They're very easily one and a half to two years now. I've heard some veterans say that they have ongoing issues beyond that.
Part of the difficulty is that as you apply, there's no common sense written into it. For example, if I have had my hip shattered, they don't think ahead that I may have lower back issues or knee problems. If I have my lower leg blown off, they don't think that maybe I'll need a different kind of footwear.
It becomes a litany of going through the VAC application process for every follow-on condition that is a result of the original one. That in itself adds an incredible burden.
When I was told by the doctor that I was being recommended for medical release, I sought the advice of others who had gone through it. I said, “What am I going to do?”, and they said, “Don't worry. Your new full-time job is your medical release.” That's because of the amount of paperwork, the number of appointments, the number of phone calls.
I have to be very honest with you, sir: It really had an impact, especially for me. I can be an ass when I'm forced to be. I'm bullheaded. One of my psychologists once said that I had a physically unhealthy level of determination, which is great. That's what got me to where I was in my career, which I'm very, very proud of.
However, it also got me to the point that this system was so painful and so hard on my mental health that I walked away from it for almost a year.
I'm not the most connected guy in the world. I do the advocacy that I can. I encourage staying in touch with your fellow veterans—