I am a disabled veteran that is in the care of the Veterans administration.  I am currently retired due to disability.  I am missing two inches of my right leg, crooked leg, arthritis in my ankle, knee and hip.  I suffer from a paralyzed sciatic nerve, 3 nueroma sites, and 4 herniated disks.  Of course the severe pain has mental effects such as anxiety, frustration, depression, and insomnia.  I have a BS in Marine Science, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as an MS in Env. Science, and Public Health.  I hold a CSP, REM, and CHO.  I worked as a Chemical Oceanographer for the Dept of Energy on Global Warming and Carbon cycling and later as the Chemical Safety Officer at a DOE Research Laboratory.  I had to retire due a combination of my inability to walk well, chronic pain, and the medications required to give me some quality of life.  I have a lot of experience regarding the VA and Chronic Pain treatment that I offer to share here for others to benefit from.  I am pretty much resigned to a Recliner with a built in heat pad and massager.  I switch up between cane, walker or wheelchair depending.