"My name is Paul DeMaio and I am a veteran of OEF/OIF.  I served in 2003, and when I came home, I was diagnosed with PTSD, hearing
loss and tinnitus.  My life changed then--I would stay in my basement, drinking and smoking.  I withdrew from my family and all social activities.  I suffered a brain hemorrhage, which left me with short-and-long-term memory problems, cognitive and executive functioning deficiencies. 
 
I should have been medically retired from the Army National Guard, but unfortunately, my superiors didn't think so.  I filed claims, was denied and appealed for almost 8 years.  No one should have to go through that. 
 
I will live with my brain injury for the rest of my life.  It is difficult for me to hold a job.  I have a hard time remembering anything.  I don't remember how I met my wife.  My wife and kids have to explain almost everything to me.  I am afraid in crowds and new situations.  Loud places confuse me.  Because of my brain injury, I cannot wear my hearing aids, so I have difficulty hearing anything.
 
I am still appealing my claims.  Please change the policies and procedures, so no one has to spend years and years appealing.
 
Thank you."