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Originally Posted by NavyDood
Congrats Gunny. Can't believe I missed this post. My official retirement date was 30 Sept last year. I did 20 yrs 4months and 16 days. My VA disability paperwork is in Waco right now being screened. Waiting patiently for the letter or phone call to start going to the VA in Dallas for my screenings. Since I filed before my year anniversary I will get all the back pay to 30SEP2011 no matter how long it takes at this point. I have an unbelievably great VA rep that knows her stuff inside and out that put my claim together here locally. She has the personal cell phone numbers of the TVC (Texas Veterans Commission) members in Waco. Right now we are easily looking at 75% disability minimum. IMHO there isn't another state in the US that takes care of their Veterans like TX does. Other states might come close, but TX does it right. Headaches throughout my medical record, six visible scars, three broken bones, tinnitus, and currently going through cancer (brain tumor) treatment that started showing symptoms prior to my official retirement date. The VA doesn't care much about the broken bones or pain, their only concern will be range of motion from those affected areas. If the affected area has hindered range of motion, that is your golden ticket.
I retired low and under the radar. I didn't want a shadow box or retirement ceremony. I am proud of my Navy career especially retiring as a Navy Chief. I bled Honor, Courage, Commitment, and Integrity. I was there for my sailors on a professional level. Even though I saw and was partly involved with seeing a few sailors getting booted out, knowing the amount that I guided and mentored will always be with me forever. I still have people that worked under me call me to this day for guidance and help at times even a year after I retired.
I always told myself when I retired that I hope I don't carry a single thing over into my personal retired life. Guess what? I haven't and damn proud to say it. My mother raised me to be a gentleman well before I joined the Navy. Calling an Officer Sir or Ma'am is nothing more than a salutation and respecting their collar device as it has nothing to do with the individual person and respecting them as a person.
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Navydood, thanks brother! My C & P exam had to come on my worst day. Had a headache, my back was killing me, and had almost no range of motion in my shoulder or foot. VA has received the 21-820 which is the doctors notes I believe. Just have to play the waiting game. My claim is outta Salt Lake, but I'm in SoCal. State of CA is pretty good to disabled vets. My unborn kids will be able to go to any UC or Cal State college for free.