5 years in was days before the E6 board overseas when I was medivac’d out of theater in 2006 for “nerve damage” after blood work, I was diagnosed with lupus and hurried out the door of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at Ft Campbell. I was a very good soldier and even better leader. And when it came time for me needing help, I felt that it was ME vs BACH. I was made to feel like a turd and a waste of time. During this time my wife and I had a baby with a birth defect that required surgery at Nashville Children’s Hospital (great Doctors!)

I had two different specialty doctors tell me That I either had Fibromyalia, One said Lupus, and another Specialist tell me that she thought I had GWI. after presenting that information to the Doctor at BACH during my first TDRL exam, The Hospital Commander (COL Wasserman) Stated that GWI isnt whats wrong with me because “GWI NEVER EXISTED, AND NEVER WILL!” During this Medical retirement, my family and I have been put through hell financially and emotionally. I tried to work full time with the local sheriffs office but couldn’t be on my feet all day due to fatigue and meds. My great credit has been completely destroyed just trying to put food on the table. Doc Lybarger at Nashville Va took time and listened to everything. He has been very helpful. Again doing only what I’m sure he can within his limits. VA rated me at 100% this last spring and We are still trying to play catch up with bills and trying to re-establish credit and family living.

My story isn’t anything new, I was with 3 others that were put out with the same issues at the same time. VA in Nashville Has been pretty discreet about my issues and wont acknowledge that others have the same effects I have. (even though I have seen their thick paper back Unexplained Illness books looking heavily used) I feel that the Docs there have their hands tied by big brother..

Im getting ready for my 2nd TDRL exam(s) and am just wishing this was all over… Ive never been made to feel like such scum or worthless like this whole system has made me feel. I miss my job and the feeling that I was doing something with my life.. Col Wasserman should be ashamed of her and her hospitals treatment of soldiers in need. Becoming Ill to no fault of our own, Kicked out the door and left to our own devices.

a great video for all is on Google Video “killing our own” If you have ever been deployed, you need to see this.

Provides Greater Benefits to Veterans
who are Medically Retired from Service.
For the first time, highly-disabled veterans who
are medically retired from service will be eligible
for concurrent receipt of disability benefits from
VA in addition to DOD retirement benefits. All
medically retired servicemembers will be eligible
for concurrent receipt of VA and DOD benefits by
2015.