While my respect for the profound sacrifices each of these men made while active duty is immense... The service you are providing today is exponentially greater. I refer my 17 year old son to these interviews constantly... Carry on..
I think this Podcast has moved me more than any other. I am a proud POG Marine never saw combat, but I have seen first hand plenty of my buddies playing the VA disability game with tinitus, and other general health problems. I have seen the Veteran advocacy groups coaching them through the system to milk every penny. Yes I collect 10% disability ($144.00/mo), and I own a successful technology integration firm. I don't know of a way to stop my disability payments so, I am going to donate my disability pay to a veteran charity, based on the closing comments from Dan, that VA Disability should be weaned off of for those that don't need it. Keep up the great work Andy.
As former US Army, that sustained a knee injury and as a result of a botched two knee surgeries, had to get out. I appreciate this podcast more than I can explain. I have moved on to a LEO career and struggle with pain still to this day. I have had a total of four knee surgeries and they want to do a 5th surgery now. I have struggled with explain to other veterans why I don’t seek money from the Govt. I was injured in some training and not overseas. I did not do any cool guy stuff. I did 3 years and 3 days. Another veteran I ran into who now works at the VA was pushing me hard to fill out the forms and get some money each money. I have struggled with the thought of the extra cash would be great and help my family but I don’t feel like it’s justified. I feel like my Lowe’s hardware 10% discount is enough. Lol. This podcast has renewed my feelings of just needing to pick up and push forward and not be in the mindset of feeling sorry for myself. I appreciate all the veterans groups but this man is spot on, the label of 22 does more harm than good. Thanks Andy for an excellent podcast as always.
0:00- Athletic Greens 1:20- WildAlaskanCompany 2:30- Feals 4:00- Intro to Daniel 5:30 -Start and wary of politicans 6:20- Killing in combat and it's something that has to be done 7:20- Playing in the political pond after a while taints you 8:00- Term limits 9:00- 9/11 Generation, he was in hospital with Tammy Duckworth, fellowship of suffering 10:30- Vets are not a block and both sides use vets as a political football 12:00- BUDS is excellent at selecting for people who use adversity as motivation as opposed to a stumbling block, and when you get someone like that pointed in the wrong direction, it'll get some federal agencies going 'you know, we've never seen anything like this!' 12:00- Drug use in the military/teams and Narcos 12:40- Family military service in Daniel's family, kids maybe entering the military 15:10- Enlistment and more on joining 18:00- Daniel's enlistment story and quick rundown of his career 19:30- Ranger School and hearing about 9/11, going to Iraq 25:00- Tank platoons 28:00- Andy’s antics with Gold Squadron in Fallujah, Task Force 121 and 626 29:00- Tanks and fear of tanks 31:00- Firefight story, hit with an RPG, memories of that night, KIA friend 34:00- The glint of Dennis' wedding ring 35:20- Fatalistic about IEDs, platoon hit by IED, going thru surgery, having Rhabdomyolysis and sepsis in the hospital 43:30- Daniel's horrible dreams and memories of his 3 weeks out in the hospital, and his wife in the hospital 48:30- Men derive their identity from their work, why the caregiver program of the VA sucks 52:00- Daniel's story about his daughter's memory in a wheelchair, "my daddy can't do anything" 52:30- Fentanyl pops 54:30- Leaving Walter Reed, Grad school is easy, mobility, staying active thru 2017 58:00- Walter Reed scandal 59:00- Working for Bush, "He has some flaws, the war in Iraq probably.. well yes, we don't all have that one" Lmao 1:00:20- Andy's journey home from Germany after he was shot, was in agony and his nerve pain, and more on Andy's night getting shot and the surgery/talking to doctor, ankle pain 1:03:00- ITS MISERY THE MOVIE IS MISERY - misery hobbling scene ua-cam.com/video/2pbfkNI2d_A/v-deo.html 1:05:20- Daniel's experience with dependency on disability ratings and getting stuff from nonprofits, minor reforms on VA spending in white house 1:13:00- Conditions for VA Disability claims- Sleep apnea, TBI and sleep apnea tie, disablity claims 1:16:20- TBI and PTSD, they are both common and both easily feigned 1:17:00- Andy's VA experience 1:20:00- "in my infinite wisdom, I decided to wait about a week prior to getting out to start the discharge process because fuck it why not" 1:21:00- Andy's Walter Reed visit and NICOE 1:22:30- Respect for all people who served, SOF gets too much attention 1:24:00- Guys that Andy knows that have had their brains scrambled thru breaching charges and TBI 1:24:00- Andy's experience with people gaming the system 1:29:00- Daniel's experience with his medical appts 1:35:00- Comments section on vet post about getting 100% VA rating 1:41:00- Constructing incentives and fixing the situation, the public needs to get used to not believing everything, extreme patriotism in the US
#1. Reluctant to call myself a veteran. Served, never left the states. Jumpschool 1486. Crashed, back injury, discharged 1988ish. SF path, ranger slot. 35 years ago now. This precisely embodies what I struggle with everyday. Not untrue, real world, hard to hear nevertheless. Loved every word. Precisely why I watch Andy. Keep it up frogman... #2. Your insights on alcohol, and its various abuses, are precisely on point. Keep informing everyone. Still having an ongoing issue here, time will tell where it ends. #3. You vs Jocko vs Black Rifle. I watch each of you for different reasons. Cant form words to explain just now. #4. First comment ever, be nice. Actually dont give a shit either way, seemed a good way to end.... Out
Two amazing wounded warriors ... leading an amazing dialogue. Thank you for your courageous leadership which transcends far beyond your time in the military.
Auburn, noooo! Roll Tide! ☺️ BTW, I’ve watched/listened to damn near every Cleared Hot podcast, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. Thank you and keep up the amazing work.
@@danielmgade if i remember correctly, both. I remember my first 1ma1 was tan, pretty sure we brought those from PA. But that nice shiny tank got blown up when haji gave me a birthday present. That tank got sent back Kuwait. The next one was green and beaten up. I do remember looking at the manufacturer plate in one of them and i laughed when it said , built in 1985.
It is such common talk for my fellow airmen to just joking that a specific activity we are doing can be marked to get more from the va I never really thought about how it worked up the chain. Thanks for helping make me think.
Being a combat vet, other vets ask me what my rating is. When I say zero, I don't need any help, they get mad! There is definitely a cultural problem in the veteran community.
Thank you for saying what many of us Vets having been thinking. We have a problem but no one wants to say it. Glad he wrote the book but it won't be read by people that should and can affect policy.
I'll beleive it when i see it, leadership always says nice things and act like they'll be there too help. But when push comes too shove they'll leave you high and dry. 82nd taught me that one
A fascinating look at the world of the VA and what we are doing to our Veterans. Sadly, the commentary about wanting something for nothing and see 100% disability as a goal is something pervasive in the non-military community as well. We need to fix both. Great podcast as always Andy. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice - and I agree with your comments and many below that what you both are doing today is way more meaningful and impactful than in your military careers - and I have nothing but the highest respect for Veterans and their sacrifice and service.
Amazing interview. As a combat veteran, I think this type of raw and real conversation needs to happen more often. Let's unf*ck the VA in our generation.
I have a friend who’s in the air force with flat feet. He’s got a bone in his foot that’s shifted out of place and is putting stress on a tendon. He showed me his feet the other day and it was disturbing. It looks like he has an ankle bone in the middle of his foot shifted to the inside.
Ive seen this guy on other podcasts, and while I agree with some of his assertions, such as the graft in the VA system and crazy rating percentages, it also annoys the shit out of me that he speaks of non-combat injuries as though they are trivial. I saw combat...but my worst injuries (losing a kidney and a broken femur) happened during training. And I doubt a truck driver's knees and ankles are in the same shape as most ground combat troops' at an equivalent age. I know MANY guys who were jacked up from training jumps or even falling from an obstacle during training. His position sounds like those sacrificial injuries just dont merit the same care and responsibility from the government as my buddy who was shot in the calf. He may not MEAN for it to come across that way...but that's how I'm hearing it. My take: You break it...you bought it. If the service member doesnt feel good taking the money, then it is their prerogative to refuse it. But dont lay the guilt trip on those who do just because a percentage are taking advantage of the system. And I got denied for tinnitus despite actually having it.
"non-combat injuries as though they are trivial". I didn't get that impression at all. I may have missed it. Do you have a timestamp of that discussion?
Agree. I've sat beside guys who served 7 tours in combat with nasty scars/surgeries, and also by people who were seriously injured during operational logistics/ movements away from combat. Not good separating battle wounded from incidents not associated from such. I agree however, on conditions being paid which are LEGIT. Precisely what I did years ago. I literally told the VA interviewer, I do NOT want anything my service record can't prove. He said, my friend, it's rare I hear that, because too many are pushing for benefits they do not deserve. They made the determination, and i live with their choice without any bad feelings. To me, that's honor. And no....not for sleep apnea.
Although I agree with about 99% of what you guys discussed, it's difficult to take into account injuries such as mental illness & heart disease to calculate the level of being impaired or disabled. As far as sleep apnea, I agree but what if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea along with other significant injuries or disabilities? It can get nasty but there should be a sliding scale instead of an all or nothing because there could be a happy medium where a candidate can receive benefits and also try to work at a minimum to allow them to feel that they are contributing to society. I don't have the answers but we can try different approaches & methods that could help.
What’s crazy if I’m correct I believe his brigade got moved from Korea to Carson while they were in Iraq and I was about to leave on my first deployment and use to drive by their barracks everyday and see all the wounded and not going to lie if made me nervous. But I had a buddy in the brigade that also got seriously wounded in Ramadi with them.
@@danielmgade yes I had just gotten to the Cav unit in 3 brigade 4 ID and I remember driving past the barracks and seeing all the wounded and as a new private not going to lie started getting nervous, because we were about to deploy. But I feel a lot you said is true just like my wife when she got out she had lawyers contacting her saying hey what’s your percentage we can get you to 100 I think and she was like no I’m good, I’m fine and I want to work and stuff.
My Dad's records burned in that '78 fire. When I tried to get his medical record back in 2008, they had to inform me that his records had been lost and there was nothing left.
This is tough for me. I think we should take care of veterans without a doubt. But i also think a disability claim can be a double eged sword, and sometimes an excuse to do nothing when you could do so much more. I think your life is better when you can challenge yourself, and it's very fulfilling to watch yourself succeed. I think laying down in the face of an injury is the worst possible thing for your mental health. I say this as a self employed disabled person that left a long term disability benefit in my 20's to persue the dream of owning my own business. Now 26 years later I'm doing well and i have zero regrets. "Life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% of how you react to it." That's not my quote, but words i live by.. To each his own, but never sell yourself short..
At my last command in the Navy, we had a bully for a line shack LPO who literally drove a kid to kill himself by jumping into the tail rotor of a helicopter. Although I did not read them nor see them, the notes the kid left behind apparently called the LPO out by name. Everyone knew this LPO was a dick who used his rank to bully the younger guys but leadership did nothing and that was a result.
And I believe this is an interview with one of the pilots but not sure where that was confirmed and seems like it was A10’s not an F16: ua-cam.com/video/MBAqlpr90ck/v-deo.html
Yes!!! Holy shit I thought i was the only one , I keep getting torn apart over and over killed. I am captured being tortured and loops over and over. Damn this is the first time me hearing what I felt and traumatized by. How long was I out three months in a coma and felt like a only a short time.
My mom has been 60% paralyzed from stroke & MS since I was 15 - Still bring denied disability as of 2 months ago. For civilians they make it a long game. So people turn away from trying. It's horseshit.
I was denied twice for Tinnitus. Applied, denied. Appealed, sent to a specialist and denied again. USMC light armor MOS late 80's and early 90's. Desert Storm Combat vet etc.. Foam earplugs, CVC helmets with the net screaming in our ears and live fire 25MM gunnery on a regular basis. Easily exceeding 160db in the turret. Not worth fighting for an extra 10% LOL
Might want to retract the statement that people are committing suicide because they feel worthless. We cannot assume at any point whatsoever, that we know what was going through someone's mind when they committed suicide. I doubt very seriously it was because they were receiving VA benefits and felt worthless. There are far too many factors that can be involved with suicide. Service has been tough on a tremendous amount of service people. I feel the government can be more proactive, but there are programs that exist within the VA, that veterans can use, but they have to be willing to reach out for that help. I'm praying for all those that we lost in combat, praying for those who are struggling to fit back into society, and for all of those we have lost because of conditions associated with service once they got back home. This is nothing new. We just happen to be living in a time where there's been Wars for over 20 years, and we are seeing the results, the same as the Vietnam generation witnessed.
As I was getting out of the air force I saw exactly what you were talking about. Sleep apnea test, tinnitus, hearing loss, was pushed on me by my supervisors trying to "help" me out. So bad that it turned me off the VA entirely even though I legit have tinnitus and hearing loss. VA should be combat related injuries only not just service connected imo.
I doubt you will see this but thought it worth the shot. I too went through everything you mentioned and more in my process of being medically retired. I am just wrapping that up now and will retire in August. I was injured originally in a training accident on a State-Side deployment just after 9/11. Broken back and several surgeries/ fusions. Made my way back to deployable and volunteered for multiple more mob’s but never got overseas. I struggle quite a bit with my VA disability. Throughout my process I had multiple people trying to “help” me by trying to say I could claim a bunch of non-prove-able issues. Got the same treatment when I came of the mob that I got injured on. We had VA Reps come in and tell us as a group that everyone should claim tinnitus as a way to get 10% and start our VA journey to make claims easier later. It immediately drew a line in the sand for me with the VA. I am now assigned 100% disability from the VA and 60% from the Army. I was never deployed overseas but have multiple legitimate injuries from my 21 years of service but always feel as though they are not deserving of a disability rating due to never deploying overseas. I have seen many claim PTSD, tinnitus, etc. knowing they were illegitimate. After this long winded ramble, I do have a point. I think there should be a separate allocation for those deployed overseas with specialists that know everything about those types of injuries which I would hope could minimize the fakes and ensure those who need it get the care and compensation they need. And one for everyone else that also has a better filter for bullshit. The VA gets it all now because of what determines veteran status. Over 180 days on Active Duty or deployed and your in. I also believe that we are seeing a backlash from the system and general public overcompensating from the treatment of veterans from Vietnam. Hope you are all well and doing everything you can to live a purposeful and satisfying life.
@@peytonelmer5674 thank you for the kind words. Everything is going well for me and I wish the same for you. I tend to believe the VA should not exist at all anymore. Give combat vets a free healthcare card and let them choose the doctor. That being said your situation brings up a problem with that idea, as training injuries stateside should obviously be covered as well.
@@Bryan-ww3bx Unfortunately I believe you’re right. The VA has become as much of our government has, over complicated and intentionally corrupt now to a point that the only solution is to start over. Not sure how the hell that looks but something has to change. I’m really looking forward to being retired and starting a new chapter of my life working to learn something new and have another career. Feels odd trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up when you are in your 40’s. Here we go!
I am feeling like being an asshole and buying a copy of your book for a close relative who is 100% disabled, never spent a single day in combat, airforce background, no accidents were involved, he had a mental break 25 years ago. Still lives completely, and comfortably, on the government dole. It irks me.
Ok..don’t want to start a fight because I do understand. (The parking places I agree and people who get 100% for no shave chits is bs), But that money is already allocated, which is a minor point, but the main point the digs at me is there are people that are layabouts and keep having kids to get government money. Now, I had surgeries from injuries etc and I’m not near 100% (I actually can sleep at night with where my rating is, i’m not by any means raking it in), but that said I’ll be goddamned if welfare queens can collect the government checks but we are going to chastise vets, no matter how bs the disability, for getting the same. I totally agree that fraud and abuse need to be addressed but I’d rather E4 Joe Schmoe get a couple hundred a month over a person who has no intention to work. Again, not trying to be controversial just organizing my thoughts on it
While my respect for the profound sacrifices each of these men made while active duty is immense... The service you are providing today is exponentially greater. I refer my 17 year old son to these interviews constantly... Carry on..
I think this Podcast has moved me more than any other. I am a proud POG Marine never saw combat, but I have seen first hand plenty of my buddies playing the VA disability game with tinitus, and other general health problems. I have seen the Veteran advocacy groups coaching them through the system to milk every penny. Yes I collect 10% disability ($144.00/mo), and I own a successful technology integration firm. I don't know of a way to stop my disability payments so, I am going to donate my disability pay to a veteran charity, based on the closing comments from Dan, that VA Disability should be weaned off of for those that don't need it. Keep up the great work Andy.
As former US Army, that sustained a knee injury and as a result of a botched two knee surgeries, had to get out. I appreciate this podcast more than I can explain. I have moved on to a LEO career and struggle with pain still to this day. I have had a total of four knee surgeries and they want to do a 5th surgery now. I have struggled with explain to other veterans why I don’t seek money from the Govt. I was injured in some training and not overseas. I did not do any cool guy stuff. I did 3 years and 3 days. Another veteran I ran into who now works at the VA was pushing me hard to fill out the forms and get some money each money. I have struggled with the thought of the extra cash would be great and help my family but I don’t feel like it’s justified. I feel like my Lowe’s hardware 10% discount is enough. Lol. This podcast has renewed my feelings of just needing to pick up and push forward and not be in the mindset of feeling sorry for myself. I appreciate all the veterans groups but this man is spot on, the label of 22 does more harm than good. Thanks Andy for an excellent podcast as always.
0:00- Athletic Greens
1:20- WildAlaskanCompany
2:30- Feals
4:00- Intro to Daniel
5:30 -Start and wary of politicans
6:20- Killing in combat and it's something that has to be done
7:20- Playing in the political pond after a while taints you
8:00- Term limits
9:00- 9/11 Generation, he was in hospital with Tammy Duckworth, fellowship of suffering
10:30- Vets are not a block and both sides use vets as a political football
12:00- BUDS is excellent at selecting for people who use adversity as motivation as opposed to a stumbling block, and when you get someone like that pointed in the wrong direction, it'll get some federal agencies going 'you know, we've never seen anything like this!'
12:00- Drug use in the military/teams and Narcos
12:40- Family military service in Daniel's family, kids maybe entering the military
15:10- Enlistment and more on joining
18:00- Daniel's enlistment story and quick rundown of his career
19:30- Ranger School and hearing about 9/11, going to Iraq
25:00- Tank platoons
28:00- Andy’s antics with Gold Squadron in Fallujah, Task Force 121 and 626
29:00- Tanks and fear of tanks
31:00- Firefight story, hit with an RPG, memories of that night, KIA friend
34:00- The glint of Dennis' wedding ring
35:20- Fatalistic about IEDs, platoon hit by IED, going thru surgery, having Rhabdomyolysis and sepsis in the hospital
43:30- Daniel's horrible dreams and memories of his 3 weeks out in the hospital, and his wife in the hospital
48:30- Men derive their identity from their work, why the caregiver program of the VA sucks
52:00- Daniel's story about his daughter's memory in a wheelchair, "my daddy can't do anything"
52:30- Fentanyl pops
54:30- Leaving Walter Reed, Grad school is easy, mobility, staying active thru 2017
58:00- Walter Reed scandal
59:00- Working for Bush, "He has some flaws, the war in Iraq probably.. well yes, we don't all have that one" Lmao
1:00:20- Andy's journey home from Germany after he was shot, was in agony and his nerve pain, and more on Andy's night getting shot and the surgery/talking to doctor, ankle pain
1:03:00- ITS MISERY THE MOVIE IS MISERY - misery hobbling scene ua-cam.com/video/2pbfkNI2d_A/v-deo.html
1:05:20- Daniel's experience with dependency on disability ratings and getting stuff from nonprofits, minor reforms on VA spending in white house
1:13:00- Conditions for VA Disability claims- Sleep apnea, TBI and sleep apnea tie, disablity claims
1:16:20- TBI and PTSD, they are both common and both easily feigned
1:17:00- Andy's VA experience
1:20:00- "in my infinite wisdom, I decided to wait about a week prior to getting out to start the discharge process because fuck it why not"
1:21:00- Andy's Walter Reed visit and NICOE
1:22:30- Respect for all people who served, SOF gets too much attention
1:24:00- Guys that Andy knows that have had their brains scrambled thru breaching charges and TBI
1:24:00- Andy's experience with people gaming the system
1:29:00- Daniel's experience with his medical appts
1:35:00- Comments section on vet post about getting 100% VA rating
1:41:00- Constructing incentives and fixing the situation, the public needs to get used to not believing everything, extreme patriotism in the US
You the man the Myth the LEGEND
1:42 facts
Thank you!
#1. Reluctant to call myself a veteran. Served, never left the states. Jumpschool 1486. Crashed, back injury, discharged 1988ish. SF path, ranger slot. 35 years ago now.
This precisely embodies what I struggle with everyday. Not untrue, real world, hard to hear nevertheless. Loved every word. Precisely why I watch Andy.
Keep it up frogman...
#2. Your insights on alcohol, and its various abuses, are precisely on point. Keep informing everyone. Still having an ongoing issue here, time will tell where it ends.
#3. You vs Jocko vs Black Rifle. I watch each of you for different reasons. Cant form words to explain just now.
#4. First comment ever, be nice. Actually dont give a shit either way, seemed a good way to end....
Out
I appreciate you guys big time.
Two amazing wounded warriors ... leading an amazing dialogue. Thank you for your courageous leadership which transcends far beyond your time in the military.
So glad there are stand up dudes like Dan Gade still serving are country.
Outstanding episode. Thank you Mr. Stumpf.
Auburn, noooo! Roll Tide! ☺️
BTW, I’ve watched/listened to damn near every Cleared Hot podcast, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. Thank you and keep up the amazing work.
Very interesting perspective, he is an inspiring story, I will definitely be reading this book. Thanks again for a great podcast
Absolute greatness gentlemen, needed this.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 this was eye opening and mind blowing
Thank you Mr. Stumpf
I love seeing all the positive comments on here!! I was worried it would slide the other way
Thanks for bringing up Tinnitus, now mine is screaming. 💥👂
This is an AWESOME episode
Great episode. Thank you guys.
appreciate the show - Thankyou
We NEED 2 pobcast a week + full auto Friday
This is a great episode! Thanks Andy
Copy! You’re cleared hot! Let’s get this week!!
Glad to hear this podcast. I was a tank driver in ramadi in 05 06.
Did you bring your own tanks or use the green ones that were there? I brought those from Korea myself!
@@danielmgade if i remember correctly, both. I remember my first 1ma1 was tan, pretty sure we brought those from PA. But that nice shiny tank got blown up when haji gave me a birthday present. That tank got sent back Kuwait. The next one was green and beaten up. I do remember looking at the manufacturer plate in one of them and i laughed when it said , built in 1985.
Great episode! Thank you!
It is such common talk for my fellow airmen to just joking that a specific activity we are doing can be marked to get more from the va I never really thought about how it worked up the chain. Thanks for helping make me think.
Happy monday guys! Hope you have a kickass week!
Being a combat vet, other vets ask me what my rating is. When I say zero, I don't need any help, they get mad! There is definitely a cultural problem in the veteran community.
Thank you for saying what many of us Vets having been thinking. We have a problem but no one wants to say it. Glad he wrote the book but it won't be read by people that should and can affect policy.
Sitting on top
Top of the world
Missing that for sure
“But they will if you train them to!” So unfortunately true!
I'll beleive it when i see it, leadership always says nice things and act like they'll be there too help. But when push comes too shove they'll leave you high and dry. 82nd taught me that one
A fascinating look at the world of the VA and what we are doing to our Veterans. Sadly, the commentary about wanting something for nothing and see 100% disability as a goal is something pervasive in the non-military community as well. We need to fix both.
Great podcast as always Andy.
Thank you both for your service and sacrifice - and I agree with your comments and many below that what you both are doing today is way more meaningful and impactful than in your military careers - and I have nothing but the highest respect for Veterans and their sacrifice and service.
Amazing interview. As a combat veteran, I think this type of raw and real conversation needs to happen more often. Let's unf*ck the VA in our generation.
Ahaha🤣 - love the Monty Python reference @57:20!
Good Podcast - I work inside 'the beast', and it truly needs a book written about it....
Best podcast out there!
I have a friend who’s in the air force with flat feet. He’s got a bone in his foot that’s shifted out of place and is putting stress on a tendon. He showed me his feet the other day and it was disturbing. It looks like he has an ankle bone in the middle of his foot shifted to the inside.
As a current recruiter its rough right now
Ltc gade....glad to see you ... Spc maggitti
The irony to me is a conversation about "grift" is punctuated by the sales pitch for his book and "help me get on those podcasts". Enlightening.
Andy got used up as an advertising base for this clown. You hate to see it.
Pretty sure he saw this coming, and is happy to help spread a message he think helps his community!
Haha, the literal purpose of the podcast was to promote the book. It's part of the book tour.
Misery is the name of the book by Stephen King.
Ive seen this guy on other podcasts, and while I agree with some of his assertions, such as the graft in the VA system and crazy rating percentages, it also annoys the shit out of me that he speaks of non-combat injuries as though they are trivial. I saw combat...but my worst injuries (losing a kidney and a broken femur) happened during training. And I doubt a truck driver's knees and ankles are in the same shape as most ground combat troops' at an equivalent age. I know MANY guys who were jacked up from training jumps or even falling from an obstacle during training. His position sounds like those sacrificial injuries just dont merit the same care and responsibility from the government as my buddy who was shot in the calf. He may not MEAN for it to come across that way...but that's how I'm hearing it.
My take: You break it...you bought it. If the service member doesnt feel good taking the money, then it is their prerogative to refuse it. But dont lay the guilt trip on those who do just because a percentage are taking advantage of the system.
And I got denied for tinnitus despite actually having it.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll make that more clear going forward
"non-combat injuries as though they are trivial". I didn't get that impression at all. I may have missed it. Do you have a timestamp of that discussion?
Agree. I've sat beside guys who served 7 tours in combat with nasty scars/surgeries, and also by people who were seriously injured during operational logistics/ movements away from combat. Not good separating battle wounded from incidents not associated from such. I agree however, on conditions being paid which are LEGIT. Precisely what I did years ago. I literally told the VA interviewer, I do NOT want anything my service record can't prove. He said, my friend, it's rare I hear that, because too many are pushing for benefits they do not deserve. They made the determination, and i live with their choice without any bad feelings. To me, that's honor. And no....not for sleep apnea.
Yeah an injury is an injury. I want to know his disability rating. He never states it but I believe he's 100 percent P*T
Awesome thanks
Although I agree with about 99% of what you guys discussed, it's difficult to take into account injuries such as mental illness & heart disease to calculate the level of being impaired or disabled.
As far as sleep apnea, I agree but what if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea along with other significant injuries or disabilities? It can get nasty but there should be a sliding scale instead of an all or nothing because there could be a happy medium where a candidate can receive benefits and also try to work at a minimum to allow them to feel that they are contributing to society. I don't have the answers but we can try different approaches & methods that could help.
If we're honest with ourselves and the system a lot of the bs goes away or doesn't get started in the first place
" 'TIS BUT A FLESH WOUND "
Morning, y'all. This Florida girl is freezing this morning. Stay warm, f*ckers.
It’s chilly in south Louisiana this morning as well.
We got frost here in North Alabama.
34 in western Washington
is 51 here in eastern canada, pretty warm for this time of year
@@codyknlj1930 it's was 46f when I woke up this morning, currently 72. Mama is now happy in her hammock in the sunshine
What’s crazy if I’m correct I believe his brigade got moved from Korea to Carson while they were in Iraq and I was about to leave on my first deployment and use to drive by their barracks everyday and see all the wounded and not going to lie if made me nervous. But I had a buddy in the brigade that also got seriously wounded in Ramadi with them.
Yeah, that was us. It was a rough deployment.
@@danielmgade yes I had just gotten to the Cav unit in 3 brigade 4 ID and I remember driving past the barracks and seeing all the wounded and as a new private not going to lie started getting nervous, because we were about to deploy. But I feel a lot you said is true just like my wife when she got out she had lawyers contacting her saying hey what’s your percentage we can get you to 100 I think and she was like no I’m good, I’m fine and I want to work and stuff.
That's why I take my little 10% for my fucked up knee and much on. There are guys who deserve more.
My Dad's records burned in that '78 fire. When I tried to get his medical record back in 2008, they had to inform me that his records had been lost and there was nothing left.
I knew Tyler Brown at Georgia tech. solid dude. travesty that he died and could have been prevented
wonderfull podcast
felt like 5 minutes to me...impressive!
Been 20 years!!
Excellent podcast
The discussion about phonies makes me think you should get Don Shipley on.
Great podcast!
This is tough for me. I think we should take care of veterans without a doubt. But i also think a disability claim can be a double eged sword, and sometimes an excuse to do nothing when you could do so much more. I think your life is better when you can challenge yourself, and it's very fulfilling to watch yourself succeed. I think laying down in the face of an injury is the worst possible thing for your mental health. I say this as a self employed disabled person that left a long term disability benefit in my 20's to persue the dream of owning my own business. Now 26 years later I'm doing well and i have zero regrets. "Life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% of how you react to it." That's not my quote, but words i live by.. To each his own, but never sell yourself short..
Loved your guest his mindset and humor and his brains and his thoughtfulness are amazing
Good morning
My doctor told me gabapentin and morphine aren’t addictive lol
@1:03:36 Misery
Morning
Good morning, have a good day
At my last command in the Navy, we had a bully for a line shack LPO who literally drove a kid to kill himself by jumping into the tail rotor of a helicopter. Although I did not read them nor see them, the notes the kid left behind apparently called the LPO out by name. Everyone knew this LPO was a dick who used his rank to bully the younger guys but leadership did nothing and that was a result.
Mr Hot I've always wondered is that a recording of you in the intro requesting air support?
It’s from this recording/engagement: ua-cam.com/video/3bX2YHkBwQ8/v-deo.html
And I believe this is an interview with one of the pilots but not sure where that was confirmed and seems like it was A10’s not an F16: ua-cam.com/video/MBAqlpr90ck/v-deo.html
Yes!!! Holy shit I thought i was the only one , I keep getting torn apart over and over killed. I am captured being tortured and loops over and over. Damn this is the first time me hearing what I felt and traumatized by. How long was I out three months in a coma and felt like a only a short time.
Sorry context I was blown up and in a coma for three months.
My mom has been 60% paralyzed from stroke & MS since I was 15 - Still bring denied disability as of 2 months ago. For civilians they make it a long game. So people turn away from trying. It's horseshit.
Fact !!!!🙏🙏
Andy - Can you see Jocko as Sec Def or Sec State???? God please yes.....
Good advice on teen kids. We force kids to find themselves too young. Get a job, figure yourself out and when you do take the steps to be that.
another great podcast! Mr. Gade is badass!! thanks for sharing!
I was denied twice for Tinnitus. Applied, denied. Appealed, sent to a specialist and denied again. USMC light armor MOS late 80's and early 90's. Desert Storm Combat vet etc.. Foam earplugs, CVC helmets with the net screaming in our ears and live fire 25MM gunnery on a regular basis. Easily exceeding 160db in the turret. Not worth fighting for an extra 10% LOL
For all viewers....this guy is real! "Death dealers".....
Might want to retract the statement that people are committing suicide because they feel worthless. We cannot assume at any point whatsoever, that we know what was going through someone's mind when they committed suicide. I doubt very seriously it was because they were receiving VA benefits and felt worthless. There are far too many factors that can be involved with suicide. Service has been tough on a tremendous amount of service people. I feel the government can be more proactive, but there are programs that exist within the VA, that veterans can use, but they have to be willing to reach out for that help. I'm praying for all those that we lost in combat, praying for those who are struggling to fit back into society, and for all of those we have lost because of conditions associated with service once they got back home. This is nothing new. We just happen to be living in a time where there's been Wars for over 20 years, and we are seeing the results, the same as the Vietnam generation witnessed.
More awesome content.
This is a good interview!
whow..!
That's some Jacobs ladder type shit he's talking about
As I was getting out of the air force I saw exactly what you were talking about. Sleep apnea test, tinnitus, hearing loss, was pushed on me by my supervisors trying to "help" me out. So bad that it turned me off the VA entirely even though I legit have tinnitus and hearing loss. VA should be combat related injuries only not just service connected imo.
I doubt you will see this but thought it worth the shot. I too went through everything you mentioned and more in my process of being medically retired. I am just wrapping that up now and will retire in August. I was injured originally in a training accident on a State-Side deployment just after 9/11. Broken back and several surgeries/ fusions. Made my way back to deployable and volunteered for multiple more mob’s but never got overseas. I struggle quite a bit with my VA disability. Throughout my process I had multiple people trying to “help” me by trying to say I could claim a bunch of non-prove-able issues. Got the same treatment when I came of the mob that I got injured on. We had VA Reps come in and tell us as a group that everyone should claim tinnitus as a way to get 10% and start our VA journey to make claims easier later. It immediately drew a line in the sand for me with the VA. I am now assigned 100% disability from the VA and 60% from the Army. I was never deployed overseas but have multiple legitimate injuries from my 21 years of service but always feel as though they are not deserving of a disability rating due to never deploying overseas. I have seen many claim PTSD, tinnitus, etc. knowing they were illegitimate. After this long winded ramble, I do have a point. I think there should be a separate allocation for those deployed overseas with specialists that know everything about those types of injuries which I would hope could minimize the fakes and ensure those who need it get the care and compensation they need. And one for everyone else that also has a better filter for bullshit. The VA gets it all now because of what determines veteran status. Over 180 days on Active Duty or deployed and your in. I also believe that we are seeing a backlash from the system and general public overcompensating from the treatment of veterans from Vietnam. Hope you are all well and doing everything you can to live a purposeful and satisfying life.
@@peytonelmer5674 thank you for the kind words. Everything is going well for me and I wish the same for you. I tend to believe the VA should not exist at all anymore. Give combat vets a free healthcare card and let them choose the doctor. That being said your situation brings up a problem with that idea, as training injuries stateside should obviously be covered as well.
@@Bryan-ww3bx Unfortunately I believe you’re right. The VA has become as much of our government has, over complicated and intentionally corrupt now to a point that the only solution is to start over. Not sure how the hell that looks but something has to change. I’m really looking forward to being retired and starting a new chapter of my life working to learn something new and have another career. Feels odd trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up when you are in your 40’s. Here we go!
Misery... the movie name was Misery
I am feeling like being an asshole and buying a copy of your book for a close relative who is 100% disabled, never spent a single day in combat, airforce background, no accidents were involved, he had a mental break 25 years ago. Still lives completely, and comfortably, on the government dole. It irks me.
Who tf is thumbs-downing these??
It is impossible not to vote for this man he is exactly what this country needs right now in government.
How in the actual fuck did Mark Warner get (re)elected over this guy? On a scale of one to even, I can't.
Let's go Brandon.
Interesting story, but loose fitted perspective in certain areas.
Did you level the fucking mosque?!!!!!!!!!!!!
No- I didn't realize until later that it was the mosque. I think it was leveled later- I can't see it on Google maps anymore.
I'd rather go to prison than smoke the guy who just smoked my brother!!!!!
Copy....cleared hot.
Ok..don’t want to start a fight because I do understand. (The parking places I agree and people who get 100% for no shave chits is bs), But that money is already allocated, which is a minor point, but the main point the digs at me is there are people that are layabouts and keep having kids to get government money. Now, I had surgeries from injuries etc and I’m not near 100% (I actually can sleep at night with where my rating is, i’m not by any means raking it in), but that said I’ll be goddamned if welfare queens can collect the government checks but we are going to chastise vets, no matter how bs the disability, for getting the same. I totally agree that fraud and abuse need to be addressed but I’d rather E4 Joe Schmoe get a couple hundred a month over a person who has no intention to work. Again, not trying to be controversial just organizing my thoughts on it