Originally Posted by AnOldUR

Probably the wrong place to ask, but I have an honest question for Veterans. I enlisted into the Navy in 1971 toward the end of the Vietnam War. After being in for less than a year I had a motorcycle accident coming home from Norfolk to visit my wife to be. After spending four months in a Naval hospital, I got a medical discharge with a 60% temporary disability to be reevaluated annually. After another couple of months, they offered me 10% permanent disability status for life, but if I got worse there would be no recourse. I was young and feeling pretty good. Without considering ever getting old, I took it thinking if I was reevaluated it could go to nothing. Now, 50 years later, I still have the 10% rating. Beside arthritis from the shattered pelvis things are good. Other Veterans have given so much more and gotten so much less that I have always felt guilty about my status and kept it private. My father was Navy, and my son is active duty with over 15 years in, so I'm obviously a Navy supporter. When I saw this Veterans icon offer, I considered putting in a request, but with so much "stolen valor" in the news, again I doubt my legitimacy. Finally, the question(s). Is it right to representing myself as a Veteran when I have given so little? Would someone who's done serious service consider me a fraud for doing so?