PSP Questions   Question #35     Why does the VA not let blue water sailors like myself have full benefits like the rest of the military?  Is because we were not really part of the united states military or just their way of them disrespecting blue water sailors? A1:  That depends on what you mean by full benefits. You should be eligible for most benefits simply based on your service. The only benefits not afforded to blue water veterans is compensation based on agent oraange exposure, and that also depends on whether or not your ship is on the agent orange ship list. See http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/list.asp  (AP)  4/16/2016   A2:   It's not the the VA does not recognize the blue navy, they do. However, to qualify your vessel must have either been docked at a Vietnam port or be on the VA Agent Orange Ship Regustry. Check the link and see if your ship is listed. http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/list.asp  (CP)  4/16026.   A3:  Most of this comes down to money.  I would suggest that you read the new Grey decision on inland water ways.  I would also get my congressional representative and Senator to support HB969 and S681.  (CP)  4/16/2016     If you can help please respond to this question. Full name: Email address: Comments:   Question #36    I'm a 52-year-old Army veteran.  I've been a stay-at-home father for 16 years. I'm starting to fall into a state of depression. How do I find out if the VA can help me and where do I get started? A1:  You will need to take your DD 214 to the VA and enroll in the VA medical treatment program.  You will have to enroll first.  The other thing I hae to ask is if you have any service connected disabilities such as bad knees, back, injuries that occurred on active duty.  Or did you have bouts of depression for which you were treated on active duty.  If you did then you should file for a service connected disability.  There are so many things that have to be discovered about your military service and injuries/diseases to make sure you get the treatment and benefits that you earned.  So go the the VA enroll and ask for assistance with your health (mental and physical).  (CP)  4/16/2016 A2:  My suggestion is to go to your nearest VA facility and seek treatment. As a retired psychologist I can say letting depression continue unchecked only gets worse. I would also suggest getting involved in some other activity other than taking care of children. I've always been a advocate of Quality of Life changes to aid in reducing the effects of any mental health problem.  (CP)  4/16/2016 A3:    I suggest that if you are not enrolled in the VA health system, you enroll and seek assistance. You can also get help from the nearest Vet Center. There are also several veterans organizations such as the DAV and the VFW that are available to assist veterans like yourself.  (AP)  4/16/2016 If you can help please respond to this question. Full name: Email address: Comments:

---

Disability Journal  Learn More

Disability Journal:  A Daily Account of My Current Disability Issues (Log Book) Comb-bound.  Hardcover - February 2016. by Aspyre Media Group, LLC Your custom designed Disability Journal is a simple to use tool that will help you collect, track and share past and current information about your current disability and other health issues. The Disability Journal has proven to be an invaluable lifesaver providing an overview of your health history to the medical professionals who assist you with your health. The Disability Journal will help you to recall specific information when filling out forms at an appointment with a new physician or medical facility. The Disability Journal is your personal health journey and the format presented is to assist you in monitoring your disabilit(ies), or other health concerns. You may consider taking your Disability Journal with you to all Veterans Affairs (VA) appointments, and other visits to see a healthcare provider. The Disability Journal is designed to provide your medical professional with concise and easily accessible details of your health in case of an emergency or in any circumstances that might occur related to your health. Product Details: Comb-bound:  100 pages Publisher:  Aspyre Media Group, LLC Language:  English Product dimensions:  8.5 x 11 Shipping weight:  14 ounces Learn more...

Sign-Up for our FREE Veteran Newsletters and FREE Veteran Alerts. Full name:  * required Email address:  * required Comments: I agree to receive FREE veteran newsletters and alerts. Yes No

What Every Veteran Should Carry                         No longer will you have to carry around your DD Form 214 as proof of your military service.  The Veteran ID Card will quickly establish you as a veteran, along with other essential benefits.  More... Veteran ID Card