I hear you on that Buddha. We are kind of in the same boat - about the same amount of TI and I don't know what's in store for me in a few years! Question: did the tear in your shoulder cause you a great deal of pain throughout the day? And more so in the mornings? If so, what did you do for the pain? At this point, it's pain management for me - i'm looking forward to trying the cortisone shots, but my problem is it's in both shoulders. Now that being said, speaking with the appeals lady the other day, we spoke a bit about my job. Originally I figured all my years of trench digging, ruck humping and running in combat boots was the reason for my wear and tear, but I quickly realized that as a Supply Tech, overhead shelving, loading trucks (especially the HLVW - i'm a short ass!!) and lots of warehouse work would also contribute to why BOTH shoulders would be shot. And I never even gave my martial arts a second thought!! So that's the direction i'm going now.
Like you, it's not all about the money. If I have a documented "disability award" on file, it will be easier in say, 10 years if everything gets done and nothing works to go back when i'm out and say - help?
Good luck with your appeal on the 2nd.
