Veterans’ Affairs

I was told last week that everyone would receive a notice by the end of this week. So with just one day left I have not heard any news yet. So for those interested, keep the hope up. Premiering here in New Hampshire would be great so we’ll see what happens.

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So I am no longer a part of the service organization that was supposed to assist me. I am at a crossroad of how and where I will take my case. Let me begin by letting you know what occurred this morning.

I called them to inquire about my case today. I first spoke with my assigned advocate and he immediately asked if I had submitted any paperwork to him regarding my claim. I responded and told he didn’t tell me which paperwork to submit. He then let me know that I had a claim pending and some exam setup. I asked him what claim was pending. Apparently there is a claim pending but with whom? The VA has verified that there is no claim pending with me anywhere. He followed up and said that if I had proof he would appreciate a copy of my knowledge of no pending claim. I told him the VA said there is no pending claim nor was there any CNP (Compensation & Pension) exam. Mind you, I never went out of my way to gather this knowledge the VA sought me out and provided this information on their own. The VA also called this service organization and verified this. Read the rest of this entry »

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I am currently in the planning stages to create my next project. When I first started this thing, the intent was to create a full length feature documentary. During the filming of Veteran Homelessness, I decided to break it up into three segments.

• Veteran Homelessness
• Veteran Suicide (official title TBD)
• Department of Veterans Affairs - Our story. (official title TBD)

I am not limiting myself with other possibilities because making a film can open up new opportunities. I do receive feedback that encourages me to cover other subjects, but for the moment the focus is the aforementioned. These three subjects have by far been the most controversial and important in relevance to the veteran, in my opinion.

My intent with this is to tell the story and push the limits when it comes to these subjects. I will call a spade a spade given the situation. The experience of the first documentary was very humbling and it let me know as a citizen how much we don’t do for veterans who need it. I could go on and on but I will refrain at this time.

So this next project is on the horizon and I am really inclined to capture the experiences people have dealing with the Veterans Administration. I get the impression every time I visit my local VA that they are still trying to fix the issues at hand and trying to better their processes and make the experience for the veteran a better one. However, there is always the flip side to every story and effort. I think the timing may be ripe for this subject.

As always, if you have a personal story about any of the subjects I am covering, please don’t hesistate to contact me. You can find my email within the contact page.

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This festival is  probably the most important venue that I’ve submitted the documentary to. Not only is it my home state but Portsmouth, NH is like a second home for my wife and I. So I look forward to see where I land within my category.

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I was able to get in contact with my advocate today. His demeanor was different than previous phone calls. He listened to what I had to say and didn’t talk over me, which I’ve noticed in the past. I made it very clear that my level of frustration was directed towards him and not the service organization in which he works for. However, he is the face and ensures the validity of that group as my advocate. From what I understand he is newly hired and still learning the processes. I refuse to make any excuses for him. I was very clear that my disappointment and degraded sense of trust was in part due to his handling of my case thus far. During the discussion he asked if I was a VA employee. I actually stuttered at the notion. I did tell him that in no way was I an employee. He said he asked because sometimes the VA can curtail cases when VA employees submit claims. I didn’t take this statement serious and just assume he knows this from personal experience. I just thought it was odd to say the least. In a way it was irrelevant to my frustration and current situation. Read the rest of this entry »

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I feel compelled to share my personal experience when it comes to my personal plight with the VA and other organizations. Today I was informed that my ‘adjudicated claim’ is not really being adjudicated, as far as the VA is concerned. Allow me to explain. I recently acquired the advocacy of an organization that I will currently keep nameless. Until I get to the bottom of it all, the people involved will not be listed as well. Read the rest of this entry »

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I added a contact page here.

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Many hits coming from the VA.Gov domain as of late and I appreciate the attention but there are some lingering items that should be addressed.

2008’s First Disenfranchised Voters: Injured and Homeless Veterans

“In recent months, the Department of Veterans Affairs has resisted efforts by U.S. senators and top state election officials to allow voter registration drives in its facilities.”

I don’t understand why the VA should get in the way of being able to register to vote within their facilities. Couldn’t this be handled like any other service that sits in your hallways? I often see the Military Order of the Purple Heart serving veterans but why not someone that can enable their fellow veteran to vote? Some veterans are not able to register external to the facility they reside in. Will the VA provide rides to locations that allow the veteran to register and then vote?

Grant & Per Diem Program Homepage

“Veterans in supportive housing may be asked to pay rent if it does not exceed 30% of the veteran’s monthly-adjusted income.”

The Per Diem thing is something that most veterans will not bitch about. They are appreciative and happy to be in a facility. However, the Per Diem is not enough. Not in the least. Why is it so low and why make the veteran make up the difference with their income that comes from you anyways?

Last but not least, what kind of extension program exists in the state of New Hampshire? I’ve had about 3 counselors call me in the last year but no one has really reached out to me or many of my fellow brothers. Calling is the first step in reaching out but where does it go from there?

I am more than willing to sit down with a representative that is willing to talk on camera. Please don’t take my questions as being hostile but rather trying to understand.

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Senator Webb and Homeless Vets

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Whoever is from Army Times and other Government locations reading this site, don’t be shy, say hello. This site and documentary is 100% in favor of the troops.

More to news on the documentary soon.

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