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VA changes worthwhile

It’s sad that Sandy Tarbox’s father (“Some vet claims suspect,” Aug. 31) may not have been aware of the Veterans Affairs claims system in place now. He initially was awarded 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the benefit was withdrawn when he served in the Korean conflict. He may not have suffered in silence if there was the access to Veterans Outreach Centers that is available now. This vet deserved more, much more.

Her dad’s outcome is suspect, but awarded claims of compensation nowadays are not. PTSD vets are on medications to control this disorder, and may appear to be just fine, but not taking or discontinuing them could prove folly. Plus, taking the prescribed meds has power over their pain and suffering and allows some vets to display no symptoms, leaving an outsider to wonder: “Why the heck is he or she receiving 70 percent? There’s nothing observably wrong.”

Now, vets have the right to disagree with compensation awards or revocations, and fight for what is deservedly theirs. No disrespect to Tarbox’s dad, who I salute, but if he was informed of the workings of the VA claims process, mostly enacted after the Vietnam War, he would be pleased.

David Rosenbeck

Medical Lake



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