u/GrayFox6688

USMC infantry 2010-2014 OEF vet

1. 20% rating for left shoulder strain with tendonitis

2. 50% rating for unspecified anxiety disorder

3. 10% rating for tinnitus

4. 10% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome

5. 10% rating for radiculopathy, right lower extremity, sciatic nerve

6. 10% rating for radiculopathy, left lower extremity, sciatic nerve

7. 30% rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

8. 20% rating for hemorrhoids

All that puts me at 86%

1-3 I got in 2018 when I was finally able to go to appointments. Before that if you canceled or had to reschedule they would just throw your claim out. 4-6 I got in 2025 after my back started acting up years prior. I put in the same claim soon after that but it was denied without giving me an exam which was weird. 7-8 I got towards the end of 2025 when I discovered what the PACT Act was. Since 2021 I have been dealing with nasty gut issues. Pretty much 80-90% of the days since then there is blood when I wipe my ass. I had a colonoscopy through the VA but it didn't find anything.

The only thing I feel like should be increased is the anxiety due to constant suicidal thoughts. I've already planned it out and even wrote a suicide note in 2024. I also practice dry firing my gun into my head. I had a exam for this in 2025 but when the guy asked if I had suicidal thoughts I lied and told him I didn't. That was only because he said he would have to notify police if I told him I was suicidal. What's the point of "helping" vets with suicide if you have to threaten them with law enforcement?

I have the ambitious plan of doing these three high routes this summer (if wildfires allow). All three of them overlap which gives me the chance to do it all as a long route. And if I'm still feeling it I could also add the Souther Sierra HR too.

According to my research I can't find anyone who's done these 3-4 routes in one summer so there's not much intel. I've already bought all of Skurka's guides. The biggest issue I'm seeing is the logistics of getting to and from trail with the resupplies. After a couple hours of research last night I was beginning to think that the best approach would be to rent a car and just complete this in a series of big section hikes. The cost would be more but it would solve a lot of problems, I've never been a fan of hitch-hiking and sending boxes.

Just looking for some more input.

I know it's considered one of the greatest games of all time but I'm not sure if I'll like it based on some reviews I've seen for it. I am a big fan of RPGs because I grew up playing Final Fantasy 7/8/9/10 and I just finished two runs of Expedition 33 and loved it.

This game still cost $70 so I want to make sure it's the right fit. I've never played any Baldur's Gate game before and according to Wikipedia it's based on Dungeon's and Dragons which I've also never played or had an interest in

Other recent games I've enjoyed at God of War, Khazan, Spiderman, Armored Core, Metal Gear Solid 4