The persistence to overcome transition issues with the support of others
The DD Form 214 is an important document for veterans because it provides a complete summary of their military service. It includes information such as the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, dates of service, awards, decorations, and type of discharge. The DD Form 214 is used to verify a veteran’s military service for a variety of purposes, including:
Nathan needed the form to apply for his VA disability with an accredited veterans services officer in Arizona. When the psychiatrist assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman diagnosed that Nathan had depression issues, he was told he could no longer serve in the ship’s nuclear engineering department. The military believes that depression will impact those who work around nuclear devices for a number of reasons. These reasons include:
Nathan's diagnosis came as the Navy carrier was getting ready to deploy for another tour in the Middle East. Just seven days before the Truman deployed, Nathan was given a discharge and a ticket home to Ohio. In other military services, military professionals are given a physical evaluation board. Nathan was not given this option. Had he served in another military branch like the Army or Air Force, the physical evaluation board would work with the VA to get him a disability rating. The DD Form 214 acts as the key element to any VA claims. The Navy has had some issues with providing these forms to sailors. There are a number of reasons why the Navy may fail to provide discharge papers to its sailors. Some of the most common reasons include:
Nathan’s mother encouraged him to join the Military Transition Roundtable over a year ago. It took Nathan some time to get the confidence to share his story with others who are facing transition issues. Several months ago, Nathan told his story about his discharge and the issues he faced. His fellow military professionals helped him recognize the need to get the form and also gave advice on how to get his form. For Nathan, a visit to his Ohio veterans commission got him the form he needed. The military won’t publicly admit it, but a ton of red tape plays a significant barrier in any discharge, separation, or retirement. Many military professionals in our group helped others recognize the issues, the delays associated with them, and the way to work through the bureaucracy. For those who served, transition never ends. A Mastermind group or other forms of support can help people adjust to their new roles. Sadly, not everyone makes it. For those who served, transition never ends. A Mastermind group or other forms of support can help people adjust to their new roles. Sadly, not everyone makes it. For some, transition puts them into homeless situations because they didn’t get the info on their VA benefits or the claims process. Veterans today have a wide variety of options not only for training in new jobs but the mental health services they need for PTSD and TBI injury.
At the Military Transition Roundtable, we are one of the many non-profits that support people like Nathan to capitalize on their VA benefits and post-service opportunities. If you know of a veteran facing transition issues, please let me know. (Matt Scherer is the president of the Military Transition Roundtable. He and another co-founder created their non-profit three years ago to help veterans find the resources to deal with the stressors of their exodus from military service.)
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