"Why I’m Skeptical Of PTSD Claims… And Why You Should Be Too" How do you feel about this? Sound off!?

2016-01-28T13:13:09-05:00

http://havokjournal.com/culture/why-im-skeptical-of-ptsd-claims-and-why-you-should-be-too/

Why I’m Skeptical Of PTSD Claims… And Why You Should Be Too

I know I'm going to catch hell from fellow vets on this but it needs to be said: I’m becoming skeptical of some PTSD claims, and you should be too.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jan 28 at 2016 1:16 PM

2016-01-28T13:16:32-05:00

Yeah I get it. Some of these claims are not legit. I jump at the sound of the I-Phone "Alarm" sound which is the exact Klaxon alarm from incoming rounds alert. But that's from being in Iraq for 3 tours and being on Balad Air Base more affectionately known as Mortaritaville. I have it under control though.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:22 PM

2016-01-28T13:22:07-05:00

Yes and No. But we still need to take every single one of them seriously.

We did face the worse suicide in the Vet or Service member that we ever know of. So, I really don't like how this article phrase it. I would had down voted you if you are the one that write it.

PTSD is a real problem, but there is also another underlining factor that make it worse. We are having generations of youth that really think being in military is like playing Call of Duty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:24 PM

2016-01-28T13:24:08-05:00

I've always wondered the same thing. I have no doubt that some claims of PTSD are false. That's just the way of the world and the people in it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-01-28T13:49:58-05:00

I mean, he may have a point and THAT'S actually the problem.

I don't like how he stated it, but I have seen a case first hand. I was actually assigned to watch her and came to the conclusion that this mania came from alcohol. But then again, alcohol can make your true feelings surface.

I'm not a doctor, so... I just pray it's not the case. I don't use it as a crutch and really don't think others should as well.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 28 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-01-28T13:52:47-05:00

Interesting article. Sure, some 'fake' PTSD because there is a monetary value in doing so. So does 'chronic pain', but again, some fake that as well I am sure. Unfortunately, until there is a test that can diagnose it, it will be abused by many. Since few of us are trained mental health providers, I think we need not judge what someone has or doesn't have...22 a day is 22 to many!

Response by MSgt C Madd made Jan 28 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-01-28T14:44:32-05:00

Alanis Morissette says she has PTSD from getting famous too fast in the 90's.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jan 28 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-01-28T14:45:23-05:00

SGT Larry Prentice I read the article. I tend to agree. My father who served in Vietnam, attended a veterans event a few years ago and a service organization rep tried to talk him into applying for PTSD compensation. He has never had symptoms and said as much and the rep told him that it didn't matter, the VA cannot disprove it and if he was in Vietnam, he had to have it to some degree. I also watched a troop of mine who NEVER left the Air Base claim and get compensated for it. The real problem is that the false claims diminish the true claims credibility. I for one will let my ethics be my guide and never claim disability that I do not have.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-01-28T14:56:22-05:00

I think every-single-one of us hesitates to judge...especially if we ourselves aren't some form of high-speed, low drag, been there-done that elite warfighter. Still, when you come home and a couple years later find out that "that guy" you served with is on a certain percentage while you're telling everyone, "No, I'm good"...it's difficult not to start wondering.

I think it's like this: a broken back, fractured skull, or lost limb is it's own proof...illness of the mind and soul is "invisible". I can say that I saw and did things that haunt me, but that it doesn't interfere with my ability to function normally...some may agree/disagree with my assessment. Truly, I don't think it would be hard for most people to make the case that they can't adjust because of PTSD-Who's really going to say, "Sorry, BM3, standing midwatch a week in row in the Gulf while being under constant threat of missile attacks that never happened shouldn't bug you that much."

Response by SSG Daniel Miller made Jan 28 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-01-28T14:56:32-05:00

The funny thing is that ALL veterans suffer from some type of PTSD. From genuine night terrors to still folding your towel in thirds thanks to basic training (I still do), you have incurred what is today's definition of PTSD. Yes, there are exaggerated or falsified claims (always have been, always will be), but it is no reason or excuse to discount ANYONE's claim of affliction.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-01-28T15:49:44-05:00

I feel that I have PTSD,but I will be damned if I claim it. I feel that it will become a point where the government will try to disarm us, to protect us and others, from ourselves. I mean, if someone is going to commit suicide, they will find their way there. Someone who is wanting to do the deed will not need a gun/firearm. If anyone gets identified as depressed and/or identified with PTSD, somewhere in the future, they will be denied possession of ANY kind of firearms. There is already talk in different agencies wanting to "helping" military members. To do so, they are talking about removal of tools they have in their possession that they can hurt themselves with. Personally, I find shooting firearms as therapy for my attitude. The concentration needed to shoot straight overwhelms the confusion, between my ears. Now, I don't have quite the level as many of you, but I won't cry out about what I have.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 5:37 PM

2016-01-28T17:37:54-05:00

Bad article, good point. There is an awful lot of PTSD flying around these days, be careful or you might get some on you. Hell my wife tried to convince me I have PTSD, the problem is that last letter. I was suffering from PTS for a while but it wasn't impacting my life, job, family, or career; therefore, it was missing the D. BTW with effort PTS, and PTSD, can be worked through in many cases and no longer impact you, therefore no longer or never becoming a disorder. I know a lot of guys who just want to bilk the system for free money. I kicked some of them out of the Army as a commander. If you are having issues, get help. If a good friend or family member thinks you are having issues, get help. Be courageous and honest enough to admit you have a problem rather than letter an acronym define you.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 28 at 2016 6:14 PM

2016-01-28T18:14:43-05:00

I tend to agree with the author and I like his comparison to back pain that many of us suffer with due to our service. There is no doubt that people do suffer from PTSD and suffer to varying degrees. I am skeptical though of those who use it as an excuse like Sarah Palin did for her son last week when he was arrested. Things like that hurt all Veterans because it places a stigma on us. I work with a Captain and Master Sergeant who are combat infantrymen from both Iraq and Afghanistan. I am sure they saw things and did things that come back to them today. But they are fully functional and we don't always hear that. I guess it is like anything, people will do what benefits them and veterans are not exempt from that.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jan 28 at 2016 8:04 PM

2016-01-28T20:04:44-05:00

I have to agree to an extent that not all PTSD claims are legit. When I was retiring the VA guy assisting with my claims tells me "you have a CAB so you should claim PTSD to get evaluated". i told him I'm good. Don't have any issues or symptoms but I went ahead anyway. And as I talked to the head doc, I was right and nope I wasn't in denial. The system has gotten to the point where they want you to claim it regardless. It shouldn't be an automatic assumption. No wonder some employers fret about hiring Vets cause of the bad impression they get from possibly inflated statistics.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 4:09 AM

2016-01-29T04:09:25-05:00

People tend to think that for a diagnosis of PTSD one has to have deployed and been in a combat situation. Not necessarily true. Civilians get PTSD from all kinds of traumatic incidents that don't involve combat. An Army Human Resources Specialist could potentially get PTSD from hazing at the unit level, or some other non-combat related incident. My point is that the spectrum of what is consider "traumatic" enough to cause psychological damage (to the point that it affects your everyday life) is very relative. And if it happens on active duty and causes a negative impact, the soldier should get paid for it.
Is there some fraud in the system? Yes, of course. People inflate claims or fake symptoms. But, I think it is less prevalent than this article leads the reader to believe.
In my opinion, the bigger problem is the initial screening process of potential recruits. Maybe psychological screening needs to be accomplished prior to enlisting or commissioning to assess for mental resiliency. Maybe a greater look at health history is needed. Anything that isn't caught during an initial medical screening will eventually result in a disability compensation claim when the soldier ETS's or retires.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jan 29 at 2016 9:20 AM

2016-01-29T09:20:44-05:00

For the soldiers who want to abuse the VA system and lie, you days are numbered and what comes around goes around. It will come. With this issue, the VA will constantly review or reassess the diagnosis for years to come per Veteran. Now, for the ones who truly have this bitch of a disorder, it is real, it can affect your everyday functions, cause physical health issues, social difficulties, and most of all...moral injury, a warrior's soul. I was ashamed of wanting to have a claim for PTSD. I thought, "There are other Veterans who need it worse then myself. I seen how PTSD affected my life, work, dealing with authority,( I still have a problem with this one at times), and money. I was married and and still am today; one day I heard my wife screaming at her mother on the phone saying, "You do not know what it is like to live with"!!!! She was crying too. So, the ones you love, PTSD affects them too and the family. I knew something was wrong with me, but I tried my best to keep it inside, because I did not want to look "weak" in front of my peers and battle buddies. Now, I am sounding off, for the officers,NCOS, and others who have "Kicked out" soldiers because of PTSD. You left them behind, you did not take care of them. Remember, the war ethos, Do, not leave a fallen comrade behind, but you did. Why do you think we have 22 Veterans trying to kill themselves everyday????? That is a reflexion on all of us, and the armed forces. We need to help them, peer support, validate their feelings. This is where the Chaplin, Holy Men can play such a big part in a soldier's crisis and recovery. But no,
we have military administration today, who want to get rid of certain
faiths, such as Christianity. Regardless of faith, A soldier's faith can be
a big part in his/her combat, dealing with stressors, it is called praying,
a moment of silence, and in recovery, either physical or mental. Let the Chaplin do their damn job, support them, do not be against them. My faith played a big part in my recovery, it was a part of it. So, if my chain of command told me to get rid of it, I would have just tell them how it is. So, help me God!!! I recommend our current administration in the White House use the money for better mental health treatment for our Veterans, instead of migrants and immigrants. Take care of the 22 per day, sir, that is priority, because they have paid their debt. If you want to do something that everybody would remember you in a positive way instead of a negative one. Take out the problem for good once and all, ISIS, and you would have less PTSD claims, sir. That is my AAR.

Response by SPC Ryan D. made Jan 29 at 2016 11:12 AM

2016-01-29T11:12:44-05:00

He may have a point, but this falls into the category of computer chair quarter backing. I only want qualified professionals making valid medical assessments as to whether or not someone has PTSD. The writers mentality is part of the problem people with real issues face when trying to get help. They already have to fight the stigma of PTSD in modern society, lets not make it harder for them.

Unless you are said qualified medical professional, you have absolutely no right to judge whether someone has PTSD or not.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jan 29 at 2016 1:27 PM

2016-01-29T13:27:30-05:00

I read the article, and pondered the article, and even read the entire thread both hear and on the site where the article was published. I work a full time job every day. I struggle with mine everyday. I too have heard my wife and grown children say, "You've changed", or ask "How do we get our old Dad/husband back?" I do not have the answer, and struggle everyday to try to get back to that person they want. I know that initially when I went to the VA and was diagnosed, it was weird for me to even here it, but I also had been seeing a shrink out of my own pocket before that, who had come up with the same diagnosis, and I never even mentioned it to the VA.

I was diagnosed, and retired (2006), one year later, they called me and said I needed to be re-evaluated to make sure the diagnosis was correct, real, valid, whatever you want to call it, and the evaluation team was a completely different team, and they came up with the same termination as the first group did. Now, fast forward 9 years (2015), and I get a call from the VA, and they say "Hey, we need you to come in and be re-evaluated for your PTSD, again." I said ok, sure. I get there, first after the bubble test, draw the picture test, and match the animals test, I turn to the Doctor and say "What is it you are looking for, if you are looking for changes in me, talk to my wife and daughter in the lobby, they would love the chance to talk to you. Do you want me to give you case by case accounts of the things, I have seen, did, and dealt with, I can give you that right now. The Doctor looks at me, and this is an older gentleman, and says "I understand, but please keep in mind, I have never been in the Military, deployed or have seen the things you have." Hhhmmm?

The moral of this story is, it is a process to function on a daily basis, it is sometimes hard to deal with, but let me put it this way, I own several weapons, and even carry concealed, but even with my issues, that I have become very well at masking, I have never thought about harming others or myself. But that doesn't make my ordeal or hundreds and thousands of other Vets a threat to society. I have to throw the Bullshit flag on that play. Do I think there are a lot of people that abuse the system of money? Hell yes, I mean what monetary social benefit in this country doesn't have cheaters or scammers? I personally think they should do reevaluations, and there are two reasons 1. Weed out the scammers. 2. Be able to check on the health and welfare of our Veterans, that might have gotten worse or need some different kind of help. This is called taking care of our own.

This is whole quarter today.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 4:28 PM

2016-01-29T16:28:26-05:00

I can't speak for anyone but myself. My Dad has never truly come home from Vietnam. He dealt with his demons and to this day he is a farmer who likes to be by himself most days and the other old vets who live around us are much the same. They never discuss anything or even display anything that shows they are a vet. They just truly want to forget and be left alone.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jan 30 at 2016 10:24 PM

2016-01-30T22:24:58-05:00

The truth is that military personnel have exposure to a lot of traumatic events. We can't compare who's experience is more traumatic then the others, because it's dependent on the individual. There is also a huge misconception that post-traumatic stress always leads to a disorder.

I'm personally not a fan of fireworks, and similar noises, not because I get flashbacks or anything. It's because my initial reaction to that noise is fear. I hate feeling fear, so I don't willingly seek out exposure to those sounds, but I also don't feel it's necessary to modify my lifestyle to avoid them. I wouldn't consider my dislike of these sounds as PTSD, but it is definitely a reaction that occurred from traumatic exposures.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-01-31T10:12:26-05:00

100% with you!!!

Response by CPT Yinka Ogunsanya MBA, MA made Feb 2 at 2016 8:31 AM

2016-02-02T08:31:10-05:00

I am of the school of thought that if you not wearing the shoes you dont know exactly where it hurts" how are you able to determine if someone is faking it or not.... do we wait till such vet take his or her own life before we react,, we we continue on the part of second guessing people because of what we think, we will lose a lot of our fellow veterans to suicide... Lost a great NCO to such while everyone thinks he was faking it...lets becareful!

Response by SSG Travis Puckett made Feb 4 at 2016 5:38 AM

2016-02-04T05:38:33-05:00

I think your barking up the wrong fucking tree! Tell my Soldier's that keep killing themselves this bullshit. Wait you can't because their ptsd took their lives. Stupidity is your watch word....

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Feb 17 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-02-17T15:22:29-05:00

I wasn't in many gun fights but did have the pleasure of having the 'Haji Man' try to blow us away multiple times with IEDs. Our ROE was to engage anyone shooting or trying to blow us up. Now it's been 12-13 years and I'm ok with loud noises and gunfire provided it's expected. I was driving down the highway in a truck and had one of my left rear tires explode. (very loud) I immediately thought it was an IED, was looking for my weapon and in a few minutes realized I wasn't in Iraq. It still took me a while to stop shaking. ....Stay away from trucks !