PERIODICAL - April 2009

Issue No: 200924

What is VeteranVoice.info?

Hunger Strike

VVi Web Site - New Developments

Mad As Hell!

VVi Polls

How you can help!

Recommended Links

www.VeteranVoice.info

Veteran Voice.info

VVi is for you, all veterans, regardless of whether you belong to a veteran organization or not. VVi is a distribution centre, a conduit for making sure that the information you need as a veteran is there for you in a timely fashion. Our aim is to provide a forum for all Canadian veterans, serving members and their families to have access to information pertaining to veteran rights.

VVi is an independent site, not associated with any governmental department, agency or veteran organization. VeteranVoice.info is maintained by independent contributions.

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Hunger Strike of Steven P Dixon April 6, 2009. Vs Veterans Affairs Canada.

Steven P Dixon

Feb 19, 2009

Ref: Hunger Strike of Steven P Dixon April 6, 2009. Vs Veterans Affairs Canada.

To begin with because of my medical condition related to my service in the Canadian Armed Forces that I cannot speak very well to members of the public or to the media, so I'll hand this to you to read and not to be scared because of my appearance and my mental capabilities. I know that my proposal of this hunger strike will be ignored by Veterans Affairs bureaucrats because they are not willing to talk with me personally since November 2008 at the highest level: (in fact my telephone calls are automatically rerouted to Halifax where I've been treated poorly and with no or little respect because of being tainted by Veterans Affairs District Office).

I am currently an out-patient of Mental Health working with a team of doctors here in the Province of Nova Scotia . It is made up of two psychiatrists, a number of neurologists, and my own family physician. Because of the complexity of having both Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the very nature of Huntington ’s disease, my conditions are very complicated to treat. In fact there are only 3 known people in the world who has this combination of Huntington ’s disease and PTSD to date. Keeping this in mind, the combination makes me an unfortunate patient and also a complex patient to treat. I do not know if the other two individuals with the same combination are alive or not.

Because I have both of these medical conditions, I have asked Veterans Affairs Canada to grant me my privacy while dealing with this serious condition that my family and I must face now and in the near future. I require my privacy while I work with my team of professionals and in which my God has given myself and family to face over the next few years. My main reason for this Hunger Strike is no longer for me ( I do have outstanding issues with Veterans Affairs) but to use the power of the hunger strike to call attention to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and those who may live with this mental disorder and their families along with the many veterans groups listed below.

In or around 1993, the Canadian Armed Forces started to test military personnel that where being released from the Canadian Armed Forces for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Service members that where released medically prior to this date may in fact may have PTSD and are not aware of this mental disorder.

It is my understanding that no action will be taken by Veterans Affairs Canada to alert or locate formally these released members prior to 1993 of the Canadian Armed Forced of the possibility that they may have PTSD. It is my understanding that at or around this time, these former service members were allowed to fall by Veterans Affairs was not through the system due to the lack of policy of reaching us???.

Until Nov 2004 I did not know what PTSD was. I had heard of shell shock from the First World War, battle fatigue from the Second World War, and Vietnam syndrome from the 1960s.

After I arranged for testing for another medical problem I for which I have been tested positive, I was also diagnosed with PTSD by many different medical professionals. I want people that were released from the Canadian Armed Forces prior 1993 to discuss with your family doctor or visit the many different websites on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I thought that this could not happen to me but I was wrong. Bruce Springsteen sang about Glory Days but for me they where not such Glory Days but bad glory days.

Ask for the help, it is available out there if needed and this is the message to all ex-members of the Canadian Armed Forces prior to 1993, get checked out, do a some research and talk to someone that you can trust. There are many of us that do suffer with PTSD and I ask you to stop and think do I have PTSD? I know I do.

There are a large numbers of Veterans groups that I hope to cover as part of this hunger strike:

All veterans across Canada and over seas, their spouses and families who have had to deal with Department of Veterans Affairs in the past and for the future Veterans of tomorrow.
For those persons who are missing documents, I not dotted or their t wasn't crossed and where denied benefits'.
For those service members that don't come under Special Duty Area (SDA) which unofficially creates types of Veteran and the benefits they are entitle to such as prescription drugs, dental and related health issues.
SISIP Long Term Disability Veterans pain and suffer awards are still being deducted from there LTD payment each month.
Veterans whom have past away while waiting for benefits and services and their spouses.
Those who have a mental illness and can't deal with the stresses which are caused while dealing with DVA.
New Veteran Charter????????????
Agent Orange which has directly affective my wife and her family while living in Swan Creek. Nerve Gas Testing, Atomic Bomb Radiation and many more items which claim's had been denied.
For all the widows whom are still fighting for services and benefits which were promised in the past.
Groups that have resorted to have there cases taken to the courts here in Canada which is a long and expensive in time and stressful for these Veterans and families.
And for all others Veterans Groups that I've failed to list above this HUNGER STRIKE is for you too.

Steven Dixon

169 Kinsac Road

Beaver Bank, NS.

B4G 1C5

Beaver Bank , NS.

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VVi Web Site - New Developments

NEW VVi DATABASE

VVi is developing a new interactive web-based database. Using SQL Server 2008 as the database management background, VVi information will be easier to attain and collate based on the query needs of the users (all of you), without the user even knowing they are operating in a database environment. In other words, virtual-push button technology is amazing. A few of the requirements are as follows:

1. The VVi web site will remain as an information resource and distribution centre for vets. However, it will become proactive insofar as the Vet Charter is concerned. The web site will have a much greater capacity and be more user friendly in distributing vet info on a push basis or for the user to collect and collate info on a pull basis. In short, the site's resource and distribution capability will be a 100-fold improved.

2. Window frames are no longer being used. In-place CSS, JavaScript, flash, XML and standardized iframe templates, and AJAX tools will be in use. Many pages will be drawn direct from the database.

3.. The previous theme green colour took away from the content, distracting subscribers from the purpose of the web site. Hence the theme of the web site is to provide the infrastructure in a low-key, still an appealing and interactive manner, but does not distract the user from the 'message'. The best colours to achieve this are gray-black spectrum with the occasional display of a bright colour.

4. In accordance with contemporary practices only 80% of the users' monitor screens will be used with the site centred on the screen. Although contemporary display is set as per our old site @ 1280x1024 Display, there are many users who use a less defined monitor display and do not know how to change the display resolution. By structuring the display of the site in this manner, it is easier for the user to view the site without fiddling around with display settings.

5. Integration of the database into the site will be complete and transparent. Transparent, meaning that a novice or intermediate user will not even know they are accessing a database. It will be max user-friendly to view the data, which will appear as just another page in the site, to further narrow and extract specific info wanted, to view that info, to save that info and to print that info.

6. In addition to the users increased ease of use, the same will be applicable to all members of the VVi staff. With a simple click of a button and typing of an userid and pswd staff will have access to database forms, each form providing instruction details, with standardized field menus (eg DTG, Category, etc) to select and a simple procedure to literally cut n paste the info you want added to the database. SQL 2008 database capabilities allows it to be populated with almost any form of info.

7. Access to populating the SQL 2008 database can be, and will be restricted.

8. SQL 2008 database info will be stored securely on or off the site. Personal info such as email remain solely on a backup stand-alone system. Only the Database Administrator (DBA) and his assistant would have access.

NEW CSAT FORUM

The new CSAT Forum is now available for members to review and register. It is located through www.VeteranVoice.info either through the English or French Bulletin Boards or at http://csat.top-talk.net .

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Mad As Hell!

There needs to be a better arrangement between Canada and its military and as stated “the contract is made open, transparent, public and clearly worded at the time of signing”. I suggest that we develop a manifesto that incorporates what we want in this new contract and that it be a living breathing arrangement (unlike the NVC).

Here are some of my recommendations (please feel free to amend or add to the list):

Restore the monies taken from the military pension fund.
Restore all clawbacks to non-income allowances, pensions and other financial benefits (SISIP, post-65 clawbacks, etc.) and ensure that no future clawbacks are authorized that garnish any financial payments to veterans.
Use the pension fund to adequately compensate the family or estate of any CF member killed or wounded in the service of Canada. The amounts to be determined but definitely to exceed the paltry maximum of $250,000.
Provide a better system of compensation for Agent Orange, nuclear testing or other experiments. This should be similar to what has been awarded to other groups who have received federal compensation and adequate in terms of the VAC tables of disability.
Create a single veterans charter that entitles all veterans to the same services and benefits regardless of age, time of service, length of service or other factor and aimed at providing all veterans with a standard of living that allows them to live with dignity and stability. Dependants to receive coverage and any monies (pensions, allowance and other financial support) entitled to the veteran of whom they are related as stipulated in the will/power of attorney or other documentation attesting that they are military/veteran dependants.
Establish a better system for compensating disabled veterans that incorporates medical treatment, financial support, support programs and other benefits. This must be collaboration between the veteran, DND and VAC plus medical practioners. No veteran is to be released from the CF until all arrangements for post career services, pensions, allowances and medical care have been finalized. (This is aimed at ending the need for veterans to rely upon non-military support while awaiting the start of SISIP, VAC and other financial programs)
Provide an education allowance that the veteran can use for any type of training or education program of their choice. The veteran will be required to provide proof that the monies were spent for education and related expenses. In addition, allow veterans to have low interest loans to cover training and/or education in excess of this allowance. Veterans should be able to pay for any form of education regardless of whether it is vocational or academic (i.e. university or equivalent).
Provide low interest mortgages and personal loans so that veterans and their families can secure adequate accommodation and other things. The intent is to guarantee that veterans and their families have a reasonable standard of living with emphasis on security, stability, and self-sufficiency (food, lodging, physical and psychological well being, employment/productivity, confidence and esteem, etc.)
Give priority employment to veterans in DND, VAC and related federal agencies. The military culture conditions us to accept a 24/7 lifestyle plus other unique characteristics that distinguishes us from other social groups. This would include VRAB, ombudsman and other organizations. (I do not support patronage/nepotism but if the choice is between a veteran and a non-veteran with similar credentials and experience, then the veteran gets extra points for military service.)
Health and medical facilities that cater to all veterans. Ste Anne and other VAC facilities offer only limited services for non-geriatric veterans. Severely disabled veterans should also be treated at VAC facilities (relates to uniqueness of military service and ensures programs are designed with an emphasis on service related injuries such as PTSD, battlefield wounds, etc.)
Create a single pension/insurance program that will incorporate pensions, SISP, financial allowances and all related programs. This ensures that one entity will administer the funding of veteran financial payments and programs rather than the current array of providers. This should be a non-profit agency (unlike the current SISIP provider), which cannot be used for any other activity and cannot be absorbed into “general government revenue” (to cover the federal debt).
Create an oversight committee that will control the DND and VA ombudsmen, VRAB and ensure cooperation and coordination between DND and VAC. This committee to be a mix of veterans and non-veterans and answerable to Parliament. (My role model is the ombusman’s advisory council established by OVO plus the VAC district advisory groups)
Review VAC disability assessments, VRAB decisions, departmental reviews and other crucial decisions to ensure that they are fair and always favour the veteran with regards to any doubts. There are many systemic problems in how these decisions are made and there needs to be a better method for decision making based on approved guidelines. The onus should be on VAC to adequately support its decisions rather than forcing the veteran to find evidence to substantiate their applications and/or appeals.
Reform the VAC disability assessment system. Any assessment should involve the medical practioners, the veteran and VAC and a clear and transparent collaboration to reach a mutually satisfactory decision.
Require VAC to accept any medical treatment as authorized by the medical practioners of the veteran. VAC rejects certain drug prescriptions and treatment programs without providing viable alternatives. If there is just cause for any rejection then it is the responsibility of VAC to provide recommendations for options.
Ensure that long term support is commiserating with long term disabilities. Veterans should not have to repeatedly apply for the continuation of treatment or medications. This is a gross waste of VAC resources and very traumatic for veterans. Medical practioners have refused to treat veterans because of the “red tape” required by VAC.
Ensure that veterans receive routine evaluations by VAC to ensure that they do not “fall through the cracks”.
Reform the review of veterans’ benefits and support so that there is no increase or decrease in the provisions without a thorough review involving the veteran, care providers and VAC.
Bottom line – the CF is expected to serve Canada in a unique way and so Canada should honour this arrangement by providing unique support that truly reflects the debt owed to the CF. Sacrifice for one’s country should be balanced by exceptional rewards by the grateful country for its veterans.

When we discuss this with people, particularly the media, it is advisable to highlight this social contract as an outstanding example of Canada’s respect for human rights and quality of life. Serving one’s country and fellow citizens should be acknowledged as a significant ideal. The CF is one of the few Canadian entities to be awarded international recognition in the form of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. The peacekeeping monument in Ottawa honours the CF for its long and distinguish service in many missions.

Chief Editor

VeteranVoice.info

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VVi Polls - New

VeteranVoice.info Polls

For you, what is the most pressing issue facing veterans?

Answers		Votes	Percent
1.	VRAB fairness	58	9%
2.	VAC bureacracy	40	6%
3.	New Veteran Charter (NVC)	174	26%
4.	Clawback at Age 65	141	21%
5.	SISIP Clawback	205	30%
6.	Rehab training	23	3%
7.	Veterans Ombudsman Mandate	36	5%

Should the Veteran Review and Appeals Board (VRAB) come under the authority of....

Answers		Votes	Percent
1.	Veteran Ombudsman	329	48%
2.	Veteran Affairs Canada	14	2%
3.	legislation as an independent agency	338	50%

Should the Veteran's Ombudsman mandate include the authority to protect veterans' disability awards?

Answers		Votes	Percent
1.	No	11	2%
2.	Yes	480	98%

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You Can Help!

All veterans are encouraged to pass information, opinions, links to self-help sites onto VVi. VeteranVoice.info is a distribution centre and we are dependant on others to pass information. This is your site. Tell other veterans about your site. Email info@VeteranVoice.info .

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Recommended Links

Veterans Ombudsman: http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/

Ombudsman Blog: http://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/blog-blogue/index-eng.cfm

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and War-Related Stress: http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/content/mhealth/ptsd_warstress/ptsd_warstress_e.pdf

Gulf War Illness Medical Research: https://veteranvoice.info/ARCHIVE/GWImedicalresearch.pdf