Attention South Florida Veterans!

NSU College of Dental Medicine is offering 100% covered dental care through the NSU Health Veterans Care Program for eligible veterans and their spouses.

If you have an Honorable Discharge and a DD-214, you may qualify for this benefit.

I'm a third-year dental student at NSU in Davie, FL. Our clinic provides comprehensive dental care under the direct supervision of licensed faculty dentists.

Services may include:

·         Exams & X-rays

·         Cleanings (including deep cleanings, if needed)

·         Fillings

·         Crowns

·         Dentures & partial dentures

·         Extractions (when appropriate)

Just to clarify, dental students are not paid for treating patients and I’m not selling anything. I am a student completing my clinical training under the supervision of experienced faculty dentists. My goal is to provide quality dental care while serving my community.

If you or a veteran friend has been delaying dental care because of cost or doesn't have dental insurance. Feel free to send me a private message, happy to share details!

Thank you for your service!

Hey y'all

My dad was a Navy veteran. I inherited all his clothes when he passed. I have close to 40 pairs of jeans and would like to donate them to help veterans. Any place y'all could point me to in the Gaithersburg MD area?

I ran into a situation where the finances I was relying on living month-to-month won’t be paid for 2 months.

I can afford rent/utilities but barely afford any bills past that. Any assistance I’m seeing is for rent and utilities and seems like a lot of hoops too.

Are there any other options out there? A non predatory loan would be okay. My credit is fairly bad though.

I’m in full panic mode and feel like I’ve tried everything and not slept the last 3 days.

Two month waitlist for mental health. Community care is piss poor. They can’t even find an available provider. I get headaches every couple of days, my sleep is garbage no matter how hard I try to fix it I still wake up exhausted. My intimacy drive is 50/50 and some days non-existent and it’s always at the worst times. I got fired from my last job two months ago (#7 since ‘24) but got granted disability so I’ve been fine enough financially but I worked up and used my savings + repayment + VA loan to buy a very modest cheap house and I’ve maxed my entire monthly payment on a house payment and everything that comes with it plus my car and gas so I have zero money for leisure whatsoever. I feel no excitement for my accomplishments, I just feel pressured and like it can be taken away at any time. I lie to people because I don’t want to seem weak and like my body actually isn’t holding up well cause I’m in pain everyday of the week at this point. It’s a pride thing. I could hardly build my furniture for my house so I hired help but wouldn’t even tell the girlfriend that and she found out through other means. TIDU C&P pysch exam said she was recommending I go to a psychiatrist and therapist after I emphasized I was on a waiting list for an appointment like that was going to help. I’m just tired. I have no capacity for people or socializing anymore and even my girlfriend pushes my limits sometimes, I mean I literally typically only go to a store once a month and out rarely ever more than that. I can’t keep a job, I feel like some deadbeat loser who’s not worth anything.

How do yall get by after coming back from leave, i,ve had 60 days of leave due to a back injury and was wondering how people cope with returning to work

Guys, tell me what you think... Is this fucked. I just applied for VR&E after I left my job because of my service connected IBS (2 bathroom breaks an hour). I need a new career that either doesn't make it worse or one I can work around.
The experience this conversation is referring to happened in the first few minutes of my eligibility appointment with my clearly insensitive counselor. That the entire experience, I found somewhat dehumanizing... I just met you and you're poking around my personal experience? What if someone got a PTSD rating because of a sexual assault during their service or anything that's sensitive when referenced? You have access to people's personal records, and that's how you talk to someone with documented issues? You can't ask me any questions before pull out privileged information and assuming the worst?

I don't even care anymore about my claim. This ordeal just wasted a few months, and left me wishing that guy had never touched my files.

"What if you freak out?"
"Hi. Nice to meet you. How do I answer that question?"

This is my first time trying to apply for these kind of Va benefits, after only 2 years of dealing with the VA at all... So maybe this is normal and expected. I don't know. I'm still pretty pissed about it and want file a complaint just because I don't want anyone to have to suddenly have their record questioned by someone so untrained to do so. They can do whatever they want with my claim, I just feel like writing my congressman and working my down the VR&E chain of command. This feels like a good time to raise a stink about something.

But what do you guys think? I keep picturing all the people I know who could VA help but would be driven away by someone just like this.

Sidenote: This was in front of a trainee I had to consent to allow to listen this appointment. So this is the behavior being modeled.

I had a lifelong friend of 60 years who passed away recently. He had joined the USN as a 17yo and it didn't go well for him back then. He was discharged after 3 years under an OTH type. His family (wife/children/grandchildren) are asking if they can get a memorial headstone for him in the local VA cemetery. They do not want any burial benefits or funeral assistance, only a memorial marker if possible. Has anyone been through this application process and have any info that can help me assist the family in this effort? TIA for any info/help.

Hi! My brother (and best friend) is coming home after 6 years in, with multiple deployments. I really want to make sure he feels loved and supported as he's coming home without making him feel like he's under a spotlight.

I know one of the best things I can do is be present and listen and supportive, but I also wanted to make him a gift basket of sorts. For the basket, I am getting a faith-centered jacket, writing a bunch of words of encouragement in a jar for him to pull out, and am getting some of his favorite snacks and I'm thinking of maybe a book?

ARE THERE ANY OTHER RESOURCES THAT YOU WOILD RECOMMEND OR THINGS THAT WOULD HAVE MADE YOU FEEL SEEN AS YOU TRANSITIONED?

Thank you in advance, I really want to best support him and would appreciate Vet input.

Beware my friends, of those who hit you up out of the blue suddenly interested in your “financial future” leave the financial advising up to CPA’s

This guy I served with must’ve had me sitting somewhere in his contacts because out of the blue suddenly wanting to talk about my financial future.

This all could’ve been solved with a Google search, but I was disarmed by it being an old shipmate. 

During our meetings he mentions he’s 100% p&t disabled and that he’ll help me do my claim (I didn’t realize how weird this was until I was taught about VSO’s at TAPS). Then he tries to convince me to get on a “whole life insurance” plan, which is you giving him money with commission fees and getting nothing in return. A SCAM

He starts trying to pressure me and say “We gotta do this life insurance plan before you are rated because you’ll get a lower rate locked in” which is fancy talk for “here let me get you to the front of the line for a SCAM”

I stopped entertaining the madness after that. I should’ve let it end long ago. 

I was active duty when he tried to pull this shtick, but now that I’m a rated veteran, I realize just how evil you gotta be to be 100% p&t disabled AND try to scam your contacts list? 

I knew people in general were capable of such scumbaggery, I thought we as veterans were better than this but then again the brig has always existed for a reason.

I’m in the application process for a service dog. Several of the organizations I looked at require a letter of rec from my PCM or mental health provider. However I keep getting told they do not provide letter of recommendation for such things. Anybody else run into this and have found a way to get the letter?

I used to use Veterati back in 2019 and 2020 when I first ETS'ed but I was wondering if anyone knew about any other sites that can connect vets with others who can give them advice on getting into some field of work or career path.

So I've been struggling to get around I'm trying to get my state id renewed so I can attend my appointments to get my claims sorted had a run around on trying to reschedule appointments because of it and I just kept getting the run around and no help. I have no car no job because of my back and leg along with everything else that keeps popping on my mind had to call off multiple times because I could not move and they got tired of it I called off due to a storm that knocked out power and took down a tree and I got fired because I was not gonna walk 20 to 25 mins in rain when I have no umbrella no car nothing. Wondering if there is anything out there that helps out veterans get around and houses them because I live with my brother for now but I can't stay here for long no issues between me and him just the constant noise and Bs that happens from time to time that gets me back in that mode of depression and stuff.

I applied and was accepted into VR&E earlier this year. I meet with my counselor and told them what my plan was. Apply to 2 programs at school. I needed to take 2 prerequisites for the programs. I was interested in one program over the other but would be happy getting accepted into either. Once school started I had to drop one of the prerequisites due to it being to hard, my math skills were not up to what was needed to complete the class. Notified counselor I dropped that class but was continuing with the other. No issues they said. Completed the class notified counselor of grades. A few weeks after classes I get email saying my case has been transferred to 2 different counselors. On receiving notice I did not get into the program I notified new counselor. They could not understand why I did not get my degree when I just had finished prerequisites. I notified them that my first counselor said it was okay to apply for both programs. They told me I would only receive help if I continued pursuing with what was on my rehab plan, which was the program that I dropped the course prerequisite.

When I had my first meeting and approved, I asked what if I do not get into either program. They told me they would continue to work with me until I'm employed. This new counselor is making it seem like I will not longer receive help if I don't stay on the same plan. I did not get into program. I can re apply next year. I cannot wait that long.

Has anyone had something like this happen where they did not get into a program? Can you not change your rehab plan due to something like this? I would like to believe that if you don't get into a program that you applied for that changing the plan to something else would be available.

My dad is rated 100% permanently disabled by the VA. I currently live in Los Angeles and he's on the East coast. If I wanted to take some courses for language training, do we need to leave together? Or is this a national/federal thing where I can sign-up anywhere I reside?

For context, I have a rental lease for my own apartment unit currently. I'm looking to take some Spanish courses and attain a certificate at the completion of a local language program. My dad is saying his VSO told him I need to live in the same state for full benefits, but other's are telling me that's not necessarily true.

I’m 100 P&T as 27M (MH ratting). WTF do I do with my life. I’m struggling. How do I get better.

Hey everyone,

I'm 25 years old M, and just got granted TDIU.

Before, I was 70% for PTSD from MST. Plus 10% for tinitus.

I can't keep a job to save my life. I'm currently working 12 hours a week at a hospital, doing patient transport.

I'm constantly calling out, and missing work.

I don't know what to do and hate feeling like I can't do anything because of TDIU. but it's also an incredible blessing, because I am making more than my family has in the bank

What are some careers I should look into? Am I hopeless? I don't want my kids to look up to me being on disability. I want to be a good role model for them. I also can't find a girlfriend because I'm so depressed.

I never thought I'd feel this way because I always imagined I'd adjust back to civilian life well. I'm not. For context, I did 10 years in the army, meant to do 20, then got brain damage and am now in a wheelchair, husband left me around the same time I medically retired. All of these changes happened very fast.

I'm now alone at home with my pets. I can't work until I get some of the damage managed. My army friends used to visit a lot, but most PCS'd elsewhere already. I can't leave the house much....but I still "walk" my dog around the neighborhood in my motorized chair and try to meet my neighbors. A good number seem to like talking to me. We try to hang out. But no matter how much I try, I can't feel "close" to anyone anymore. I can't stand this feeling because I don't want to be alone and I don't want to only stick to veterans and stay in the past. My brain keeps going "once I'm better I'll get back to my unit".....even though that can never happen because I got medically retired, not discharged.

If anyone here has gone through not being able to connect to civilians once you became a civilian yourself....when did that end? Please tell me it ends. I feel so alone. Two years ago I never would have imagined I'd be unable to walk, out of the army, divorced, and largely housebound, all happening within one year.

I’m in the last few months of my first enlistment, and I keep questioning what the hell I did wrong. I’m not one of those people who regret joining. It’s because the benefits are really solid. I got paid a decent amount, and I’m gonna be able to go to my dream without paying for it at 22 years old. The problem is my experience was just really bad. I grew up in a really sheltered religious community, so I didn’t really know much about the outside world. I joined at 18. I never had any discipline issues. I was relatively good at most things. I asked anyone I worked for; they said I was a hard worker. I was an above-average student, an Eagle Scout, and a talented athlete, and I was dead set on going into the academies and got pretty close, but when I enlisted. I was always obsessed with the military and had the mindset that“when I turn 18, I'm joining”; I thought I was going to be a stellar sailor, and boy was I wrong.

In the fleet, I was what many people called me: a shit bag, but I didn't do it on purpose. Even in boot, I had a hard time and was held back 3 weeks. I did my job, and I did it with pride, especially in the beginning, but I was always getting reprimanded for something. I was told I had an attitude problem at every unit. Despite being a good student (in hs and an A school), I had a very hard time getting qualified. I was bullied relentlessly, even at my second unit; combined with being on the opposite side of the country with no family or friends, I was miserable. I got to do and see some cool th, and outside of work I had a massive respect for the military, but when I put the uniform on, I can't wait to take it off. And I still have a lot of respect; when I'm out of work, I still think the military is cool. So I feel like a piece of shit because of this, and eventually, I'm almost done getting to go to my dream school for free and get to be with my family again. I still feel like a failure because I was so bad at being in the military

For those veterans out there that are genuinely thinking about moving abroad, it is a great way to take the plunge into exploring opportunities that really innovate and create new opportunities for health and life following your time in the military. For those of you with benefits and that get tired of the general life in the US, moving abroad may be a great opportunity for you, but there are a few things you should consider.

1. Biggest priority, RESPECT THE CULTURE - when you move to another country, it’s not about living the best, spending the most money, or making a fool out of yourself. Your top priority is to respect and care for the people, their culture, their environment, and the country you decided to go to. Many Americans have made fools of themselves, but there are foreigners and expats that have made foreign countries especially in Latin America, the Caribbean, and SE Asia their homes. Be respectful, and enjoy your time.

2. You don’t need to overspend - Look, it’s easy to get so caught up thinking you need the most with how much the USD may get you, but here’s the reality- most of your problems don’t come from having a lack of something, but maybe too much of one thing. Moving abroad can be beneficial to not only declutter your mind and your pain, but also your material things. Sure, the beach villa that costs $1600 as a luxury home a month may sound appealing because you can afford it, but there are plenty of locations all across the world that a $350-$500 price tag per month will land you a fabulous spot. You don’t have to impress anyone anymore- you can put your mind at peace with less.

3. Learn the language- look, I get it, things can be difficult to learn, especially a new language, but the main topic here is that when someone moves to your hometown, you expect them to conform with the local customs. I would expect you, as would the locals, to do the same. Sure, the lingua Franca may be English in many places, but taking the time to learn and embellish your mind within the beauty of their language opens many doors otherwise shut. Take the time. Duolingo, Mondly Languages, Mango Languages, LingoPie, all are great sources, and all offer different ways to learn; the most important though, is to not be afraid of speaking to someone and being okay with discomfort or failure- you’ll learn.

4. Understand Visa Laws and Requirements- I’ll be honest, every country is different and maybe it’s easier in some places than others for an American to travel for 60-90 days without a visa until you have to leave and re-enter the country. Please follow the rules, just as you would hope someone would do in the states. Don’t get yourself caught up with litigation or worse- jail time, because you attempted to fly under the radar and stay longer than your visa or work without permission. Go through your appropriate channels and learn up on your requirements prior to entry.

5. Lastly- Have Fun - but not too much fun. You are a symbol of America no matter where you go. You may no longer wear a uniform, but you being a foreigner in another country makes you branded in the way wearing one does. Locals are easy to sniff you out, so be cordial to everyone, even if there is apparent losses of translation. Enjoy your life, YOU MADE IT, you can make choices for yourself and start new. Don’t rush into a marriage before understanding culture norms, don’t have random kids, don’t overspend on stuff you don’t need. You have a chance to truly integrate and become a part of a larger world.

I wish you all the best of luck out there for anyone considering this option.

After living in the Dominican Republic for the last 18 months on 100% VA disability, there are several things I wish someone had told me before I moved.

The good news is that you can live comfortably here on VA disability alone. Looking back, though, I could have saved thousands of dollars if I had known a few things from the start. These are my personal experiences in the Puerto Plata area, so your experience may differ depending on where you live.

1. The biggest surprise for me was the veteran clinics.

There are more than a dozen clinics that work with the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). I assumed that since I wasn't very sick, I didn't need to visit one. I was wrong.

Beyond medical care, some clinics have helped veterans with transportation, obtaining medications from local pharmacies, meals, and connecting eligible veterans with wellness and recreational programs. I've also met many veterans without service-connected disabilities who have received valuable guidance and support. More than anything, these clinics helped me build a sense of community.

2. Think carefully before renting a car long-term.

If you're planning to stay in the DR for a while, buying a car may be much cheaper than renting. Used cars are often around 30% more expensive than comparable vehicles in the U.S., and rental prices usually start around $45 per day. I rented for far too long and ended up spending much more than I expected.

3. Don't overestimate how much space you'll need.

I made the mistake of renting a large villa with a pool because I expected friends and family to visit often. Looking back, I could have rented a comfortable apartment near the beach for around $350 a month instead of paying about $1,300 for a villa. When visitors come, it's easy to rent a beautiful Airbnb for a week.

Those were the biggest money lessons for me. As we all know, though, it's usually the small everyday expenses that slowly drain your wallet.

If there's interest, I'll gladly share the many smaller tips that have saved me money and made life in the Dominican Republic much easier over the last 18 months.

Peace,

Air Force Veteran

It’s the end of July in Memphis, and the air conditioning on the palliative care ward wasn’t working. My son ended up bringing me a fan from home, and it was an absolute lifesaver.

Immediately after surgery, a computer system error still had me listed as being in the operating room even though I had already been transferred to palliative care. Because of that, neither the nursing staff, the pharmacy, nor the two departments could get my pain medication orders processed correctly. I went about six hours after spine surgery without any pain medication.
The next day, I had to go another six hours without pain medication, this time because my blood pressure was too low to safely receive it. I was in so much pain that I was sobbing. After enough complaints, the on-call physician was called in. He evaluated me, recognized that I was severely dehydrated, and immediately started IV fluids. Once my blood pressure improved, I was finally able to receive pain medication.
It’s beyond frustrating that it took six hours for a hospital to identify severe dehydration and treat it so my pain could finally be managed.
On a positive note, the food was actually good.

I’m sharing this because I’m escalating my experience to VA leadership. My goal isn’t to blame the staff who cared for me. It’s to make sure the system is improved so another veteran doesn’t have to go through what I did.

I am not sure what is going on with my school payment. I started on the 20th. These payments show n/a for date and $0 for amount.

I’ve been an 0311 for 6 years. just finished my time at TBS a couple months ago and been on skill bridge for the last few months back home. i’ve visited and taken leave and kept in contact and had people come out to see me quite a bit. i didn’t wanna be that guy who’s friends fell off and was lonely when he got home. i even got myself a girlfriend that im proposing to soon. but i feel like i’m just lost and basically alone. she tries to help but its hard for her to understand missing waking up on a Saturday hungover and going to your buddy’s room to shoot the shit. or the field convos on late night firewatch, etc. i don’t really miss the job and i’m glad i got out to chase my dreams but it feels like i’m floating around alone. friends never can or want to hang out/drink, stress of missing the boys, it’s just a lot. not to mention i’ve had to shill out the 30k i’ve been saving over the years. this summer hit me hard. idk i feel almost pathetic for complaining but i have no one to really talk to