Tunnel to Towers New Mission

[retiredguy123]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

[JRcorvette]

I would tend to agree with you on all accounts. What is our Government doing for these people???

[Blueblaze]

Yeah, that bothered me, too. My own Dad suffered from what they would call "PTSD" his whole life. He was an artillery forward observer in Korea, and watched helplessly from a nearby hill, while his entire howitzer unit was butchered when it was overrun by the Chinese. I never learned about it until he was in his 80's. He wouldn't talk about the war. But it was always obvious that something horrific had happened to him over there.

He was fortunate, in more ways than just being a lone survivor. In those days, we didn't coddle men with free houses and "emotional support" dogs for feeling sad. Back then, the Army and our entire culture told men to man-up, bury the bad memories deep, and get on with their lives -- which he did. If not for that bit of common sense, his life would have been wasted the same as if he'd died with his unit. But one of the last things he said to me, in his 90's was "why did I get to live to 90 when all those other guys never had a chance?" I told him it was so he could be my Dad.

[thelegges]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

Have you been to an appointment, with the VA for PTSD? If not, however you view the process is just a thought on your part, with zero hands on knowledge.

Have been in that appointment multiple time, many with physicians who barely spoke English,. How does one evaluate a veteran, that usually has difficulty dealing with or even speaking about their most inner thoughts to someone you can’t understand.

You speak of fraud, while one can watch many underlying PTSD veterans fall through the cracks.

Why do you think there is such a big push in the VA system to use the suicide hot line. reality that some veterans have either been dismissed, wrongly diagnosed, or thought they were just out to create fraud.

Maybe if you volunteered to chat rooms, or in person groups, that may or may not have PTSD, but has underlying issues, to help cope with everyday life. Volunteers are in short supply and are grateful for any time one can give. Our son volunteered for the years on thanksgiving, sometimes volunteering, gets to you, and becomes hard to continue

Or in my case, I deal with a person, whose nights, certain noise, weather, movies, articles, can cause reliving events. Then add what our children endured every day of their life, until they left for college. Yet they know when they visit, those memories return, because it’s still ongoing, after more than 50 years.

[Toymeister]

I was burned 22%. And like many with burns I have PTSD. I can assure you it is exceedingly easy to fake PTSD.

It's interesting watching the evolution of PTSD over the past 25 years. Once a rarity where people treated you as a potential time bomb, unpredictable and potentially dangerous, to an overused and common place term to explain having a bad day.

[Papa_lecki]

I am not going to debate T To T.

But, OP - rewrite your will; have your estate go to a Donor Advised Fund, and have a trusted child, niece, nephew, etc be in charge of giving money to charities.
Charities change over time, and you would need to re-write your will many times.

this is assuming you have someone you trust, who is mature enough to handle it.

[Remembergoldenrule]

I would tend to agree with you on all accounts. What is our Government doing for these people???

In some cities kicking them out of houses by to make room for people without medical or background checks who break laws coming to US for free things

[Remembergoldenrule]

I was burned 22%. And like many with burns I have PTSD. I can assure you it is exceedingly easy to fake PTSD.

It's interesting watching the evolution of PTSD over the past 25 years. Once a rarity where people treated you as a potential time bomb, unpredictable and potentially dangerous, to an overused and common place term to explain having a bad day.
I have been living with spouse with PSTD for 8 years who won’t ask for help because he insists he has no visible wounds. Yet he tries to beat me up in his sleep every few weeks, is Jeckle and Hyde when awake, and is eating himself to death. VA screwed up his appointment when first got out and he won’t try to make another one. The stress is now affecting my health. There are a lot of fakers who have gamed the system but there are a lot not getting help. I feel like living in Catch 22 book. Summary not all wounds have scars on outside like yourself.

[Sabella]

In some cities kicking them out of houses by to make room for people without medical or background checks who break laws coming to US for free things

The USA is broke -in case people don’t realize it is because we’re spending trillions of dollars on every other country and every other person except the United States citizens and although it is unbelievable, no one in our country is doing anything about the situation.

[asianthree]

I have been living with spouse with PSTD for 8 years who won’t ask for help because he insists he has no visible wounds. Yet he tries to beat me up in his sleep every few weeks, is Jeckle and Hyde when awake, and is eating himself to death. VA screwed up his appointment when first got out and he won’t try to make another one. The stress is now affecting my health. There are a lot of fakers who have gamed the system but there are a lot not getting help. I feel like living in Catch 22 book. Summary not all wounds have scars on outside like yourself.

I have no words or comfort thoughts, as your life is similar to mine. Our children grew up with watching their dad in the dead of night get up and perform surgery, in the kitchen. I had to remove all things sharp from the first month we were married. Events are still apart of our lives today. Nothing changes at least it’s the same repetitive 8 scenarios

Our kids remember being scooped up from a dead sleep, hidden in the closet because the sniper was firing in to the mash unit while they were doing surgery.

Our oldest are doctors, middle nurse, youngest behavior psychologist. Their life gave them insight on how mash units operated, they had to cope from infants through adulthood, never having friends over, because they didn’t know what their night would be like. I truly believe the reason why they all went into medical was because of their life experiences.

This is one of the silent generations, that have no idea, what happens and what they do while asleep. There’s are more than you realize in TV, and almost all never speak of their days or nights

I hope some nights calm your mind, and will be at ease at some point in your life, I will think of you often.

[oneclickplus]

The USA is broke -in case people don’t realize it is because we’re spending trillions of dollars on every other country and every other person except the United States citizens and although it is unbelievable, no one in our country is doing anything about the situation.

We're past the point of no return. No one can do anything about our debt at this time. It is a mathematical impossibility. They talk about reducing the deficit (the amount we borrow each year), but unless the deficit goes to zero, the debt ($33 Trillion) will continue to grow. Annual interest alone has now exceeded $1Trillion. Mathematically, that's over $9000 per year per taxpayer just for interest. Debt per taxpayer is over $300,000. It's clear this debt will never be paid.

Like a person who lived off of his/her credit cards for too long, bankruptcy is the only option. But, unlike typical bankruptcy, this will be several orders of magnitude worse. Why? Because the dollar itself will be destroyed. With most of the world (BRICS, EEU, etc) working to topple the dollar as the world's reserve currency, time is not on our side. When the dollar no longer buys what you need (food, energy, water, etc) it won't matter how much you have. Our government's monetary sanctions using the dollar as a weapon is going to bite us in the ass.

When people can't buy essentials and their currency is worthless (think Venezuela because that's where we are headed), what will society look like? When things are still quite stable, you see crime and violence increasing like crazy. What happens then these crazed criminals targeting retailers and Amazon delivery trucks actually can't buy food?

Do you think it will be a kinder and gentler society? Me neither.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

I understand the current skepticism regarding "PTSD," but I have a little different perspective. Many members of my family view my dad's "shell shock" as having contributed to subsequent violent behavior after surviving a Japanese air attack on his boat in the Pacific. (We were made aware of it through a family friend.) He was a Seabee on his way to New Caledonia when a serviceman just above him on a ladder was killed. I don't think he ever got over it and also didn't talk about it. He was a vicious domestic abuser who was subsequently shot and killed by a family member as my dad was trying to kill his family (my mother, brother, two of my sisters, granddaddy, grandmother and myself) that had taken refuge with my grandparents. Sounds traumatic, but I consider myself so fortunate to have lived in a time where one could protect oneself and will be forever grateful to my granddaddy for doing so, even though his life was never the same. I've always wondered how my dad's life could have been so much different had he been able to have the help available to veterans now, but that experience also made me the resilient and self-reliant person I am today. Yes, I would support T to T new mission change.

[Nevinator]

I think that T to T is probably one of the more worthwhile charities out there. More than 95% of that which is donated go directly to the charities overall purpose. That being said, I do not think that expanding the benefits of the charity to veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD is a problem. There will always be scammers and fraudsters in any system and for any benefit that may be provided to others, whether that is food stamps, Medicaid, welfare or various others. I simply have to trust that the VA is doing its best to screen our Veterans and rate them accordingly.

On a more personal note, I sometimes think that the VA in some cases may be a little overzealous in evaluating and rating some cases. The case in point involves my son-in-law, who did two tours of duty in Iraq. On his second tour as a Cav Scout, his Bradley fighting vehicle was destroyed by an IED. The explosion killed several of his comrades and he spent almost a year in the hospital. Fast forward 17 years, he still demonstrates many of the characteristics of PTSD. It took him several trips to Veterans Administration C&P examinations before they finally rated him at 50% for PTSD. Personally, although I am not a clinical psychologist and do not have any medical training, just witnessing his behaviors over time, I would have thought his rating would have been higher. He is subject to periodic reevaluations to determine whether the condition has either worsened or improved as well. Again, not saying that there aren’t those who have somehow scammed the system, but like any other charity, that could be similarly abused, I’d like to believe that this would be a small minority.

Having spent 20 years in the military myself, I have been exposed to many friends and coworkers over the years who also have PTSD. I would argue that it is not an easy thing to fake because you have a continued observation of the person and the behavioral traits are always there. It is not something that you simply turn on or off. As someone else mentioned, there are small triggers in every day life that caused the PTSD to flare up.

As for T to T, I am a supporter and will continue to do so.

[Mrmean58]

I would consider a veteran who has PTSD, who has basically lost their minds the same as a veteran who has lost a limb. Just because you can't see their loss doesn't make it any less tragic.

[Marmaduke]

I have no words or comfort thoughts, as your life is similar to mine. Our children grew up with watching their dad in the dead of night get up and perform surgery, in the kitchen. I had to remove all things sharp from the first month we were married. Events are still apart of our lives today. Nothing changes at least it’s the same repetitive 8 scenarios

Our kids remember being scooped up from a dead sleep, hidden in the closet because the sniper was firing in to the mash unit while they were doing surgery.

Our oldest are doctors, middle nurse, youngest behavior psychologist. Their life gave them insight on how mash units operated, they had to cope from infants through adulthood, never having friends over, because they didn’t know what their night would be like. I truly believe the reason why they all went into medical was because of their life experiences.

This is one of the silent generations, that have no idea, what happens and what they do while asleep. There’s are more than you realize in TV, and almost all never speak of their days or nights

I hope some nights calm your mind, and will be at ease at some point in your life, I will think of you often.
I can empathize with spouses and families who live with Veterans who suffer from PTSD.
I spent a good portion of my career working with Veterans with mental health issues, rendering them broke, divorced and homeless, in many cases.

Through the years, I met many of the wives who stayed the course. You are the champions who keep your spouses as grounded as possible after the horrors of war.
There was one common thread that PTSD Vets cited as the only variable keeping them functioning in daily life. Their wives.
God Bless You.
You know who you are and you are NEVER thanked for your service to our country on Veterans Day or Any Day.

I'm thanking you right now. I kniw what "hit the deck" means.

[Desiderata]

I can empathize with spouses and families who live with Veterans who suffer from PTSD.
I spent a good portion of my career working with Veterans with mental health issues, rendering them broke, divorced and homeless, in many cases.

Through the years, I met many of the wives who stayed the course. You are the champions who keep your spouses as grounded as possible after the horrors of war.
There was one common thread that PTSD Vets cited as the only variable keeping them functioning in daily life. Their wives.
God Bless You.
You know who you are and you are NEVER thanked for your service to our country on Veterans Day or Any Day.

I'm thanking you right now. I kniw what "hit the deck" means.

Wow! I am sitting here in stunned silence after reading some of the comments on this thread. I had no idea what it could be like living with PTSD. Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed and thank you to the wives who have endured the horrors second hand and did all they could to help their spouse. There has to be a place in heaven reserved for you, Lord knows you’ve already been through hell. 😞

[vemetz57]

It’s ludicrous how our veterans are neglected. Help them however we can, personally. Unfortunately this country doesn’t. I am an advocate for T to T and encourage others to do your research and be charitable to them if you can. With a 3rd war hanging in the wings, our military depleted in so many aspects…. We need to support those who have made sacrifices for this country. The numbers are dwindling daily in support of patriotism….we need to take care of our own!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Reading many of these posts ,it seems to me that some of you must be doctors with extensive knowledge of the many fakers in the VA system. The hospitals were full of men with ptsd during and after all the wars we have fought, back then it was called shell shock and many suffered all there lives with very little help from anyone .I’m surprised we don’t have more cases on record then we do. Have some of you even been in combat ? Do you know that even hardened soldiers can all of a sudden fall apart during a battle Have you experienced the loud noise , the screaming of the wounded or the fear that can swallow you if you let it in that moment when you don’t know whether you are going to live or die , if not then you have no right to judge someone you think is SCAMMING the system ,FYI it’s very easy to fall into being homeless the loss of a job ,divorce , medical issues , alcohol and drugs, eviction so the landlord can get more rent .,, not all the homeless are lazy ,some even work ,but in major cities with high rent and having to gather first ,last and security deposit even if you can find a cheap place it’s very hard to do with out help.I have nothing against any charity that helps veterans to get a roof over there head

[Robnlaura]

What gets me is the ptsd claims to social security disability for “Covid”

[Marine1974]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.
If your goal is to trigger veterans who suffer from PTSD good job .

[Marine1974]

Men need to be men again. They need courage, honor and get on with it attitude. Coddling
makes one weak

Please save us your uninformed theory and leave the professionals deal with out veteran’s. Hard to fathom no compassion for our warriors.

[vlm790]

I love the T2T organization and donate quite a bit every year. They are my number one choice for donations. That said, I am the Mother of an Army Veteran. Unless you are in his shoes you have no idea what he went through. He saw things no one should have seen during the Iraq war. I only know a portion and it's too much. Yes, he has PTSD and is receiving some benefits from the government for that, along with hearing, back, neck, leg, arm and many other areas of injury. I believe he deserves every dime he gets and wish he got more considering what he gave for us. I agree that some people "fake the system" but it's no different than those collecting welfare, social security disability, etc. that should not be getting it. They make a life out of that. It disgusts me. I also know there are other forms of PTSD, for example a person who lived a certain violent childhood or someone who was abused. A doctor certainly needs to be able to tell the difference between real and fake but that's beyond my skill level to determine. Suffice it to say the Veterans who need the T2T assistance are my highest priority and will be until the group disappoints me and I have to find a different charity.

[birdawg]

It’s ludicrous how our veterans are neglected. Help them however we can, personally. Unfortunately this country doesn’t. I am an advocate for T to T and encourage others to do your research and be charitable to them if you can. With a 3rd war hanging in the wings, our military depleted in so many aspects…. We need to support those who have made sacrifices for this country. The numbers are dwindling daily in support of patriotism….we need to take care of our own!

Could not have said it better.

[Toymeister]

Having returned from Afghanistan three years ago I can personally assure you that the screening for PTSD starts as you outprocess from theater. You do not have to be a genius to see how to answer the questions to get a (PTSD) referral.

Now this wasn't always the case, on my five previous deployments there wasn't much in the way of screening. But it's easy to Google the symptoms and tell a VA case manager how you are feeling to get 'rated' for a PTSD disability. It's pretty rare to go to the psych unit and be under observation. As I've already said getting a VA rating for PTSD. This isn't 1945 or 1968. When deployed you get US television without commercials, instead there are military specific public service announcements and a signifigant percentage are on PTSD.

[retiredguy123]

I love the T2T organization and donate quite a bit every year. They are my number one choice for donations. That said, I am the Mother of an Army Veteran. Unless you are in his shoes you have no idea what he went through. He saw things no one should have seen during the Iraq war. I only know a portion and it's too much. Yes, he has PTSD and is receiving some benefits from the government for that, along with hearing, back, neck, leg, arm and many other areas of injury. I believe he deserves every dime he gets and wish he got more considering what he gave for us. I agree that some people "fake the system" but it's no different than those collecting welfare, social security disability, etc. that should not be getting it. They make a life out of that. It disgusts me. I also know there are other forms of PTSD, for example a person who lived a certain violent childhood or someone who was abused. A doctor certainly needs to be able to tell the difference between real and fake but that's beyond my skill level to determine. Suffice it to say the Veterans who need the T2T assistance are my highest priority and will be until the group disappoints me and I have to find a different charity.
The veterans featured on the T2T commercials who have serious physical disabilities and are given a handicapped equipped house are obviously not faking the system. I am happy to participate in that endeavour because their Government benefits are most likely not sufficient to compensate for the disability.

But, if T2T is going to blindly accept the PTSD fakers and include them in the money that people donate to T2T, I have a problem with that. And, it is not just doctors who decide on PTSD benefits. A lot of these fakers hire lawyers to assist them in gaming the system to get them approved for benefits. I think the T2T charity should provide separate funding for PTSD veterans and physically disabled veterans so donors can decide where they want their money to go. If they don't, they may find that their donations will dry up, and this very successful charity will suffer.

I want to emphasize that I know there are veterans who are receiving benefits based on a legitmate claim of PTSD and other disabilities. But, even the VA agrees that there are some fraudulent disability claims. I hope that T2T is not going to automatically include all homeless veterans on disability in their charity program without some additional screening.

[Lea N]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

I love that Tunnel to Towers helps vets with service related disabilities get housing. It's most certainly a worthy cause.

I am no expert on PTSD but my heart goes out to anyone living with it. It is not a visible disability, but is a disability. If you enjoy reading and would like to read about a dog that a vet had to help him with PTSD I would recommend it. The title is "Until Tuesday, author Luis Carlos Montalván." The book gives a lot of insight into what it is like (at least for this particular veteran) living with PTSD. I understand that this doesn't give you the confidence that some vets claims are fraudulent but wanted to mention it to you.

Every single day 22 veterans take their own lives, many because of PTSD.

There is an organization (Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs (GAMSD)) in Williston, FL that trains German Shepherds to help veterans, first responders (and others) living with disabilities, including PTSD. These dogs are specially trained for each individual and their is never a charge to the recipient for the dog. Among other things these dogs help opening doors, in some instances getting items for their person (from the fridge, laundry, etc.) Also seizure alert. A special phone can be set up for the veteran. If something happens to the vet their dog can hit a button to reach a 911 operator. There are of course many videos and stories from different veterans who have received a dog from GAMSD. I once watched one of their videos where a veteran told his story about receiving one of these dogs. Shortly after receiving the dog the vet decided to kill himself by shooting himself. The dog came to him and somehow stopped him. I don't remember the details but that dog saved a vets life who had PTSD. The dog knows how to go to him and make him feel better, how to read him and calm him down. When my husband has gone to the VA in Gainesville we would sometimes see these particular Guardian Angel Medical Service Dog's with their vets.

[Lea N]

In some cities kicking them out of houses by to make room for people without medical or background checks who break laws coming to US for free things

Sad but true and hard to believe.

[Jazzman]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

If you have this concern, pick up the phone and call them directly and express it. I have in the past had the opportunity to speak with a rep directly and they were most helpful. They need to know that there are donors out there who have a concern about this additional venue

[Moderator]

All political comments have been removed. The next one will close the thread.

[PjLyness1965]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

While you may not believe that all claims for PTSD are legitimate, the process is actually pretty straightforward. The veteran has to prove that a traumatic injury occurred while in the service. That they were treated at some point and after they got out of the service, they had to continue getting treatment for PTSD. It’s not as easy as you think to make a claim for PTSD. Please educate yourself before making such harsh assumptions.

[retiredguy123]

While you may not believe that all claims for PTSD are legitimate, the process is actually pretty straightforward. The veteran has to prove that a traumatic injury occurred while in the service. That they were treated at some point and after they got out of the service, they had to continue getting treatment for PTSD. It’s not as easy as you think to make a claim for PTSD. Please educate yourself before making such harsh assumptions.
PTSD fraud is not an assumption, it's a fact. Just Google it.

[Marmaduke]

While you may not believe that all claims for PTSD are legitimate, the process is actually pretty straightforward. The veteran has to prove that a traumatic injury occurred while in the service. That they were treated at some point and after they got out of the service, they had to continue getting treatment for PTSD. It’s not as easy as you think to make a claim for PTSD. Please educate yourself before making such harsh assumptions.
Agreed. It is pretty hard to fake PTSD, as said above, no matter the military commercials.

Those of us who worked with Vets have a great deal of street smarts and intrinsic ability.

I've Never said this out loud to anyone before, but i'm going to say it now...

There is nothing that makes me MORE upset than when I hear a Veteran claiming that another Veteran is gaming the system.

Walk a mile in his/her shoes and report back to me.

Remember HIPPA doesn't allow ANYONE to know another's medical and/or mental health information, except those involved in the individuals case management.

Trust me, there isn't a psych observation ward for PTSD determination, but there are multi-disciplines collaborating behind the scenes on the Vet's behalf.

Veterans:
Hear Me!
No Matter How Bad you were treated in the past after discharge, give it another go, you may meet an advocate like me someday who will fight like heck for you.
Remember-Vets for Vets, do not poo-poo ANYONE'S perceived disability.

YOU cannot see what's going on in their brain/mind, organs, central nervous system, blood and bones, Service Related, so....Shhhh!!! Thx.

[PjLyness1965]

PTSD fraud is not an assumption, it's a fact. Just Google it.

Google? Seriously? What background in clinical psychology and experience do you have with veterans to be able to make a determination that veterans are “faking PTSD” claims? Oh that’s right! You don’t! Just google. I just told you exactly what evidence the VA looks for when determining a VA claim for PTSD, but you rely on google. Pathetic. Let me explain it this way: Who are you to say anyone does or doesn’t suffer from PTSD? As far as congress and the VA is concerned, YOU are NO ONE. You and your uninformed opinion don’t matter. The veteran matters and that’s exactly the way it should be. If you don’t want to give to T to T, don’t. No one will miss you or your lousy opinion. ☮️

[PjLyness1965]

Agreed. It is pretty hard to fake PTSD, as said above, no matter the military commercials.

Those of us who worked with Vets have a great deal of street smarts and intrinsic ability.

I've Never said this out loud to anyone before, but i'm going to say it now...

There is nothing that makes me MORE upset than when I hear a Veteran claiming that another Veteran is gaming the system.

Walk a mile in his/her shoes and report back to me.

Remember HIPPA doesn't allow ANYONE to know another's medical and/or mental health information, except those involved in the individuals case management.

Trust me, there isn't a psych observation ward for PTSD determination, but there are multi-disciplines collaborating behind the scenes on the Vet's behalf.

Veterans:
Hear Me!
No Matter How Bad you were treated in the past after discharge, give it another go, you may meet an advocate like me someday who will fight like heck for you.
Remember-Vets for Vets, do not poo-poo ANYONE'S perceived disability.

YOU cannot see what's going on in their brain/mind, organs, central nervous system, blood and bones, Service Related, so....Shhhh!!! Thx.

Thank you. It makes me so mad that this guy is accusing veterans of faking PTSD. He has no idea what each veteran has experienced. The VA also awards PTSD claims for military sexual trauma, but this guy will probably accuse women AND MEN of faking that too! Disgusting! The OP should be taken down. It’s an insult to us veterans that served this country and this retired guy should be ashamed of himself.

[vlm790]

Great idea. My former reply was deleted because I must have said something politically incorrect.

[ThinkinBoutIt]

As a spouse of a combat veteran with all limbs intact, who is 100% disabled because of combat trauma, I would hope a physically “changed” vet isn’t your only criteria in determining a vet’s disabled worthiness.

[retiredguy123]

As a spouse of a combat veteran with all limbs intact, who is 100% disabled because of combat trauma, I would hope a physically “changed” vet isn’t your only criteria in determining a vet’s disabled worthiness.
Not at all. But, with hundreds of thousands of charities, donors need to choose which ones they want to give their money to.

[Bill14564]

While you may not believe that all claims for PTSD are legitimate, the process is actually pretty straightforward. The veteran has to prove that a traumatic injury occurred while in the service. That they were treated at some point and after they got out of the service, they had to continue getting treatment for PTSD. It’s not as easy as you think to make a claim for PTSD. Please educate yourself before making such harsh assumptions.

Google? Seriously? What background in clinical psychology and experience do you have with veterans to be able to make a determination that veterans are “faking PTSD” claims? Oh that’s right! You don’t! Just google. I just told you exactly what evidence the VA looks for when determining a VA claim for PTSD, but you rely on google. Pathetic. Let me explain it this way: Who are you to say anyone does or doesn’t suffer from PTSD? As far as congress and the VA is concerned, YOU are NO ONE. You and your uninformed opinion don’t matter. The veteran matters and that’s exactly the way it should be. If you don’t want to give to T to T, don’t. No one will miss you or your lousy opinion. ☮️

Thank you. It makes me so mad that this guy is accusing veterans of faking PTSD. He has no idea what each veteran has experienced. The VA also awards PTSD claims for military sexual trauma, but this guy will probably accuse women AND MEN of faking that too! Disgusting! The OP should be taken down. It’s an insult to us veterans that served this country and this retired guy should be ashamed of himself.

Perhaps instead of bashing the poster for his lack of knowledge you should have taken a look at his data. Below are just two articles from Google (actually DDG) about veterans who collected benefits (or attempted to) based on fake PTSD claims. Yes, one is from 2010 but the other is from just last year.

Three cases of fraud (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/tide-new-ptsd-cases-raises-fears-fraud-flna1C9448444)

Guilty plea (https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/fairport-man-pleads-guilty-false-claim-ptsd-get-va-disability-payments)

PTSD fraud can and does occur (why would any reasonable person think it would not?), just Google it.

[asianthree]

I rewrote this thread because I just wanted to get opinions about the mission change for the Tunnel to Towers charity, not to create a controversy. I have always considered this charity to be one of my favorites because of their focus on helping veterans with severe physical disabilities suffered in combat to get housing, and because of their exceptional cost efficiency. Now, Frank Siller is appearing in TV commercials asking for donations to help homeless veterans with PTSD. I don't deny that some veterans suffer from PTSD, but I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims. Please provide opinions.

To put your mind as ease, my spouse was interviewed for PTSD, along with my accounts of horrific Nam nights I get to relive for the rest of one of our lives. All three of our children sent extensive letters accounting their lives as children, and adults.

VA denied any help for PTSD, as he wasn’t Bad enough, to qualify for help. Without a percentage there isn’t any method for treatment.

Last night during the heavy rain, I had to be awake to watch the 1000th or more times reliving one of the death scenarios in my kitchen. (Mash unit, Rocket Ally with thousands of wounded, dying, or near dead or dead so they could try their best). To keep him safe, and myself safe, I can’t sleep, until it’s finished and returns to sleep. The highlight is he cleans the OR table, puts away instruments, and makes sure his numbers are correct on the back table.

We don’t want the fraud money you are so worried about. Spouses Need Help, for not only their spouse, but their own mental well being.

[retiredguy123]

FYI, if you go to the charity website, "guidestar.org" and search "veterans", you will get 35,959 search results. So, there is no shortage of charities for veterans. Choosing a charity to donate to is not an easy choice. I think the Tunnels to Towers charity has been very successful because of their TV commercials and the leadership of Frank Siller. I hope they continue to be successful.

[PjLyness1965]

Perhaps instead of bashing the poster for his lack of knowledge you should have taken a look at his data. Below are just two articles from Google (actually DDG) about veterans who collected benefits (or attempted to) based on fake PTSD claims. Yes, one is from 2010 but the other is from just last year.

Three cases of fraud (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/tide-new-ptsd-cases-raises-fears-fraud-flna1C9448444)

Guilty plea (https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/fairport-man-pleads-guilty-false-claim-ptsd-get-va-disability-payments)

PTSD fraud can and does occur (why would any reasonable person think it would not?), just Google it.

Wow! Three cases!
Three cases of fraud doesn’t justify calling thousands of veterans who suffer with PTSD as “fakers”. As I stated before, a veteran has to provide solid medical evidence that an injury occurred and that they have been receiving ongoing treatment. Then there are several evaluations by VA psychiatrists. I have been through the process myself. I would know.
I’ll stop criticizing the OP when he stops insulting veterans with PTSD.

[Bill14564]

Three cases of fraud doesn’t justify calling thousands of veterans who suffer with PTSD as “fakers”. As I stated before, a veteran has to provide solid medical evidence that an injury occurred and that they have been receiving ongoing treatment. Then there are several evaluations by VA psychiatrists. I have been told through the process myself. I would know.

Then it is good that that did not happen.

[PjLyness1965]

Then it is good that that did not happen.

Oh, but it did! Let me remind you. Here it is!
“ I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims.”
Mr. Retired guy thinks he knows better than the VA psychiatrists (calling veterans fakers) and he flat out admits he doesn’t see veterans with PTSD as worthy as a veteran who lost a limb. Both served, but one is more deserving of the other because they are missing a body part.
Want to keep going or are you done?

[Bill14564]

Oh, but it did! Let me remind you. Here it is!
“ I just don't view veterans with PTSD in the same way as veterans who lost their legs in combat. I also believe that some disability claims for PTSD may be fraudulent and I don't trust the current screening process for PTSD claims.”
Mr. Retired guy thinks he knows better than the VA psychiatrists (calling veterans fakers) and he flat out admits he doesn’t see veterans with PTSD as worthy as a veteran who lost a limb. Both served, but one is more deserving of the other because they are missing a body part.
Want to keep going or are you done?

Right there in your quote: *Some* *may* be. If there was even one that was fraudulent then that demonstrates the current screening process is not foolproof and there were four in just those two articles.

Nowhere did he imply that he knows better than the VA psychiatrists.

Take exception to what was written if it offends you, but at least read and understand what was written before taking exception to it.

[retiredguy123]

Note that the context of the thread is about a single private charity, and whether or not donors decide to give money to the charity's mission. It is not about whether a mental disability is the same as a physical disability. In my opinion, Tunnel to Towers has decided to significantly change and to expand their mission. Charity donors can decide to continue to support the charity or not, based on their view of the change in mission. It's their money to spend as they want. But, I certainly did not intend to insult any veteran who is legally entitled to a disability status of any type.

[PjLyness1965]

Note that the context of the thread is about a single private charity, and whether or not donors decide to give money to the charity's mission. It is not about whether a mental disability is the same as a physical disability. In my opinion, Tunnel to Towers has decided to significantly change and to expand their mission. Charity donors can decide to continue to support the charity or not, based on their view of the change in mission. It's their money to spend as they want. But, I certainly did not intend to insult any veteran who is legally entitled to a disability status of any type.

Well, you did. You implied that veterans are faking PTSD and that the VA claims process isn’t good enough for YOU when you don’t even know or understand what the process consists of. In fact, you stated you saw the two disabilities differently. You claim you didn’t want to start controversy, but you did it anyway by stating your discrimination.

[PjLyness1965]

Right there in your quote: *Some* *may* be. If there was even one that was fraudulent then that demonstrates the current screening process is not foolproof and there were four in just those two articles.

Nowhere did he imply that he knows better than the VA psychiatrists.

Take exception to what was written if it offends you, but at least read and understand what was written before taking exception to it.

Four people does not justify stating that the claims process is not “fool proof”. There are HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of claims for veterans with PTSD. In fact, I would say it’s just the opposite when a fraction of a percent of claims are fraudulent. You have proven nothing other then you can defend ignorance while demonstrating your own. The OP was offensive and lacked facts to back it up and you still can’t defend it with any solid evidence.
I am calling out the audacity of the OP thinking he knows better than a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist with years of education and experience.
You and Mr. Retired guy have zero.
You have lost this argument, Bill. Accept it.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Four people does not justify stating that the claims process is not “fool proof”. There are HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of claims for veterans with PTSD. In fact, I would say it’s just the opposite when a fraction of a percent of claims are fraudulent. You have proven nothing other then you can defend ignorance while demonstrating your own. The OP was offensive and lacked facts to back it up and you still can’t defend it with any solid evidence.
I am calling out the audacity of the OP thinking he knows better than a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist with years of education and experience.
You and Mr. Retired guy have zero.
You have lost this argument, Bill. Accept it.your right but don’t waste anymore breathe on these guys ,notice how the post has changed and how helpful by finding other charities that we can send money to ,I think there were expectations for this post to be joined by a whole lot of bashing of this charity and others and it didn’t happen

[Boomer]

Right there in your quote: *Some* *may* be. If there was even one that was fraudulent then that demonstrates the current screening process is not foolproof and there were four in just those two articles.

Nowhere did he imply that he knows better than the VA psychiatrists.

Take exception to what was written if it offends you, but at least read and understand what was written before taking exception to it.



Bill14564, why jump in with an asinine defense? No system is foolproof.

Besides, more veterans slip through the cracks than are successful with fraudulent claims. Why even debate this one?

retiredguy123 stepped in it and my guess is he knows that now. Bill, you are stepping in it, too.

My guess is neither of you ever saw combat, were ever in the military, and might not even be old enough to have had to be concerned about the draft.

If you have never experienced the horrors of combat or even served in the military, you should do some serious thinking before saying anything — no matter what — about PTSD claims being fraudulent.

I am so respectful of the term PTSD that I cannot stand it when people throw it around in a joking way, applying it, unthinkingly, to silly things.

In the Civil War it was called Soldier’s Heart. I can remember WWII veterans who were “shell shocked.” Now we call it PTSD. And as long as our species continues to wage war, the ongoing tragedies that can follow combat will be with us.

Please stop and think — and an apology wouldn’t hurt either.

Boomer, wife of Mr. Boomer, Green Beret

[Bill14564]

Bill14564, why jump in with an asinine defense? No system is foolproof.

Besides, more veterans slip through the cracks than are successful with fraudulent claims. Why even debate this one?

retiredguy123 stepped in it and my guess is he knows that now. Bill, you are stepping in it, too.

My guess is neither of you ever saw combat, were ever in the military, and might not even be old enough to have had to be concerned about the draft.

If you have never experienced the horrors of combat or even served in the military, you should do some serious thinking before saying anything — no matter what — about PTSD claims being fraudulent.

I am so respectful of the term PTSD that I cannot stand it when people throw it around in a joking way, applying it, unthinkingly, to silly things.

In the Civil War it was called Soldier’s Heart. I can remember WWII veterans who were “shell shocked.” Now we call it PTSD. And as long as our species continues to wage war, the ongoing tragedies that can follow combat will be with us.

Please stop and think — and an apology wouldn’t hurt either.

Boomer, wife of Mr. Boomer, Green Beret

Yet another who did not read what was written.

No one disparaged a veteran... no one.
No one downplayed PTSD... no one.
Some emphatically argued that PTSD fraud does not occur... it does.
No one said all PTSD claims are fraudulent... no one.

It would be nice to read an apology from those who attack posters without first taking the time to read and understand the posts. But, this is ToTV and that just ain't gonna happen.

[Boomer]

Bill 14564, I am in the car right now on my way to be someone’s charming dinner guest, so I do not have time to point out the errors in your accusation that I don’t know how to read for content or understand the power of words.

I could put you through a lesson or two like some retired teacher, but I don’t have time right now.

Even though our OP stepped in it this time, he is one of the posters here that I always read and I am usually impressed, just not right now. Besides, we all step in it from time to time, but some of us can admit it.

Anyway, seeya.

Mrs. Boomer, Room 101, Comp & Speech

[retiredguy123]

Bill14564, why jump in with an asinine defense? No system is foolproof.

Besides, more veterans slip through the cracks than are successful with fraudulent claims. Why even debate this one?

retiredguy123 stepped in it and my guess is he knows that now. Bill, you are stepping in it, too.

My guess is neither of you ever saw combat, were ever in the military, and might not even be old enough to have had to be concerned about the draft.

If you have never experienced the horrors of combat or even served in the military, you should do some serious thinking before saying anything — no matter what — about PTSD claims being fraudulent.

I am so respectful of the term PTSD that I cannot stand it when people throw it around in a joking way, applying it, unthinkingly, to silly things.

In the Civil War it was called Soldier’s Heart. I can remember WWII veterans who were “shell shocked.” Now we call it PTSD. And as long as our species continues to wage war, the ongoing tragedies that can follow combat will be with us.

Please stop and think — and an apology wouldn’t hurt either.

Boomer, wife of Mr. Boomer, Green Beret
Boomer, I appreciate your post. I don't mind apologizing, but I don't think an apology is warranted in this case. I posted because I was disappointed with T2T when they seem to be making a radical change in the direction of their charity mission. Other posters expressed the same opinion. It was one of my favorite charities. I didn't reject PTSD as a valid disability claim. But, disability fraud is a reality that is even acknowledged by the VA. People who donate money to charity want to know that their money is used for a good purpose. Apparently, T2T is asking for donations to assist homeless veterans who have PTSD. Some posters described their experiences with PTSD, but they did not seem to be homeless, so they would not even benefit from the new T2T mission. I believe that homelessness is a complex issue and I don't think more money will solve it. These veterans already have access to medical treatment, and they receive additional money in disability benefits. Adding more money in the form of private donations is not the answer. I am also concerned that combining money for homeless veterans with the physically disabled veterans will dilute the assistance to the physically disabled veterans, which is an entirely different issue that can be helped with more money.

[Boomer]

Good morning, retiredguy123,

Thank you for your response to my response to your post.

I find myself half criticizing you and half defending you — almost, sort of defending you.

In your original post, it was the second part of the fourth sentence about not seeing, followed by the blanket statement of not trusting the process, that mostly caused the reactions from several posters, including me. Words carry weight and words like ‘PTSD’ and ‘trust’ carry a lot of weight, as does the word ‘veteran.’

Those two sentences were perceived by some of us to be kicking someone who is down — down due to circumstances that were not of their own making and that’s what started the criticism, along with the unfair judgment of the qualifying process as not being worthy of trust — which was a statement that painted with a very wide brush.

Military experience ( both good and bad) gives a perspective on a lot of things that those who have not served cannot understand. My guess is that you were never in the military. But — the fact that your favorite charity helps veterans speaks well of your respect for veterans and shows that you care — so for that part, I can see that your actions speak louder than words. . .Maybe just try to be more aware of the weight of words.

And sooooo, I still say you stepped in it, BUT like in a lot of cases of “stepping in it” — I don’t think you really meant to.

Boomer

[JMintzer]

An awful lot of "First Rule of Holes" violations in this thread...