Slow Motion…and More

By John Tidwell



In this writing I note a couple veteran issues.  My mantra is never give up, due to the fact the Veterans Administration (VA) moves in a very slow motion.



Let me comment on what happened in my life.  You may be able to relate.  I finally had a medical visit from a Nurse Practitioner (NP) working for Optimum Health Care which was on a contract by the VA to complete a Comp & Pen claim appeal (ordered by the Federal Veterans Appeal Judge) which partially started in 2004.  The physical was basically a questionnaire of three medical issues from 2007 and 2018.  The 2004 hypertension she stated would be evaluated on paper files. (slow motion)



In ancient times, 2004, I invoked my right to file claims with the VA.  At which time, I was informed that the VA will finally start helping us Vietnam Veterans.  I filed for PTSD and hypertension (and sadly, I am running out of patience with the effects of living with uncontrollable hypertension).  In 2011, after a millennium, ten thousand denials or so it seemed, I was awarded the PTSD claim due to my DPs, society noted violence, anxieties, apathy, etc. we all know the symptoms.  To this day, the VA avoids awarding my hypertension even though there are decades of uncontrollable high blood pressure documentation by medical departments in various state prisons.  I suppose they, the VA, figure I will eventually give up, but that’s not my nature.  There should be zero veterans that give up.  We all should continue on through their unacceptable denials.  We deserve the help.  Unfortunately, I know of far too many veterans I have talked with while experiencing my 50 years of continued imprisonment, whom after a few denials just quit filing for their deserved compensation and help.



A catchphrase on FirstTV show was alleged to be stated b y former President Ronald Reagan, “the most terrifying words in the English language, I’m from the Government.  I’m here to help.”  This is not debatable, but instead unadulterated fact, especially this day and age.



Unfortunately, I allege that through their looking glass with impotence towards reality the public and the Veterans Administration (VA) view us incarcerated veterans not as heroes, but instead as sub-human criminals, especially us Vietnam veterans.  During the ‘70’s we were called baby killers, some were spit on, and now, due to our PTSD, s a false and odious comparison we are unequal to other veterans that did not enter the dark walls of society.  Yes, we may be in the darkness of society’s grasp, but at least we are not government communist.  Notably, I hold no grudge.  Usually I just roll my eyes at some people’s cognitive misgivings.



….and more; On a different issue, but similar.  I have written four attorneys who advertise on TV that they help Marine Veterans with their lawsuits against the Camp Lejeune Water Act.  Only one responded in return after I did a letter to the VVA Incarcerated Committee Chairman.  This attorney stated the reason they did not respond was because ass an odious and unforgivable insult, we are incarcerated.  I informed her I was a marine before I was incarcerated.  I was at Camp Lejeune before incarceration.  Unfortunately, I became ill while incarcerated, years later.  She never wrote back.  They, like many others, are a part of the crowd that feel we are sub-human, I perceive.



As a side issue, while watching “The FirstTV show” with Sean Spicer show, his guest was country singer John Rich.  A very positive Veterans advocate, Rich owns a bar and grill in Nashville called Redneckrivera, a whiskey manufacturing company, a boot manufacturing company and a Bank in Oklahoma called the The Old Glory Bank.  This bank is not government owned in any fashion  a portion of the proceed form these businesses from these businesses goes to Veteran Organizations.  All you vets should check them out.  Another interesting guest on a more recent show was Chad Robichaux, a former Recon Marine who is still active in rescues from the faith based Mighty Oaks Foundation which provides free help to veterans, First Responders and wives of Veterans with mental health issues.  Also this same person informed everyone watching that VA money is being diverted to Biden’s illegal immigrants.  Not nice!  You veterans that are able to vote need to vote these criminals out of office.  We, imprisoned Vietnam combat veterans, earned our full compensation not just 10%.  E n in prison it’s impossible to survive with any dignity on that meager amount.