www.incontinentsupport.org

I am new to this forum. I am a 38yo Army Vet. I got hurt in Basic Training and was told "Uncle Sam does not want you any more". I was hurried out of the Army on day 76 (US Military requires you to be in for 90 days in order to receive VA benefits) They told me that I had to sign a paper to get out without allowing me to fully read what it said. What I was actually signing is a form (EPTS) Existing prior to service. I delt with my back pains for 8 years before they really started causing major problems. I have had 2 back surgeries since 2004. My last one was done 2011 this is when I started seeing problems with my bladder. It started with the "got to go" symptoms. I started wearing pads 5 years ago off and on. About 6 months ago my body just went wacky. I started having major back spasms and was having more bladder problems and really high blood pressures. On Monday I went to the ER because I had not pee'ed in 24 hrs. at that time I has put in a Foley and sent home. I am awaiting on an appointment with a urologist on Friday. One the things I have noticed since the Foley went in is I have less back spasms. I wonder if a full bladder would cause lower muscle back spasms...

Welcome to the group!!

1) As for the character of your discharge, you can and SHOULD fight that. Find a lawyer who specializes in VA Disability Law. I will post the website for the lawyer who helped me get my claim through. She hosts a blog on veteran issues, writes children's novels and does Veterans Business Law. Sadly she no longer does disability law, but if you contact her she replies and can point you in the right direction. Hope that helps.

http://www.legalmeetspractical.com/

2) With regards to your incontinence, well there are a LOT of people here who can offer you great advice, but sadly I'm too new to be one of them. Best of luck there, and don't be a stranger!!

PS: GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!!!!!

_________________
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

Marcus Aurelius

Welcome to the forum,
Porkchop is giving good advice, get a lawyer and a good one. Far as you incontinence issue, L-5 is a area that can and will cause this to happen. There are several members on here with back problems and that were there's started. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Thanks, HUA (ha! Haven't said that in a while) as for discharge I have a general discharge chapter 2. I have tried to get it changed but they have a 10 year rule that you can only get your discharge changed within 10 years of the discharge. I have talked to lawyers, DAV, VA, SC congressman. I have given up. The EPTS and 90 day rule stops me every time. The VA will see me at the hospital but will not give me a VA card nor a doctor.
As for my injury it is L4/L5, L5/S1 is my main problem.

Welcome! Sorry to read about your problems.

Lots of vets here.

--John

Welcome to the forum.
You'll get lots of support here. Great group of folks

Prior Marines myself. I was in for a total 6 months before getting injured. Also at the L5 (which seems to be a very positive common spot for inducing incontinence). And I feel your frustration.

Even with me they tried cutting me with a 20% disability check. Luckily I read everything before signing and after three years of treatment I even threatened to just reenlist if they wouldn't give me what was due to me. The Marines "settled" with 30% permanent disability, and the VA tried to then give me 10%. I had to fight that before they gave me 50%.

I honestly believe they do not care about us after an injury, and just want to make us all go away. I can only imagine the millions they save by doing this, but at the cost of us loosing out no less.

Add my late welcome also. Navy Vet here. Sorry to here about all the issues you are having with the VA. There is a lot of great information here.

We have Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Where is the Air Force, and Coast Gaurd?

Air Force Here


I too have damage in the L4-S1 area of my spine.
I'm total urinary incontinent and have a little bowel incontinence thrown in (just for grins and giggles you know).
I got hurt at my first base of assignment (Germany) and spent the next 4 years in 7 different hospitals.
I lucked out and got 70% permanent disability rating. But I did have to fight for that.

Schoppy