Are you trying to use me to feel better about yourself? I like that term, "choose". I'm actually disgusted at the use of disabled veteran. I'm ashamed of my circumstances. I have zero pride. I hate that it's on my DL. My damn license plates. I'm still federal property.

What employment would you like I get? So I can reach your level? To where I don't get questioned if I can cook my own food? Wipe my own a$$?

Because using the term DV gets you nothing but everything you typed. But you asked. I'm sure you didn't want me lying to you.

lol. Ok dude. “Federal property”!!!quit playing into stereotypes. Nobody forces you to put “veteran” on your ID, plates, or anything else.

You have shown that you are competent enough to have firearms, drive cars, and operate power tools.It may sound harsh but you are the only one holding yourself back

Do you not know how VA disability works? Not yours, Mine. I can't... As in can not, Make more money then I do. And there's no job that'll pay more for an individual required to have a, "protected workspace".....Whatever in hell that is.

None of this has a brought a lick of happiness to me. Yet, I earned it. Like you did.

Lol, I needed that.


It's Saturday, Gentlemen. Come tomorrow and I get my hands on some lumber.

Well since you asked, yes, I am Well versed in how VA disability works, and without knowing you at all, I’ll tell you your story.

You did not receive 100% so that made you unhappy as you wanted the 100% money so you went the TDIU route. You can be 100% Permanent and Total, and work any job you want but I’m going to go out on a limb that you were rated 50 or so.

You really need to be careful with that TDIU stuff though because they do investigate. Guns, power tools, expert chef, hot rod Camaro…it tells a story to people who are looking.

I enjoy the, Shut up veteran or I'm calling the hospital.


Medical discharge. I was in rehab for 4 years. Another 5 as outpatient. My constitutional rights never ended, by the way. So if you think building wood projects and the right to self defense can be used as a threat. It's people like you that makes veterans ashamed they fought for this.

This thread sure got off topic in a hurry.

Grasshopper and Jaredk reminds me kind of like Grandpa and Trebor Neal in a sorta kind of way.
except that Grasshopper doesn't complain the way Grandpa did.
I really don't think either of them would mind me using this analogy.

and, I can just picture Grasshopper cooking ribs in a toaster or something like that.

We all have a story and circumstances in our lives, it's how we chose to deal with and solve our problems that shapes who we are and what we accomplish in life.

There are many great resources that will help veterans. Have you reached out to any organizations?

My budget per month was $200. I'm cruising at a predicted $45 bucks.


As for the fridge. The biggest power consumer after the AC. But unlike the AC. I'm not going without a refrigerator. I've been filling cleaned out milk jug with water. Sticking them in the back of the fridge as cold sinks. In the freezer, I have a huge bag of ice to take up space.


Refrigerator is set at 35° for the main part. The freezer is on it's lowest setting and it will still freeze things rock hard. 3-6°.


Bought an oil lamp. Not to save money but for the late night, relaxing, light. Made in Germany.

Check it out. This little bad boy is supposed to be good for 20hours on one tank. I bought the kerosene at Lowes. Veteran discount of course.

Narcissism