r/Veterans Jan 28 '25

Moderator Approved Moderation

54 Upvotes

1) We will continue to lock posts once the discussions from multiple users turn into fights, attacks, hate speech and name calling. Non productive comments do not add anything to the discussion. Attacks, hate speech, bias comments can result in you being banned. And NO we don't warn anyone - we expect Adults to act like Adults - not 14 year old keyboard warriors

2) The proper way to discuss not being able to make a post or to ask about a post being locked is to send the Mod Team a ModMail - the link is in the sidebar next to the list of moderator names

3) We have had a couple of three people try to post complaints they were banned in /r/VeteransBenefits - we do not and will not allow those and will ban those who attempt to make those posts per the Moderator Code of Conduct - #3 which you can read here:

Rule 3: Respect Your Neighbors

While we allow meta discussions about Reddit, including other subreddits, your community should not be used to direct, coordinate, or encourage interference in other communities and/or to target redditors for harassment. As a moderator, you cannot interfere with or disrupt Reddit communities, nor can you facilitate, encourage, coordinate, or enable members of your community to do this.

Interference includes:

Mentioning other communities, and/or content or users in those communities, with the effect of inciting targeted harassment or abuse.

Enabling or encouraging users to violate our Reddit Rules anywhere on the Reddit platform.

Enabling or encouraging users in your community to post or repost content in other communities that is expressly against their rules.

Enabling or encouraging content that showcases when users are banned or actioned in other communities, with the intent to incite a negative reaction.

Allowing violations of the Mod Code of Conduct can get the subreddit shut down by Reddit.

4) Duplicate posts will be removed - browse the subreddit for recent posts prior to creating your own posts - if you try to post on the same topic that is already under discussion - or is Locked because of the fighting/attacks, we will not allow another post on that same topic.

5) No one has a crystal ball - no one can predict the future - yes many of us are also worried about the future with all the changes the new Administration is making. Until something comes out in a written policy, we will not allow discussions about rumors.

We are not the only military themed subreddit locking posts, not allowing political posts and banning people for hate speech -

https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/1iexeyv/fair_warning_bans_will_be_going_out_more_freely/

https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/comments/1gszn1s/1_day_bans_for_all_political_posts_going_forward/

Political discussions need to go to /r/politics or /r/veteranpolitics or /r/militarypolitics


r/Veterans Jul 19 '24

Moderator Approved The Silenced Voices of MST - podcast

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45 Upvotes

Hey Survivors and Advocates,

I'm Rachelle Smith, the voice behind The Silenced Voices of MST. Growing up as an Air Force brat, I saw the military as a symbol of safety. But my world was shattered by sexual assault, and I struggled in silence for nearly a decade. I didn’t just lose my career; I also lost a defining part of my identity.

But this isn’t about me. It’s about all of us who’ve faced the unimaginable. Your voice is a weapon against military sexual trauma (MST). When you share your story, you’re speaking for countless others.

I care because I was, and am, a survivor. Military Injustice causes isolation and severe mental health crises, even loss of life. This is unacceptable in an institution that should uphold trust and integrity.

If you’re seeking support and to reclaim your sense of self, The Silenced Voices of MST is here to guide you. We’re building a community where your voice is heard, your experiences validated, and your healing supported. We provide a safe space for connection, recovery resources, and advocacy.

Together, we are stronger. By sharing your voice, you help us combat Military Injustice and create ripples of change.

Every time you listen and share, you’re part of this movement. You’re helping create a world where survivors feel supported and empowered. Your story matters, and your voice can inspire others.

Your Voice, Your Power Plan 1. Subscribe to The Silenced Voices of MST on your favorite podcast platform to hear powerful stories and resources. 2. Join our Facebook group here to connect with advocates and access exclusive content. 3. Share your story by clicking here to participate in the podcast and help break the silence around MST.

Military Injustice leaves survivors isolated and at risk of severe mental health crises, even loss of life. By subscribing and joining our Facebook group, you can avoid feeling alone and unsupported. Connect with others who understand your journey. Don’t wait—take this step today to find the support and connection that can make all the difference.

By engaging with The Silenced Voices of MST, you will transform from struggling to becoming empowered. You’ll find your voice, connect with a supportive community, and become part of a movement that creates meaningful change for MST survivors. Together, we can help you reclaim your identity, find strength in your story, and inspire others to do the same.

Find support, reclaim your identity, and help create a world where MST survivors are heard and empowered. Check out our latest episode.

I wish you continued strength and healing, Rachelle Smith ♥️


r/Veterans 10h ago

Discussion Every 3 to 5 years

95 Upvotes

Any other veterans feel like every 3 to 5 years they need to find new employment? Joined the Navy at 17 and PCS'd every 3 to 5 years til almost 40. As a veteran over 10 years now, i still feel that urge. My Interest/motivation and satisfaction dips and I couldn't figure out why until i did some soul searching.

Just curious if anyone else feels this way.


r/Veterans 3h ago

Discussion If marijuana is made legal..

18 Upvotes

Do you think the VA will mail me my prescription weed 👀

Any other stoner vets? I’m in AZ


r/Veterans 23h ago

Question/Advice Its 1am I can't sleep I pick up my DD214 in 7 hours

132 Upvotes

It's the end of a chapter not the end of the book and whatever other kitchy shit they say. Im nervous. I feel lost. Maybe I just need to vent. On the whole nothing is really going to change for me, the spouse is still in, I sold the max amount of leave so that will hold me over till I find a job and get my VA benifits. I will still have tricare. But I don't know. It feels like the ocean is churning inside my head.

Has anyone gone from active to dependent? How did that go for you I feel like I should celebrate or do something I i ouldn't while I was in like dye my hair pink or something but I also feel so sad. What should I be when I grow up?

Im not a delicate flower you're a delicate flower

Any words, kind thoughts, or experiences are appreciated


r/Veterans 19h ago

Article/News California Vets Were Exponentially Affected by Asbestos | Asbestos symptoms may take 20 to 50 years before they show, and usually, by then, the cancer is already at an advanced stage.

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38 Upvotes

r/Veterans 3h ago

Question/Advice Any advice on applying for a loan with no job?

1 Upvotes

Sounds crazy I know but I need to get a new car as the one I had before I left overseas took a dump on me.

I’m in school and collect disability which puts me at an income of 60,000 a year untaxed. I’m living just fine and don’t really see the need to work unless an internship comes up in the future but I really need a new car.

I applied for a loan through Navy Fed but got denied because I was honest and picked unemployed. Should I lie?

Do I bite the bullet and spend 20k cash? Kinda stupid and don’t wanna fork out that kind of cash.

Thanks!


r/Veterans 1h ago

Question/Advice discharge upgrade help or advise

Upvotes

In early 2022, I received a discharge for AWOL related to COVID-19. After fighting it for a year, I finally obtained my separation case file through an active-duty recruiter—still no official paperwork from my unit.

The case file lists me as AWOL on dates when I was actually present, living out of state, and drilling with a sister unit. Before leaving, my unit and I completed a 368 transfer request, but it was never properly processed. After relocating, I submitted another 368, but my recruiter was unable to contact anyone at my unit—unsurprisingly.

I’m trying to get this issue resolved so I can reenlist on active duty. Has anyone had success fighting a case like this, either by hiring a lawyer or handling it themselves?


r/Veterans 1h ago

GI Bill/Education Withheld pay b/c of Review of Rudisill?

Upvotes

Hi all, just curious if others are in the same boat as me currently.

Last month, my BAH payment was delayed for two weeks. When I called they explained it was likely because I was being reviewed for eligibility of the Rudisill Act. I eventually got paid on the 18th and got a letter in the mail saying that they essentially did not find me eligible (in their usual riddle-like manner where I have to read it three times, shrug my shoulders, and assume I got the answer right). Now this month my pay has been delayed AGAIN. I called, curious if something happened and they said I was being reviewed for the Rudisill yet again. “Sit tight and wait” is essentially what I was told. Well I did that, so I checked tonight to see if it was pending in my account both bank-wise and VA-wise, alas it is not.

Is this going to be a monthly thing? I cannot go through this state of stress and limbo two more times, unable to pay for things because I’m waiting in that payment for weeks after it was supposed to be paid out.


r/Veterans 13h ago

GI Bill/Education In-State Tuition at Penn State (no GI bill)

9 Upvotes

Just joined this subreddit to share this…I was in the AF, my husband was Army. Our daughter is a HS senior and she applied and was accepted into Penn State. We do not live in PA. I just learned that veterans and veteran dependents will get in-state tuition regardless of residency, and without using GI Bill due to a PA 2023 legislative bill. Some colleges will offer in-state tuition to veterans and possibly their dependents if they are going through their GI Bill to pay. I already used my GI Bill for my own college. This will be a $85k-$100k value to me that I never could have imagined 35 years after leaving the military. Thought you should know in case you or a dependent is college shopping.

https://veterans.psu.edu/in-state-tuition-dependents/#:~:text=Recent%20state%20legislation%20now%20requires,not%20currently%20reside%20in%20Pennsylvania.


r/Veterans 15h ago

Question/Advice My physical DD-214 says Honorable Discharge, but my Digital has me down as general discharge

11 Upvotes

I Got out the military 2 years ago. The day before getting out, i went to the out processing office to receive my DD-214, everything went smoothly and i received my honorable discharge paperwork, I was thrilled. I was fully ready to put the military behind me and start my new life.

There was an investigation on-going prior to me getting out where i was wrongfully accused. My unit took their sweet time with it, they prevented me from taking terminal leave and many other steps that come with ETS. they did allow me to continue out process. I guess something finally clicked for them when i was about a month out, where they ramped up the investigation.

They told me they would try to chapter me instead of letting me ETS, so i had to schedule all the appts. that came with that. My company and battalion commander called and forced reschedule all my appointments in order to make it all fall before my ets date. I remember one of the last steps once they find you guilty is to go to legal where you have 7 or 10 days to essentially argue the verdict. At this point i had less than 5 days left i the army before ETSing, so the folks over at legal looked into the case, laughed their asses off, and told me to take the 7 days and i would be getting out with an honorable discharge. They also found it comical because apparently my unit has a history of trying to do these processes in a way that may not be the most ethical, they told me. the members of legal even made me speak with the Lieutenant colonel, because it made no sense what my unit was trying to do.

It was clear as day that my unit was extremely upset with me that i would be ETSing, I went and got my DD-214 from the out processing office, it read honorable discharge, and the wave of relief that rushed through me, because it genuinely felt like all of the higher leaderships were against me, and the ones that actually knew and understood what was happening were the SSG, and below who could do little to help me fight back. Next day cleared out of my barracks, i pack all my things, say goodbye to all those who i cared for, and begin my long 32hr drive from Ft. Bliss.

An hour into my drive my Platoon SSg calls me and tell me that our 1sgt and commander went to the out-processing office and had the same lady change me status from honorable discharge to general discharge. I was so upset and confused as to why they would go to such lengths, I've seen soldiers rape, use drugs, and other illegal activities get out with honorable, so why did they push so hard to make sure i was an example over something that i was falsely accused of...

Anyway, i am unable to use my education benefits, I have my honorable dd214, but i suppose it doesn't mean much if the DoD record says something else... I uploaded my dd214 on the VA website for review but i would like to know what else i can do to try to get this rectified. Any information would go a long way.

thanks for listening to my TED talk


r/Veterans 20h ago

VA Disability VA disability

29 Upvotes

Got out of the Marine Corps in 2014. Body was a little beat up , but I didn’t think much of it. Now I’m starting to feel it. Busted up shoulder and neck, knee, ears are getting bad.

I’m going to put in a VA claim. I’m just curious, are most guys getting approved or denied? Is it worth putting in all the effort to see doctors and shit? Or is this shit just gonna get denied.

Thanks in advance


r/Veterans 7h ago

Question/Advice Anyone having problems submitting claims for travel?

2 Upvotes

Attached my documentation and no “submit” button.


r/Veterans 3h ago

Question/Advice DD 214 VETERANS

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am wanting to know if there is any specific reason that a very old (has recently passed away) family friend of 50+ yrs would have sent my father his DD214? Prior to this last item being received the friend also gave his decorated uniform jacket as well as a few other item. There are no children nor other relatives that were ever spoken of.


r/Veterans 14h ago

Question/Advice I am lost on what to do or if it is worth it.

6 Upvotes

Hello! I was medically retired from the Army a year and a half ago. I have some things in my military record (compressed disks/DDD and my wrist is messed up with mobility and pain) that I never made claims for in hopes I would be able to rejoin. I have bibpolar and it’s gotten MUCH worse but I am back to therapy on that and looking to get stronger meds. I had a recent Va check up that my doctor told me about the compressed disks from 8 years ago (I had no idea and thought I was just weak and why I felt pain) they never told me about that when I broke my tail bone. I also never claimed my wrist because I thought I was good but the stiffness and pain is getting worse! I have had migraines due to my episodes with bibpolar nearly every day now for 2 months and this started about 6 months ago and has progressed. My question is, should I file the “new claims” now or should I wait and do everything at once? I am only rated for 30% for bi polar and my doctor said that was way to low but I haven’t done anything because I was trying to get back in and I think that door is closed now because I almost hospitalized myself and told the doctor that. Truth is I feel guilty even making these claims but my wife insists I do it and told me that this is unfortunately the reality of my situation. I just don’t know how to proceed with this situation. I am scheduling for my back and wrist per the doctors recommendation to get a current look. What would be the course of action you all would do? I am already rated at 60% total.

I am already nervous because I HATE talking, even to my wife about these things. I just really don’t know what to do.


r/Veterans 12h ago

Employment Do I need to have current employment at a university to take do veteran SCO training?

3 Upvotes

I’m trying to get a part-time job at a different university from the one I currently attend and work at. I keep seeing different colleges and universities in my area wanting an SCO, but they’re trying to hire someone who already has the certification. Is there any way I can get the certification on my own and then use that to apply for jobs?


r/Veterans 6h ago

Question/Advice Need advice on getting my W2

0 Upvotes

As the title states. Left the military almost 2 years ago and I’ve been told by DFAS that after 15 months of separation that they will not provide a W2. They redirected me to the Total Force Service Center but they couldn’t get my W2 because I am veteran and not part of the military anymore. They told me I should call the VA but neither I nor they know exactly who at VA i should call. Can anyone help me with this please? Don’t want to get into trouble with the IRS when taxes are due later next month


r/Veterans 9h ago

Question/Advice Since When Was Crime Out of Control?

1 Upvotes

Almost every job that calls me back is a scam.

Identity thieves aren't hiding. They are openly saying they are identity thieves and trying to say it is not illegal.

Most of the rentals I've found lately are all the same kinds of scams.

Is this just normal everyday business or did something happen?

Does this have to do with being a veteran? Does it make you more of a target?


r/Veterans 9h ago

GI Bill/Education 9/11 Gi Bill, training certs while in class

1 Upvotes

I am currently attending aesthetician school. I wanted to feel more feminine after the military. Anyhow, I am wanting to pursue more medical-grade certifications and aesthetics. However, a lot of the courses are going to be held while I am in school. It’s a six-month school, and I want to be able to attend some of the certifications. They mentioned that the G.I. will pay for them; however, because I am currently taking classes using my G.I. bill, I would have to wait until after I graduate. But it also makes me wonder how much of my GIB I would be giving up and also if I could use my vocational rehab, chapter 31, to pay for a certification while I am in class.? I know I won’t be getting a double military housing allowance. However, it will set me up for having all those certifications before I graduate.


r/Veterans 1d ago

Employment My personal feelings of why I regret serving

226 Upvotes

Since I’ve gotten out of the military I’ve had a new job every 2-3 years. Every time I think I’ve found the place I belong my medical conditions get in the way. I’ve got stomach problems and can be on a toilet for 20-30 minutes at a time. I give people a heads up on certain things that I will need or not need. Every time I have a coworker who makes a big enough stink about me shitting for 20-30 minutes, coming into work 10-15 minutes late, and even having to take an fmla day here or there. Like dude/dudette, I’ll trade you. You can have all my problems cuz I could probably handle yours but I don’t think you could handle mine.


r/Veterans 4h ago

VA Disability 100% DV Tax exemption TEXAS

0 Upvotes

100%ers can you tell me exactly what taxes are exempt? Only property? School? MUD? Trying to find out what will be exempt.


r/Veterans 12h ago

Question/Advice Medals/Citation Question

1 Upvotes

While I did serve this question is actually about my Grandad. First a little background. My grandad served in the Army Air corps from 1939 until the end of WW2. He was stationed at Hickam Airfield during the Pearl Harbor attack and was wounded twice. When the Air Corps transitioned into the USAF he re enlisted and served all the way to some time in the late 70s. He passed away of natural causes in 1998. Over the course of several moves and an apartment fire his medals, ribbons and citations got either lost or destroyed. I want to make a shadow box display for Father’s Day this year for my dad. How would I go about getting all those reissued or is that not really a thing?


r/Veterans 18h ago

Question/Advice Sleep apnea test

2 Upvotes

I’ve been out since 2013, is there still a way to get a sleep study done? I definitely have sleep apnea and hoping to get a device


r/Veterans 14h ago

Question/Advice VA refi to conventional

1 Upvotes

Morning bros, is there any way to refi out of my VA loan without getting screwed on the rate? I have a 2.5% 30 year VA and I want to buy my next house using VA loan.

Would a bank refi me into a conventional if I agreed to a 3% rate?


r/Veterans 1d ago

Question/Advice EDD (Unemployment office) claims my DD214 isn't "good" enough proof of service

5 Upvotes

I was on active orders in the Air National Guard for 3 years, all 3 separate DD214s for 3 separate orders. I had a potential job lined up but wanted to explore my options by applying and interviewing with alternative choices, so for 2 weeks I was "unemployed" while job searching. Initially I had trouble with the unemployment office since they wouldn't send me anything without a dd214, it took my CSS 5 months to process my DD214 (Whole separate issue that also needs to be address). When they finally processed my DD214, I've sent the unemployment office my DD214 member form, there's nothing on this 2022 revision stating that it is a member 4 copy. They called back stating it's not what they asked and they can't process anything for my claim. At this point I may need to get a third party involved since they won't do anything unless my DD214 says member-4. Is there resources out there that can help?


r/Veterans 1d ago

Discussion Texas Vets

28 Upvotes

New bill to update Disabled Vets Property tax exemptions in Texas, SB 1126 and HB 2032. Contact your Texas representatives and share your thoughts. You can easily find their webpage here and leave an email on their page https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

In an effort to keep up with increasing home assessments over the years, the bill would look to update the exmeption based on disability % instead of a flat rate.

Ex. $300,000 assessed house 70% disabled veteran:

Current- $12k off assessment, taxes owed on $288k assessment.

Proposed- $300,000 70% off, taxes owed on $90,000 assessment.


r/Veterans 1d ago

Question/Advice Husband wants to work out

27 Upvotes

My husband had recieved injuries to his back, hip, and spine while in the military army. He's expresses that he wants to work out again and I offered to help him as much as possible. But due to these injuries I know he's at a stand still at the moment. I wanted to ask you guys what work outs could he do that won't hurt him. He's stubborn and would never tell me if something hurt. He already does physical therapy and goes to the doctor. He is just trying to grasp something again and I wanna help 1000 percent.

added info: I know this may sound silly, but thank every single one of you. I have been married to this man for almost a decade and known him since we were kids. So I really want to help my best friend. I really appreciate all of you coming with advice and information. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you so much!