Why I don't have PTSD but I have all the symptoms

SFC Robert Wheeler — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:29:28 -0400

Screw the VA and all of their quacks. How someone can have all of the symptoms of PTSD but can't be PTSD because you weren't shot at is bullshit. Screw them. I hate this. Have you ever seen somebody after they put a bullet through their brain and splattered it all over their living room wall? I have. Have you ever had to collect the personal belongings from a body and find among them an Easter card from his kids? I have. Have you spent years dealing with child abusers, rapists, and murders? I have. Have you ever had your career and livelihood threatened by being told the only way you were going to have a career change was through leaving your present career in handcuffs or a body bag? I have. Screw these people. I don't know what to do next. This asstard at the VA says I am not suffering from PTSD but yet he offers me an evaluation for it and then withdraws the offer after I tell him I don't want to be treated for it in the VA system because I have a therapist that I trust. I guess the VA could give a shit about me.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 4 at 2015 10:36 AM

SGT Kevin Brown — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:36:25 -0400

I am sorry to hear you are going through this. My suggestion would be to seek another provider within the VA, try another VA, or stick with an outside provider. If this is related to C&P, then I'd make sure a full evaluation is done or there is no chance of obtaining compensation. There are dicks in the VA system, but there are good people as well. The shitty thing is taking the time to find the diamond in the ruff.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 4 at 2015 10:51 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:51:26 -0400

Sorry to hear of your issues. Everything you mention is a real-steel precursor for PTSD and I am glad you have a therapist to help.

Just curious why you even brought the VA into the discussion?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 10:55 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:55:09 -0400

I think the real question is, and this is always the kicker with the VA...was it service related and can you prove it? Have you at any point ever sought counseling or have had a sleep study done to prove you have physical and mental/emotional issues? For instance, if the suicide you saw was not during the performance of your duties (like an MP arriving at the scene), it isn't service related. The burden of proof is on you.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 4 at 2015 11:42 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:42:34 -0400

Just another example of the problems we still have with the VA. Don't worry, ignore a problem long enough, it will go away.

Response by PO1 John East made Jun 4 at 2015 12:07 PM

PO1 John East — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:07:45 -0400

Brother you are right but taking this step, talking about it, helps I retired in 1996, became a volunteer firefighter went on a call, a truck load of kids had flipped over, my partner and I drive up on scene first will die because trauma to the head, second victim my daughters boyfriends brother I maintain his airway and breathing 45 minutes before a paramedic arrives has me roll him onto back I tell the medic I suspect a punctured lung and he cannot breathe tells me do it, minutes later he dies for me I am pissed but he's a medic I voiced my regret to my fire captain and we talked, it's been 15 years and it still haunts me but talking to family and comrades it helps, your a soldier we do what we do we fight just don't quit

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 4 at 2015 1:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:06:45 -0400

I sympathize with you. It can be a suicide, a bad car wreck, anything really violent that can be the impetus of PTSD.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Jun 4 at 2015 1:55 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:55:39 -0400

I agree I saw way more traumatic situations in my law enforcement career than I did on either of my two deployments, I would even say it's more traumatic since it happens in your backyard and not thousands of miles away