Am I wasting my time?

maybe so, it will be tough to explain and have a company accept that block of time. Corroboration of time is a must. Has to be someway or some sort of references.... if you have never held a CDL, then 3 years is all you need?

What's the real story?

 

how about a statement signed by witnesses to verify your work history.

 

I get it, believe it too. Having said that, it is possible that you have lost 9 years of your life, documented time. It is the reality, unless you have a way to substantiate the time, letters of reference, etc., then you have to re-establish yourself and give away another 3 years or so.

 

Pre-hires are OK, but don't mean much because many companies don't really verify everything until the last minute.
Submit some more applications
Which state do you live in?

 

could always say you were your girl friends cabana boy for 9 years.

 

No, it is 10 years.
They want 10 years of past history... period.

 

Maybe a Navy Seal and service record is sealed so you have to trust me. If I tell you about it, I'd have to then kill you.

 

gotcha Moose, well.... OP better get creative.