieved a child, who just turned 9 years old. The VA recently awarded me 10% disability for the PTSD. The first time they

denied the disability and awarded me compensation, only to then take it away again. I have come to the conclusion that not only will the PTSD ever go away, my fight with the VA will never go away. I fight each day to just make it through one more day. I know now that I am not alone and hopefully someday someone will listen to us all.

Posted: 18 Apr 00:

My name is Shelly and I am a veteran of the United States Air Force. I am being treated very unfair by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Many other veterans are too, from what I can gather, but probably don't

know how to speak out about it. I do and am. I have written the Senators for our state, Alaska, and also the Department of Veterans' Affairs, The VFW Rep for the Department of Veterans Affairs, since he is there to

supposedly help us Veterans with things. The DAV only laughed and said good luck. I have written to the Veterans Affairs Consumer Affairs Department in Washington D.C., and also the President himself. I am not

nor will not stop there. I am being told as suggestions to notify my local television stations, radio stations, newspaper(s), etc. to see on how to go about getting this covered with the media. The Veterans' Administration treats the veterans badly, and when/if they have a claim filed with them, the veteran(s) are treated even worse. I am one of them being treated so. As I stated I have written and hand carried papers,

letters, etc. to people here in Anchorage that I need to, and am writing to others via the internet that I cannot reach through "snail mail". It is difficult for me to walk, and much of my day is usually staying off my feet. I have a claim in with the Veterans Administration for the past three years. Half of it was approved, the other half I just have been informed was not. Why? Because the military/veterans department lost my medical records which therefore makes them say they cannot process the veterans claims. I am not the only one going through this. There are many out there. WE are pleading with people to please give us the respect we so much earned and deserve. Why do we get penalized for defending our country, our rights, our people, etc? The Veterans Department of Affairs is being very unfair with how they are treating us veterans and what they are doing to those of us that suffered injuries, etc. while serving. My opinion and belief is that they know we are

filing claims and automatically discard our records, leaving a fight to be fought the rest of our lives. Wasn't the time we protected and fought for our own country enough fighting? Not to them. All WE are asking for is the respect and honesty due us as veterans. I have searched for over three years for my medical records and am being denied my rights to a "fair" claim due to this. I am now looking for information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers of "higher" people to contact. Any and all information you provide me will be gratefully appreciated. Thank you, Shelly, E-mail: ruggie@alaska.net

Posted: 14 Apr 00: "Filing and Fighting for Compensation"

I have been a veteran of the Air Force now for 13 years. I initially applied for medical benefits upon my discharge from the service in 1986/1987. I had suffered at the hands of Active Duty Air Force doctors in the areas of OB-GYN and Orthopedic/NeuroSurgeons. I ended up having to have a total hysterectomy to solve one of the problems, which the VA granted me 50% Service Connected Disability for and 20% for the emotional residual effects of said hysterectomy. I also filed a claim due to a back injury I sustained while in service. It took me 7 years and 2 trips to Washington D.C. to the Board of Veterans Affairs Appeals Board to finally get the disability I deserved.

You see, from 1987 to 1992 no VA Medical Doctor or facility would even consider my lower back condition as an injury, while I did break my tail bone while doing "volunteer" work while in the Air Force. I ended up having to go to civilian doctors, orthopedics, and neurosurgeons on my own in order to get the VA to listen to me. I enlisted the help of the DAV and I couldn't have done it without them.

My back condition has progresses (for lack of a better word) from spondylolsis to spondylolythesis which inhibits me from sitting, standing, walking, lifting, reaching, bending, or any kind of "physical activity" for any length of time. The most I can sit is 10 mins at a time. The Board of Veteran's Appeals granted me 100% unemployable service connected disabled. It was a long, frustrating battle to try to get the documents needed from VA or even military doctors/records.

My advice to anyone trying to get compensation from the VA is to keep copies of everything. Any doctor you see, make sure you get a copy of the x-ray, lab, etc reports for your own personal file, regardless if they are VA doctors or civilian doctors. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO GET YOUR CONGRESSMAN INVOLVED. I had to go that route 4 times, and believe me, nothing makes doctors, again military or civilian, jump like a Congressional Inquiry. Don't give up the fight, keep fighting, keep records of phone calls, all written correspondence, even tape doctor's office visits privately if you have to with a mini cassette recorder hidden in your purse or pocket. I did this once when I had to get a Neurosurgeon to tell me what he felt my actual capabilities were, because he refused to put it in writing. And I used it at a BVA hearing as evidence.

My problem now, is that I have been fighting the Social Security Administration for disability, and according to their regulations (20CFR) I am not "disabled"....go figure........

SO ladies, hang in there, keep fighting, and don't take NO FOR AN ANSWER

Posted: 3 Mar 00:

I was a podiatrist in the USAF for 8 1/2 years and my wife was medically discharged from the USAF after 19+ years. For visitors with military related foot problems feel free send me an e-mail.

Anthony Belcher D.P.M.

(409) 293 1800 is my office number here in Huntsville, TX

E-mail: highheel@lightnetinternet.com

Supporting documentation can be mailed to me at:

2505 Lake Road, Suite 6

Huntsville, TX 77340

Posted: 18 Feb 00: "Need More Evidence"

While serving in the Navy in 1993 my ship was in the yards. I was in front of the plate I didn't realize the guy was going to drop the plate. I ended up with 1/2 ton of steel on my toes, I even had my steel toes boots on. I was lucky that the rms. and sm. were up on 05 level with me. I got my boot off before the welling. I still had trouble with my foot after 6 months So I decided to get surgery done in January of 94. The blue team went in and put a plate and 5 screws in my big toe, and they didn't straighten out my toe its' sideways. I had a follow up appointment with a doctor who didn't know my case. He sent me back full duty I was sent to a aircraft carrier the Abraham Lincoln cvn-72. for 6 months. I even asked the doctor if this was going to bother me, and what should I do. (prior to me seeing him I had a post op shoe.) He told me that I just wanted out of sea duty. I was stuck on shore duty for 1 1/2 years. I couldn't wait to go back to sea. It didn't take me long to find out I couldn't wear the boots or dress shoes because of my toe. I was sent down to medical and they didn't do much and kept canceling my appointments at Oakland Hospital my surgeon was still there. I had a hard time on this ship they didn't like females being there and on top of all this I met my husband on the ship, so I had double trouble for me. I left the ship 5 months after I got there and got married. My Dad wanted me to get a medical discharge before I left, I really didn't think it should be that hard to get medical. I had everything documented in my records and I copied them myself. I sent for my claim and was denied I even sent them a copy of my records. A year later I filed another claim I got help from the regional office to fill out the paper work and they got me 10%.I can't find shoes to wear. I have had problems with my hip and my back. They did a graph from my hip They took bone and stuck it in my toe. They say I don't have any evidence to prove connected problems. I went to a civilian doctor I was put on 5 different types of pain medication nothing worked. Of course VA relies on Motrin cures all. I was sent to the Philadelphia medical center and they said I was crazy for feeling any pain in my toe because it's fused. I have hip and back pain. I am off balance because of my toe, I was told to do exercises, which didn't help. I went to a foot doctor outside the VA. and she agreed with me. She also said I need orthonics VA. said no I didn't they were expensive. The I opt for surgery? (My CIVILIAN DOCTOR ) I got pregnant last year right before the appointment. I have been back n forth with the VA., I was worried because I was pregnant my back and hip would get worse, 1st thing came out of his mouth was the women center doesn't help with pregnancy. Then he tried making me this orthonics, what a lousy job I gave it to my doctor. she wasn't surprised at what he did since most doctors at the VA. graduated at the bottom of their class. So that doesn't give me much confidence in the VA. The only VA Hospital I liked so far is Butler, Pa they treat you like a patient. Elsmere one just pushed in and out. My doctor only writes down what he wants not what I tell him. I need to know What information can I give to get connected disability? They refused the information from my foot doctor. They said it's not new.

NOTE: You may contact the submittor via the webmaster.

Posted 6 Nov 99: "Equal Rights or Human Rights?"

I only recently discovered your website. I think that it is great, even signed the guest book. Having just read the submitted stories by DAVs like myself, I suddenly realized there was one subject not mentioned. They say confession is good for what ails you (not necessarily so in the military when it's based on ignorance of self and often of others who have biased views based on their values of what we as women have as our right...to be all we can be, and to serve our country to the best of my ability) First, let me explain parts of what I read that I did very much relate to. There is discrimination, harassment, and to this day men (I can only assume...shame on me, as I was told I should NEVER assume anything) will never understand how our male counterparts get nothing more than slaps on the hand, while we as women stand accused, many times falsley for what we did not do, or refused to do to...hence PTSD does play apart. For me, I was originally misdiagnosed paranoid psyozophrenic, had the shock treatments, medications, even refused but insisted couldn't live with out. Then bi-polar came along, as I do have the symptoms but do not lack that chemical in the brain for which true bi-poplar patients have. Because of my suicidal tendencies, self hate, misunderstood resentments?? Men don't really get slapped on the hand, and women don't break rules to save their necks for beliefs that though I never dreamed I would ever be called in, refused to give the answers to pertinent questions based in part one of which was "whom I assumed to know was involved". What at my young age, and ignorance at that time, had heard of witch-hunts, had heard of my ex-military women who either confessed, out of fear (there are those who were good within the CID that could manipulate one as such, in ways to get certain suspects, though in confessing, which at a particular time period meant Court Martial and disgrace, and try explaining it to your family and friends if picture shows up in hometown paper, or attempts to get a job, government jobs were definitely out of the questions) Though, I waited two years to report to any VA, I lived in fear of how do I tell the truth. I know very few men and or women even prior to enlistment that in some manner did not have contacts either within family or in public with those of these lifestyles. For me, I knew no one that did not have some form of alcohol or drug/combination use of or experiment. Our men came back with stories that the wouldn't tell the spouses to, let alone women who got it free and easy. Fact or fiction. No...we we're all touched by it, we might not became addicts, but after a another suicide attempt in 95 I agreed to get into their two yr out patient program. It's amazing the stories I heard from not just the men but the horrors women told. and to my shock ran into a couple I once knew yrs back; popping pills and drinking chasers. If I learned anything from the 12 step programs I have attended, is to listen, and know when to keep ones mouth shut. To say the least, many people are still intolerant of Gays and Lesbians that Served; the suicides, not just from those who refused to talk, we the belief in 12 steps is live and let life...truly uniform has nothing to do with it. It's discrimination based on fear and ignorance, even for those who were wrongly accused that confessed not realizing what that meant. Yes, I suffered from PTSD, prior and after (rape, verbal and sexual abuse from family members) Just as there are homophobics, I literally became hetrophobitic. Having later read a book sent to me called Conduct Unbecoming, I learned how these so called witch hunts originated, their purpose. I also know there are some great men and women within the Services who have fought for reinstatement, some did Col Commin...oops! I regret, I can't think of how to spell her name. The one of Serving in Silence Fame; the book tells it better. We know how made for t.v. movies are. I am aware, Uncle knows we are there, and if their is a Need to know, and all it takes is an accusation, as in the case that brought down a detachment of 50 Wacs in a investigation, when an enlisted woman went over the head of the CO (reckon she didn't believe in the chain of command, or just didn't trust the CO) who screamed at us in the Orderly room of this event saying "We're ALL under investigation". I knew the CO had broken some rules as some of us did not drive and got us without being carded into the NCO club, we didn't have enlisted. Yet, she was gone in less time I was out. Resentments, they aren't allowed for addicts, only forgiveness...yes, I do forgive. After all, I got out in a suicide attempt, based on inability to adjust. True, but I have lost Vet friends and others based on the fact they don't understand my hetrophobia, and a diagnoses even the VA claims in not accurate. They don't know what to call me as the doctor told me. I held back the urge to laugh when I silently thought, For once in my life, no one knows what to call me...and I've been called every name, given every label in the book. I've been sober and clean for five years, but can not get close to anyone other than to be polite, listen and serve as help aide to those who need rides to doctors appt. I'm liked, but they don't understand why I refuse to talk about a subject that many were taught to fear, as I learned to fear them in return, but forgave the ignorance, and my own. By the way, I'm also aware there were cases of Gay and Lesbians that harassed other women, somehow I never had a problem with that, besides if I wasn't interested, I had only to say NO. Try saying NO to a ranking NCO or Officer... Thank you for listening.

Posted: 3 Sep 99: "In Response to the 8 Jul 99 post, 'Become Productive Civilians;"

You have got to be a man. Listen buster I am a retiree, but at 9 years in the Army put me on a P3 profile because of damage done to my knees from running in combat boots on hard surfaces. At 13 years they wanted to put me out, but I said no lift the profile, I can pass the tests (which I did and with flying colors), but what nobody told me was how much damage had been done. Then in the mean time I had stripped both IS

joints because I was so dedicated to my job I didn't realize I had pneumonia. Still I didn't complain. I went to Saudi and somehow came up with a compress vertebra in my back. Then when I return home what do I find, but I have Saudi Syndrome. OK, I dealt with it all, then came time for retirement and you know what, when I went to my physical, the military sent me to the VA. I did not request it. OK so now I'm disabled, but I'm not crying in my beer. I lead a very productive life. And the biggest joy of my life is working with Viet Nam Vets. You my friend need to get a life and realize that things happen that no one has any control over. The question is if you're so satisfied with your life why are you wasting it at the computer. Why don't you get productive?

1SG (ret) Pauline

Posted: 2 Sep 99:

I was on my way to Desert Storm, took around 20 vaccines. Years later....I am fighting a chronic scar tissue overgrowth, started in ovaries. I have had 3 major surgeries to remove tissue blocking small intestines. All surgeries within 1 year. It is back and no one knows why. Do any of you? Please help. E-mail: littleg@mounet.com

Posted 5 Aug 99: "In Response to the 8 Jul 99 post, 'Become Productive Civilians;"

The person who wrote the post about being productive civilians will probably never read this but I just had to vent. The nerve of you to come into this forum and downplay the severity of these women's situations. It is not only disgusting and disrespectful but I am appalled that it is coming from a former service woman.

I am so happy for you that you could pass a pft test if need be...I also could but that does NOT in any way make my disability any less real. I was a great and productive military member. It was by no means my choice to be separated from the Air Force and in fact I fought long and hard to stay within the military ranks. It was a panel of officers who decided my fate and it was also a panel of officers who continued for years to deny any wrongdoing in my case. I was not diagnosed on time I was ignored I was sent to mental health as a malingerer. I was pushed through the system. I had never been to a hospital a day in my life until I joined the service. And I feel that if I was taken seriously in the beginning I would not be where I am today, receiving VA benefits. Those benefits are put there for a reason. I qualify to receive them and I have no shame about it. And your comment about out the gate and to the VA? I waited 2 years to file my claim. And yes I do think that the military holds all responsibility in this. If they had done their job in the beginning I would still be a cop. As a matter of fact on the day of my TDRL board I was 1 of 3 women and 2 men going through it and out of the 5 of us, the men, were allowed to return to duty...is that justice? I had 7 letters of recommendation , 8 letters of appreciation, 3 different doctors letters and testified on my own behalf. And not one thing was taken into consideration.

Yes, you are entitled to your opinion...but I highly suggest you get ALL the facts before you begin to judge anyone!

Posted: 5 Aug 99: "In Response to the 8 Jul 99 post, 'Become Productive Civilians'"

In response to the person who claimed we went straight out the front gate and to the VA hospital. It took me 4 years before the swelling, pain and inability to move me knees affected my performance at work and I need to have them evaluated by the VA. I contracted German measles while in active duty (worked pediatrics at the time) and instead of spots my joints swelled up. The residual joint pain in my knees was diagnosed as osteoarthritis coupled with bursitis (the bursitis never went away). There were a few physicians in the military I would not even see as they were not very good so I can feel for some of my fellow vets when they literally had to wait until discharge to have the proper diagnosis. I was just recently awarded 50% for the arthritis in multiple joints and in the last 3 months I was granted an additional 10% taking me to 60%. I thank my DAV officer for taking the time to look at my records carefully. Bye the way I was a US Army Medic and worked for the first 5 years at a US Army hospital. Gail

Hello, after 8 years in the service I am separating with a diagnose of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a result of a sexual assault that occurred while I was active duty military. From what I have heard so far the VA is pretty much blowing off anyone who tries to make a claim on these grounds. I would really appreciate hearing from others who have tried to file such claims with the VA.

I am a woman veteran who has posted here before but my e-mail has changed. I want women to know they can win claims for sexual misconduct, harassment, assault and rape which causes PTSD. I am 100% connected for PTSD and depression due to above. If you have any questions or want to just chat with another woman veteran my e-amil address is: patches7@wavecom.net , Lynda K. Dokken

Posted: 16 Jul 99: In Response to the 8 Jul 99 Post 'Become Productive Civilians'"

I need to respond to this listing. How offensive that you would qualify yourself as judge & jury for those seeking medical care & compensation. Your name calling of "sick bay commandos" is unwarranted. You may indeed be able to pass a PT test, good for you. However, there are veterans who do not deserve to be chastised by someone who not only dosen't know them but also does not know the facts surrounding their cases. It is improper that you feel qualified to make such a judgement. It is more than sad that you chose not to identify yourself & receive the proper response from the veterans themselves. Does this make you a coward? Maybe. I'd be much more careful in the judgements I choose to air in this forum. If you feel such a distaste for the veterans who are stating their concerns and questions here perhaps you should visit another site. I am a Honorably discharged A.F. veteran, I am also disabled.

Posted: 9 Jul 99: In Response to the 8 Jul 99 Post 'Become Productive Civilians'"

You should consider yourself very lucky to still be able to pass a PT test, but not all women veterans are as lucky. Some have diseases or injuries contracted in the military or made worse by military service. I am disabled because I severely injured my hand in a fall while stationed in Korea. Due to the poor medical care I received in Korea, I have limited use of my hand and yes, I did file a VA claim for the injury after I was medically retired from the Air Force. I would gladly give back the money I receive from the VA if I could use my hand. And, I do have a life, a job, a family, and many wonderful activities. Again, recommend you count your blessings and stop condemning people you know so little about!

I'm an Air Force retired veteran. I am an RN and served as an aeromedical technician. My VA claim is still in review. I can use some pointers anyone may have to get the most I deserve out of my claim. I've recently lost the medical review board because I had heart surgery and I was given a medical retirement on 30 Apr 99. I'm very upset at my forced retirement. I loved my Air Force job and all the travel I was able to do. At 36 years old I acquired heart disease (not known to the Air Force). I had a double by-pass last year. My condition was corrected and I couldn't even been considered for a non-flying job. I've also been sexually assaulted and I'm now in a womens PTSD group at the VA. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I encourage everyone to push to get a women's group started at your VA. Joanne, My email address is Parrotheaded@webtv.net.

I have read and studied all of your stories very carefully and I sympathize with all of you. I am a 26 year old female who served as a security policeman in the Air Force for 2 and a half years. I was a healthy female when I enlisted...never had any medical conditions. During my first year I started having numerous GYN problems. I had recurrent bartholyn cysts for 5 consecutive months. I then went a year without a period and was bothered by excruciating abdominal pain. I kept going to the GYN who told me there was nothing wrong with me, and sent me to mental health. Finally at work one night I collapsed and was rushed to the ER by ambulance. A GP finally diagnosed me with endometriosis. I had my first of 6 laporoscopic surgeries at age 21. The original GYN refused to do the surgery as he kept saying there was nothing wrong so I had the operation at an army hospital. I was diagnosed stage 3 endo with polycystic ovaries and annovulation. I went back to work and was started on depo provera and lupron. 6 months later I was back in the same position. PAIN. I was sent to Wilford Hall in Texas for a work up and told once again there was nothing wrong. I was eventually boarded out on TDRL. I had 4 surgeries in 18 months and was finally separated with severance pay. I had one more lap after that. My husband (who was also in the AF) got out and moved us to FL. We tried with no success to have kids. I was put on Clomid but the wait to diagnose me was so long that my fertility was ruined. My husband is now in the Coast Guard and we are in Connecticut. On September 8th of 1998 I underwent a total hysterectomy with removal of uterus and ovaries, we have no children. I filed my claim with the VA on December 16th 1998 and was awarded compensation last week.I was rated 80% service connected for loss of creative organs due to the endo and adhesions and also for depression. I feel totally vindicated. I fought so long to get someone the military to listen to me when I was sick. I suffered for a long time with this debilitating illness. I only wish I could confront all those doctors who told me it was all in my head. All the time I was out on TDRL I wanted so bad to go back in the AF. I went to all my boards and I fought to stay in. Even though it seemed they did not give a crap about me. I was loyal and wanted to be a solider. I think now I gave the AF all I could...I gave them all of me, including my ability to have children. I will never forget one doctors words to me."If the military wanted you to have kids they would have assigned you one." Since I am new at this VA thing if anyone can give me some info on what to expect from here on out I would appreciate it. I want to be ahead of the game with no more surprises. Thank you for your time.

When I was on active duty for 20 years we were required to be physically fit for duty. Why are so many people leaving the front gait and heading strait to a VA medical center. If you were healthy enough for active duty why the rush to become medically disabled? I have been retired almost 10 years and I am still in good . I could still pass a PFT. It appears that we have a bunch of sick bay commandos in our mist. Get a life ladies and become productive civilians.

I am a civilian clerk who works with and for the only Veterans Affairs Officer in my state. We do not have federal positions. I am truly touched and have some understanding of what many of the female vets have written. My boss a 50% service-connected disabled Viet-Nam Era Veteran has "been through the meat-grinder" as she calls it. There was a 6-month period when she was 100% SCD when she was paralyzed from the neck down. (jeep accident). I have watched and heard her do a lot to help Veterans; male as well as female. Some of her clients are out-of-state. If anyone is interested I could approach her about problems some of you have or have had and have not received satisfactory help. She does understand; more than you might know. She can represent members of VFW, AL, MOPH, Red Cross, VVA and so forth. However, because of the rules and regs (state? or federal?) she cannot represent and work on behalf of members of the DAV.

P.S. I, too, have fibromyalgia (car accidents?) (aka the DD r Durned Disease). Guaifenesin protocol has helped several people I know; me, too. Avoid aspirin and other salicylates. Me, I don't drink phosphoric acid found in colas and other soft drinks. I belong to an online FM support group.

I was discharged in 1986 with a 10% disability for my left knee. At this time I put in a claim with the DAV and some of my claims have been solved and others are still going which means that some of my claims have been in process for 13 years without a solution. In 1986 when my claim was filed, the DAV did lousy work and I was denied any service-connection even though I was put out of the service for my left knee (at Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany the military accidently cut the nerve in my left knee and I fought for 10% and received it). To this day I still have a lot of problems with my left knee and everytime I go to the VA for an appointment I am told I am imagining the pain. Also, when I have a C & P exam the doctor is so old he doesn't even listen to what you tell him - he is in a rush and you get no where. They have never looked at my knee in a C & P exam even though they fill out the paperwork. It's my word against the doctor's and they believe the doctor did the exam. I wish I could give them the pain and then I could give them the same answer I get. I also had to fight for TMJ as they corrected my overbite and when they cut the wires my jaw shifted because it wasn't healed all the way. I am now in a Stage 4 which means there is nothing they can do for me except bilateral injections or do bilateral joint replacements in my jaw (my joints are a blob of scar tissue and don't go into the joints.) I have trouble with my joints and am have received an upgrade to 30% but I feel I should receive more compensation for this. During this time I was also sexually assaulted in Wilford Hall by a physician. I told the Staff Duty Officer of the Day what happened and was not believed. Upon discharge in 1986 I saw an article in the San Antonio Express News where this doctor was being charged with sexually abusing a minor child and I contacted the base legal office and gave names, dates, individuals and other pertinent information that was not published. I filed for this and in 1993 the VA Office closed the claim and I never got to present my evidence which I have everything in black and white and it can be verified. I was lucky I paid $6.25 for copies of my hospital inpatient records because I have contacted my Congressman and he has helped me try to get this claim settled dated back to 1986 since this was when it was originally filed and nothing had been done on it. I just had a C&P evaluation for PTSD on March 22nd of this year. I also received in July 1997 service connection for sinusitus which was created by cutting of my sinuses at Wilford Hall when they did a Lefort I Procedure. They awarded me 10% back to February 1997 and 0% back to 1986. I have a claim that I need to reopen on this issue as I have medical expenses when I was refused treatment because of no service- connection. To this date I still have migranes and ear problems and I would like them looked at but the VA says this is connected with the TMJ. I need help from somewhere to try to get the claims going again as the San Antonio DAV office discriminates against female veterans (I called to try to get help to reopen the claim on the medical expenses and waited several days and still received no phone call back, called again and I asked to speak to someone who could help me and was told that someone would call back, which they didn't so I called back again and told them if they couldn't help me to please let me know and I would contact someone in the Houston DAV office.) I was contacted by the person in charge of the office and told not to call there or show up at there office since I had threatened one of their employees (all I asked is if they could help me and if they couldn't I would go to the Houston DAV) and this was taken as a threat. So now if I want anything done I have to contact Houston and I have made a decision that even though I am a lifetime member of the DAV I want nothing to do with such a discriminating organization. I even tell people who want to join that they don't want to belong to a discriminating organization and not to waste their money. They should join another organization. I also believe they should close down the DAV office in San Antonio since they discriminate. Now any claims I have with the VA I will handle them myself. I have told the Veterans Administration the DAV isn't to receive any copies of correspondence as my power of attorney has been revolked in writing that they are no longer my representatives. I will never recommend the DAV to anyone. To this date I have only a 40% connection with the additional 10% for sinusitus giving me a 46% connection which is rounded down to 40%. In order to get my claims solved I needed to go to my Congressman since the VA just put my claims in a pile and woundn't do anything. He saw my paperwork sit for 2 years and do nothing but go around in circles and finally told them he wanted a decision. That is when I got my decision in July 1997.

I am a 20%disabled woman veteran who is trying to receive compensation for fybromyalgia. While on active duty I suffered numerous stress fractures of both the left and right shins (tibias). Our unit was required to run 3 miles every 2 days on gravel. Upon discharge in 1988, I was awarded compensation in the amount of 10% for (stress fracture right tibia with complaints of pain in the knees, ankles and feet). For three years I was treated by the VA medical center for the pain in both legs. I was given Motrin during that time to releive the pain. In 1990, I was diagnosised with firbromyalgia. By that time constant pain had accelerated throughout my body. I was told there was no cure for this and that most of the time the symptoms were all in a persons mind and that mostly women contracted it. In 1997 after doing further research into the syndrom, I found that it can be directly related to an injury or trauma. I reapplied for an increase in compensation with the VA in April 1997 due to the fact that through the years the pain has limited my daily activities and occupations. The Compensation board came back with an increase of an additional 10% making my overall compensation at 20%. However, the compensation board is still categorizing the ailmens as, (stress fracture right tibia with complaints of pain in the knees, ankles and feet). I went from being a full time active Marine to now pushing a library cart around the VA medical center part time. I have been given, Motrin, Ambian, Zopidiem (Elevil), Amtryptaline through the years and now I am on Indomethacin and Nazadone.

I am looking for information on how to get the compensation board to recognize that due to the stress fractures, my condition has now been recognized by the VA doctors as fibromyalgia and should be rated as such. Does anyone have a copy or knows what the categories are that the board uses to determine what one is considered under for compensation. Does anyone know how to get the board to pay attention.

I am a vet and if it wasn't for the DAV helping me with my C&P CASE, I probably would still be waiting for results. And lucky for me I had a positive experience with the VA here in Sioux Falls, SD. So, if you're not a member of the DAV, it only cost $125.00 for a life time membership, first pymt is $10.00 and the rest is spread out over years, IT'S WORTH IT. Find out where the local chapter is in your area and talk to a NSO. .........DON'T GIVE UP

I served over 8yrs active duty Air Force and have been in the Air National Guard for the past 3 yrs. I am currently facing being discharged from the Guard for bilateral chronic shoulder condition. This was service-connected in 1995 and I got 0%. I also have DGD in my spine and finally, after 4 yrs f VA paperwars, got 10% retroactive to Mar 1995. I am still fighting for the compensation for my shoulders, now facing a discharge for a service connected disability <that the guard called "non duty related"> is even more stressful. I can't use my arms for too long before I experience shaking, loss of endurance, and chronic pain. I am only 29 yrs old with a backround of electronics/mechanics and weather forecasting with the military/guard combined. All I want is to be compensated for the time I no longer can work. I gained civilian employment and reinjured my shoulders in 1997. I am basically unemployable and recognized to be semi-qualified for 15% of the workforce by unemployment. I have been utilizing the DAV and have experienced results as I stated before, but I have a feeling my road may be another 4 yrs. I enjoy reading all of your letters and quotes of encouragement.... anyone who can help or may be a neighbor to Wisconsin, you can email me at KC0401RNBW@aol.com. KEEP FIGHTING... WE'RE ALL TOGETHER!

I need help in getting the right medical treatment for my back. I have service-connected disability rated at 10% and now I'm starting to have other problems related to my service-connected disability. I've not been able to get the right examination that I believe I need in order for them to make the right diagnoses. The evidence that I have from an outside doctor, they won't use, and its everything they said they needed in order to up my disability. Please help me, stumped in North Carolina.

I was in the Air Force in 1977, sexually harassed by my Sgt. everyday, tortured verbally and threatened, and finally raped by my OB/GYN doctor, an officer in the air force hospital. I am working hard to get myself together and it isn't easy. The VA isn't very helpful and the fact that I am a female makes it all that much harder to be heard. I am still struggling with my pride at serving in the Air Force and my shame for taking an early out. I have an honorable discharge, but they made me say I would go AWOL, that was the only way it would stop... So finally I did say it but I feel so ashamed. I feel like I cut and ran... I ran to save my life... I was discharged with 10% disability for a back injury. They took that away in 1980... I was so afraid of the government, I stayed silent and dying for 20 years. Finally I got 40% for my back....... and they didn't take my PTSD claim serious at all. The VA doctor is not on the patient's side, they're on the government's side... I can't handle many more C&P reviews.... but I have another one tomorrow....God bless all that served these United States. Lets help make it safer for our younger sisters in the service.

It took me almost 5 years and a DAV representative to go from 20% to 50% and a firm determination not to let the same doctor do my comp and pension exam. I encourage you if you keep getting the same doctor for comp and pension refuse and ask for another. I did and finally was given a practicing orthopod who looked at my x-rays, felt my joints and had the rheumatologist look at my hands. The DAV officer also had my records read from front to back and I had to have 4 more comp and pension exams because of mistakes made on the original consults. I thanked the DAV by becoming a life long member. Any one who was at Fort Sam Houston from 1974 - 1978 please E-mail me at GMM347@AOL.com and I will answer as soon as I can. I am retired medically and have some extra time.

I'm in the military and getting ready to retire. I am glad that I am getting out now. At one time I really loved the military and even did a tour at recruiting trying to get other people to come in. Now that my time is close to an end I can honestly say that I am very happy to get out. Since I have been in I have been through a number of different types of harassment to include sexual harassment and even raped while I was out to sea. Each time I tried to take care of the situation I was told there was nothing I could do about it. Lots of luck to you females that try and get yourself together. I have been diagnosed as having the PTSD disorder, also had a partial hysterectomy done and have other medical problems that I am in the process of seeing what type of disability for. God bless you all.

Health care for women at the Boston VA is a nightmare. They are not equipped to accommodate women. When I was admitted, I was the only woman in a ward full of men (of course), and they had no bathrooms or showers for women, just community facilities. They said when I wanted to shower or use the toilet, to put up a sign announcing that a woman was in there! Sounds like an invitation to rape! Fortunately, the men were gentlemen about it. When I got my period unexpectedly, they had no sanitary supplies. A woman doctor finally went and bought a box of tampons for me out of the goodness of her heart. After I was released, I was told to come back to the walk-in clinic a month later to get the results of my tests, to determine if I had cancer. The doctor who saw me was shocked to see a woman, and he said, "I don't know what you're doing here, but this clinic is only for veterans." Then he couldn't find my test results and just shrugged it off. When I applied for disability, they closed my file before asking for any documentation, then disapproved it because there was no documentation in the file! I sent for copies of all my military and VA medical records, and everything that would have supported my claim had been removed. So much for a system that "takes care of its own!"

I am a disabled USAF Veteran. I was infected with the hepatitis C virus while serving ing the Air Force in 1980. It took 18 years to find out that I had the virus due to another illness. The VA has given me a disability rating of 20%. Somehow that just doesn't seem fair. This illness has changed my entire life and I don't know if I will ever get better or if it'll get worse enough to warrant a liver transplant. I am just beginning a new therapy that will hopefully put the virus in remission. If not....... My country, my consequences.... Debra J. Baptista. E-mail: Djdeb2@aol.com

As I read all of the e-mails from ladies who have medical problems, it occurred to me the limitations with the VA medical system. I am currently rated at 50% I have two outstanding applies, that the VA states may be looked at 2 years from now, even though I turned them in in 1995. I live in a remote area of Oregon, where no VA center is available, so I am on 'Fee Basis'. Most people think great, you get medical care from whatever physician you like and can have anything completed. Wrong! First I have to call the 'Fee Basis office' which is staffed by MEN and explain in great detail every little pap smear or pelvic exam, just for them to say, "Didn't you have one of those last year?" When is comes to women's issues, they have no real training and end up making ladies feel uncomfortable about calling in for any exams. Another thing, is almost every time I call because a bill isn't paid, they say "Oh, Bob or Harry or whoever left and we can't prove you called in advance." What kind of service is this. I work with a Male Vet and he never has this problem. I want to know what I can do to fight this. If you have any suggestions, e-mail me.

I am a retired E-8, USN, writing on behalf of my daughter, presently in Hawaii. She is going to be discharged from the Corps based on some medical problems with her knees. The type of discharge is to be an admin, with no medical basis. Essentially, although I have not yet seen her medical record to read exactly the full diagnosis, she formerly was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome, as a young girl (pre-teen). This was a "growing pain" type of problem and disappears after adolescence. Now she is diagnosed with "Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome." There are several varieties of treatment, consisting of Pys Ther, braces and reduction in exercise. The separation letter considers PFPS as a non-disability, although the Corps will not perform arthoscopy to confirm their diagnosis. Although the discharge is inevitable, I am concerned that the military will run roughshod over our little E-3, and she may not be eligible for VA or any follow-up care if so. Is there a POC at the VA that I can talk or correspond with, to ensure that she does not get blind-sided?

One of the points that upset me about the sep letter is the fact that the doctor states that "all medical treatments available for this problem have been exhausted." That is in fact not true as the doctor have refused the artho, and ceased the phys therapy.

I can be contacted at NewellTN@navair.navy.mi or at bodean_97@yahoo.com . She will probably be discharged prior to Christmas. Obviously, there is a sense of urgency here. I am also trying alternative routes, but this is a good starting point.

I have osteoporosis. I now walk with a cane . I am ex-USAF. They did a hysterectomy on me when I was 22. I am 45 yrs old now. I am on a type of treatment where I take this medicine for 2 wks out of every three month period.I have only taken it once. My VA doctor wanted me on Fossamax But we were turned dow n for it. I have had 4 lumps removed over the yrs. from my breast. Four yrs ago I lost the lower portion of my left breast. My last mammogram showed that there is a small lump forming where they removed the lower portion of my breast. I don't know if I could be any help to other women vets but I am willing to volunteer what's left of me if anything Would keep another women from going through all of this. Please contact me if I can be of help.

I would like to speak to someone, about filing on PTSD as soon as possible I have lived with it too long. Can someone help me?

One organization I think all veteran's should be aware of is Disabled American Veterans, or the DAV. Their national service officers can assist any veteran with filing claims, finding out about benefits, preparing appeals, and acting as legal representation. It won't cost you a cent, and can be a real lifesaver. You can find them on-line at www.dav.org or in the government pages of the phone book. If you're eligible for membership in the DAV, I heartily encourage you to support this worthy organization by becoming a member. Good Luck and God Bless.

I am 50% disabled with multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed in 1985, I have fought this disease ever since. I managed to stay in 20 years and retire in 94. I've had good and bad days, but mostly good. The VA hospital at Bay Pines in St Pete Florida has been good. Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC is the finest! They have wonderful MS research facilities there. I recommend anyone who may need information about MS treatment to contact WRAMC.

Hi I am 20% disabled and I am going through VA vocational rehab. I had to go through some testing but I am currently enrolled in college with the VA paying for me to go. I did not find out about this till I was out of the military for awhile and there is a time limit on this. I think everybody who is interested should check with there local VA to find out more on this program. It is helping me achieve a dream of mine.

I am currently rated at 100% for PTSD and major depression directly related to sexual assault in the military. I was in the service in 1966-67 and was assaulted. I did not file my claim until 1990 but won my claim even though I did not have proof of the assaults in my military file. So if you want to chat with another woman veteran or want help, I will do the best I can. Lynda K. Dokken, E-mail: Patches2@mcn.net

I am a 24 year old disabled veteran woman with a 10% disability rating for retopatellar pain syndrome in both knees. I am confused about which medical services I am covered for and what kind of co-payment will be charged for these services. I do not have health insurance and would like to know if my yearly exams, are covered by VA and what I do if I get sick. I do not have a regular doctor at this time. The VA doesn't explain benefits enough and makes it difficult to get any answers. I usually have a whole routine that I have to explain that I'm the vet and not a dependant of one, my disability was blamed solely on the military but it took me 2 years to get some compensation and now I still can't get serious answers.

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Hello, I am currently active duty Navy, waiting on my medical board results. I had surgery on my left knee in late October 1997. I went to orthopedics and the doctor told me I will be med boarded out of the Navy because I cannot run without my knee giving out and increase pain and swelling. I had a question about the percentages for that injury. Also, I was diagnosed with scoliosis which increases pain and numbness and tingling in my left leg. Also my first duty station I had a concussion and ever since I have been having migraines. I also have pain in my left heel if I stand too long. When I came in the military I was currently wearing glasses, and my sight has decreased drastically. So would I get a percentage for that? Also, I have been diagnosed with pelvic adhesive disease and infertile. So would I receive a percentage? I have no idea where to start when I get out. Would someone please guide me in the right direction. I would greatly appreciate it!

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I have been out of the Army now for 2 years. During the time (12 years) in the Army I was diagnosed with Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, and bilateral pars defect, which are all located within my lower back. I submitted claim for VA compensation in April 1998. I have a scheduled medical exam for September 17, 1998. Can any one tell me what to expect during this exam and also is there any chance that I could get compensation from the VA for this condition and about how much. This is all new to me and so far I have done the steps thus far by myself. Please E-Mail me before September 17, at Lori40@goplay.com

A big HELLO to all the veterans that visit this site. My name is Cheryl, and I help all Veterans and Dependants with their VA claims. I am also a Disabled Veteran. I have been rated at 40% for "Intevertebral Disk Syndrome". When I re-opened my claim in 1994, I was being represented by the American Legion. Nothing against the Legion (I'm also a member), I turned over my power of attorney to the DAV. Well, we appealed my claim and won. I was so excited that I joined the DAV and even went to Chapter Service Officer training. After doing that for 2 years, I became a Department Service Officer (therefore the screen name Disabled American Veteran Department Service Officer) for more extensive and detailed training. I even over heard one of Florida's National Service Officer's saying that I was one of the top 5 Department Service Officer's in the state. I am offering my services to ALL Veterans and Dependants. Please feel free to E-mail me, and I will respond within 24 hours, if not sooner. Thank you all, for we are "Veterans helping Veterans". E-mail: DavDSO@aol.com

I wrote to you a couple of months ago, about being assaulted by a physician at Norton AFB, CA in May 1977. I was notified today that I have been awarded my claim at 30%. Tell other women veterans not to give up. Miracles in dealing with the VA, still happen.

I too waited like a good girl to get my case adjudicated....22 years I waited and suffered pain and sickness, and raised three children, but I never gave up and finally last Nov. they paid me for the 22 years I waited...and they cost me 22 years of medical care...I could have been going to the VA as 30% but because I was not rated, the VA hospital would not see me..now I have service connected psteoporosis and osteopenis..I will never give up...all that I have wrong with me they will pay for..I wrote all the senators and congress people, I wrote Gore, Clinton, Brown. I called, I screamed...every time I got a Mr. letter I called again. I decided this is my life's work...they drove me crazy with "we'll look in to it" now it is my turn...I will not take it any more. Now I'm having trouble getting medicine for the psteoporosis...saw Dr. at Memphis VA hospital and had test that said psteoporosis...went down one floor and asked if could get medicine had results in hand for Dr. to read....Dr. refused to give meds until schl. appt. that is in Oct 98. Do they just do this to drive us crazy or to test us....now must suffer until they see fit to see me...thanks Vickie

I need assistance with the VA...I had mastectomies because of diabetes that is service connected. Because this doesn't happen to men with Diabetes the VA doesn't recognize it. I don't know who can help do you? E-mail: Beantobean@aol.com

I read your page on domestic violence in the military. However, there are other acts of violence in the military which most people fail to address. That of violence against other (non spouse or co-habitating) women. We women veterans were also abused, harassed, and in many cases, raped. Those who did these acts got little more than a slap on the wrist if that. Now when we women vets file for PTSD, which we do have, we're told over and over, your records aren't here, no proof, etc. We're denied our claims because we lack proof. And who destroyed that proof? It was not the women but the military itself. I could cite you case after case of this but you get the drift. How about putting a bug in the DoDs' collective ears to find or direct us where to find our needed records. The VA is a joke when it comes to this issue so please don't send me there for help. I have a claim pending, but again lack actual proof.

Norton Air Force Base is closed (where my incident occurred) and I can't find where the records have been transferred to and have heard they probably have been destroyed. I've written letter after letter to this address and that one. I've called every place that I've been told is a possible site but have come up with nothing. My claims rep at the VA doesn't have a clue where to look either. If you know someplace else I can write or call, please let me know. Thank you in advance for any and all help you can give me.

God, I do not know where to begin. A very good friend "Vietnam Vet" sent me this URL. He knew what I had been going through since May of 1991. I was one of many called back during the Desert Storm War. I have been feeling I was the only one with these symptoms, and was informed by my VA counselor that there was not enough evidence to link my symptoms with the vaccines that we received prior to arriving at our duty stations. Now that I know that I am not alone, I will share my experience, in the hopes that someone out their will e-mail me with information that will assist me in my journey to find out what is causing so many of us veterans to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and similar diseases. Mostly Neuro in nature.

I received the pre-deployment vaccines. Unfortunately, the portion of my medical records that were made up at William Beaumont Medical Center in El Paso Texas, are no where to be found. So, obviously did not exist. "Right" We were called back to active duty to replace those in the medical field who were shipped out to serve in the theatre at the Persian Gulf War. During the time at WM. Beaumont, the 91Charlies were assigned to work in different departments at the hospital. In between training classes and other assigned duties, I cared for several veterans who were Med-evacuated to the hospital for unexplained illnesses. Since, at that time the Military swore that no Mustard gas or other agents were used, there was no decontamination performed prior to our contact with these soldiers who had these unexplained rashes, PTSD, nausea, etc. We stripped the soldiers and bagged and tagged their clothing and went on with patient care. MY medical history is or was what I thought to be uneventful, but growing larger and larger since my return home, pain is a small word in comparison to what I have experienced in the past 8 years. I was beginning to think that I was loosing my mind along with my strength, my endurance, and stamina. After reading the many letters and notes sent by soldiers who are experiencing similar symptoms, I feel somewhat not alone. I reopened my VA claim several months ago, but for reasons other than fibromyalgia. Received cervical and lumbar injuries in the military and these conditions had started becoming worse. During the process, had to notate all the treatment that I had received since the original claim. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, mainly because they had nothing else to point the finger at, as a cause for the severe pain I was experiencing. Blood tests were normal, MRI's showed progression of the osteo that had settled in the areas of my injuries, Tests for multiple sclerosis returned negative, My many trips to the emergency room due to loss of feeling in one or the other leg, and extreme pain were getting too frequent, numbness and tingling of extremities, unprovoked, burning (feels like bones are on fire sometimes), EMG's results are nothing to get shook up about. Mental: Well, upon return, everyone I was close to thought I was different. Personality change, compulsiveness, depression, almost manic, depressive at times, nervousness. Now, when I play bingo and reach to dob a number, I notice tremors and sometimes my dobber does not go where my mind tells it too. I feel at times that the trembling is only seen by me. But, friends say they see it at times. I reach out to touch or type and my hands are shaking. This has all continued to escalate since my return from the Desert Storm recall. To share a bit of history. I entered into the Army because I love my country. I had a talent that could be well used in the military. I was a nurse, civilian trained. My desire was to become flight nurse. Was the "ole lady" in basic at Ft. Jackson "WWII barracks" who got to know the sand bag detail very well. Was in excellent health and gung-ho as hell,had to earn every bit of respect received. AIT at FT. SAM, Settled in at Ft. Carson, Colorado. No health problems, except when a USARRED chest was dropped while I hung on to the other end. Whiplash and lumbar strain. Figured I would recover fully, Physical Therapy etc. Did just fine all the way. ETS'd and stayed in Colorado. Was recalled December 1990 for Desert Storm. Went through the re-entry program with everyone else. Came home in April 1991. Soon began to change, now in 1998 I am "A sinking ship" my condition worsens every month. My love of country has not changed, but as far as the government, well, they would lock me up if I voiced what I believe to be true of them. Your sight has enlightened me, and has increased the drive in me to find out what the heck all of us were exposed to during our service that has made us all so ill. Hell, I can't even hang curtains anymore. Not for lack of desire. In response to the many inserts I read, regarding fibromyalgia and other unexplained illnesses after Desert Storm: Don't give up. When they say denied, keep fighting, soldiers don't give up. Anyone sharing my experience please view my site at http://www.concentric.net/~Pyarrish and you may e-mail me at pyarrish@concentric.net or ICQ me. My number is 12442463 and my handle is deerslayer. Welcome all responders. God Bless America.

I was in the Army for 3 years and suffered from endometriosis I was on medication for it for 2 years while I was on active duty. When I was finally discharged the VA took me of the medication which caused the problem to get worse. In 1986 after buckling with pain so severe my husband started a crusade to get something done. A local doctor said that since I was taken off the medicine so abruptly it cause the organs to grow together and multiple cysts he recommended a total hysterectomy. After I had the surgery I went to get an upgrade and a local DAV officer told me I could not get anything and to top the icing on the cake it was put in my records at the VA Hospital that all it was a uterine displacement. Finally almost 12 years later I came across a women DAV who filled out the paperwork and got everything upgraded to 50%. But I have lost 12 years of pay and medical treatment of this because of the first male DAV officer. If you would like to email me, you can do so through the webmaster of this site.

Thank God, I finally got on-line and found your page. Even up until Tailhook and Aberdeen, I thought I was the only one to have ever had that kind of trauma while on active duty. Until I saw that program on 20/20, I still thought it was a very small problem. The V.A. said on the program that it would accept "soft evidence", expedite our claims, and have females hear our cases, NOT. Can anyone out there help me understand them? The DAV is my representative. I'm doing the work though.

I was an E-4 (Sgt) at an Air Force Base in May 1977 when my incident occurred. It was by a Lt. Col. physician in his office during duty hours. I never knew what was wrong with me, except I knew I couldn't bear to have relations with my husband. I'd never heard of PTSD. Now I'm divorced and still dealing with that S.O.B. in my flashbacks. The base is now closed and not even the V.A. can tell me where the base records were sent. I've written to the addresses listed on the V. A. form but still haven't found them. I've called the numbers listed on the answers that various people or agencies have sent me. Does anybody out there have any other clues of where to look for the info? I have my medical records which indicate I went to the clinic for "Anxiety Reaction". I'm looking for a copy of the polygraph that I took and passed or the records of the counseling I received. (Neither of which is, of course, in my medical records.)

Does anyone have any other ideas of where to look for them or who to contact? I guess the worst parts of this incident were: 1) It wasn't the first complaint against him for something like that; 2) that I was put out on a medical discharge (not retired): and 3) HE got promoted to full Col. and retired 30 days early since I "Just don't understand medical procedures". Please contact me, if you can help. Thanks.

I was diagnosed six years ago of having Thyroid Cancer. The type of cancer happens to be caused by radiation exposure or so the medical profession said. I do not know of anywhere I could have been exposed to radiation, unless it was during active duty training. I have been in the National Guard for the past 13 years. I have not been on active duty for any reasons other than training. I was wondering if anyone who may have been at Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Lewis, WA or Fort Gordon, GA may have had the same problems? I am not trying to blame the Military. I was just wondering if there could be a connection.

I am an E-7 in the Army with 1 1/2 years to go before retirement. My concern is that my Fibroymalgia is getting really severe and I want to know if anyone out there knows what the percent for this disease in the Army. E-mail: YANKB@aol.com

Hello my name is Jerry. I am a 55 year old married (30 great years) man. A few years ago I answered a penpal ad from a lady that wanted a mature friend to communicate with. She had lost her mate and we shared a common interest in the game of bowling, so I responded. My friend Micki is in her mid 70's. Over time Micki shared her stories of life. She was (and will always be) a career Marine Officer. She still speaks with so much pride when she talks of the Corp. She still actively participates in reunions and functions relating to the Corp and the military in general. She's a model for the words Country, Corp and Pride. I'll never forget the chill I felt when I learned her birthday is on July 4th. She's been so active in life, still working and bowling.

Yesterday, 4/25/98, I learned that while attending her bowling banquet she fell and unfortunately broke both ankles. One was so bad it required surgery with plates and pins to fix. She will be down for quite a while and faces a long road to recovery. As I printed a card to send her I thought wouldn't it be great if she had a big family that could flood her with cards and notes to encourage her and keep her busy. Then the light bulb lit as I realized she does, it's the "Corp." This ex Army medic wants your help to lift the spirits of my special friend Micki. Micki has been communicating with me from her niece's computer. She will not be mobile for some time so we are limited to old-fashioned mail. Please send a card or a personal note to: Micki or Mary L. Billi, C/O Brothers of Mercy Rehabilitation Center, 10570 Bergtold Rd., Clarence, NY 14031-2198.

P.S. Micki wrote me and asked to see if there were any friends that served at Marine Corp Base Depot, Norfilk Virginia between May 1944 and November 1995.

I am submitting this information in response to the person who requested information concerning research on fibromyalgia and vets. I wealth of information can be found by searching the web. Here is one good resource: http://www.nih.gov/niams/health/fibroofs.htm Also a book entitled: Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland contains a great deal of very useful information and resources. The writer can also call 1-800-283-7800 and request information on the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. They in turn will have more information on FM. I hope this information is helpful.

I am wondering if anyone might help me. I am currently rated as 10% service connected disabled for removal of one ovary+tube and plus I also receive a K award. I noticed in reviewing the VA ratings info. and noticed that the disability amount varies from 10-30% depending on whether the symptoms are treatable or not. After going round and round with the VAMC for 9 years, I would argue not treatable. Does anyone have experience in this area, i.e. service connection for this condition? Thanks in advance. Maddie, e-mail: amradcliff@worldfront.com

I am a 23 year old Veteran who served as an ET in the Navy. I went to a Navy Hospital where I was stationed and reported of a knee injury. They performed surgery that only made things worse. Since then I have been going to the VA and have received good help for my problem. I am 20% disabled because of the surgery and because of that I am unable to get a job. Many people who are hiring do not like a person who is disabled and can't stand for long periods of time. The only good thing about the entire thing that I have found since my release in 12/96 is the VA. After serving 4 and a half years in the service, I am unable to do the job that I was trained in the Navy so the VA is paying for my college to get retrained. It's call Vocational Rehab. It is a great program for those with 20% or more who can't work in the field that they were trained in in the service. Also now I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to find out just what is wrong with my knee. At times I wish that the civilian people knew what it was like to be in the service and to be disabled. I don't think that there really is anything "special" about being a disabled veteran. Everyone told me that being one would make life easier but it's not. At least not that I have found. I am grateful for the opportunity that the VA is giving me. In four years I will be a Paralegal and hopefully have a better life. Most of all I will owe it all to the VA.

This is in response to the woman veteran who also works for VA. I honestly feel that many VA employees have a veteran's best interests at heart, but I also honestly feel that the majority of VA employees do their job because it's a job, not because they want to provide a service to vets. I know, because I'm a woman, a disabled veteran, and a former VA employee who left employment by choice, with maxed evaluat

Disabled Women Veterans

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