Hello all. I've been a member of this website for a while, for better or worse on my own part. I do not really know any of you personally however I do know you guys are all great people.
I was involved in an auto accident where I was rear ended. I'm being tended to medically, however things in other aspects have taken some seriously horrible downturns.
I'm a 100% disabled Marine combat veteran. I need help and I don't know where to turn. The VA is tending to me medically, as mentioned, but I don't think they can help in other terms.
Are there any suggestions as to where to look for help for veterans? Thank you all and to everyone with any suggestions. Thank you.

I'm guessing by your post that the driver was uninsured. But just in case he wasn't, I'd suggest you turn to a good ambulance chasing lawyer yesterday.

In addition, you are not specifying what kind of "help" you need.

I apologize, I wasn't able to think. The other driver was insured, and I do have a lawyer right now however he is servicing all of this town; needless to say he is very busy.
Here's the deal...my car was in for repairs in Washington, which was the closest shop to the accident. It's a good 4.5hrs away from where I live in Oregon. But I'm unable to work, as the injuries from the accident were extensive and highly debilitating, plus just added on to my existing disabilities. Long story short (car wise) I have a lien on the car that was hit. I fell behind on my payments and my lawyer and I pleaded with the finance company to not take action against me until I got my medical disability payments arranged. The supervisor we spoke to agreed to our plea and we thought it was a done deal.
I received a phone call from the auto body shop, whom I hadn't heard from for about two weeks (after a month of repairs) to inform me that they finished my car, however about 10min before he called me my car was repossessed.
I'm not writing this for pity, but I am essentially handicapped now. Most of my day is spent in pain, screwed up on pain medications and muscle relaxers. I'm allowed to walk carefully and that's about it. Due to everything, I cannot work. I was advised not to work in a physically demanding job before the accident, now I simply cannot work.
I am not even sure what I am asking for help wise. Everything is so confusing and now my car is repossessed. I don't have much money and I'm still waiting for my medical pay to go through. I also have an appointment later on with the VA which I'm sure I'll be listed as permanently and totally disabled. After multiple combat tours and now a car crash I think I'm done.

You need a different lawyer NOW! Any competent lawyer should never have let your case come to this point.

The good thing is, you will be compensated for all of this in the end, but you need some expense money and a car in the interim. Again, a half way competent attorney would have taken care of this.

Keep walking as much as you can.

I agree with Gato.You need a better lawyer that takes interest in your case. After all,YOU are the victim.

Check with AmVets, American Legion, VFW, and others. I know from personal experience AmVets knows how to help Vets navigate messy problems.

I actually like my lawyer, and as of yesterday my medical disability payments were approved! We are working on a public press release on those a-holes who repossessed my car. They have done a series of illegal moves that I filly plan to exploit. The worst part is that they had the nerve to add a pamphlet in the last letter they sent me saying that they support veterans! They know I am a veteran as well.
I belong to the vfw however there's no one in our office here and the headquarters keep on telling me to call the local office. I may try AmVets though as that company is disgraceful and unethical, and I want them exposed to what they've done to me.
My lawyer is a good guy and we are up against an unethical opponent. He has done a lot for me on my medical side and he is actually handling a dual case for me, since I applied for ssdi due to having too many injuries. We've been lied to by that company, the one who values veterans yet screwed me at my weakest.
Despite being physically disabled and mentally unstable after this; despite that I am weak and weary, and my body wants to quite, I will not back down on this case. They fucked with the wrong veteran and in my press release I will give my story and snuff them, hopefully with the help of my brothers and sisters of the armed forces.

Vet Center. They are veteran advocates, and have taken on the VA Corporation several times for me over the years.

I run a medical equpment loan program throught the Knights of Columbus in Nampa Idaho.

If you need any medical equipment you are welcome to it. Everythiong we have is at no charge. We will just need to figure how to get it to you.

I have electric hospital beds, electric wheelchairs etc.

npd345, Thank you so much Sir! The only medical device that I've been granted (due to change after my upcoming appointments) is a hearing aid for my left ear. My last tour I came across an ied...broken hip, severe vascular problems and 80% loss of hearing in my left ear. It was bad.
Idaho, thank you too Sir, I will look into the nearest chapter around here.

The VFW was my advocate, along with the Vet Center, when the VA and I went head to head. They are good people.

Don't say "Sir", it was plain old Sgt when I was in the Green Monster.

Good Luck

Rich

MetalSmith, I can not figure out if you are just stupid or mentally defective. You have stated that you are 100% disabled,the VA will be happy to provide you with hearing aides if you request them. As far as your auto accident, they have no obligation to assist you. Your auto insurance should represent you in your claim for the repair of your auto ,and medical problems. As for your SSI claim, you need to retain a different lawyer. You need to have a guardian appointed to represent your interests, since that seems to be beyond your ability.

Jim Yackley, read the post again dipshit. I said the only thing I was issued was a hearing aid. Did I ask for one? No. Because I've already been issued one. And if you had read the rest of the posts, I was asking for help because I live in a small town, and my lawyer is very busy.
As far as being mentally defective, you can go fuck yourself you piece of shit. I have brain damage from my military service plus from this car crash.
I don't know you, but you are obviously a shitty person and there is no fucking reason why you needed to post such a comment. I came here for help, and while I am thankful of those who did give me help, no one needed to respond. What you wrote was stupid and offensive, and frankly, I hope for your own sake I never see you in person.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
The VFW was my advocate, along with the Vet Center, when the VA and I went head to head. They are good people.

Don't say "Sir", it was plain old Sgt when I was in the Green Monster.

Good Luck

Rich

Rich;

To rephrase your statement about being a Sargent.

"Don't sir me, I was/am a sargent and I work for a living!

Jim

Metalsmith;
My step daughter works for the local P.V.A chapter here in Richmond. (P.V.A. Paralized Veterans Association, PVA.Org
I help out with the shooting events and help with fund raising.

Jim

Arkypete and Idaho, hah sorry about that. I was enlisted too (SSgt) and was just showing my appreciation for his help. But I will keep that in mind.
That is really nice to do Arkypete. My wife and I used to go out to the VA back when we lived in Sacramento and help cook for the Veterans and when we had the opportunity, help them with rides and monetary donations. I was making a LOT more money back than! But we moved here and well, there's not much going as far as Veterans programs. It is a small town though. Aside from that, I'm physically incapable of doing what we used to. Add on top of that money is much harder to come by. My wife and I decided that we are going to move back to Sacramento this upcoming summer, as it is warmer there (better for my health) and her family is out there.

quote:

Originally posted by The Metalsmith:

My wife and I decided that we are going to move back to Sacramento this upcoming summer, as it is warmer there (better for my health) and her family is out there.

Sacramento is too humid for my sinuses, Riverside is more like it...

Jim YAckley,

it must be fun to be you. Takes guts to bash a disabled veteran in print. You are in dire need of some close order drill.

TomP, it does get a bit muggy there but that heat was wonderful on the joints! Are you prone to sinus infections? Riverside is a nice area, but the wife didn't like it. Happy wife happy life!
Idaho, Jim is a work of art. You see, old Jim boy is a stand up kind of guy. Looking back on his old posts he's just a cheerful 65 year old man who often donates his valuable time to others on this forum with wonderful, uplifting words of wisdom. I mean shucks, as soon as I read his post it all came clear, despite my recent brain damage, that indeed I must be stupid! It was certainly a life changer in reading his infinite wisdom on my circumstances. If it wasn't for Jim, the rest of my life I'd be blind! So my hat is off to that good old chap. I mean hell, what was I thinking getting my bachelors in science where I studied physics? Obviously a waste!
Lol...good times. Aside from my worshipping of all that is Jim, things are coming to resolution with my problem and I thank you gentlemen, AmVets and the Veterans Center has helped and my lawyer is kicking some butt. The medical side is still progressing for the worst but at least I still have my humor. So again thank you all, I truly appreciate the advice that was given on this. In spite of all the weird stuff happening with the government the Veterans will always stand together.
On an ending note, Jim, if you're reading this, I have your phone number and address. We really should hang out one of these days! You're like a celebrity to me!

quote:

Originally posted by The Metalsmith:
TomP, it does get a bit muggy there but that heat was wonderful on the joints! Are you prone to sinus infections? Riverside is a nice area, but the wife didn't like it. Happy wife happy life!

Yes the shnozz is prone to assorted pestilence, got a bad one once parked overnight in a rest area by Laramie once in a cold misty rain. It wore off in a couple of days and we shot antelope. Riverside is drier most of the time.

Yes, happy wife, happy life. That's how we got back here from the life of an electronics migrant worker, a grandchild that needed a little babysitting. Could be worse...I still have a South Bend Heavy 10, Burke #4 and a place to play with them.

ISS, FYI I too am a disabled vet. I am sure you have heard the saying that 10% of the troops cause 90% of the problems. MS is tn the top 1& of the group.The system is always screwing with me. The Co/boss has it in for me. I was late for formation/work twice this week but it was not my fault because my car would not start and I had to take my wife to the hospital. I could not call in to the unit/job because my phone was dead. The bank and the finance company are wrong, I have money in my account and my bills are current. I can care less if he lives in Astoria, OR and has retained a lawyer. If he is not happy with the results, replace him. ISS, if you are trying to hone up on your D&S skills I will be happy to send you a copy of FM 22-5. Will even highlight the section that deals with the proper burial ceremony of a cigarette butt. I am sure that after 10-12 dry runs you should be able to handle it with little or no supervision. ISS do yourself a favor, refrain from commenting on issues that are above your pay grade. You are at high risk of looking like an Ass.

I get to get on this bus and say me too. First you can not claim under both SSDI and VA, they will not allow it to the best of my knowledge. If you are disabled from service related issues the Va will not only cover your medical but you are granted pay based on the percentage. SSIDI is a cluster fuck no doubt about it. I am about to go before a review board again. I love it when they pick up a 6 inch thick medical file and toss it aside like it is meaningless. Guess what? It pretty much is until DC stops them from or instructs them to play all these stupid games. The two issues are separate and will never meet. Your atty. should have reamed the other parties insurance company here as well as the finance co if what you say is true. No offense but things just don't add up. Each claim must be fought on its own separately and I can tell you it is extremely frustrating. The VA does what they can but their scope is limited by law. In the end you can expect a long period of time with little or no help. I know as it will be 3 years in Jan for me. so in the meantime I do what I can to make ends meet and do without a lot. In the end you just have to man up and realize the only person able to help you is you. Now as for Jim Yackley. He is a good guy! A career soldier that put his life on the line more than once and has the scars to show for it. He isn't saying anything that any good leader wouldn't say. I can go and get the gunny and let him speak his mind after reading this. You think Yack was hard on you? the truth is you didn't like the message. I can relate to your pain and frustration. You have my sympathy for that. Time to look at what YOU can do to help YOURSELF. I may be off base but I don't think so. you sound too much like a lot of E-1 and E-2s that I always had up on NJP. Instead of concentrating on what you cant do anymore start looking at alternatives. sometimes you have to work through the pain. I am sorry for that. Remember the bastards want us to all die and go away. Are you going to give them that satisfaction or say fuck them and win your case and take care of your family like a real man does? That is all.

Don't forget to file an underinsured motorist claim with your auto carrier. I hope you didn't waive the coverage. A lot of agents/carriers will try to get you to do that for a reduced premium.

If you have the coverage, it's usually for the same limits you have on your auto policy. Don't settle and release the other driver without your insurer's consent; it could affect your coverage under your UM coverage. But file a claim. You could have additional coverage under your own auto policy.

Your lawyer has probably already checked into this, but if he hasn't you might want to make sure he has.

NOTHING IN THIS POST IS LEGAL ADVICE AND I AM NOT REPRESENTING YOU AS A CLIENT.

Just some thoughts to consider. Best of luck.