No worries, I will split this into it's own thread.
Joe
Joe
WTU Issues
- Thread starter Warrior644
- Start date
Ranger, if you find it hard to believe why do you think they have the statistics of approvals by state available. They do that for a reason. For example, why did my disability examiner tell me that being a wounded warrior would hurt my case, I doubt that was in his training, I did not question him as I thought it might upset him and give him a different reason to deny my claim. I find it hard to believe that McDonald's had to pay out millions of dollars because there coffee was too hot, but they did. There is more to the story than that but let's move on.
As far as the people that help and this site for that matter, wonderful resources and usually very supportive. But there are a lot of people out there that think we are scamming the system. Obviously everyone on here would most likely give the best advice they can to someone but when someone seems like their complaining maybe they just want to vent. Like I have said in previous post's, we are all very different-we have different problems, we are in different situations,etc, and sometimes people just want to be heard.
The lawyer, I have had good lawyers, I have a lawyer now that represents me for VA and SSDI but they are the ones that advised me to sign the admin sep paperwork because it would strengthen my case for unemployability, I guess they were not concerned about what benefits I might lose from a medical retirement. But for now, I will continue to use them and hopefully they can do better justice for me with the SSDI case.
I also started as E-1 and moved my way to E-7 and was asked several times to go to WOC school or OCS. I was actually a TAC and Instructor for OCS, so I have made my way around. The thing I did wrong while in the military is that I stood up to command each and every time somebody was wronged. I would do it again. As a leader, I must be empathetic and mean it because people know when you are being insincere. As far as the coddling, the military is not for coddling but if someone needs guidance to get them on the right track then I also provided that. My social counselor that works for the VA has said it best about the military. For the most part, the individual soldier is just a number and they treat you like a number too. Although this was the general leadership style that I experienced as well, as a leader of Instructors that worked for me and all the students in the classes that I taught I never treated them like that and would always give them the benefit of the doubt.
As far as my situation goes, it will get straightened out, I will move on, and hopefully I can find something that makes me feel a sense of pride that I felt being in the military. I even thought about going to law school since I have almost finished my bachelor's. But anyway, godspeed to all and goodnight
As far as the people that help and this site for that matter, wonderful resources and usually very supportive. But there are a lot of people out there that think we are scamming the system. Obviously everyone on here would most likely give the best advice they can to someone but when someone seems like their complaining maybe they just want to vent. Like I have said in previous post's, we are all very different-we have different problems, we are in different situations,etc, and sometimes people just want to be heard.
The lawyer, I have had good lawyers, I have a lawyer now that represents me for VA and SSDI but they are the ones that advised me to sign the admin sep paperwork because it would strengthen my case for unemployability, I guess they were not concerned about what benefits I might lose from a medical retirement. But for now, I will continue to use them and hopefully they can do better justice for me with the SSDI case.
I also started as E-1 and moved my way to E-7 and was asked several times to go to WOC school or OCS. I was actually a TAC and Instructor for OCS, so I have made my way around. The thing I did wrong while in the military is that I stood up to command each and every time somebody was wronged. I would do it again. As a leader, I must be empathetic and mean it because people know when you are being insincere. As far as the coddling, the military is not for coddling but if someone needs guidance to get them on the right track then I also provided that. My social counselor that works for the VA has said it best about the military. For the most part, the individual soldier is just a number and they treat you like a number too. Although this was the general leadership style that I experienced as well, as a leader of Instructors that worked for me and all the students in the classes that I taught I never treated them like that and would always give them the benefit of the doubt.
As far as my situation goes, it will get straightened out, I will move on, and hopefully I can find something that makes me feel a sense of pride that I felt being in the military. I even thought about going to law school since I have almost finished my bachelor's. But anyway, godspeed to all and goodnight
For clarification of information only, it does not matter where or how an individual became disabled. If you are a veteran or an active duty service member and became disabled while on active duty (anytime after September 2001), you are eligible to get an expedited decision in your Social Security Administration (SSA) disability case.
The SSA will expedite the decision process for military service members who became disabled on or after October 1, 2001, if the disability occurred while on active duty. The SSA does not consider where or how the disability happened, so your disability does not need to be related to your military duty; just while you were on active duty.
When an applicant first apply for SSA Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), they must let the SSA know that their medical condition(s) began while they were on active duty, and they must also inform the SSA of the location where their military records are kept.
Although the Department of Defense (DoD) routinely send reports of the names of ill or injured military service members to the SSA, these reports can be incomplete at times. Therefore, when you file for disability with the SSA, you must make sure that you provide the SSA with proof that you are, or were, a military service member for sure.
Once the SSA gets your SSDI application, it will be marked as a Military Casualty/Wounded Warrior (MC/WW) file and expedited through all stages of the SSDI decision process as a critical case.
Now, even if your SSDI case file is selected at random for a quality assurance review (as mine was), your file will be placed in a specially marked envelope that distinguishes it as a SSDI MC/WW case file. As such, this will ensure that the quality assurance review process does not delay a decision in your SSA SSDI case.
With that all said and from my experiences with the entire SSA SSDI process by way of a non WTU assignment, non acceptance into the DoD IDES process at the time of application submission without any Command leadership letters, buddy letters, or spouse letter; I received a "disabled" determination for award of SSDI compensation benefits within 76 calendar days of initial application as a Wounded Warrior via their website.
As a current recipient of SSA SSDI awarded via their MC/WW Project processing initiative, the State Disability Determination Services (DDS) need to know all medical conditions which could potentially affect an applicant's ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) and the SSA overall SSDI determination.
Bottom line is that a SSDI applicant's opportunities for a successful award of the "disabled" determination for SSA SSDI increases if there exist other medical conditions affecting their ability to perform SGA in my opinion.
To that extent nonetheless, never default acceptance to potential injustice when you initiate your SSA SSDI application and continue to be positively proactive throughout the entire processing until receipt of the "disabled" final determination.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
This is why I love this site. I can share this information with the other Soldiers who are going through a MED BOARD, and not in the WTU. While going through the classes on post, it was stated (and many patients moaned at the time), that WTU Soldiers would qualify for Wounded Warrior Status, and be able to draw Social Security WHILE on active duty, but the Soldiers in regular units cannot.
Yes, I know the WTU can, many do. But, attending many of the classes, given by so many people, it is nice to know I can share this information with the other Soldiers. The least they can do is ASK about the situation when they go apply.
I personally know a few people, right now, who should have applied, but have not, due to what was said in the class that day. I will point them to this thread for more information.
Yes, I know the WTU can, many do. But, attending many of the classes, given by so many people, it is nice to know I can share this information with the other Soldiers. The least they can do is ASK about the situation when they go apply.
I personally know a few people, right now, who should have applied, but have not, due to what was said in the class that day. I will point them to this thread for more information.
This is why I love this site. I can share this information with the other Soldiers who are going through a MED BOARD, and not in the WTU. While going through the classes on post, it was stated (and many patients moaned at the time), that WTU Soldiers would qualify for Wounded Warrior Status, and be able to draw Social Security WHILE on active duty, but the Soldiers in regular units cannot.
Yes, I know the WTU can, many do. But, attending many of the classes, given by so many people, it is nice to know I can share this information with the other Soldiers. The least they can do is ASK about the situation when they go apply.
I personally know a few people, right now, who should have applied, but have not, due to what was said in the class that day. I will point them to this thread for more information.
Hmm, a feisty energetic thread with a variation of opinions; as it such be in my opinion!
Indeed, all feedback is welcomed since it's based upon that individual's previous and/or current experiences; the military service member reading this information should consider (or not) the particular feedback which could possible be applicable to their own situation for any potential assistance.
From my viewpoint, it seems that the individuals moderating the WTU classes should be made aware that soldiers in regular units have the same eligibility rights for potential qualification and award of SSA SSDI federal disability compensation benefits as do soldiers assigned to the WTU.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
I usually prefer to read more and not so much post (my best information came from this website), but I have to toss my 2 cents in here.
Related to the original post by Busyarmymom (Wow seriously? This entire exchange took place over the course of 3 days? *amazed*)
Outstanding advice. Wish I'd had it upon arrival. Don't know if we're in the same location or not, but usually it's safe to say if you don't already know my name, probably not. I'll just say I tend to be rather visible, and leave it there.
That being said, her advice is good for ANYBODY who just got orders to report. "Be VERY prepared to be treated as a child, no matter what rank you are". Anybody who cannot ascertain what rank I am, choke yourself. Immediately.
My experience has been precisely that. I live in the barracks, as do all single personnel. And it's a sad fact that I've seriously considered moving off-post and leaving my room ready to turn over. I knew people would be inspecting rooms during my stay here, however I wasn't prepared for the level of scrutiny. My room is functional. If I use something more than 3 times a day, it stays out. Where I can see it. Why? Because my memory is, as my neuropsych tester put it, at a level one might expect from a person born with fetal alcohol syndrome. My IQ is over 150 and I can't remember where I put ANYTHING. I put away my SSDI paperwork (among many other things) to comply with their 'every horizontal surface will be cleared, cleaned, and disinfected on an hourly basis' approach to room inspections. 2 months later I got a call from Social Security asking for it. Almost as of the phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' was written for me.
But I digress. A lot. What she wrote was excellent advice for anybody - even you, Combat Eng. Why? All she said was to be prepared for it. I wasn't. And if I'd gotten here and found I wasn't treated like a little kid, that'd be fine. Being treated like a little kid (for me anyway) is fine also. The first time my room was inspected, it was 'dirty'. That's all the guidance I got. The next time, 'needs cleaning' (which I assume is equivalent to dirty...not sure because nobody ever mentioned it out loud again). The time after that, my room had 3 TV sets in 2 different rooms, all showing some form of gay porn. Every doorknob had a sock hanging from it. I hung a cabbage patch doll surrounded by a few random headless Barbie dolls (which were not easy to find, let me say). I hung a giant picture of Chernobyl, upon which I had written several notes and arrows to indicate I was trying to figure out a way to recreate a meltdown. I made a hat out of tinfoil and put it in line with my other hats (never could bring myself to actually put the thing on...yet...)
Why? Simple. They were treating me like a little kid. So, I acted like one. In formation I asked questions a little kid would ask. Things like 'why does the army have to be so HARD?' or 'do they care if we have a shltload of beer bottles in the barracks, as long as they're not full?' I started wearing a sweatshirt to events that had a picture of a grunt taking a knee with an M-4 in one hand and toking a joint in the other, with the phrase 'IT'S 1620 SOMEWHERE' in huge letters underneath.
Eventually they stopped. Even if they hadn't, watching their reactions as they realized I could do 'stupid' better than they could provides endless amounts of amusement to everybody around me.
I know it sounds like I'm going off on a wild tangent here, but I guess the basic point I'm trying to make is, sometimes it's best to fight dumb with dumber. Even when it's not 'best', it can be funny as hell. When I had a 1SG start bitching me out in public because I was waiting outside somebody's office (I guess loitering in the hallway here is frowned upon?), I didn't say anything about disrespectful tones or not addressing me by rank, or even pointing out how idiotic his statements were. What I did do is go straight to parade rest and rattle off my very best 'yes, First Sergeant. Right away First Sergeant. Hooah First Sergeant.' went to attention, and hobbled away amid people laughing under their breath.
Now, obviously I would go to IG about the most serious stuff (and don't get me wrong, I've seen some absolute BS here when it comes to some of the stuff SQ LDRs and PLT SGTs here get away with), but for the every day stupid stuff like being treated like a little kid (I HATE IT, BTW), throw it right back at them. Be that immature wheel of cheese in the Cheez-It commercials. It probably won't fix anything, but it'll make you laugh. And those around you. When people need help, lend a hand (sounds like you've got that part covered). And for what it's worth, know that at least one person here is going through the same delightful experience.
//BeginTrollingFlamingProgramNow//
Related to the original post by Busyarmymom (Wow seriously? This entire exchange took place over the course of 3 days? *amazed*)
Outstanding advice. Wish I'd had it upon arrival. Don't know if we're in the same location or not, but usually it's safe to say if you don't already know my name, probably not. I'll just say I tend to be rather visible, and leave it there.
That being said, her advice is good for ANYBODY who just got orders to report. "Be VERY prepared to be treated as a child, no matter what rank you are". Anybody who cannot ascertain what rank I am, choke yourself. Immediately.
My experience has been precisely that. I live in the barracks, as do all single personnel. And it's a sad fact that I've seriously considered moving off-post and leaving my room ready to turn over. I knew people would be inspecting rooms during my stay here, however I wasn't prepared for the level of scrutiny. My room is functional. If I use something more than 3 times a day, it stays out. Where I can see it. Why? Because my memory is, as my neuropsych tester put it, at a level one might expect from a person born with fetal alcohol syndrome. My IQ is over 150 and I can't remember where I put ANYTHING. I put away my SSDI paperwork (among many other things) to comply with their 'every horizontal surface will be cleared, cleaned, and disinfected on an hourly basis' approach to room inspections. 2 months later I got a call from Social Security asking for it. Almost as of the phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' was written for me.
But I digress. A lot. What she wrote was excellent advice for anybody - even you, Combat Eng. Why? All she said was to be prepared for it. I wasn't. And if I'd gotten here and found I wasn't treated like a little kid, that'd be fine. Being treated like a little kid (for me anyway) is fine also. The first time my room was inspected, it was 'dirty'. That's all the guidance I got. The next time, 'needs cleaning' (which I assume is equivalent to dirty...not sure because nobody ever mentioned it out loud again). The time after that, my room had 3 TV sets in 2 different rooms, all showing some form of gay porn. Every doorknob had a sock hanging from it. I hung a cabbage patch doll surrounded by a few random headless Barbie dolls (which were not easy to find, let me say). I hung a giant picture of Chernobyl, upon which I had written several notes and arrows to indicate I was trying to figure out a way to recreate a meltdown. I made a hat out of tinfoil and put it in line with my other hats (never could bring myself to actually put the thing on...yet...)
Why? Simple. They were treating me like a little kid. So, I acted like one. In formation I asked questions a little kid would ask. Things like 'why does the army have to be so HARD?' or 'do they care if we have a shltload of beer bottles in the barracks, as long as they're not full?' I started wearing a sweatshirt to events that had a picture of a grunt taking a knee with an M-4 in one hand and toking a joint in the other, with the phrase 'IT'S 1620 SOMEWHERE' in huge letters underneath.
Eventually they stopped. Even if they hadn't, watching their reactions as they realized I could do 'stupid' better than they could provides endless amounts of amusement to everybody around me.
I know it sounds like I'm going off on a wild tangent here, but I guess the basic point I'm trying to make is, sometimes it's best to fight dumb with dumber. Even when it's not 'best', it can be funny as hell. When I had a 1SG start bitching me out in public because I was waiting outside somebody's office (I guess loitering in the hallway here is frowned upon?), I didn't say anything about disrespectful tones or not addressing me by rank, or even pointing out how idiotic his statements were. What I did do is go straight to parade rest and rattle off my very best 'yes, First Sergeant. Right away First Sergeant. Hooah First Sergeant.' went to attention, and hobbled away amid people laughing under their breath.
Now, obviously I would go to IG about the most serious stuff (and don't get me wrong, I've seen some absolute BS here when it comes to some of the stuff SQ LDRs and PLT SGTs here get away with), but for the every day stupid stuff like being treated like a little kid (I HATE IT, BTW), throw it right back at them. Be that immature wheel of cheese in the Cheez-It commercials. It probably won't fix anything, but it'll make you laugh. And those around you. When people need help, lend a hand (sounds like you've got that part covered). And for what it's worth, know that at least one person here is going through the same delightful experience.
//BeginTrollingFlamingProgramNow//
I'm not saying I agree with how you handle their stupidity, or if someone of a lower paygrade should emulate it, but I will say I just spit Copenhagen everywhere laughing my ass off. I find myself responding in kind to the stupidity I've encountered through this process and I wonder how the hell the junior guys deal with it that don't have bars or anchors or whatever that I know allow me to get away with some of the things that come out of my mouth. I just hope that while they're wondering how the hell to handle me, they're not screwing with someone else.
All I can say is, THANK YOU Chief. (big sigh of relief)
I have seen some serious stupidity, and like you said, if people are not ready for it, then it can be really overwhelming. I have over 19 years in the military, and I have two grown children (one is also in the military), so it was an eye opening experience to have my every moment accounted for (when I am always where I am supposed to be), and having my life turned upside down by someone half my age and very few years in the military. Have I don't silly shit that I am not proud of? YOU DAMN RIGHT I HAVE. But, it has kept me from going off the deep end.
Are there some really great things in the WTU? YES. But, just be prepared for bad things too. Things that no book or briefing prepare you for. That is all I am trying to say. You would not go into war telling a Soldier it is rainbows and unicorns. You would tell them it sucks like hell, and you will be tired of the BS by the 3rd month, and you will feel screwed over a lot, BUT, you still go, because.... well, you just do. You just go anyway. That is the way with the WTU.... go anyway, AND FIGHT LIKE HELL. EVEN if you have to put some dolls and movies everywhere to keep you sane (damn I really need to do this), FIGHT LIKE HELL!
I would not recommend this course of action for anyone who is reading this. The rules at the WTU can sometimes seem difficult.
I have been through it all while I was there, trust me, nobody could have had it worse than me. My Platoon Sergeant was an ex-husband of my former co-worker and they were going through quite a bit of stuff to include domestic violence diversion. The first thing that he and my 1SGT was to hit me with a military protection order that stated I was not to talk to her (I suppose that they thought I was going to rat him out to her for bullshit he did/does).
This was quite a shell shock, but my only focus was myself and to keep my eye on the prize. Rather than getting into emotional battles with anyone, I had a intelligent conversation with the 1SGT and SGM, the net result was no MPO.
Out of courtesy to the chain of command, I showed respect and followed SOP. Eventually my PSG was kicked out of his diversion program, hit with a Lautenberger and removed from the WTU.
I made my appointments, followed my treatment plan, researched the rules and regulations and was prepared to present a good discussion when needed.
In the 90 days I was at the WTU I managed to avoid being sent home on Christmas Eve after being voted out by the Triad (true WTU Commander was on leave), successfully get entered into the TBI program (Nurse Case Manager was blocking it) and get accepted I to the CBWTU (once again while the WTU Commander was out on leave).
I have been through it all while I was there, trust me, nobody could have had it worse than me. My Platoon Sergeant was an ex-husband of my former co-worker and they were going through quite a bit of stuff to include domestic violence diversion. The first thing that he and my 1SGT was to hit me with a military protection order that stated I was not to talk to her (I suppose that they thought I was going to rat him out to her for bullshit he did/does).
This was quite a shell shock, but my only focus was myself and to keep my eye on the prize. Rather than getting into emotional battles with anyone, I had a intelligent conversation with the 1SGT and SGM, the net result was no MPO.
Out of courtesy to the chain of command, I showed respect and followed SOP. Eventually my PSG was kicked out of his diversion program, hit with a Lautenberger and removed from the WTU.
I made my appointments, followed my treatment plan, researched the rules and regulations and was prepared to present a good discussion when needed.
In the 90 days I was at the WTU I managed to avoid being sent home on Christmas Eve after being voted out by the Triad (true WTU Commander was on leave), successfully get entered into the TBI program (Nurse Case Manager was blocking it) and get accepted I to the CBWTU (once again while the WTU Commander was out on leave).
Be your own advocate, make your appointments, Be proactive, Be honest in your weekly surveys, focus on getting healthy and prepare yourself to either RTD or retire/sep and of course if your being mistreated go through the correct channels to get your issues heard.
And as far as rank its no different from going to a school and rank not having any meaning regardless if your e4 below, NCO, or officer
And as far as rank its no different from going to a school and rank not having any meaning regardless if your e4 below, NCO, or officer
side bar: the mcdonald''s coffee thing was entirely their fault. The woman bringing the case against them only wanted mcdonald's to pay her medical expenses 800 dollars. In court they were such dicks that the jury agreed to fine them a full days worth of coffee sales and give it to the woman and a burn charity. That lame ass country song sensationalized that event and thus this poor grandmother with THIRD degree burns has been made out to be the devil. Mcdonalds should burn.
where did you get your lawyer? not Jag right? when did you get them in the process?
I laughed at our story. But it made me worried about going to the WTU. I am married so I woldnt be in the barracks. You make it sound very bad. I am not sure I want to go there unless it will make the MEB process much faster.
some of your acronyms don't make sense to me