finally made some decisions...

[MORTARDUDE]

I finally filed a claim for PTSD last week. I don't know why I waited so long. I had my initial interview at the PCT clinic with my wife and it went well. Maybe some of you with more knowledge of the VA can help. My counselor at the Vet center where I have been going for two years didn't push the issue of filing a claim until I went to the PCT clinic. Because of my income level ( according to the "Means testing folks" at the VA hospital ) I should not even have had this appt. Fairly damn confusing..... Anyway, hopefully I will get some kind of word about this before my next PCT appt. on April 30th.

I have also decided to retire as of April 2. For those that didn't know, I work for the IRS. I don't do tax returns ( not even my own ), just computer mainframe work. I am on call 24/7, and it will be nice to find a job I only have to do when I am there...

I just realized I have been getting some kind of government check since Sept. 1968, except for a few months ( AFROTC in college, Army, VA school benefits, and work ). It will also be the first time I have been unemployed since I got out of the Army in May 1971......

I will finally be back in the "real" world and I am sure it will be culture shock of a sort.....

Larry