I am concerned about the men and women who are currently serving in the military.

My experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs raises troubling questions about the treatment of people who have served their country.

Soldiers should make sure that they make copies of all of their military and medical records before they leave the service or when they are discharged. They may need them later.

I have been trying to obtain my military medical records from my service during World War II for several years. My hearing was damaged when I worked as an aviation mechanic. Now, more than 50 years later, I realize that I have missed out on disability compensation I was entitled to receive.

But the policy of the VA is to delay the release of any information that might be helpful to veterans who have claims. They have given me the runaround.

I’m terminally ill, and I believe they are just trying to wait me out.

On the whole, the military has been good to me. I went to college and the military has helped to take care of me as I’ve gotten older and my health has declined. I have been treated, in most ways, terrifically.

But in the area of getting my records, the VA has failed.

I should have started keeping up with my military and health records earlier so I wouldn’t have to depend on the VA for information. I advise all those serving today not to repeat my mistake.

Willis M. Robinson, Lewiston

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