Very well said Nakiea, after my HD received his long fought for 70% SC coupled with a 100% IU I honestly considered leaving this site just to give my soul a break. But I realize far too many vets are without a voice, without someone to assist in validating their needs. When the evidence is clearly there, when the experts support the evidence, the wait with the VA should be over. Indeed with many it should never have begun.  
In our area, as I am sure is common throughout the USA, disabled Vets migrate and attempt some healing through solitude and isolation. They have, I am sure, heard of the incredible struggle they would encounter in attempting to file a claim. Never mind their criteria for SC is there, never mind the combat exposure is there, never mind the fact that regardless of the attempts to stem the trek more will join them from other wars... The system is broken, it is over whelmed and it has failed far too many simply through its bad reputation alone! These men and women paid a high price - they detoured their futures to assure our own. Everything you said Nakiea echos what I have heard from others - it is a national disgrace. My nephew is in Afganistan and I fear I will one day find mysel assisting his wife in seeking care.