ADF Health October 2006 - Volume 7 Number 2LetterPsychological trauma and the ADF
TO THE EDITOR: Milton wrote that he was troubled by the way fraudulent claims cheapen the regard the public has for people genuinely affected by war service. 1 He is the first person I have encountered who is an exserviceman and, it appears, has views like mine. In essence, I believe there are many Vietnam Vets out there rorting the system. I feel that treatment is not the issue. It is the bits and pieces that go with that yellow card that make rorting the system so attractive. I am a Vietnam Vet. I receive a 90% disability pension for five conditions accepted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as service-related (post-traumatic stress disorder is not one of them). I am happy with the treatment I receive. I hope that I will “die in harness”. While it would be nice to get 50% off my rates, pay no GST on the next vehicle I buy, have a free train trip interstate and get free medical cover, I believe in paying my own way. I know quite a few Vietnam Vets who are classified as “TPI” (totally and permanently disabled). But I cannot think of one who could not hold down some kind of job and make some contribution to Australia. Too many of them have developed a handout mentality and think it their right to receive all these perks. From my own experience, the public are becoming cynical of ex-service personnel who seem always to be whingeing about the way they have been treated. I commend Milton for speaking out on this matter. This rorting of the system is a disgrace. 1. Milton R. Psychological trauma and the ADF [letter]. ADF Health 2006; 7: 46.
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