The Complete Guide to VA PTSD Ratings and Criteria
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- 0:00 Introduction
0:55 What is PTSD? What is the history of PTSD?
1:37 When did PTSD become a diagnosable condition?
2:08 What is the DSM-V?
2:32 What is the PTSD criteria in the DSM-V?
2:52 PTSD Criterion A: Stressor
3:43 Non-military example of PTSD
4:52 Detailed discussion of PTSD Criterion B: Intrusive symptoms
6:24 PTSD Criterion C: Avoidance symptoms
6:47 In-depth discussion of PTSD Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognition and mood
9:27 PTSD Criterion E Alterations in arousal and reactivity
11:31 Criterion F: Duration of PTSD symptoms
11:45 Criterion G: Functional significance. Is your PTSD affecting your daily living?
12:10 Criterion H: Exclusion. Your PTSD symptoms cannot be attributed to substance use or self-medication.
14:10 Any PTSD exceptions when it comes to VA disability claims?
14:30 What are PTSD Specifications?
Dissociative specification vs. delayed specification
15:43 How does the VA rate PTSD?
VA PTSD Ratings 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%
16:06 0% PTSD rating
16:11 30% PTSD rating
16:24 50% PTSD rating
16:32 70% PTSD rating
16:44 100% PTSD rating explained
17:28 PTSD C&P Exams tips | Tips for attending PTSD C&P Exam
19:15 What if I can't work because of my PTSD? Individual unemployability. TDIU. VA unemployability
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Speakers
Natalia Jofre - COO
Melanie Williams - Attorney
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a recognized psychiatric disorder that a person may develop after exposure to a traumatic event. For many years, PTSD went widely undiagnosed or was not recognized as the serious condition it is. Thanks to advancements in research and the breakdown of social stigmas, we have more information about the mental health condition than ever before. We know that the majority of people who are exposed to traumatic events do not develop PTSD, and we know that veterans of the U.S. military are disproportionately affected by PTSD when compared to American civilians.
This blog post provides a brief breakdown of the required criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, as well as PTSD specifications, as defined by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), published by the American Psychiatric Association. It’s important to note that this edition made changes to the previous DSM-IV)
What PTSD Criteria Does The DSM-5 Include?
The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria that must be present. These include:
A stressor
Intrusive symptoms
Avoidance symptoms
Negative alterations in cognition and mood
Alternations in arousal and reactivity
Duration of symptoms
Functional significance
Exclusion
What PTSD Specifications Does The DSM-5 Include?
It’s important to note that the DSM-5 also outlines two specifications for PTSD diagnoses. These specifications can apply to veterans who meet the eight PTSD criteria outlined above and have unique circumstances. These specifications may not apply to every PTSD diagnosis.
Read more on PTSD criteria here: www.hillandponton.com/ptsd-ba...
I've never heard my life explained so well. This was like a direct explanation for my life.
I’m 100% for PTSD total and permanent and I would happily surrender it to have just one day without the noise. I have gone through three hospitalizations and lengthy PTSD residential treatment, the VA has saved my life after a very frightening flashback. I am an isolate and I still avoid social events and only family visits, but they always call first. I’m in my sixties and I’m hopeful for enduring it for only a little while longer.
I am rated at 60 percent for ptsd-depression, and a wrist injury. The older I get the harder it gets to just go outside of my home or go to a gathering. I can’t handle the noise and the constant panic and fear that consumes me. The VA saved my life as well. I didn’t know what was wrong with me for so long until I was officially diagnosed in 2014. I am 38 years old. Hang in there.
Thinking of you. Praying. I’m am so thankful for your service but so sorry for your suffering. ❤️✝️❤️
Mr whiskers….please know I am praying for you right now…right now and you will stay in my thoughts….please be well and I ask the universe and God to help you
Exact same issues for me. I have constant noise in my head 24 hours a day. I avoid people and I’m paranoid when I drive my vehicle among a list of other things.
I also wish I could have one normal day. Hang in there buddy.
This was the best PTSD explanation video I've ever heard.
Great video! I felt as if you talking about my daily life . Made me more self aware . Thank you ladies
This was helpful. I was diagnosed recently and had no idea he was testing me the whole time. Thanks for this!
I'm so glad I clicked on this video! The explainations are clear and for quite a few years now I thought I wouldn't quailify based on what I percieved as just me managing and going through the motions with how I felt about my tour. Now I have a better understanding of different types of stressors and varying levels of PTSD I'm definintely filing a claim.
Watching this made me cry. I didn't know that ask the bad things I was feeling was from PTSD. I knew some of them were but feeling dead inside and hopeless and worthless was just something I thought was just me. I hope I can get some help, feeling like this isn't living.
I did my C&P Exams recently and was seen by 2 evaluators that were very understanding. The conversation was open for me to express everything that happened to me during my service. I highly recommend to all service members that you are as honest as possible with your feelings and don't be fearful of opening up. If you have ever had thoughts about harming yourself or of suicide, that is fine to mention during the exam and you will not immediately be hospitalized. I'm still in the process of being rated for my PTSD claim and the VA has also requested more information from me. I sent them a more descriptive word document stating everything that happened, how I felt in that moment, and how I feel and act now. We'll see what happens next. I wish the best of luck to you all and thank you for your service.
This is spot on. They won’t lock you up or hospitalize you. You must tell them (they won’t judge you) the truth and must be honest about how these symptoms effect you. Don’t be ashamed, you can’t get the help if you don’t open up. Suicide, self harm, seeing shit, hearing things…. Just tell them. I’m 100% for PTSD. 100% for PTSD isn’t a fun ride.
Pls update us when you get an update. Best to you.
Update, after six months I was able to win my claim for PTSD rated at 50 percent for a total rating of 70 now. I won this claim without being seen for any mental health related care while on active-duty. It's possible to win your claim without being on medication prescribed to you in service. The buddy statements I used were critical in justifying the legitimacy of my story. A fellow Corporal I worked with and a Staff Sergeant who was my mentor provided me those buddy statements. Fight for your claims. I'm just one of many who won their battle with the VA.
@@Dannymessatsu Awesome. Glad you responded. It always kind of leaves an empty feeling when people just disappear.
A couple of things...,
Why did you say 2 exams, and "evaluators"?
Did they send you back for a re-do?
Did you have combat action or whatever the service equivalent is in your service. .. Bronze star..etc... on you DD-214?
Was your PTSD based on a combat incident(s)?
you were rated at 50%, even though you expressed S.I. ideation? I thought the symptom S.I. was rated at 70% ?
This has me thinking a lot.
@@eQuariuz I saw 2 evaluators. I have no idea why but the appointments were a few days apart. My PTSD claim is non-combative. I believe it was rated at 50 because it's not as severe as others and I may have not met enough of the criteria for all of the symptoms. However, I have the diagnosis for sleep apnea and just put in a secondary claim yesterday connected to my PTSD.
This by far was the best explanation of PTSD and it's symptoms 👏. You guys rock!
I come back to this video over and over. It’s easily the best explanation on how to structure and look at your PTSD claim. Thank you! 👏👏🇺🇸
Wow, that's great feedback! Thanks Rich. I'll make sure to let Attorney Williams know.
@@HillAndPonton you bet, we have 3 veterans in my home, and should or better yet when the day comes we need representation, I’m calling you guys.
This is the best explanation I have heard. I use to be a Combat Documentation Specialist, better known as combat camera. I’m at the point where I don’t take pictures or record videos anymore because of all the stuff I documented throughout the years.
as a vet bro i can relate to this. i gotta get help
@@martinmcdonald8792 Do it brother…we’re all in this together. 👊🏾
Dr Vonetes I only hope every C&P examiner is as honest and caring in their assessments as you are. All you hear is how ruthless they are and their purpose is to screw you out of benefits. I’m 74years old and filing for the first time for PTSD & Anxiety issues and scared to death but after watching your podcasts I’m definitely more confident. Thank you for all your great information.
I’m 100% for PTSD. Initial C&P was done by a
Life Coach. My letter stated that the VA recognizes I got PTSD in Iraq on active duty but because I had multiple events (3 combat deployments in the early days of Iraq. Apparently at the time the VA only recognized one event as acceptable for PTSD. I had multiple events spread out over 3 deployments.) I was 0% not service connected. Talk about a gut punch, I have PTSD, the government recognizes it, but won’t service connect it. It took 5 years of appeals and by then I had significant issues that could have been avoided.
@@fivelights907 Holy cow man. 5 years?? I have a PTSD diagnosis from VA, but still says service conn: NO on the medical notes. Almost all the notes are referring to the same "stressor" in combat. DD214, medals...etc all back it up. I have my first VA scheduled C&P in a few days. They moved very fast after the diagnosis. I would think that the purpose of the C&P is to provide rationale to service connect??
@@eQuariuz C&P looks at how your symptoms effect daily life. Yes, they look for service connections, but that’s like 5%. The C&P looks to confirm diagnosis and evaluate symptoms.
@@fivelights907
"3 combat deployments in the early days of Iraq. Apparently at the time the VA only recognized one event as acceptable for PTSD"
How could they deny, why not just pick one stressor or two on one deployment?
I don't understand this. I'm assuming you have the Ribbons, Badges or whatever for combat, and it's listed openly on your DD-214??
Im glad yall post these videos
For many of us it's not a matter of intrusive or unwanted memories, because the stressor is an ever-present thing. It's always present. So the issue for us is trying to forget. Which is impossible.
So sorry to hear what you've been going through. We've seen time and time again veterans dealing with PTSD and not getting the help they need. We know it can be really hard to live with PTSD but just know help is available. We recently interviewed a Licensed Psychologist on C&P Exams for mental health. I think this video might be helpful to you: czcams.com/video/9_BdPGGp2Rg/video.html . Also, we're releasing a new video on PTSD and Anxiety with the same doctor this week - I hope to see you there!
I feel ya on that one. That’s the intrusive thought on the more extreme end.
@Snake, I hear you brother. I went over a bridge from an auto accident in Germany 40 years ago. Should have been killed. My mind goes over that accident every day since then.
Yes. I have PTSD from Vietnam (drafted). It always lingers in my thoughts.
Wow, explained so well. I have multiple symptoms in each of those categories. My gosh, it was comforting to hear someone talk about what I go through daily; and almost constantly with some symptoms of my PTSD. I am in the process of submitting my claim. Thank you very much ladies for helping more veterans than you probably can imagine with your videos. God bless you both.
Thank You Both! Very informative.
I wish this existed 10 years ago. Thank you so much for all of your efforts.
I’m in the midsts of my appeal now, headed for another C&P exam soon!
I have almost all the symptoms, been in a VA mental ward. It seems like I got a something on my back. I see a psych every three months. I see why there is a lot of suicide. I have good days and bad days.I’ll been 100% for years. The VA doctors told me I should have been drawing the day I got out of the army. I was a combat medic in Nam, Purple Heart, combat badge, Nam messed my whole life up.
This video has helped me increase my rating percentage to 100%, thank you.
Thank you so much for the videos. This is so a great weight off my hart, & chest to hear & see. Youv spocken as if youv known me all my life!!! Thank god.!!!
yup. They put me through all of that stuff. The words that get used.... avoidance, detachment, lack of feelings..... they're all in the VA App. That thing does help a lot.
What a great job you have done for the veteran community!
I wish I knew this a long time ago. I have been dealing with my PTSD on my own as something normal but clearly it is not. I have been through probably 60-70 employers and now I have lost the use of my left arm and can't work due to my service. I have all the PTSD symptoms mentioned here and I need to get everything looked at. Thank you for creating these videos. They are extremely helpful.
I'm just now going thru the ptsd process with the va and quite honestly, I don't know what to expect because several events come to my thoughts often but yet I don't break down, I just feel sad and angry and definitely have been told my anger is raging at times.
V A employees should be required to watch this. C&P examiners should be required to watch this.
Wow, thanks for saying so, Gregory! If you liked this one, hopefully you'll like our interview with a C&P Examiner here: czcams.com/video/9_BdPGGp2Rg/video.html
I am very glad that I came across your video. I never realized how much this has affected my life over the past 30 years.
I absolutely agree with you.. over the last year these have actually helped me recognize what I had been dealing with for at least 35 years!!
Same here, been denial since I been discharged,1993.
Same here, I have been dealing with a lot of these symptoms since 2006, and never knew that is what I was dealing with
Im w/ u
This was a great explanation of ptsd. As I was watching I realized that I had a lot of the symptoms. May be contacting
Excellent video, thank you for posting.
Thank you Rick!
Thank you! From my heart God Bless your legal services.
Excellent discourse on PTSD. I was in Vietnam and, eventually in 2002, I was rated as 100% permanent and total, with PTSD alone. I ha made adjustments and have a good life now. Thanks
John are you under the 100% “unemployability” or are you still able to work?
The issue is trying to remember this very long list of symptoms and being able to state them or explain them to the VA from memory, otherwise they just think you don't have those symptoms. They should instead just go down this long list for you and ask you one at a time if you experience them rather than us the veterans having to sit there and memorize the DSM.
This was a great segment
Ive got and have had so many of these symptoms for years and years
I just got 36k on July 15th I am now 100percent
Congratulations
You go boy👍
👍🏾
Nice!
✈️✈️✈️
Wow! This was a eye-opener for me.
We're glad we could be of help. Also if you haven't checked it out yet, we interviewed a licensed Psychologist and C&P Examiner regarding PTSD here: czcams.com/video/vmWhYLbr7GY/video.html
very well said and explained thank you,
Very helpful and insightful. Thank you.
I never thought I had this and the doctor said I should get help but, this video opened my eyes and seeking the help I need
Hi There Xavier, thanks for sharing a little of your situation. Mental health conditions can leave us in a fog where we don't see things rationally. We get so used to things are going that we don't realize we need change. Best of luck to you and we're happy our video could help in some way.
I need you to represent me in my VA claim. You explainedthe aspects of PTSD so well, and I had no idea that I was that far from normal society. I felt so bad relating to EVERY ASPECT
I bet you seen all kinds trauma, huh POG?
@@gburn9377 you must be bothered, for you to really go out of your way to throw shade on a stranger who's probably gone through more than you can think of. Hope you have a good weekend and happy holidays friend.
@Ária Bey didn't really go out of my way. Just saw a POG crying about PTSD again. Lol I did my time in Ramadi, Iraq as an 11B. Whatever you witnessed wasn't shit.
@@gburn9377 lol I'm not tryna win a brag war about who's seen the most damage 🤣
You win bro, like I said, have a good weekend and happy holidays war hero
@@ariabey7614 no one's bragging, FRAUD.
Fascinating…very recently, I was told by a VA shrink that I have significant combat exposure and an adjustment disorder…but not PTSD. Half of this, meanwhile, sounds a little bit too familiar.
Thanks so much for this. I am a Vietnam vet with PTSD. This video finally has shown me who I really am inside and why I have struggled emotionally for so many years. I did not realize that I have all 8 conditions. At the end of the video I cried.
ICR...same here.
Wow, we are so honored to have been able to help you in some way, Barry. If you haven't checked it out yet, here's our video on PTSD and Anxiety discussed by a licensed Psychologist with one of our attorneys: czcams.com/video/vmWhYLbr7GY/video.html
Thank you for sharing, Ric. We're happy to help.
Am sorry to hear that. Major concern in addition is worldwide terrorism. In cahoots. V2K, Voice to Skull, RNM (Remote Neural Monitoring) MKUltra, Energy Weapons, Targeting of Individuals, and entire families. If you try talking about that to VA, they may use that against you. That stuff is real.
Great video ladies thank you!
I'm desperate for help. Your videos are the only Real help I have been able to find. THANK YOU.
Very well explained! Will have to have another c and p done. I was at batallion hq bombing in 1983 Lebanon Beirut. Oct. 23, 1983. Went over on the USS IWO JIMA. Worked shore duty as an avionics tech on CH-46E transport helicopters. Received intimidation fire from Shiites from time to time while working on choppers. I hit on several symptoms you spoke of. Been living with these for 40 years.
One of the helos picked us up from the airport to fly us out to the USS IWO JIMA the day after the bombing .for work on the ship, we were from the USS PUGET SOUND to do repair work on fly a way work which is what we did. during the flight the helo sprung a oil leak overhead and we all got sprayed with some oil. reading your post and seeing the date reminded me of this. have a good day !
@@chrisbretney9068 This may be scary for you but I probably worked on the aircraft you flew in. Lol!!
Very helpful! Thanks!
You're welcome!
Wow! Amazingly said I’m going to show my kids this they will definitely understand me better that’s the hardest part about it and the IBS Is really bad too I’m also a combat vet 8 years military expirence 14 months in actual theater of a combat zone OEF and OIF The PTSD and IBS has effected my life home and work in and relationships it’s effects my relationships with friends and family kinda sucks but I don’t regret it I am proud to have served and I would do it again! Freedom is worth it and not just for us for everyone
Good stuff, thank you ladies
I did the mental exam today. This video was an outstanding resource to get an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. I feel confident that I said everything I needed to. Thanks!
Good luck!
here for your update *
I have another c&p exam in Sept. I am already 30%PTSD. Thanks for this video I know what to expect and have an understanding.
@@vltie8305 Time for an update! it took about three months to receive the results. I ended up with 50% PSTD. I just went in there and told the truth and the results were what they were. however, I did review all the highlights and main points in my mind before going in so I would readily be able to discuss things and point things out during the appointment. and I still forgot to mention some things, like my roommate was killed in Iraq, and I still think about him. I forgot to mention that. Make sure to mention all of that type of stuff. Include anything that affects you mentally. No matter how small it seems. I’ve been burying everything for 20 years and it was difficult and not enjoyable to bring it all back to the forefront of my mind. It is necessary for this appointment. Go in prepared with anything and everything that bothers you mentally. The smallest things like fear to travel, to the big things like nightmares.
@@MrSirDudeGuy Exactly this. I didn't do well in my first exam and was standoffish and my rating was 30%. The second time I went, I just let it all out. I let them know of a friend who was killed in Iraq and since I've held everything in for years I started crying during the exam. I was embarrassed but just thought F it, I'm just gonna tell the complete truth. I am now at 70%. I think a lot of us, don't show our feelings and it hurts us during the C&P exam. I mean we were always taught that being hurt for anything was shameful and would be made fun of if on a profile. We were taught just to suck it up so we think nobody cares anyway so might as well just keep it to ourselves.
Thank you for the video, my wife asks me what's going on all the time and its been hard to explain this when I barely know what I am going through. I checked almost everything on that list you mentioned and I am at 50% for ptsd and after watching this it makes me realize I should be 70-100% for PTSD. I watched a few more of your videos after this as well and it's really cool to hear and see how the system works and how complex the process can be.
You have a wife and not everything on the list? I HAVE to live alone, have EVERYTHING on the list, and am 0% RATED for PTSD. Be lucky you can function as much as you can and still get 50%.
Thank you Ladies. This was very informative & helpful.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8. I have 1-8 of them and I understand how I got my 100% PTSD from the VA.
Can you still work a law enforcement job with a 100% ptsd rating ?
I've got all 8 and i'm at 70%.
The hard part is "can't work". Well, most of us HAVE to work, so we work. Yea there's a train wreck of "let go's" in the past, but, we must find another and another.
@@badscat_910 yes
Thank You!
Thank you for watching!
You really described many of my "traits". But damn, I fell from the top of a telephone pole on active duty. Now major sciatica. Can't even get help for that.
I have had a social worker thought it's a learned behavior. I set an go on about how easily it could be over came. When she finished I told her she is in the he wrong line of work. That I would not need another appointment an thanked her for her view an insight.
I was so pissed I just lift. Someone that doesn't go through it will never truly understand it.
Damn.... I just put PTSD claim with the VA because my wife and friends kept harassing me about it. Glad I watched this video. I experience all of this, but I've been telling myself to "man up" for about 10 years.
Well done. As a Vietnam vet (drafted), I ignored my symptoms for years. The psychiatrist at the VA was really great to me. You deserve compensation!
I served in Vietnam with people who are 70% who never saw a minute of combat, never spent a night in Nam without a mess hall, roof and bunk. The system can be abused. An insult to all the men who went through hell.
Very true and unfortunate last veterans didn’t have this type of support system.
My Youngest Uncle was in Nam he was Medal of Honor recipent Pfc Milton Lee Olive III
It’s not just combat that causes PTSD severe enough for 70%. Other situations qualify too.
Not everybody has to go through combat to get this benefit. Look at me who is 100% Permanent and Total with Special Monthly Compensation (L) Aid and Attendance getting $4,000.00 a month for the rest of my life and never saw a second of combat. No more said.
Alot of us went through hell without combat
OMG, you were as the song says: Killing Me Softly. I have every symptom discussed in this video. I am currently rated at 70% for PTSD but I know that I am actually 100% F'ed up.
I just had my consult for my BDD claim and the doctor said I didn’t have PTSD but everything y’all explained I’ve experienced 😔
Thank you
I’ve been fighting my claim since 2014. It is now 2022 and the judge granted my disability! I thank God and for everyone that fought my case.
Update: I was granted 50 percent for both ptsd and depression. I was 20 percent for my wrist surgery. Giving me a total percentage of 60 percent. I still don’t understand how they calculate their percentages.
Can you let me know what happened how was your process
@@ashleywilliams339 the process was incredibly painful. I had to relive the trauma every single CP exam. My medical records linked the ptsd and depression to military service along with linking it to the abuse that I received from another enlisted member.
Long story short they kept trying to say I had personality disorder when I have been diagnosed 3X by a physiatrist for PTSD Depression and anxiety.
They rated me at 50 percent for ptsd and depression. I am also 20 percent for my hand, so combined it’s 60 percent. I got over 5 years worth of backpay as well.
All I can say is don’t give up, keep appealing those denials. It should not have taken me 8 years to win this battle. I still feel I deserved more, but I am forever thankful.
Good luck to you.
Yes. The infamous personality disorder game. I had the PD diagnosis for 15 years preventing me from service connection. 2 months ago my va psych doctor changed the diagnosis to mst/ptsd. Im on step 2 of the claim waiting to see if they schedule a C&P exam. Worried the examiner will still over rule my doctor who i have seen for 2 years.
@@maureenwilson4949 the key is to get your claim to the judge. If they deny so many times the last step is the court hearing. I had to testify about the trauma that I endured. It took nearly 8 years to win this. I am now 60 percent disabled.
50% is your highest rating everyting beyond that is based on what you have left.. technically you are still 50% abled.. your next on is 20. So take 20% of what you have left.. i.e. 10%.. total rating is 50 plus 10 = 60.. its gets worse going from 90 to 100% you need 40 or 50 points to hit the thresh hold.. 1 actual % per 10% applied
This really made me cry I always thought it was me. Just filed a claim with the VA I never knew this was ptsd what I was experiencing.
I thought the rest of the world was crazy nd I was the only sane one.....nope...I had it backwards for 40 years....plus...
my PTSD experience was worse than I thought. I've always dealt with it as best as I could BUT! I've had many many many problems, nightmares.. anger flareups... I don't like crowds I had bad problems in my former marriage.
sweats,, confusion... sadness insane craziness from smells or sounds or sights. I was deployed to the Korean D.M.Z and there were several scary, life-threatening things that happened to me when I was there.
and it's never left me. I live with it but man oh man I just never properly dealt with it.
MST/PTSD I had stuffed the night terrors, anxiety, depression down deep so that I could be the best mother to my children. When I was in the process of pushing my claim through, I had to talk about the assaults, I had to write about them, read about them.
For FIVE years.
The night terrors, hyper- vigilance, depression, anxiety, anger, all came back with a vengeance. When the claim was paid, it was one huge lump sum then monthly.
The problem is that I live in a small town where I am nobody. There are far too few counselors with so much need. I sought out a counselor, was just starting to make some progress. The counselor I began seeing, canceled all future appointments when she found that I had worked for one of her friends. The woman I worked for messed me over, so, I reported her. The counselor made up a lie to cancel my appointments because I reported her friends' wrongful actions.
So, now, I have to figure things out on my own.
I don't trust any counselors, now. Too many bad experiences with people who are supposed to help, only causing harm for me.
I know the feeling.. Talking about it only makes me worse. Just makes me want to do terrible things to people
@@SpaceRanger187 First, i want to say that whatever people did to you that resulted in your emotional wounds, I'm sorry that was done to you.
I don't want to hurt anyone due to what was done to me, I am living a good life which I'm grateful for.
I do, however, know where each of the rapists are so that if I happen to go to that area by chance, I can be vigilant enough that if I see them, I can avoid them.
The stress is always with me, but it's not from something I did but something I didn't do when for the first time I came upon a child of 10 or 12 in a bunker being prostituted out to GIs by the girl's uncle. I should have taken her into my arms and hurried her to the hospital and had her uncle arrested. Instead, like a fool that I was at 21, I only told the aid station doctor what I had seen. His reaction was, "War is hell," and that's it. I should have taken it upon myself to save this little girl, but I felt helpless. Today I see that little girl's face and hear her sweet terrified voice many times a day. It's the reason I have never been able to form a bond with anyone for more than a few months.
It happened again a few months later when a terrified, crying little girl came up to a group of us GIs one night and begged us to help her, that some other GIs had just robbed her of the money she had made that night through prostitution. Again, I should have swept this little girl up and hurried her to the hospital or aid station. Instead, I did nothing. I also see this girl's teary-eyed face and hear her cries every day.
I've been advised to seek help through the VA from a buddy of mine who was diagnosed with PTSD, but why seek help when I'm still ashamed of my lack of action, my complete ignorance, and my lack of a moral compass when I had every right to do something/anything to help these little girls.
This has been hard to tell this account. It brings back these memories as if they were yesterday. Luckily, I've devoted my time and energy to helping children, becoming an elementary school teacher, and doing my best to erase the wrongs I committed back in '67/'68.
I hope any who have suffered this type of trama get help. I, myself, don't feel I deserve help, and I won't accept help from the VA. But for those who can find the courage, do seek help and may you find some comfort knowing you're not alone.
I was a casualty rep for the AOR and seeing reports coming in daily, it really got to me not only seeing the details of the reports, but also ensuring the numbers were accurate to report. I dream about this everyday and I wake up constantly. Does this qualify for PTSD?
This is so aggravating... I gave 100 percent of myself. I never complained. Mine was just to do or die aye aye sir.... but yet I finally seek assistance.. and the VA says oh well it's just this or that.... and we'll just give this... so much for "thank you for your service ! "... take your thank you and....
I just can’t believe this EVERYTHING that was mentioned is what I’ve been going through.
Someone said to me I may have PTSD but I thought it could never happen to me.
My initial C&P the doctor said i qualified for 70% and that's what she recommended. VA gave me 50%. I just went through another C&P for an increased rating. VA kept it at 50%. One of the questions was daily hygiene. VA sys it's a requirement for higher rating. I don't shower everyday, I don't brush my teeth everyday. I do wash my face and hands. Having said that, it was noted that hygiene was not a problem on this latest eval. It seems that some of the questions they ask are off the wall. My rating is labeled non combat. It's all about playing the game.
That's pretty much me but I have amnesia off and on and it scaries me that no one sees i try my best but its never a fair hand . Every 5 years or so i get my memory back a little at a time then i come to iver and over since b
Spouse of a a rated Vet for PTSD here.... And the "no one can be trusted"... statement, boy, that hits hard. Married 31 yrs and my husband still makes comments that reflects how he can't trust me.
good luck getting ssd as well. im ptsd unemployable, bipolar 2, broke back. been fighting for ssd since 2019 with no luck
I am a 10% veteran
I’ve been struggling with PTSD like 15 years. They made me get out of the army because of it after 12 years. Now the VA is trying to reduce my rating. To me it seems like these evaluations are to try and get justification to lower ratings. The examiner works for the VA not for the veterans. Two days after my exam the VA said they made a decision to reduce my rating. Two days! from information that an examiner got in an out that knew nothing about me before the exam. Not taking into account what my doctor I’ve been seeing once a week for years recommended. Now tomorrow will be my 4th exam in a year trying to get this corrected. Wounded warrior has been trying to help but honestly the only assistance I e got, which I appreciate is them setting up the appointment for me cuz I would not have been able to do it. I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this
I hope things got better for you and worked out like you hoped.
@@puppethound not yet. Still waiting. Just got back from the Wyoming inpatient PTSD/SA program. It was tough to the point I didn’t get all the way through it. Left early. Had to get back to my support system. Hopefully it doesn’t hurt me with the VA that I couldn’t finish the program. It was just to tough.
It’s something I never imagined, the VA. I served and was Honorably discharge for medical reasons. The Coast Guard gave me a $5,000 severance and I was told that’s what I get do not apply for disability. At the age of 21 what do I know? So I went 4 years with No disability compensation. When I realized I could apply for disability I did, received 10%. Then for 30 years I was at 10%. After which I needed surgery which put me to 30% plus 10% more for secondary issues. Now after 47 years with my affliction I am having more problems. It took since last September until today for the VA to approve my MRI and other tests. My frustration level is beyond the ceiling. I am currently rated 50% disabled, 47 years after the injury. I should be 100%. I would like some help. Not that the VA wouldn’t help. It’s more like they won’t take time to help me. I feel like I served my country and now I’m on my own and must maneuver a system to receive compensation that they should have been standing by the door to give me. Wow, do I regret my service. I would rather have stayed healthy and lived a more active life than have been treated like this. I’m 67 now. I can no longer enjoy many things I used to do. Not because I’m old, but because I can’t from my injury. Many things I enjoyed have been given up one by one over the years because I would injure myself if I continued. But who cares?
Do you take on cases from the start? I have my C&P this weekend can I use your services at this point?
I was recently diagnosed with PTS through a C&P exam. I’m just waiting on my rating. I’m an Infantryman with 2 combat tours in Afghanistan.
Best of luck, Todd - if you're not satisfied with the rating given to you, make sure to let us know. We work on appeals!
It's a shame that any soldier who's been in a combat zone has to be rated at all. That should automatically be 100%.
Last year I applied for PTSD from MST. I sent my application in October including letters from my doctors. I'm still waiting for my Award Letter.
I know I have a problem. I won’t go into it here but it’s gotten so bad that I can’t go into a comp & pen appointment for the PACT act because I’m so petrified. I’ve tried telling my doctor about it but her answer is to make a mental health appointment…which requires going in. I can’t do that. Viscous cycle. Things like this are the only human interactions I have; or want.
listening to this is really difficult when u have ptsd, i had to force myself to the end
Rich Murphy
I have provided a Nexus letter for my PTSD claim. The VA is now requesting my medical records from my mental health treatment. I don’t really want to share them, I feel like it’s very private. Hence the reason I provided a well written nexus up front. Do I have to give them my records?
I been denied for PTSD for 17yrs. Not even 0% But the VA got me on Prozacin-PTSD, Tradozone, Melatone, and Aripipazole.
We are very sorry to hear about the trouble you have been having. Do you currently have an open claim? If so, please feel free to give our office a call at 386-257-2100 to see if we may be able to assist. Thank you!
I received 10% PTSD at first but I appealed and had it raised to 30%.
It's confusing when they refer to an event, as an infantry combat veteran I was on the front line in the field for 4 months straight then another 3 months straight after the first stint. The first 4 months were very hot. Then operating from a camp and doing week long patrols. Always under threat. There were so many things that happened, in fact it's really stressful to start actively trying to remember every traumatic episode, especially when you spend most of your time trying to block these things out.
It's quite a thing to have a thousand odd men die around you in several hours of direct contact on multiple occasions. Also we were conscripts so we were forced to serve, refusal would mean 6 yrs in prison.
This is me. I've been going through this for years. I don't know what to do.
one more thing if your father had ptsd you have it too. my father was at pearl harbor then leyte and okinawa hacksaw ridge. i didn't have a childhood to fall back on when i went to ptsd class. 76 not looking forward to 77 it's all most over. after john mcaine won his first primerey at a brunch a other vet handed him a internal VA memo "first deny the claim than think of a resown why".
They ALWAYS turn you down. I have lung cancer related to asbestos in the Navy, many companies sued, and I'm trying to figure out how to go about getting a VA disability claim started. Had to have one third of my right lung removed because of the cancer.
There is no question that most people with prior military service has some type of PTSD. After serving this nation for 21 years with several combat tour's I am still trying to receive the benefits I have earned. The prior presidents, vice presidents, congress, and the senate, including local governments have failed us as veterans. I am willing to say, that those in the higher level of the government has their benefits, because they are high profile individuals. Those of us who deserves the benefits the most, and struggling and fighting for something that we have earned honestly.
Get that claim processed so you can get the doctor appointments needed to get the compensation rating. Don't give up, stay at it.
As a Vietnam vet (drafted), you are spot on. I have PTSD and am receiving 50%. You DESERVE COMPENSATION! Have you talked to a psychiatrist at the VA? He really helped me.
What about separation anxiety from family/significant others while on active duty?
Are we able to write down on paper all of our symptoms from each category? It Jared my memory of even more symptoms I have, just listening to the examples within the different criteria. Hopefully we are able to bring a written list of symptoms into our C&P exam, along with statements of friends and loved ones that see what I go through daily and for many years now.
Yes, also it help to take a family member or fried as a witness, the also can fill out VA sworn statements describing your conditions.
In your third topic some of that paranoia is schizophrenia. My question is how does pdst and schizophrenia interact and on top of therapy would you use medication to treat paranoia schizophrenia?
This great information.. My husband finally made a claim for his PTSD .. he was diagnosed a while back but he never asked for help or add to his disability. It will take a while for his claim to get approved. He is finally getting help.. Because it is affecting his family and he had to quit his job.
Look into retroactive pay as well. A veteran decided to finally apply after years of anger. He was awarded retro pay several thousand dollars, amount was better than nothing, plus disability rating and pay from then on.
When your squad leader is shouting out commands and his head comes off his shoulders from a direct hit between the 'running' lights you have a tendency towards PTSD. Just one of many moments I had while a member of a Marine combat platoon in Vietnam. Americans are not programmed for the Hell of war.
I received a text saying the vba granted my appeal for ptsd. Waiting to see the change. I submitted it on 6-2013 and I’m already 80% as of this past January. Hoping I get the backpay from 2013. 10% in 2015 to 30 then 50 in 2017. 70 in 2018 then 80 in late 2022. Might be a wealthy man in a few months
Just got denied for PTSD, been out the service for 20 years I may have to get a lawyer.
Can I get a mental evaluation online? Like virtually? Or over the phone? I am sure it would be better in person, but I moved to Norway a few years ago and don't have money to fly back or get an evaluation here because it's expensive.
I meet MANY of these criteria. for sure hypervigilance, as well as bad dream, triggers from loud noises
not trusting anyone inspecting my location for safety, anger flare-ups.. Sadness for no reason, Divorce and problems at work.
As a Vietnam vet (drafted), it sounds like you have PTSD. You should file immediately. The psychiatrist at the VA was very helpful to me.
@@namvet1968 thank u Brother.
I for sure am following up with treatment finally after all of these years for PTSD
It's unfortunate that all the examples given were only about combat. Military sexual trauma, sexual assault and/or rape need to be included. Otherwise, this was very informative.
She did mention those
I do not think she mentioned these, especially sexual stuff.
And the fact that about 90% of people that suffer from PTSD have it from being in combat because of two 20-year wars
She did mention MST but you have to remember if we don't tell them about the sexual trauma or the assaults and rapes that go on then we can't get treatment for it and the problem is so many women have been quiet about it for so long and now they're finally starting to bring it to light and they're getting help which is force the VA to start offering the support that we need
You can still get treatment at VA facilities for MST even if you didn't report it at the time! This is a fact. In this video she does say the word "rape" but I don't remember hearing the words "military sexually trauma". If you have a MST, talk to them about filing a disability claim if you are suffering from PTSD because of it. Even if it's denied, you still have a place to get it out and of your chest and your heard. And you still don't get charged for the treatment you undergo. In the state I live in, the mental health professionals at our VA are top notch!
Is PTSD, and Anxiety both looked at for VA disability claim? I recall a lady mentioning that VA goes with one mental disorder. Can you elaborate on this
I was in volved in an ied strike while on a foot patrol in 2008 in Iraq, I had two Marines who injured one was critically wonded and the other was urgent and I had my bell rung from the blast. I have this service connected but 0% rated.
How do I get this reevaluated.
Hello yes, I was medically retired mainly because of PTSD from my service I wasn't really aware of it until my command sent me to WRC. This was all due to others in my unit brought it up to our commander. I do need more with my rating because the VA dropped me from 80 to 60.
if your medically retired do you get pension and va disability payment or just the va?
@@g5todd I actually would have to look into that I myself am unsure.
How about 19 yr old escorting dead burned Ft Campbell US Army soilders through Dover AFB mortuary to have the mortician perform identity ortopsy. I am now 56 and have had dreams and memories of it all the months and years since I was 19. I can still see exact details. Wakes me up through out the night.