Comparison is a thief. Yesterday, I intended to post a video on the importance of going after your VA benefits. I didn’t post it. Instead, I deleted the near 5-minute video and it ate at me all day because I let my insecurities win. It happens to the best of us. I let everyone in on this because, it is important to remember we are all human. We all want to make a difference in one way or another. We all want to take a leap of faith at times. Yet, sometimes we don’t because of our insecurities and our unfortunate ability to compare ourselves to others. Same thing happens when we decide not to pursue our benefits because we feel as if we don’t deserve them. Whether we never served in combat or we didn’t receive a combat action ribbon or badge. Maybe we have all of our appendages and a friend does not. That comparison keeps us from obtaining the benefits and compensation we have earned. I was never directly shot at; however, many mortars (idf’s) were shot in my direction. I never saw combat like some of my grunt friends did. Because of my experience, I didn’t and still at times don’t feel worthy of the benefits I receive. That stated, I know I deserve them, and guess what? So does every #veteran who has raised their right hand and taken an oath to serve this nation. Whether you served in peacetime or war, 4 years or 40, there are benefits provided, in some capacity, for you. You earned them. We were taught to never quit and never retreat. So please, don’t quit on yourself. Fight for what is rightfully yours. #disabledveterans #veterans #transitioningservicemembers
Matt, Great insight. Reminds me of an experience I had after OEF. I received an award that was the same medal my grandfather received after fighting in the Kasserine Pass in WW2 as a tanker. It really ate at me and one day I realized he'd never care about that sort of thing. I was worried about nothing. He might not be to hip on my German Fallschirmjager wings or the fact I worked with the Japanese Defense Force for 2 years, but he didn't need any accolades and for the first time I really thought about it and researched the battle. We lost that battle against the Germans. I imagine my grandfather carried with him so much guilt for all that was lost, yet he was still recognized for his personal actions. He fought 22 months in combat as a tanker and was wounded many times and didn't really get anything but access to VA healthcare. He had no disability check. Because I knew him, I know he'd not want me or other veterans to suffer. He was just that kind of guy. Each person who serves should know their value is not in the number of medals or their VA ratings. It's serving, its selflessness that is the mark of distinction. Everyone who suffers sacrifices something. No matter what though, its earned, it should bring no shame.
Thanks for sharing this, Matt. And for putting a voice to the imposter syndrome that can come with getting the benefits. Those and the visits to the VA are so important for anyone who served! Like you said, 4 years or 40, we are changed from our time in service. Our bodies will never be the same and there is a system to help each of us with that issue. I wonder where your 5-minute video lives now…Will you post it? Love to share it! For as many judgements you may get from that guy who never filed and never visited a doctor despite his PTSD and broken back, you’ll get even more people that you will have made realize they do deserve the help.
Matt Watkins I appreciate you!
Dude. This is me, every day. I still question what I want to say or if I’m the right person to say it. And you know what? We are. So many of our brothers and sisters don’t have a voice they are comfortable using, and we speak for them as well. Remember that. And use it to hit that post button when you falter. Let’s go, my friend!
I used to feel the same way, but as I got closer to the end of my career I started to understand why other veterans sought out their disability ratings. I too sought out mine, I turned in 36 legitimate claims, I also never served in combat, but yet I have issues. I received that sought after 100% Permanent and Total rating on the first try and I am blessed to have it as I also sought out my next career opportunity and have yet to find it. Thankful that I have those benefits, it would be impossible right now otherwise. It would also be impossible to start my own business without them. I count my blessings everyday that my attitude on seeking my Benifits changed.
I gladly pay taxes to provide you all of the benefits you will ever need and have earned in exchange for my safety and freedom. It is the very least I can do - and I expect my government, who works for me by the way (something I think they tend to forget from time to time), to take care of you and your family for your commitment and sacrifice(s). When you serve, you deserve - it's that simple. Claim what you have earned and what is rightfully yours to claim. Thank you for protecting me and my family.
When I joined the army, I was told the military would take care of me and no limits to the care. I was not a career person but so when I got out, my peers were several years ahead of me in their careers. I have a 60% disability rating and have no regrets to claiming it. I would gladly trade my benefits to get my hearing back, to get rid of the excruciating 24/7 tinnitus, and be able to walk 100 feet without pain. I was not in combat, but got these ailments training and keeping ready to go into combat. Don’t feel guilty claiming what is rightfully yours.
Matt, I didn't serve, but my brother did. He was in 10th Mountain, so he saw a lot of action and I think he would have loved to hear your video. There is nothing that says an individual is more or less "worthy" of being heard or receiving assistance based upon how much action they saw. Anyone who puts their life on the line like you and many others do deserves it, regardless of what was experienced. Your voice, your message and your light comes from your own uniqueness and should never been doubted. Always speak! Much love.
Deployed Systems and Solutions SME
1moMatt, I don’t know you but maybe you and many others like you need to hear this. As a civilian contractor I spent ten years working in Iraq and Afghanistan in the military hospitals. From Role 1 clinics to the Role 3s at Bagram, Kandahar, Mazar e Sharif and Bastion. I assure you, you all deserve and have earned and more than paid for your benefits. Anyone saying otherwise is trying to con you out of the contract you signed when you joined.