The Army, MS, and the VA...

I was lucky to have been diagnosed with MS within the seven year window of separation. I got out in 2001 before September 11. What does all this mean?? Well, it means that if you are diagnosed with MS after separating from the military, you could be entitled to compensation and/or pension benefits. It takes a good minute to get all of the paperwork in and for the VA to respond and get you the appointments needed, but it's an easier battle than fighting with the SSA without a lawyer. The VA hospitals have been very good to me, other than the whole "hurry up and wait" game the military/government plays. What am I trying to say, you ask?? The point is that if you volunteered your life for this great country and you end up with some kind of condition that is chronic and/or permanent, your service in the military may have aggravated your condition. I was an 88M and Hazmat qualified, so there's no telling what made me more susceptible to developing MS. MS is certainly a pain in my rear end, just like any other chronic illness. Please go to the Veteran's Administration website, find the info, and familiarize yourself because there are other conditions that qualify as well. It'll help with the costs of your therapies, etc. That is all. Angela