DVT MARINE offered 10% by PE Board

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

    My name is Steven A. Griffiths, I am a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp. I have served our country since September of 1999 and still currently employed by USMC.

   

    In October of 2005 while serving with Combat Logistic Regiment 25 Al Taqaddum Iraq (after two weeks being deployed) I became very ill. I was aerovaced to the hospital in Baghdad and was diagnosed with a low potassium level, which is life threatening and they started me on IV’s to increase my potassium and calcium levels. Several days later, I was complaining of abdominal pains and the doctors did a cat scan which revealed I had Deep Vein Thrombosis in my abdomen. I was then medically airlifted to Landstuhl hospital in Germany to start treatment with Coumadin and Loveanox to become therapeutic. A week later, I returned to Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital in Jacksonville North Carolina to begin further treatment. In April 2006, I was taken off of blood thinners and was told everything was resolved.

 

    In November 18th of 2006, I was due to get out of the Marines. I truly wanted to retire as a Marine, however with past medical conditions this would keep me from training and leading junior Marines so they can become future leaders of Marines.   While I was still active duty, I was made fun of because I was constantly seeing doctors and was told I was broken. On November 5th of 2006, I became sick again and was admitted to Salem hospital in Salem New Jersey. I was diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis secondary to Hypertriglyceridemia and was treated with an IV in my right arm to get medications to resolve this acute pancreatitis. The next day my right arm became bruised and swollen so they took the IV out and placed it in my left arm. Several days later my left arm became bruised and swollen and the doctors removed the IV's and did ultra sounds on my arms, which revealed Deep Vein Thrombosis in Superior Mesenteric Veins. There were three blood clots in my right arm at the wrist, elbow and shoulder of both arms. They also relayed to me that the blood clot in my abdomen were still present after I was told by internal medicine doctors at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital that blood clots in my abdomen were resolved. The Marine Corp extended my contract so I could be given the proper Medical Retirement.

 

    I have been home awaiting the outcome of the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). On February 22 of 2006, I received my medical findings from the PEB board and was told I would be getting 10% disability with Post-Phlebitic syndrome, Intermittent edema of extremity or aching and fatigue in leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of extremity or compression hosiery. This medical condition was extracted from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). With that being said, these medical conditions from the CFR are inaccurate from what I have been diagnosed with. I have numerous blood clots throughout my upper extremedities and in my abdomen and they have a potential of breaking off and traveling to major organs and may be life threatening. 

 

    Since I have found that the 10% of disability that the Marine Corp is giving me, I have since declined the 10% and requested a formal hearing at the PEB board in Washington D.C. With this being said, how am I supposed to take care of my family?  I have a wife (Mandy) and daughter (Collene). With a 10% disability I am not entitled to medical coverage for my family and would have to go to the VA hospital in Delaware for treatments for my medical conditions only, and would have to get my own health insurance for medical conditions that could arise in the future. I would have to find a job that would accept me with my current medical conditions. I would have to learn a whole new trade since being a motor transport mechanic could be dangerous.  If I was to cut my self or something was to fall on me, I am at risk of bleeding to death.  Employers would be taking a risk if they were to hire me. This will affect me for life and I feel the military needs to step to the plate and ensure that all current military members to include myself get taken care of with the right medical retirement.

 

    The Government is spending billions of dollars in the War, I think more has to be done for our wounded and sick military personnel back here in the USA. March is DVT awareness month we need more people to get familiar with this, because DVT's are a silent killer.

 

             Respectfully submitted by:

             Sergeant Steven A. Griffiths, USMC

            

Hello Steven

This just goes to show you that an American citizen is not getting a fair deal from our government. After reading so much lately about Walter Reed hospital and the poor treatment our troops are getting, it doesn't surprize me that you did not get the benefits and proper treatment which you are entitled to and deserve.

May God Bless and Keep You Safe.

Charlie43

I was reading your story Steven. I saw this thread and I am surprised not more people have become more concerned with this. I know a lot is happening as far as Iraq, NAU/SPP/Illegal Immigrants, etc. but man, my heart goes out to you. If at all possible, can you respond and let us know how you are doing? I have who I call my second son heading over to Kuwait and is then going to be on the front lines there in Iraq. His picture is on my avatar. My true son on the right was his best man. I am concerned for you. I am sorry I didn't see this story earlier.

Best Regards,

Dave

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                  Same here brother. I won't hold your being a Marine against you. Army myself, but I have alot of respect for anyone who wears or has worn any uniform. The injustice being perpetrated against you is wrong. I will put in a few prayers for a speedy resolution to your plight. Keep the faith and stay strong. I echo Deerhunters concern so keep us posted.

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Brother , my heart goes out to you . This is just another similarity of Iraq and Viet Nam and probably all wars of the past . Everyone cheers you while you are putting your life on the line , then they jeer you when you ask for compensation for your service connected disabilities . I know that most everyone in the military does the best they can (sometimes with the least support from the top ) and those who don't are either KIA or removed from the service as undesireables . While I have true compassion for you and your situation , and pray to God for resolution in yours and your family's favor , I know from experience it won't be easy and it won't happen over night . Unfortunately you and your situation are the tip of a very large iceberg . Rest assured , they didn't single you or me out to treat so badly , they will be the first to tell you we are not that important and very expendable . I however do personally thank you and all who continually do their utmost to follow orders given by some who would do well to rethink their position and follow the ideals that " If you can afford to wage war , you must pay the wages of war ". Get on board with the VFW , or one of the other fine organizations for veterans , you can succeed better in strength of  numbers . God Speed Freind

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Steven, my heart goes out to you. The benefits (or lack thereof) for veterans, medical and otherwise is shameful! Especially considering all the money that is wasted by our elected officials. I know the VA hospital in Kansas City is a place you wouldn't want to take a sick animal. I sincerely hoope the VFW or American Legion can help you and your young family. My prayers are with you and all of our fine Americans in uniform. God Bless.  

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My fellow man, i have the exact same issue that you have at this time except I was told by the board that I am fit for duty.  i have had dvt for the past 1 1/2 yrs and its only worsening. i can trun, and barely walk at times bc the pain is so unbearable. i mean just reading your bio above i went thru the same thing that u went through and i was diagnosed by navy docs to have a calf strain and not dvt.  It took my calf down to my toes to swell to the size of my thigh to get them to see something was wrong and that was 3 weeks after the motrin and heat that they gave me.  this is a very scary and shady process.  I have since been diagnosed with a abnormal heart, high blood pressure, high cholestorol and other medical issues.  This finding I truly cant believe or understand this b.s for the lif eo f me. im convinced that they just want me to die with nothing and for nothing the same as those that are fighting in this pointless war.  All the money that is being wasted and the lives that are being lost for nothing and then u gt someone like myself that needs real medical attenton and all I get is a f**ked up finding and forced to stick around for what?? this is the shit that makes u tell people to not join the armed forces because at the end of the day they really dont give a damn about u or your family.  I have a wife and 2 kids and i am sure that if I continue on in the military with the treatment that they have been providing me I will not live to see my kids make it to the next grade level. 

 

I am wondering if situations like those posted here are similar to a civilian trying to get on disability?

When a civilian with a legitimate disability attempts to sign up through the Social Security department, then are immediately turned down, no ifs ands or buts......... So most then ust give up...but.....

When you hire a "Disability" lawyer, your chances of being accepted rise tremendously....and usually you are collecting a check within months!!!

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