Can you claim PTSD and still have a future in the Army?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 20:57:57 -0400

Is it really possible to claim PTSD and seek assistance while attempting to remain in service yo retirement ? Will it limit your ability to pursue career goals? Does anyone have experience with this? I know its easy to just say “its encouraged to seek help,” but will it hurt you in the long run?

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jun 13 at 2018 9:08 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 21:08:46 -0400

That is a question that probably haunts many soldiers. What is the answer? Is there a command level answer? PTS is treatable. Is there an AR or TM about PTS, TBI and MST? Maybe in Mental Health but in the line unit, hummmm I wonder.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 13 at 2018 9:16 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 21:16:20 -0400

The answer is that it depends on whether it keeps you from being able to perform your duties. If it prevents or interferes with your ability to do your job then you will more than likely be boarded out. I have served with many guys who had PTSD, went through BH for therapy or what have you, and were just fine to keep serving. The important thing is to seek help as soon as possible. You invite the possibility for a far worse situation by letting these issues go untreated.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jun 13 at 2018 9:39 PM

SFC Marc W. — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 21:39:39 -0400

Anything you get treated for can possibly hurt (or at least make more difficult) things you want to do in the military. Take for example you as a SPC get treated for frequent headaches after returning from deployment, they go away after a few months, all good. 2 years later you decide you want to pursue Green to Gold which requires a DOD MERB physical, you are flagged for frequent headaches that were treated 2 years ago, now you need a waiver and missed your window, good luck next year. Any time a school or program requires a physical, they all list on the form 'do you have or have you ever had...' then 10,000 items. It can hurt you or make your life very miserable.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jun 13 at 2018 10:42 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 22:42:59 -0400

Yes!

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made Jun 13 at 2018 11:18 PM

SGM (R) Antonio Brown — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 23:18:26 -0400

It will not hurt. I have had PTSD for several years and it did not prevent me from doing my job. I continued to receive good reports and promotions came. I did not allow PTSD to change my life. I went from SFC to SGM with PTSD and during most of that time I was in charge of a formation.

Response by COL William Oseles made Jun 14 at 2018 3:00 AM

COL William Oseles — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 03:00:20 -0400

That is a tough decision to claim or not claim.
If you do not get help with it you are likely to have other problems come up and it may effect your performance to the point that you get hammered. If it will hurt you or not really depends upon the people in your chain of command. If it is severe enough you may be separated anyway.
What I would suggest that you document any injuries and/or incident that cause the issue. They will be useful later, and always get copies of ANY medical treatment you get. You are the only one that can look after yourself and down the road it could make a big difference.
I had documented hearing loss from when I was a Specialist and they finally gave me that which really means hearing aid batteries for life.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 14 at 2018 6:43 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 06:43:37 -0400

What would hurt worse is if you failed to acknowledge and seek help and you have some sort of negative reaction at a crucial moment, possibly affecting the lives of others. Thank you for you service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2018 12:22 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 12:22:43 -0400

I was told to state to the doctor what I wanted to do, to sway the doctor.