Back in 1991, I enlisted in the USAF, whence mental issues surfaced that did not previously exist, as early as basic training at Lackland. My primary MTI at Lackland even verbally issued concerns to me. At about 4.5 months, I attempted suicide>>met with Lowry AFB chaplain next day>>was promptly removed from F16 avionics tech class>>met a couple times with Lowry psychiatrist>>was discharged about two weeks later with an Entry Level Separation "due to mental issues that interfere with military service--not service oriented." During this entire discharge experience, I was never afforded any rehabilitation or psychological care nor informed of what was even happening other than a discharge was pending. I believe now after much research this ELS is unjustified since these mental illness issues happened in the USAF. After almost 16 years, do I have any recourse to change the discharge classification, particularly since I now greatly suffer psychological problems stemming from the USAFperiod?
2007-02-24 21:46:15 · 5 answers · asked by turcotte707 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Well, you would have to appeal to the VA for a disability rating.
But you will have to prove that something during your 4.5 months of service caused your mental issues and that you did not have them before enlisting.
Speaking from my own time at USAF Basic around that time frame, you will have a hard time proving that anything in USAF Basic or your Techinical School caused mental issues to develop.
From reading your post, it sounds like the USAF determined that your mental issues predated your enlistment and just manifested after 4.5 months of service.
Service connected disablity is just that, disabilities caused by military service.
You will have to prove that your short military service caused your mental disability
2007-02-24 22:06:29 · answer #1 · answered by jeeper_peeper321 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you might want to contact the Veteran's Advocate. NOT the Veteran's Administration( NOT the VA!) .
The Veteran's Advocate is there to help appeal on the behalf of vets once they get a denial for benefits from the VA.
The Veteran's Advocate is a State Run Agency NOT FEDERAL!
I know here in Arizona, my father-in-law was a Veteran's Advocate for a bunch of years. I might be getting the name a little bit wrong, I'm not sure what the technical name is, but I know my Father-in-law used to call it the Advocate's office. He would say that he was the opposite of the VA. That once the VA denied any claims to any type of benifit, vets would go to him. His office would then prepare a case and a judge would review the vet's medical stuff, and then the judge would determine whether or not the vet got any benifits.
2007-02-24 22:28:12 · answer #2 · answered by BIGDAWG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure. It sounds like you might have some kind of case against the Air Force. I am not sure if there is a statute of limitations on such cases, but I would definitely contact an attorney to find out. Find a lawyer who will give you a free consultation. i would look for a lawyer who has some military background or practiced military law so they have a better background on the subject. I would do this ASAP so you can get the help you need. Good luck!
2007-02-24 21:58:10 · answer #3 · answered by Mr Mojo Risin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless you can prove that not only did these issues not exist prior to your shipping out, but also that they were the direct result of military service, you won't have a case. and after all these years, where are you going to find records to prove that?
2007-02-25 03:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aww no way I want to be in the USAF Also
2007-02-24 21:54:03 · answer #5 · answered by leebeeguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋