An Example of A Sailors Injustice By The US NavyI fought the Navy to provide me the proper Medical Retirement that was due based on my combat related disabilities, and prevailed!
Following two Combat deployments with the Navy, I began having severe migraines and developed symptoms of PTSD. The Navy sent me to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) for evaluation. The military doctors at WRNMMC found me unfit for further Military Service in the US Navy due to my conditions. I was then sent to the VA for further assessment. The VA determined me to be 100% Disabled for both PTSD and Severe Migraines as a result of Combat Service. However, the Navy had continued to ignore sound medical evidence and had continued to classify me as "Fit For Duty", meaning they were still willing to deploy me – against the advice of THEIR DOCTORS. This meant that I was unable to serve (which is what my heart desires if I were capable), but I was also unable to receive the benefit of support that should be associated with my medical condition. I was stuck in a very difficult spot. I spent 10 years following proper Navy channels and proper Navy processes to resolve this with the Navy. Despite the very clear evidence presented, the Navy in 2021 closed my file and sadly left me no option aside from seeking the help of a court to direct the Navy to live up to their responsibilities. In order to take this case before a Board or a Judge, I had to have to hire a lawyer, and that cost me about $8,000. Thats $8,000 that neither I nor my family had. I felt very guilty for looking for help, so I decided I would try and raffle off a $1,500 Visa Gift Card to help acquire the funds without burden to me or my family. After securing the funds needed, I hired Lt. Col. Aniela Szymanski and her assistant attorney Eleyse Peterson, we filed my appeal shorting after the Navy gave me my last Honorable Discharge on 23 Jan 2021. On 17 May 2023, the Board of Naval Corrected Records placed me on the Temporary Disability Retired List, and instructed the Physical Evaluation Board to determine if my conditions got better, or if I needed to be placed on the Permanent Disability Retired List. On 30 May 2023, I was notified by the PEB that I was being placed on the Permanent Disability Retired List, and in 12 weeks my case would be closed, and I would be retired. Unfortunately the Navy, determined I was not being awarded a Combat Service disability, my Lawyer and I plan to appeal that, but at this time, I am so happy I am just going to leave that in the hands of my lawyer. Significant Events and Dates
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Physical Evaluation Board - 06Dec2015 |
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The informal Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) finds me unfit for continued Naval Service with a 100% Department of the Navy disability percentage, and transfers me to the Permanent Disability Retired List.
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"I Proudly Served My Countries Navy Combat Team with Honor, Courage & Commitment!"
Being presented the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) device aboard the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during WestPac 2005.
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After being awarded the Army Achievement Medal and Combat Patches prior to departing Iraq in May 2009.
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Being awarded the Army Commendation Medal & Navy Achievement Medal prior to departing Afghanistan in 2010.
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Last time wearing uniform with his spouse HS1 Elizabeth Little (USCG), at the National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery November 11, 2014.
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