It is.... be proud of what you have done but understand that it was in the past. You can't shake the experiences but you can evolve into something new. In my opinion, too many veterans only identify with what they were and never flip that page. It will always be part of you but the sooner you realize that it is over and others don't care, the better the transition will be. My thoughts is that you can sit there and label yourself as a " disabled veteran" or you can take those experiences/ lessons learned and turn it into a positive. Okay, enough of my thoughts. I wish you the best in whatever the future holds. Just remember, that monthly paycheck gives you stability, an opportunity/ flexibility to find a new path and purpose ( yes I struggled with alcohol and my identity getting out and it took a job unrelated to the military to have this insight) truth be told I still struggle but at the end of the day, it was a " former job".....
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Bipolar II Pilot IDES Timeline
- Thread starter TallTree
- Start date
I really appreciate the candid language, it’s way better than the flowery crap I’m currently listening to in this TAPS class. I definitely cannot form my identity around “veteran” but it obviously can’t be Air Force pilot anymore. Strangely enough I’ve found myself drawn to this small and strange off grid Zen church in the mountains nearby because I want that to be part of my new identity. As far as the career but goes, I dunno, but it cannot be “disabled vet” even if I wanted it to be. I can’t sit still for that long (thank you mania!)
Is the SBP a good deal? Do most people take it? If I pay $354 a month, the payout for my wife is $3000 a month if I die. I don’t have any significant physical injuries so maybe regular life insurance is better. I like how it’s subsidized by the government and that it’s pre tax, but what do other folks think?
I took SBP, solely because getting life insurance with a recent mental health hospitalization and bipolar diagnosis made it very expensive. Will reevaluate in 2 years as I believe you get a window to cancel it between 2-3 years after electing for it.Is the SBP a good deal? Do most people take it? If I pay $354 a month, the payout for my wife is $3000 a month if I die. I don’t have any significant physical injuries so maybe regular life insurance is better. I like how it’s subsidized by the government and that it’s pre tax, but what do other folks think?
I cannot wait until I final out and become a free man. Comparing timelines I probably have two more months. Feels like an eternity at this point.Yesterday was my final out and I am a free man! It feels so fucking good to be done. I declined the SBP because I’m young and healthy and we’ve got plenty of investments and whatnot so we’re just going to do a regular term life.
I got an exam from QTC for sleep apnea, which came back as "moderate obstructive sleep apnea" but I completely forgot to file a claim. Well, I filed a new claim in September as a veteran and it just came back at 50%, bumping me up to 100% total. I didn't submit any paperwork other than the QTC exam, even though I did just pick up a cpap to try out last week.
I got an exam from QTC for sleep apnea, which came back as "moderate obstructive sleep apnea" but I completely forgot to file a claim. Well, I filed a new claim in September as a veteran and it just came back at 50%, bumping me up to 100% total. I didn't submit any paperwork other than the QTC exam, even though I did just pick up a cpap to try out last week.
Congrats! I remember a while back you being so close at 90%. The VA also randomly mailed me a letter 6 months after getting out switching my 100% to P&T. Nice to know someones looking out for us, just make sure you look at all the additional benefits you’re eligible for now.
What's the difference between 100% and P&T? Is it just random benefits depending on the location? My Benefit Summary Letter says:Congrats! I remember a while back you being so close at 90%. The VA also randomly mailed me a letter 6 months after getting out switching my 100% to P&T. Nice to know someones looking out for us, just make sure you look at all the additional benefits you’re eligible for now.
You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due solely to your service- connected disabilities: Yes
The effective date of when you became totally and permanently disabled due to your service-connected disabilities: June 23, 2022
Basically means all your conditions are deemed static and there will be no routine future examinations. Yeah, some benefits will vary by state but there are some pretty good federal benefits too.What's the difference between 100% and P&T? Is it just random benefits depending on the location? My Benefit Summary Letter says:
You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due solely to your service- connected disabilities: Yes
The effective date of when you became totally and permanently disabled due to your service-connected disabilities: June 23, 2022
I believe you’re thinking of the 20 year rule for 100% P&T. That just means after 20 years of holding a P&T rating the VA can’t reduce your rating ever, except in cases of fraud basically. Just make sure you continue to seek treatment and don’t file any more claims and you’ll be fine.Well that's awesome. I see that otherwise, one's conditions are considered permanent if you've had them for 20 years. Damn.