Michael Joseph Little
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"No Veteran Left Behind"

An Example of A Sailors Injustice By The US Navy


I 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

Line Of Duty (LOD) - 23Apr2015

After 1,624 days, I requested formal help from the United States Because I could no longer live with my issues of PTSD and debilitating migraines.  
  • My Letter Request for an LOD
  • Navy's Approval of LOD

Physical Evaluation Board - 06Dec2015

The informal Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) finds me fit for duty citing "he is not currently required medications for his conditions..."  This statement is untrue due to me starting Stellate Ganglion Block and ketamine infusion treatments shortly after this date. 
  • PEBs Finding
  • My Dispute 

President of the PEB Review - 07Jul2016

The President of the PEB finds that the Board was justified in its findings and stands it ground not addressing the facts that were presented in the dispute. 
  • President of the PEBs Findings
  • My Dispute to the BCNR

VA Re-evaluation of Disability - 19Feb2020

The Department of Veterans Affairs authorizes a Compensation and Pension exam of my disabilities, based on my medical record from Walter Reed and finds I have a total service-connected disability, permanent in nature. 
  • VA Decision Letter
  • VA Explanation of Benefits

Medical Evaluation Board - 14OCT2015

The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) finds "It is almost certain that his PTSD and depression would worsen if exposed to the unique stressors of the military environment."
  • MEB Findings

Formal PEB - 22Mar2016

A formal physical evaluation board (PEB) is convinced, this time the board found I was fit for duty because I hide my symptoms from my wife, people like me, and I am a liar about my service in combat. 
  • Formal PEB Findings 
  • My Dispute

​BCNR - 15Oct2019

The Board of Naval Corrected Records reviews the request sent to them, and despite acknowledging my dispute line by line, stands their ground, and continues to find my fit for Naval service. 
  • BCNRs Findings
  • Dispute coming soon!

BCNR - 10Mar2023

The Board of Naval Corrected Records reviews the request sent to them, reverses coarse and grants me to be placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List.
  • BCNR Letter To DFAS & PEB

Physical Evaluation Board - 06Dec2015

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.
  • PEB Findings for Permanent Disability Retired List
Detailed Timeline of ABH2 (AW/SW) Michael J. Little

"I Proudly Served My Countries Navy Combat Team with Honor, Courage & Commitment!"

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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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Follow my blog as this case progresses
"There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet."   
Fleet Admiral William Frederick Halsey Jr.
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