CNN Wages War for American Veterans

While exposing problems, the program doesn't just bash the VA, it also highlights the people who make up the organization and shows that some are fighting hard from within for change.

(SALEM, Ore.) - By battling the VA in a public light and literally, "waging war" on the ongoing inadequacies affecting Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, CNN has shown again that news media has the potential to greatly aid our society.

Marine Ty Ziegel then and now

In the program, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta investigates the shocking reality of what happens to the nation's wounded warriors when they return home. The program, Wounded warriors face home-front battle with VA was broadcast both Saturday and Sunday.

We have included a video clip at the bottom of this report; it is a graphic look at one Marine's reality. Ty Ziegel, a sergeant, is featured in the CNN program. He once had a boyish face, but that disappeared just before Christmas 2004 in Iraq, when a suicide bomber nearly killed him.

Ty had large holes of shrapnel pierce his skull, he lost his left arm, his jaw was shattered, his neck, face and head were burned, beyond recognition in many respects. In addition to his left arm, he also lost fingers from his right hand and one of his large toes was amputated and used to replace the thumb on his remaining hand.

As you see in the video, this Marine has an amazingly good attitude, and he didn't lose his wit. He did lose his marriage though as the program reveals. His sense of humor has survived an endless list of obstacles that plague injured veterans once they come home.

In the video Ty shows a life-size model of his skull that has been created. He is only one of the many veterans who was denied adequate benefits. Specifically, the Veterans Administration deemed his war injuries to be a 10% disability. The attention from CNN instantly caused the VA to change their minds and raise his benefits to 100%.

While exposing problems, the program doesn't just bash the VA, it also highlights the people who make up the organization and shows that some are fighting hard from within for change. Many are also veterans, and many feel that their hands are tied when it comes to improving the vastly broken system.

One of those veterans featured in the program, Tammy Duckworth, is the head of the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs. A pilot who lost her legs when her Blackhawk was shot down over Iraq, she told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee last March, "The VA system is not ready, and they simply don't have time to catch up."

Few disagree that this country failed to prepare for the massive number of casualties now returning home from war, many with scars that are worn on the inside. President Bush stated in July that the nation needs a complete overhaul of the disability ratings system, which dates back to World War II, over sixty years ago. The VA is now considering action on the commission's recommendations, according to CNN.

Salem-News.com's Dr. Phil Leveque has written many articles about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was in the Army during WWII and was from a division that took heavy casualties fighting the Nazi war machine.

After surviving horrendous injuries in the war that he wasn't expected to survive, he went on to become a physician who specialized in treating patients suffering from PTSD, many of which were Vietnam vets.

We will continue to work and be thankful that news organizations like CNN have what it takes to confront these issues and help veterans find relief and fairness, it is all they ever asked for and the least that should be expected.

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Tim King is a former U.S. Marine with almost twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist and reporter. Today, in addition to his role as a war correspondent in Afghanistan where he spent the winter of 2006/07, this Los Angeles native serves as Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website, affiliated only with Google News. You can send Tim an email at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com

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Jefferson November 28, 2007 10:50 am (Pacific time)

To: Susan Smith Disabled American Veterans is an excellent organization with possibly the best track record in securing veteran's their rightful benefits. I suggest contacting them, they will do all the fighting for you. Good luck Susan!

SUSAN SMITH November 27, 2007 9:03 am (Pacific time)

I was fortunate enough to catch this story on your program. I am a disabled veteran who lives in Michigan. Unfortunately I have had the same issues with VA that veterans who are returning from the war are currently experiencing. I got off of active duty in April 2005. My case was rated in about a year. I have since had surgery this year and requested compensation for this condition I also have requested an increase due to other service connected conditions and still await re-evaluation on these conditions which date back to over a year old know. I have missed numerous days of work due to va medical appointments. I have contacted per my VA representatives advice the Department of Veterans Wars only to asked how I obtained this phone number and told that I should not have this phone number. This person transferred me to another extension where I left a message. I never received a call back. I have spoke with individuals regarding my case however when speaking with these persons I receive different information as to when the board will decide my case i.e. six to eight weeks, two to three months. This has been a frustrating and exhausting battle. It is very heart breaking and sad for the men and women who decided to serve and protect their country and who would do so again as quick as one can blink their eye have have to continuously fight against a war that should not be an issue for any of us. I felt compelled to share my story before hearing about this story but after hearing the story I felt more compelled to speak out in hopes that it would help light a firing under our ailing system. When we are done serving where do we go? And how do one get they help they need and deserve?

Jefferson November 27, 2007 8:13 am (Pacific time)

To Richard B. Scott: Have you claimed social security disability? If not, contact DAV for the name of a good attorney. My son's no longer provide this type of service, but if you are 100%, especially if it is "permanent and total" you will get this earned benefit. Good luck. P.S. Even if you are not rated "permanent and total" you have an excellent chance.

Richard B Scott November 27, 2007 2:56 am (Pacific time)

VA Compensation is not enough, especially for the 100% disabled.A thorough overhaul is definetely in order with substantial raises. I am 100%, service connected,combat related and my compensation is not nearly enough.

DIGUSTED November 26, 2007 11:59 pm (Pacific time)

You have to have worked at least 40 quarters or 5 years to get Social Security disability. The fact is that all Americans who are disabled should be taken care of with a living wage benefit. There is so much wealth in this country and more than enough to care of Veterans, Regular Civilians and the Elderly. The United States is just one big corrupt corporation. It never was the country we believed in. It was all myth and fantasy.

Jerry W. Baker November 26, 2007 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

Until the VA is purged of corruption, nothing will change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SUE November 25, 2007 7:29 pm (Pacific time)

It is nice to hear that someone with the power of the national media is helping to expose this crap. These men and women have served our country. The VA should be holding up there part of the deal. I just don't understand where the outrage has been hiding. I know we are all busy, but we have not had to sacrifice anything here at home. It doesn't matter how you feel about the occupation. The soldiers are following orders that they have sworn to follow. It is time for Americans to get behind them.

Anonymous November 25, 2007 5:38 pm (Pacific time)

I'm a disabled vet from the gulf war with a family of four. Can't work due to injuries, yet the VA and the feds say 753.00 a month is enough for the 4 of us to survive on. Wife has to work two jobs to pay the bills. I know people on Social Security that make more than that and haven't worked a day in their life. SS says they are disabled because they are overweight and have health problems. Where is the justice in that??

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