clipped from: www.vetvoice.com   

by: RockRichard

Tue Nov 25


CPL Dixon in Iraq -Dixon Family from LA Times



Marine Cpl. James Dixon was wounded twice in Iraq -- by a roadside bomb and a land mine. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, a concussion, a dislocated hip and hearing loss. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Army Sgt. Lori Meshell shattered a hip and crushed her back and knees while diving for cover during a mortar attack in Iraq. She has undergone a hip replacement and knee reconstruction and needs at least three more surgeries.

In each case, the Pentagon ruled that their disabilities were not combat-related.


It seems that in a little known regulation change earlier this year, the Department of Defense has narrowed the definition of a combat related injury.

We've seen talk of creating second-class Veterans before

My first question is how are these injuries not combat-related if the injury qualifies the individual for a Purple Heart.  The regulatory guidance is pretty clear on that award