Falsely claiming PTSD for VA benefits?

PTSD is a complex issue and it can raise its head years later. In addition or instead of PTSD, Depression is another issue. Refer to 38 CFR §4.126, evaluation of disability from mental disorders. As an American Legion Department VSO, we see the problem in young and old Service Men & Women. Before you make a decision on someone or for yourself speak with a knowledgeable Veteran Service Officer. You will need to complete a Form 4138, 0781, and possibly 0781a before you even get to a Comp & Pen Exam. This will not be easy, my Claim process took 8 years. USAF '68-72

Initial thoughts? Sounds like the question poster is hating on a veteran with a service connected disability rating. If that poster truly feels that there is some kind of fraud going on then the facts should be reported to the VA OIG. Otherwise, all the poster is doing is $hitting on all veterans who have a service connected disability. He or she or they are calling into question the courage the veteran had to disclose intimate details of what they went through. He or she or they are calling into question the countless doctors, psychologists, and claims professions who have awarded the service connected disability. Shame on him/her/they.

I was a combat photographer, 600 Photo Det 16, Phu Cat AB 70-71. I never fired a weapon, I photographed the destruction and aftermath of a result of combat. I witnessed the maiming and deaths of our men and civilians, I stayed focused and put those horrific images in the back of my mind. My biggest fear was going into places out of country, if caught I’d be MIA, that was my biggest nightmare. As of late 52 years later, those nightmares have come to light, I have been waking up with sweats and anxiety. I went to the VA, saw three different Doctors, only to be told come back and see what happens. I know I have PTSD but the VA doesn’t think I qualify for that. I guess that’s par for the VA, serve your country and get lip service.

As a combat photographer, I never fired a weapon, I witnessed the destruction of what war brought to our men and civilians. I had to perform my duties and keep focused, I went into areas that we weren’t supposed to be in, locations out of country. That scared me to no end, full well knowing that if captured, I would be MIA. I came home and put those nightmares behind me, now, here 53 years later those ghosts are here, I wake up in sweats. Hearing helicopters, brings me to look up expecting to see Huey’s land and drop off troops. I went to the VA and shared my fears, and was seen by three different Doctors, only to tell me things would be better with time. Just another number in the system, I walked out and still have those sweats and nightmares. I guess that’s the way the VA takes care of us.

It's right along with sexual trauma. You can't prove that it ever happened if you have ZERO evidence and you can't prove that it never happened if you have zero evidence.
I know a vet who knows a vet who knows vets who are collecting both and are scamming the system(I'm covering my ass here and/or I cannot confirm nor deny the fact of the matter).
Nothing you can do about it and nothing you can do will change it. The VBA is a weird ruthless thing...

For those of you who are suffering from PTSD, and are disabled, have you heard of the organization called 22Zero.org? I strongly recommend to any of you suffering from PTSD that you look into this. Unlike traditional therapies you don’t have to relive this trauma to make your way through it and be healed. I had PTSD from a lot of different events in my life not just service connected, and I’ve tried this. And it worked for me. I strongly suggest that you reach out. Veterans are treated for free and it’s actually a really interesting process, and it’s amazing how you feel. It took a few days to really set in for me, but it really did help. In fact, I am hoping at some point to be able to be a coach with her with this process that’s how much I believe in it. Check it out at the website and see what you think. Tell them Sue Bailey sent you.

As a Legal Nurse Consultant now, I think it would be really hard to tell if this troop had such a severe disability, without reviewing the applicable records surrounding the issue at hand. That being said, if his service record and his ERB Don’t reflect the type of service he claims to have received his disability from, that seems like a clear-cut case of fraud. However, that being said, others have said PTSD can be accounted for in various ways through service to our country. Perhaps he has other mental health issues which are affecting his judgment or his sense of reality. But otherwise, if one was to claim disability for service never performed I would think that’s a straight up fraud case. If he is receiving benefits from the VA, and nobody seems interested enough to even review whether or not, this is a real service related disability, could you not make an inquiry through your elected official like your senator or somebody like that at that level that you may believe that there is a fraudulent claim of VA benefits occurring? Also, it’s my understanding that if you are receiving retirement benefits from the VA or disability payments from the federal government that is a violation of UCMJ, because anybody in that boat is still required to uphold the standards under UCMJ. And it might be worth attempting to go at it from that perspective if you feel it’s necessary to pursue. Certainly a JAG or somebody would be willing to look into this as a fraud case.

This same VA that refuses to recognize the PTSD of my son-in-law who returned from Iraq and still carries the shrapnel from his surviving a rocket attack some of his compatriots did not. Of course he doesn't campaign for it, tries to get by with little support from the VA, who now many years following his medical retirement has finally just this year given him a provisional 100% disability due to the burn pit legislation.
People who are too damaged to seek the help they need are gladly ignored by the VA.

I am rated at 50%. Their reasoning for no higher, I had a long term marriage (29 but ended in divorce) Long term employment (27 at the same job) I never claimed I wanted to kill myself or take out anyone with me. That's where it sits.

I don’t think people with PTSD can be cured 180 degrees. Maybe 160.