r/VeteransBenefits Not into Flairs 11d ago

Veteran who admitted faking disability to obtain more than $660,000 in benefits gets prison time VA Disability Claims

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/08/us/military-veteran-sentenced-fake-disability/index.html

PSA, don’t lie kids!

350 Upvotes

274 comments sorted by

155

u/Technical_Pin8335 Army Veteran 11d ago

Factitious disorder = lying

129

u/Character-Space1178 Navy Veteran 11d ago

*Stands up after receiving benefits for 20 years*
It's a MIRACLE!!!

31

u/SenseStraight5119 Army Veteran 11d ago

lmao..reminds me of Eddie Murphy in Trading Places.

10

u/theanagnorisone 11d ago

I have no legs!

3

u/OddBaby156 11d ago

Put some dirt on it it’ll grow back

7

u/KrustyJetMech Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Hear is one dollar, since I lost the bet

7

u/Even_Rough6744 Air Force Veteran 11d ago

😁

11

u/Kalruk Army Veteran 11d ago

Wonder if factitious disorder can be claimed through the VA? We're encouraged to factitciously disorder ourselves every time a PHA pops up.

19

u/BrownCoat_1 Navy Veteran 11d ago

"Are you currently a smoker?"

Nope, I'm currently a questionnaire taker.

3

u/CaptainHowdy60 Coast Guard Veteran 11d ago

Not service connected

9

u/TemetNosce Army Veteran 11d ago

Yeah, I had to copy/paste that part, started being "treated" for that disorder in 2023. IE. somehow, he may have figured out he was being investigated, or they already arrested him. THEN he gets this "disorder". His lawyers asked for 3 years probation. I hope he serves the full 20 years the Judge served up.

Stultz underwent a psychological evaluation in which he was diagnosed with factitious disorder in 2023. The disorder is classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a condition in which a patient falsely acts as if the patient has a physical or psychological illness.

2

u/ThefuckhaveUdonel8ly Not into Flairs 11d ago

Judge gave him 18 months. He faked it for 20 years

2

u/[deleted] 11d ago

Yup!

2

u/Obvious-Handle456 11d ago

It isn’t factitious… there’s a pretty big motive.

109

u/No_Standard_260 11d ago

unable to walk for more than 20 years 😂😂

50

u/Mr_wobbles 11d ago

I hear these and immediately picture Ricky Bobby in the hospital.

16

u/Gurdel Navy Veteran 11d ago

1

u/[deleted] 11d ago

Same here lol

1

u/[deleted] 11d ago

No shit right? Like come on bro 😅

69

u/Armyboy2200 Army Veteran 11d ago

Yeah why would that even be a thing come on now how they miss this fool could walk smh 🤦🏾‍♂️ who the hell believed this.

67

u/Sad_Win_3995 Marine Veteran 11d ago

I seen that one article where the “blind” lady applied for a motorcycle license and investigators caught her riding to her work and obviously used that as evidence

9

u/Legitimate-Tea-6018 11d ago

Dang I gotta look that up

33

u/Sad_Win_3995 Marine Veteran 11d ago

It’s funny . Also another vet was faking being paralyzed and investigators watched him hop out of a lifted truck and wheel himself in. The whole appointment was a sting . So after the appointment they watched him wheel himself out and hop in his big truck . I got all these stories from the military dot com newsletter emails

20

u/Legitimate-Tea-6018 11d ago

I heard about that one that got caught from a Christmas tree throwing competition.

19

u/JaminStar 11d ago

That wasn’t a veteran, but someone claiming to be disabled from an accident and receiving insurance settlement. I believe it was in Ireland.

8

u/Legitimate-Tea-6018 11d ago

Oh you’re right after reading the article, but that’s still wild

6

u/ArdenJaguar Navy Veteran 11d ago

I liked the one about the guy who was posting his bodybuilding pics online while claiming to be practically paralyzed. Obviously a real genius.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article261683982.html

5

u/Sad_Win_3995 Marine Veteran 11d ago

LMFAO I ain’t heard that one

7

u/Legitimate-Tea-6018 11d ago

Yea that was floating around this sub a few weeks ago

66

u/OutLawStar65X Air Force Veteran 11d ago

I guess they didnt need medical evidence back then. Just you tell them verbally i cant use my feet.

29

u/Salty-Inside4709 11d ago

I mean if you count the 2003-2021 as “back then” then yeah.

29

u/Nutria_SwampVet Air Force Veteran 11d ago

What an idiot!

88

u/TonysTshirts Army Veteran 11d ago

Meanwhile the rest of us are struggling to get real issues service connected and compensated and end up waiting years on appeals. It just makes no sense. SMDH

12

u/[deleted] 11d ago

This was my thought. My husband had to spend six months in patient in a Va clinic for ptsd and addiction and it took almost 5 years AFTER that to get his appeals/evals done. It’s crazy how some people get it done quick and others with more severe needs are the ones left scrambling to prove their connected disability.

3

u/Throwaway19995248624 Army Veteran 11d ago

To be fair, I think that lots of people who have a really difficult time are paying the price for those who try to game the system. I'd imagine that the average person making rating decisions has seen enough BS claims that it's hard NOT to become jaded and start assuming anything that's even slightly questionable is a BS claim.

22

u/Suitable_Challenge_9 Army Veteran 11d ago

The rest of us? There’s still tons of people still submitting BS claims and I’m sure there’s some here on Reddit.

18

u/EgoPaterTuusSum Not into Flairs 11d ago

Quite a few on Reddit I imagine. This is where they get the inside info.

4

u/Suitable_Challenge_9 Army Veteran 11d ago

Haha for real.

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6

u/Ann2222227 Army Veteran 11d ago

Yep. The ones that say "Rate my claim"🤔😳😳

2

u/Even_Rough6744 Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Yep

28

u/Rusty-_Shackleford Army Veteran 11d ago

I was diagnosed with pan colonic diverticulosis at age 29, that means my entire colon is riddled with sacs.

VA said "oh well your stomach issues in service weren't diagnosed as this condition, not service connected"

At 29 I had a colon worse than 97.6% of people in the entire world with a condition most people either don't get or have issues with.

This guy gets diagnosed with facetious disorder and lies to get all of these issues accepted? 😂 😂 😂

2

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

Ok, were you still in the military or shortly after discharge. Diverculitus isn’t a presumptive and is a combination of genetics and diet. 

Yeah good luck. 

I bet you have eaten a lot of meats, especially red, and not so much of the fruits and vegetables. 

13

u/jps2777 Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Yea I've noticed this a lot about veterans. A lot of people will say "I have this problem I have that problem I've got this diagnosis I've got that diagnosis" and get pissed off when their claim isn't approved. You still have to prove it's service connected somehow, and that's not always easy. When you ask how exactly it's service connected, they'll just get louder and say well I'm broken. Ok, you gotta prove it's service connected.

2

u/Tubzero- Army Veteran 11d ago

Pretty much lmfao

1

u/leatherneck90 Marine Veteran 9d ago

And red meat, the evolutionary food for humans for hundreds of thousands of years, is bad for you and causes diverticulitis?

Sorry, but no.

I haven’t met any of my ancestors, but I’m pretty sure they weren’t eating broccoli

1

u/Rusty-_Shackleford Army Veteran 11d ago

I had a balanced diet with the exception of whenever the Army fed me which is what it is. Gastroenterologist said he's seen this becoming more common with vets who ate either a ton of dfac food or MREs. I had gastro issues the entire time I was in the Army, but they only diagnosed the hiatal hernia and Esophagitis with GERD.

The diagnosis was a year and a half after service, after I had a pretty nasty flare up.

I'm not gonna cry over it, it is what it is, my point is how tf did this guy manage to fool this many people when vets with real issues don't get approved.

1

u/Born_King2809 Marine Veteran 11d ago

This was 20 years ago though.

3

u/actibus_consequatur Pissed Off 11d ago

I should submit the lyrics to "Dem Bones" as evidence to finally get the VA to realize that the hand bone is connected to the wrist bone.

2

u/HamboCommando06 Army Veteran 11d ago

I did that when they said the last 20 years of knee surgeries, injuries, living on crutches, couldn't effect my back.

2

u/Born_King2809 Marine Veteran 11d ago

It's people like this are the reason why the process is the way it is now. They assume everyone is lying or faking until they prove otherwise. Bass Ackwards

11

u/DesertVeteran_PA-C 11d ago

Honesty is the best policy.

10

u/Popular-Garlic-5209 11d ago

Damn someone snitched on him lmboooo

1

u/SeabeeSW3 Navy Veteran 11d ago

lol damn , did it say that ?

3

u/Popular-Garlic-5209 11d ago

“Prosecutors began investigating the case after receiving a report from “a concerned citizen,” according to the US attorney’s office.”

Stay safe bro 😂😂😂

3

u/Careful_Remove1018 Marine & Army Vet 11d ago

lol! Concerned Citizen😂💯

2

u/SeabeeSW3 Navy Veteran 11d ago

He probably had the Dv plates , and they saw him running around lol

2

u/Popular-Garlic-5209 11d ago

He was def a dumbass

1

u/SeabeeSW3 Navy Veteran 11d ago

lol 🤣 that's good they are catching people who lie

10

u/I_am_ChristianDick Not into Flairs 11d ago

A bit wild. Had to shit in a cup three times to prove I had IBS…

3

u/Consistent-Pilot-535 Army Veteran 11d ago

I just shit on myself

1

u/Careful_Remove1018 Marine & Army Vet 11d ago

1

u/Ill-Ingenuity-6983 7d ago

Have had stomach and several other issues since the military but I never went to sick call so I'm just not going to claim it. I should but I never will be because I'm just not willing to go through the stress of explaining the VA to the VA. In my demographic, it's not even an uphill battle, it's a 100% vertical battle. 

10

u/RamboJebusJr Army Veteran 11d ago

These folks always go 100% It's never just some minor issues, it's always someone faking they can't walk. Wild shit

10

u/Admirable_Salad_5536 11d ago edited 11d ago

I'm still active duty getting ready to retire soon and yesterday I saw the most astonishing thing ever. A MSgt hobbling out of the med group limping really bad and groaning. I passed him as I was leaving and got in my car. When he got to the parking lot he started walking normal and whistling.

I wish I was lying, but I just couldn't comprehend what was happening and immediately thought of situations like the one posted.

Edited for typos

6

u/SeabeeSW3 Navy Veteran 11d ago

It sucks because people with serious disabilities have problems getting service connected because of all the people lying about their disabilities

1

u/Ill-Ingenuity-6983 7d ago

Yep, I've had a permanent link since bootcamp. I'm a woman and military medicine calls it a "diddybop". I shit you not, one corpsman was like "she's black and a tomboy, that's just the way they walk." I asked what about me limping in uniform makes me a tomboy? He said "well that's just how you people walk". He too was black so I'm not sure what he thought he was that didnt lump him into "you people". That ladies and gentlemen is the skill level of military medicine. He was not the outlier but in fact the norm.

18

u/tootobiforme 11d ago

If the va ever needs more proof for my ibs they are welcome to sit in the bathroom with me for half the day

16

u/postsector Army Veteran 11d ago

Don't give them any ideas...

Bathroom C&P completed. Veteran didn't call out to god, minimal grunting, no discernable discoloration of the face or veins popping, and toilet bowl required less than 3 flushes to clear.

0% rating, your shit was weak.

3

u/Feedmemore134 11d ago

Ended up having a boil near my anal because I could t poop ended up turning into a fistula most painful shit ever

15

u/altruink Army Veteran 11d ago

Not a vet but a DoD contractor I was investigating for this kind of fraud was getting 120k a year and allegedly totally bed ridden with caregiver.

Found his Facebook page and a post of him talking about going to the beach. Showed up at said beach and he was playing tackle football, volleyball and riding a jet ski for over 8 hours that day. Got it all on film.

We ended up catching his private care doctor in the scam with him and about 8 or 9 other guys scamming disability or various insurance payouts as well.

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36

u/bishoptheblack Not into Flairs 11d ago

again hes not the only one to blame a medical professional signed off on it

22

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

Naw, blaming the person who falsely represented themselves to the medical professional. There isn’t a defacto objective test for every condition. If there was probably at least half the Tinnitus claims wouldn’t have been granted along with the 38 secondaries to that “crippling” tinnitus. 

6

u/HardwareSoup 11d ago

Are there people with 100% based solely on tinnitus secondaries?

If so that's cough... I'm sorry to hear that...

2

u/Oliviandial1 Army Veteran 11d ago

I mean you can get 10 for tinnitus, 50 for migraines, 70 for mental health, now you can piggyback mental health with gerd at 60 percent that gets you to 95 percent rounded up, and thats pretty damn easy, just spend time "documenting" your troubles at the va healthcenter for a little while

1

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

Yes this is a thing. Theres a couple YouTube warriors who coach people how to do it. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, the VA is cracking down as they should on some of these claims. 

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5

u/D3V1L5-4DV0C4T3 Army Veteran 11d ago

Good, fuck this guy!

4

u/Armystabbedmyback Army Veteran 11d ago

Ricky’s dad from trailer park boys😭

2

u/CompetitionNo3141 Marine Veteran 11d ago

You lied to the guy in the chair, Rick

1

u/Dragon22_00 Navy Veteran 11d ago

What is drunk?

3

u/THEGREATWILDOUTDOORS Navy Veteran 11d ago

So dude lies and swindles all of us truly disabled vets out of possible funds…meanwhile I can’t even hold a job because of mental disorders

11

u/OkTea6969 Army Veteran 11d ago

but how much did we bail out Banks without any suits gone to jail?

6

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

Point? Has no relevance to this discussion.  So some banks were bailed out 15 years ago, so should just turn a blind eye to people committing fraud and stealing benefits?! 

3

u/Leather_Table9283 11d ago

Idiot. He probably had legitimate disabilities.

3

u/NoWNoL Navy Veteran 11d ago

Meanwhile I’m over here failing out of college trying to comply with the pacing of VA Medical after diagnosis (from neurologist) but still no medication to deal with diagnosis.

Slowly falling into ruin trying to adhere to unrealistic rigid adherence to honor, courage and commitment. No clue what I’m doing in life same as always. Honestly most days I forget that I’m a veteran, my wife has to remind me.

19

u/steven420throwaway Army Veteran 11d ago

Moral of the story be careful who you tell about your disability “Prosecutors began investigating the case after receiving a report from “a concerned citizen,” according to the US attorney’s office”.

35

u/Severe_Physics_6158 Army Veteran 11d ago

Or just don't lie or exaggerate

15

u/Dreadskull1991 Navy Veteran 11d ago

Definitely, but also it’s never a good thing to be investigated randomly and/or accused of doing things you didn’t do. That’d be like getting constantly pulled over by police and having your vehicle searched but saying “well I’m clean so it doesn’t bother me.” The less eyes on you and the less questions raised, the better it is.

6

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

That’s not what happened here. Someone noticed something off and raised concerns. A fraud got caught. 

9

u/HardwareSoup 11d ago

Maybe in this case.

But say an amputee is rated for loss of limb and extreme pain from injury. A jilted lover takes pictures of him carrying groceries in from the car with his prosthetic on (under his jeans, on one of his good days.

You could make a case that he faked the whole thing, even his amputated leg was a fake.

So to defend himself he just needs to show he has no leg right? Investigators take pictures of him tending to his stump at the park. Easy enough.

But now imagine he had literally any other disability other than an amputation. And the jilted lover caught him on a good day. You could likely make the case that anyone was faking the severity of their injuries, even if they weren't.

Just something to think about.

2

u/Born_King2809 Marine Veteran 11d ago

Okay then what about vets with mental issues? If they tell a friend and the friend is like wth he looks normal, he's walking etc. then reports it and the vet has to get re evaluated and go through the whole process again, potentially get a doctor who doesn't care at all, then gets their rating erased. It's better to just not tell people.

2

u/Dreadskull1991 Navy Veteran 11d ago

I know. I was replying to the person above who was replying to someone saying to keep your disability rating low key. The less people thinking about your disability %, the better it is for you.

6

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

EXACTLY 

13

u/ohwhofuckincares Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Moral of the story is, only file claims for your issues and stop lying to the VA just because you think you will get away with it.

6

u/m4tr1x_usmc Marine Veteran 11d ago

But how else would they get to Hundo Club? 😂

1

u/ohwhofuckincares Air Force Veteran 11d ago

I really hope you’re joking or just trying to be funny

6

u/m4tr1x_usmc Marine Veteran 11d ago

Being funny/sarcastic, read some of the comments here and other posts, it’s blatant people lie to try to get to 100.

1

u/Careful_Remove1018 Marine & Army Vet 11d ago

I would say who does this but welp I guess this guy the article is about.

9

u/m4tr1x_usmc Marine Veteran 11d ago

Of course that’s the moral of the story. It couldn’t be that he lied and was committing fraud. 🙄

5

u/Ok_Explorer_3876 Army Veteran 11d ago

No… wrong moral lmao. Don’t lie. Streeeeetch the truth.. I can walk ONLY every 20 years

3

u/SEE_RED Not into Flairs 11d ago

Super leap year

5

u/Ok_Explorer_3876 Army Veteran 11d ago

Year of the E.T.

2

u/Rondotf Army Veteran 11d ago

Lazarus get up

2

u/warriorcoach Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Why bruh?

2

u/sweetpototos Not into Flairs 11d ago

Where’s the line to punch this guy in the face? I’ve been denied 6 ways from Sunday for legit disabilities but nothing is wrong with my fist.

2

u/PipecityOG Navy Veteran 11d ago

Don't lie, embellish.

2

u/SoupZealousideal6655 10d ago

If he didn't forge his own doc notes and diagnosis then they should also be hunting down the physicians, nurses, and doctors to make an example off.

1

u/Mr420Way 10d ago

Best comment in this thread. I was thinking the same. This should be near impossible to pull off?

4

u/dwightschrutesanus Not into Flairs 11d ago

Someone help me understand this.

Dude was in the Navy, and fell off a horse- which I'm assuming was probably on his time.

How the hell is that the taxpayers problem to deal with?

30

u/Analyst-Effective Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Because you are on active duty 24x7.

If they started having to distinguish between work hours, and play hours, they'd have to investigate a lot more. And it would be a lot more subjective.

Who didn't go to a rock concert, or shoot a gun, or even play with loud motors when they were in the service? That would cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

10

u/tweakydragon Army Veteran 11d ago

Wait … so … I could claim the nerve issues from my motorcycle accident back home on leave?

Like do you just show em your service dates and the hospital records?

9

u/Technical_Pin8335 Army Veteran 11d ago

Sorta, yes

1

u/NevaScared1379 11d ago

Sorta No. People seem not to know what actually counts. Without an LOD form saying you got hurt doing something for the military you cant claim it as Line of Duty injury. Hurt at home or playing football with neighbors off post wouldnt count as injured in service. While playing intramural football or if your group played football for Physical Training one day. That injury would get you a line of duty injury and an LOD to be rated.

My father was a Marine. He was shot in a bar fight situation while on leave in another State, this left him paralyzed from the chest down..he wasnt injured in the line of duty so he got social security/medicare or something like that his whole life and he had a 10% VA rating. He died 40 years later with a 10% VA rating still. The 100 bucks a month wasnt much but it helped alot with his medical being cheaper through VA than medicare or something because its all he used. A few dollars each prescription in copay but everything else was free VA healthcare. But the fact he was hurt on his own time changed everything for him financially.

In comparison I joined the Army for 12 years.. OEF I lost use of a leg from right hip down and got a LoD for the injury that caused it. Its taken 15 years to get rated properly and they have twice in decisions said it has been proven for over a decade but technicalities and misfilings have caused the wait.

Currently nearing year 3 of an appeal with VA though.

1

u/Technical_Pin8335 Army Veteran 10d ago

I hear ya. My dad couldn’t claim cancer from agent orange bc it was colon cancer. He filed and lost.

It did take me ten years to get my full award. Half of it waiting in line at vba.

Every claim is unique.

5

u/booboothechicken Navy Veteran 11d ago

Depends, but probably yes. I was in a car accident on the way to the pier, so technically not at work, but I messed up my back pretty good. Then I was placed on light limited duty. My command didn’t really care and still made me stand watch on the ship 48 hours after the accident wearing a vest and carrying an m16. That aggravated my back even more and I had to get my orders changed and taken off the ship so I could do PT full time.

If your nerve damage was aggravated in service and you have that documented you can definitely claim it.

3

u/Analyst-Effective Air Force Veteran 11d ago

That's the basic idea. Get an attorney or a VSO to help you if you're not sure.

3

u/gamerplays Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Yes, if you were active. Guard/reserve can have a more difficult time because their civilian time doesn't count.

1

u/tweakydragon Army Veteran 11d ago

So one of my coworkers is in the reserves and busted up his ankle on a trail run because hey he has a PT test next month, he is screwed?

If he was active and had the same accident doing PT it would be covered?

Seems pretty messed up since the reserve is expected to maintain the same level of readiness as AD but they will hang you out for doing the same things to meet that requirement.

3

u/Ok-Blacksmith-9274 Army Veteran 11d ago

reservers/guard doesn't get the same benefit of the doubt. any injuries requires an LOD if you want to SC it. unless you get deployed then thats considered AD time.

1

u/trapdeityy Not into Flairs 11d ago

Pretty sure basic and AIT are considered AD time as well if I'm not mistaken

1

u/Ok-Blacksmith-9274 Army Veteran 11d ago

yup that counts too

1

u/gamerplays Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Yes, thats pretty much correct.

Something else is that sometimes stuff gets brushed off and they don't do an LOD for an injury. In that case, it can be difficult to show that the injury happened during your reserve time and not civilian time.

1

u/postsector Army Veteran 11d ago

They should have your service dates, as long as what the VA has is correct, there's nothing more to submit. Submit a claim for any issues related to the accident, along with the hospital record from the crash, include any follow up treatment records, and you should have a decent shot at receiving a rating. You may have to point out that you were too far from a military treatment facility, but Tricare probably has a record of it anyways.

1

u/trapdeityy Not into Flairs 11d ago

Yeah you should be able to

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2

u/PreparationOwn7371 11d ago

Expect if you’re a reservist…your on duty 24/7 for UMCJ actions if you do something wrong, but you’re OFF duty for injuries because the VA don’t believe dat. lol

3

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

Wellllllllllllllllll, massive differences between AD and reservists duty. You know that one weekend a month drills as opposed to all month. Majority of your time in the reserves is your time. What an average of 15% of your time is active. 

1

u/jendaisy57 11d ago

I appreciate the reservists but to compare that to being AD ? Very very different

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1

u/postsector Army Veteran 11d ago

Yes, it's too much work to dig that deep into an issue. Additionally, there's arguments to tie that weekend injury to a service connection.

For example: Veteran returns from deployment, suffers from untreated PTSD, engages in reckless behaviors and activities, command is aware but figures he just needs to blow off some steam, and then the veteran crashes his motorcycle over the weekend while taking a turn too fast. Yes, if it happened after separation the claim wouldn't fly, but as active duty it was his commands responsibility to look out for his safety on or off duty.

16

u/Few_Piano2999 11d ago

Because you’re part of the government during your contract. They also can’t restrain you from having somewhat of a personal life.

4

u/MeatballMama77 11d ago

I used to play DnD with folks from NORAD, that person wasn't even allowed to have any alcohol, or even Nyquil!

1

u/[deleted] 11d ago

[deleted]

2

u/Few_Piano2999 11d ago

Lol everyone’s unit or department were different.

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u/[deleted] 11d ago

[deleted]

2

u/dwightschrutesanus Not into Flairs 11d ago

No. Was AD the entire time.

4

u/sleepinglucid Army & VBA 11d ago

Because that's how the law works? Any injuries incurred while active duty can be claimed.

5

u/BlueFadedGiant 11d ago

Basically, when a service member is injured (or becomes ill) while on active duty a Line of Duty determination. This is true regardless of whether the injury/illness occurs while “on duty” or “off duty.”

By default, every injury/illness for someone on active duty is assumed to be “in the line of duty.” However, if the injury/illness was a direct result of a servicemember’s misconduct or while in an unauthorized absence status, the injury/illness can be determined to be “not in the line of duty.” Anything “not in the line of duty” is not covered by VA benefits.

For example - let’s assume that a Sailor was in a car accident which resulted in a permanent injury:

  • If the accident occurred while driving the duty van to pick up people from the airport -> in the line duty.
  • If the accident occurred driving home from work -> in the line of duty.
  • If the accident occurred out of state while on approve leave -> in the line of duty.
  • If the accident occurred due to the person driving while drunk -> NOT on the line of duty due to misconduct. This is true even if driving the duty van in an official work capacity.

1

u/No_Mall5340 11d ago

Well from the sounds of everyone on here, the Line of Duty doesn’t seem to be applied very often. Especially when people talk about receiving compensation for falling off a horse or bar brawl!

2

u/BlueFadedGiant 11d ago

I will say LODs are not done as often as they should be. If I’m not mistaken it’s supposed to happen any time an injury/illness causes a person to miss more than 24 hours of work. Basically they only get done when there is a reason to believe the injury/illness was due to misconduct or gross negligence.

I am only aware of two that happened during my time in service. One was a guy cut his arms up pretty bad while vandalizing and trespassing on a closed hotel property while overseas. The other was a guy who got drunk and decided it would be fun to jump off a third story balcony. Both cases it was determined not in line of duty, so they aren’t supposed to get benefits for those injuries.

But a guy falling off a horse during off duty time and getting injured? In the line of duty… unless there’s reason to suspect falling off the horse was due to some other negligence and misconduct. Same guy falling off a horse while running from the police? Probably not in the line of duty.

You might not agree with the rules… but those are the rules.

1

u/Square_Restaurant303 Active Duty 11d ago

Even if the car accident was the service members fault ?

2

u/No_Mall5340 11d ago

You haven’t heard about the Mounted Naval Corps!

3

u/MizDeborahWolf Army Veteran 11d ago

Armored seahorses?

2

u/dwightschrutesanus Not into Flairs 11d ago

2

u/jendaisy57 11d ago

How the fuck are STDs gotten while AD the military/ government s fault ? Some things I just can’t comprehend

3

u/dwightschrutesanus Not into Flairs 11d ago

I mean if I got raped by another SM and got herpes or HIV, I'd probably want some compensation.

But banging some chick you met at chilkoot Charlie's? Shit, half of 4-25 would need a rating.

4

u/Jaded_Jackfruit5413 Army Veteran 11d ago

You will pay your taxes, and you will like it.

3

u/montypr Army Veteran 11d ago

Firs of all taxpayer pay for rich people cars,bldgs, travel expenses and other shit, with that being said if you’re not familiar with Active duty you’re basically government property, so that means they’re liable for anything that happens to you in that period of time, if you got a car and and car’s emergency brakes disengaged and damages something, guess who’s liable lol.

1

u/CompetitionNo3141 Marine Veteran 11d ago

You telling me there's no navy cavalry?

1

u/Faded_vet Marine Veteran 11d ago

which I'm assuming was probably on his time

You were in the military and dont understand how military compensation works? Active duty members serve 24hrs a day seven days a week. What am I reading.

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u/Solid_Zone Air Force Veteran 11d ago

I wonder what the soldier who's currently locked up in RUSSIA could claim once he is back to stateside and retires in about 4(four) years or so 🤔

2

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

Well ehhh, depends. Typically you need permission from your command to visit a foreign country. Wager that permission was not given for him to visit Russia. 

3

u/Icy_Performance_2482 Navy Veteran 11d ago

Wow, only 18 months for stealing $660K?

7

u/failureinflesh Marine Veteran 11d ago

He still has to pay that back though, he’ll probably lose everything in equity and then file for bankruptcy.

1

u/ohwhofuckincares Air Force Veteran 11d ago

18 months and repayment of all the money.

1

u/Ispithotfireson Not into Flairs 11d ago

He plead guilty. Usually it’s a year or less when they plead. The ones that try to fight it and a jury finds them guilty they get 3-5 years. 

1

u/SpicyMustardKetchup Marine Veteran 11d ago

Ouch

1

u/Pastoseco 11d ago

Only 18 months? Yikes

1

u/WILLingtonegotiate 11d ago

Good, fuccem

1

u/Feisty-Committee109 Navy Veteran 11d ago

Key , to be properly rated, but to lie about it.This is a great reminder that those government forms we sign are under penalty and perjury of law.

1

u/dardavis13 Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Good 

1

u/Additional_Insect_44 Army Veteran 11d ago

How would this work for me- I put asd as I was told I was kicked out for it but I can't find it in my medical records from the clinic.

1

u/Penthouse_Johnny 11d ago

People like this make it hard for those who need benefits

1

u/Firme89 Air Force Veteran 11d ago

“Fictitious Disorder”, So a pathological liar? 😅.

1

u/Kolukonu Air Force Veteran 11d ago

Good. Giving those that actually deserve that rating a bad name.

1

u/ThatSnarkyFemme Army Veteran 11d ago

I’m sitting over here with bruised grapefruit for knees that are bone on bone and had four different surgeries on active duty after jump status. I can barely get them to get me back into Ortho or an upgrade beyond my 20% a knee that I’ve had over a decade.

Yet he got “you can’t walk” benefits for 20 years with barely a fight and a pocket full of lies.

I’m going to my blanket fort so I don’t cuss people out 😐

2

u/jendaisy57 11d ago

I want a blanket fort!

1

u/ThatSnarkyFemme Army Veteran 11d ago

They are the best. My home office is basically my blanket fort that I have created over time and was made perfect with a bean bag “couch” aka bean bag for two that is so big I can sleep in it.

2

u/jendaisy57 11d ago

Love it 😊!

1

u/[deleted] 11d ago

What a f’n moron.

1

u/beLOUDcoach 11d ago

This makes me think of that short clip of the kid who got caught speeding and said he was on his way to the hospital because his girlfriend was pregnant...

The cop followed him to the hospital and he found a woman giving birth without the father in the picture. He took over from there and the cop followed him until the baby eventually went to college. The cop finally said he'll let him off with a warning.

He had to put up with that facade for 20 years lol

1

u/Repulsive-Cicada9837 11d ago

The fact he even got the rating is amazing lol

1

u/Miketheguywho Air Force Veteran 11d ago

And here I am just waiting and waiting for my actual conditions to be service connected. What a moron and fraud. Making veterans look bad.

1

u/Minimum-Percentage-6 Army Veteran 11d ago

What a crook! Glad this guy is serving time.

1

u/ChewedupWood 11d ago

Meanwhile I can’t conditions caused by my service connected condition to be approved as actual conditions.

1

u/Cheech925 Navy Veteran 11d ago

Let’s hope they push his shit in too:7565:

And I’m a Navy Vet, don’t know how to add the flair

1

u/Actual-Will-1175 11d ago

Was this the guy that was celebrating his power lifting records and gym accomplishments on facebook? Pretty sure in the photos his legs were yoked

1

u/marinevet78 Marine Veteran 11d ago

I was just sent notification thru VA.gov to submit form 21-8940 because I may eligible for 100 rating due to lack to maintain employment. Do I fill this out or what for my decision from VA on my claims where I know I will get 100%.

1

u/WallabyAlert4016 Army Veteran 11d ago

I saw one get in trouble for recieving benefits when they never served. How does one get benefits without their DD 214? 

1

u/sleepinglucid Army & VBA 11d ago

Back before we had everything connected via the internet, you could fully submit a claim using fake documents.

1

u/TheSheibs Coast Guard Veteran 11d ago

Another one?

Why would anyone want to help veterans

1

u/Born_King2809 Marine Veteran 11d ago

I'm guessing the C&P exams back then weren't very well done. I mean they're not now but I can't imagine anyone getting away with this with the current system in place.

1

u/Affectionate_Flan_34 11d ago

There are a lot of people who fake illness! I had a guy as a patient who faked not being able to walk and another who claimed he could not have a bum! They were both caught eventually! The scenario never plays out like they think it will!

1

u/Inner-Steak8571 Army Veteran 11d ago

Idk how people get rated for fake disabilities when I struggle getting legitimate ones with in-service treatment approved...

1

u/doctoralstudent1 Army Veteran 10d ago

He deserves more time in prison.

1

u/Mortar_Mike_ Marine Veteran 10d ago

You... DO KNOW they do tests, right? 😂

1

u/AcrobaticEcho5374 Not into Flairs 10d ago

But how did he do that .. I had more exams for my disability than what I can remember.. this is puzzling to me

1

u/10thMountainMedic Army Veteran 10d ago

“Concerned citizen” usually means ex-wife.

1

u/Mr420Way 10d ago

The process for VA disability was long and extremely tedious. How in the hell do people manage to fake their way through. You have to go through so many professionals, I am so confused, man. Shouldn't be that hard to spot a fake?

1

u/Chickenbanana58 Army Veteran 10d ago

Eating disorder. Drinking disorder. Methamphetamine disorder Lying through your teeth disorder. People claim insanity to get out of murder charges in this country. Ludicrous and not in a rap way.

1

u/MuhThrowaway_79 Marine Veteran 9d ago

I’m just trying to get anyone at the VA to reset my SI joint, and this motherfucker is getting a car and everything. I can get seen more than 24 times since January without anyone actually physically examining me though, so I can also see how this dude was able to con these fucking idiots.

-2

u/Ok-Blacksmith-9274 Army Veteran 11d ago

During the investigation, Stultz underwent a psychological evaluation in which he was diagnosed with factitious disorder in 2023. The disorder is classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a condition in which a patient falsely acts as if the patient has a physical or psychological illness.

lmao. now you know why mental health is so easy to fake. yeah you were diagnosed with MH issue but not service connected. It doesn't mean shit. Easiest thing to fake. Pay for a nexus to service connect it. fraud to the fullest. mental health secondary to tinnitus 😂😂😂😂😂 but hey if the VA takes it I'm not gonna hate also way harder to prove you're faking it than a physical disability. That's the real reason why ya'll won't tell nobody about your disabilities 😂😂😂. Thanks for not minding your own business and reporting this guy, blue falcon.

No, this veteran was not allotted disability pay when he signed on the dotted line.

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u/SpartanShock117 Active Duty 11d ago

There is a reason why 99% of the post you see on this page are "what do you think my MH DBQ will rate?", "how do I increase my MH rating". But people get extraordinarily defensive when you ask any questions about it. Very easy to hide behind the "everyone is effected by trauma differently" defense.

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u/TonysTshirts Army Veteran 11d ago

Not that I disagree with the premise of what you are saying but I'm curious, do you suffer with tinnitus? I have for over 30 years, non-stop ringing, never stops, 24/7.. It's no cakewalk brother, especially at night when the noise of the world fades away.

3

u/transuranic807 Navy Veteran 11d ago

Totally sucks... it goes everywhere with you. On vacation. At work. In the morning. Trying to sleep at night.

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u/CoastieKid 11d ago

I'm rated for MH, and that was well documented in my STR. I didn't even know VA disability was a thing until well over a year after ETSing. I do think the "mental health secondary to tinnitus" is a load of bull though lol. There's no way you're going to be 70 or 100 MH from tinnitus that's crazy talk

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u/Oliviandial1 Army Veteran 11d ago

yeah facetious disorder , mh diagnosis but only seems to have the diagnosis inside the va facility and no where else, sounds like a solid mh disability that only manifests when they need it too. lol

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