Michael, United States Navy
I was gang raped on board the USS Josephus Daniels (CG-27) on March 15th, 1988. I arrived on the ship February 24th, 1988, and was given an honorable discharge on March 31st, 1988. I had faked a hearing problem after getting tormented by the homosexuals who served, although I didn’t know nearly everyone on board the ship was gay 4 guys took turns which me, if I had kept for DNA evidence that would be available 5 years later, might have caught those involved. Instead, I never reported it for fear of my life, and because I still feel like everyone who meets me can tell. I filed for compensation with the VA in 1996 and was denied. And again in July, 2010 and just received another denial, citing the facts I reported then rather than report what happened because I couldn’t trust anyone back then. I am damaged far beyond what I know, and I am homicidal and suicidal all of the time. I hate life, and wish I was dead. I just wait for the day someone treads on me so I can snap, because the VA sure doesn’t care. Few people do.
There’s an additional aspect of being in the Navy and raped by someone on board a small ship like a distroyer–you can’t get away from them–ESPECIALLY if they’re your superior officer as was my case.
This happened long ago and while nothing enjoyable also didn’t damage me physically or like the Michael (above) was Psychologically hurt.
What DID have lasting damage is that this Chief controlled me daily and aside from distroying my Navy career also continually attempted to seduce me through bribery and threats of being thrown overboard etc.
When I got out, there was no such thing as PTSD, only shell shock and in that I’d never been threatened by bombs or shot at, I couldn’t claim that. 50 years later I discovered that I had medical benefits and talked to the VA psychologist and was promptly diagnosed as having PTSD and this is 50 years later! Since then, after more diagnoses by the VA, my claim has been sitting for years waiting for a response from them!
Michael,
Please know that you are far from being alone. I was raped four times by my Drill SSG during basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I had literally just turned 18, I had enlisted Delay Entry at age 16 as this was to be a lifetime career for me. I was terrified and had not immediately reported it until I got to my permanent duty station at Schofield Barracks, HI. I’ve since investigated the perpetrator and he retired after 24 years of “Honorable Service,” did two tours in Desert Storm and retired to Florida. He was eventually arrested after starting a Junior R.O.T.C. program at Sarasota High School even though 7 underage males were identified only three had the courage to pursue him with charges. His punishment from the state of Florida beginning in 2008? 12 years in a FL state prison. His punishment for having raped me some 20 years earlier? CID and my Chain of Command forcing me out “Honorable” discharge but no VA benefits because I served less than the Congressionally mandated 24 consecutive months! Thank God MST guidelines bypass that. I still haven’t filed for service connection because it’s not about the money…no amount of money can restore my life, I suffer everyday and need constant treatment. On June 20th 5 days before my 40th birthday I coded in the ER at the VA after the check in clerk told me that the eligibility supervisor left a note in my file to “not treat me, as I am only being seen for MST” I was in an induced coma, trached, and shocked back to life twice and in ICU for the week of my birthday. I keep filing complaints with the patient advocate and keep my Senator informed, but it is extremely insulting every time I step foot in that building, condescending, rude, unprofessional…not the care givers themselves of even support services. Always the administrators, the Director leaves Friday and with that comes renewed hope. Please don’t give up and do something stupid (i.e. homicide or suicide, etc…) you’ve earned priority care DEMAND IT, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Best regards Justice is coming with the more attention we get have an iota of faith my friend. Best Wishes. Jamey
The Va has changed many of its regulations, y ou should try again. A previous report is no longer required. Get the care you deserve!