Soldiers-Feel Betrayed-Army Blocks Disability Paperwork Aid at Fort Drum

Army Blocks Disability Paperwork Aid at Fort Drum
by Ari Shapiro

Morning Edition, January 29, 2008 ·

Army officials in upstate New York instructed representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs not to help disabled soldiers at Fort Drum Army base with their military disability paperwork last year. That paperwork can be crucial because it helps determine whether soldiers will get annual disability payments and health care after they're discharged.

Now soldiers at Fort Drum say they feel betrayed by the institutions that are supposed to support them. The soldiers want to know why the Army would want to stop them from getting help with their disability paperwork and why the VA— whose mission is to help veterans — would agree to the Army's request.

'A Worn Pair of Boots'

One disabled soldier, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he fears retaliation from the military, says it feels like a slap in the face.

"To be tossed aside like a worn-out pair of boots is pretty disheartening," the soldier says. "I always believed the Army would take care of me if I did the best I could, and I've done that."

more at:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18492376

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http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=259

Thanks.

there is not a place in the universe that is suitable for moron* to be imprisoned for all he has done to the vets, this nation and the people of the world.

I hope he* has itchy hives in his* crotch for the rest of his life.

and stop enlisting. x(

:hi::loveya::hi: