PTSD Vietnam Vet in PTSD Specific Discussions/Claims/Issues Forum

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PTSD Vietnam Vet

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Granny11	PTSD Vietnam Vet		Lead	[-]
Posts: 42 Aug 12 10 4:44 PM	Tags : None My husband was awarded 10% for tinnitus about 4 years ago. In the last couple of years he has been having severe flashbacks. Very withdrawn. He can't sleep He has the Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Ser Stars, Republic of Vietnam Camp. Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infrantryman Badge, National Defense Serv Medal. He has horrible stories and can not forget them. I have tried to talk him into going to the VA to see if he would quality for PTSD. He says they will just send him to some shrink and he does not want to go through all the memories again and then probably be turned down. He has retired and now with so much time on his hands, he just can't shake the flash backs. Any suggestions? Does anyone think he would have a problem? He does not think they would think he qualifies and just leave him at the 10% for tinnitus. I just found this site. Thanks for any info.
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nmfxstc		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 25190 Aug 12 10 4:46 PM	First and most importantly, he needs to get to a VA or a Vet Center and get treatment! Yes, with the CIB, he is presumptive for PTSD...it is now a matter of degree. He has a justifiable claim! Fillean meal ar an meallaire.
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bluewater vet		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 418 Aug 12 10 4:52 PM	I agree with nmfxstc you have to take that frist step through the door it took me 38 years to go good luck.... A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with bricks others have thrown at him. USN 1968-1971 100% 80% PTSD 10% cancer and IU
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nico9odie		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 68 Aug 12 10 5:17 PM	I agree with both above.. however in my case it only took 34 years!! Mainly because I denied it and felt I needed just to "suck it up" and not be labeled with the stigma that is associated with PTSD. Life still sucks, but I am trying to work through it.
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vickia1969		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1862 Aug 12 10 6:18 PM	Please if he is willing try, get him to a Vet center. It took my husband 37 years to get into the VA system. It was not a good ride getting there. Without treatment those nightmares and flashbacks will eventually consume him. I wish you the best of luck and please don't forget to take care of you at this time. There are many of wives out there living with the same thing. If you want to look for support for yourself send me a message and I can link you to a site for Wives living with PTSD. Its a roller coaster ride on your own without support. Reality is determined not by what scientists or anyone else says or believes but by what the evidence reveals to us. -- Alan Hale
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pavnvet		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 503 Aug 12 10 9:49 PM	I have PTSD that wasn't diagnosed for 40 years. Both psychiatrists and psychologists have told me that the symptoms of PTSD become much more prevalent in later years. Most of us tried to keep real busy to keep the beast at bay. In my case, even though I lost a lot of jobs due to anger, I worked 50-60 hours a week. My leisure time was always doing something active such as skiing, cycling, etc. (individual sports.). When I couldn't be busy, I would self medicate to sleep. When we no longer have these activities and with time to reflect, as my psychologist (vet center) has told me recent memory decreases while old memories intensify. It is actually quite common that PTSD symptoms become worse as we age, especially if we have not been treated for many years. It is harder than facing combat, to finally admit that you need help. He can call a vet center and ask to speak to a counselor "off the record" to just talk. (The off the record will be honored as long as he doesn't say he is likely to hurt himself or others). He should also contact a Veterans Service Organization (DAV, V V A, AMVETS, VFW or County or State Veterans Affairs office) and talk to the Veteran Service Officer - I say this because often a secretary will answer the phone and you want to speak to someone that actively handles claims. More than a claim (which by the description of symptoms he definitely has), he might find that either medication or counseling may help how he feels about life in general. Good luck to you both and thanks for sticking by your husband.
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ks1k		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3687 Aug 13 10 6:50 AM	I would tell your husband the same thing I told one of my service friends. If you don't want to get help for yourself, then get it for your loved ones. The friends and family often suffer nearly as much as the veteran. Best wishes. Dave sends USAFSS 1957-1979
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Santosha1		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 786 Aug 13 10 9:07 AM	If you don't want to get help for yourself, then get it for your loved ones. The friends and family often suffer nearly as much as the veteran. Welcome Granny11, Does your screen name mean you have 11 grandchildren? You've received some excellent advice here, and we'll be here to support and help you through the process. I would agree, encourage him to do this for the family, going to the local Vet Center might brighten his day as he mingles with other Vets. Have you tried to engage a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)? They are there to assist you with all things related to the claims process. As a forewarning, the good ones are few and far in between...but if you land a good VSO it makes the whole process a lot less stressful... Keep reading and posting, and let us know how your doing... Susanne
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amongthemissing		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 74 Aug 17 10 6:16 AM	Granny11 wrote: My husband was awarded 10% for tinnitus about 4 years ago. In the last couple of years he has been having severe flashbacks. Very withdrawn. He can't sleep He has the Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Ser Stars, Republic of Vietnam Camp. Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infrantryman Badge, National Defense Serv Medal. He has horrible stories and can not forget them. I have tried to talk him into going to the VA to see if he would quality for PTSD. He says they will just send him to some shrink and he does not want to go through all the memories again and then probably be turned down. He has retired and now with so much time on his hands, he just can't shake the flash backs. Any suggestions? Does anyone think he would have a problem? He does not think they would think he qualifies and just leave him at the 10% for tinnitus. I just found this site. Thanks for any info. 10% for service-connected tinnitus? I suspect he also has hearing loss. If they gave him 0% for hearing loss 4 years ago, tell him to file another claim for hearing loss. And, during the audio examination, he should not respond that he hears the tone unless he really hears the tone. Many at the VA are not there to help at all. So, do not help them. I went to the office of some local eye and ear doctors, where I was tested by their audiologist prior to going back to the VA. I referred to their exam in my claim. Do not let statements, that independent medical opinions are no longer considered by VA, discourage him or you from seeking private medical assistance. There is already legislation in committee that, if passed, will demand they consider it. Too, would you think the most qualified assistance is found in private practice or at the VA? Your husband is correct, in that he may get a VA psychologist with a particularly angry agenda. And, it would be hell for him if he did. I had one of those clowns; and an arrogant one at that. Does his retirement healthcare cover mental health issues? Review his retirement healthcare manual; or get that manual from his Human Resources people. My retirement does. And, I use it. Also, you will find many people who defer from seeing a psychiatrist, opting instead for a good psychologist. Too much pill pushing by the P-Docs. His medical doctor can prescribe any medicines he deems appropriate. Today, the general practioners seem to prefer it that way. Expect nothing from the VA! They are notoriously incompetent, and should be used only in emergency situations. Also, if he worked long enough to retire with benefits, expect that the VA examiner will use that against him in a claim for PTSD. The VA used it against me; even though I took a cut in pay and retired early due to work issues related to a clinical diagnosis of service-connected PTSD. Additionally, in many instances of which I am aware, it does not help much to consistently review military experiences in a VA group setting. As a friend of mine recently mentioned, "I have got to get this shit out of my head, and these sessions aren't helping. All they do is remind me." So, for many, a private session is preferable. But, only if you can locate a good therapist. It may take a time to find one. Try searching the Internet for psychologists in your area that specialize in PTSD. Here is an example of such a search: link With all that in mind, he should definitely file a claim. Do not let anything discourage him from filing a claim. See the following for what often happens for vets later in life: Aging Veterans and PTSD Edited 8 times by amongthemissing Aug 17 10 7:41 AM.
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macvrlamm		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 408 Aug 17 10 1:45 PM	My wife drug me to the VA, that was 5 years ago it was one of best things she has done for me, although there are so many others but this was a life changing event for me. I believed there was nothing wrong 35 jobs in 40 years, my longest job was the 5 years in the army go figure, so I will be one of those that say get the help, it is there for you and can only do some good. There is no more time for suck it up May 66 Nov 67 II III Corps
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Granny11		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 42 Aug 18 10 8:11 PM	I finally got my husband to go to the VA and get things started for PTSD. We are now waiting for the package with whatever forms he has to fill out. Since I have been reading this site (which is great) I am wondering if he should apply for IU. He had an accident and was unable to go back to his job. He had to take early retirement. Since he is unable to work, would this qualify him for IU - even though the accident was not service related? Not sure about all this. All this extra time on his hands is really effecting him. Thanks for all your help.
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coopstah123		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 269 Aug 18 10 8:28 PM	I cannot even imagine what he goes through all i can say is i,too have PTSD and it consumes me at time , i hope he can find the courage to go to the VA and seek out the treatment because thats the first step in healing from this horrible monster. I truly wish you well mam from the bottom of my heart, i know its tough however with you in his corner and being so supportive i know he will find within himself the strength to move beyond the terror PTSD causes or can cause everyday. god bless you and let us know how you make out.
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gmurphy		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 558 Aug 18 10 9:05 PM	"Since he is unable to work, would this qualify him for IU - even though the accident was not service related" You will have to wait to see what rating he will get for PTSD to see if he meets the criteria for IU 60% one disability or 70% with one disability 40% and cannot do any work do to service connected disability.Has he applied for ssd. Good Luck!
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