BPD misdiagnosis during a IRILO

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immaculate_macaroon

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Basically, l've suffered from severe PTSD as a result of MST that occurred in December 2021, and after a year and a half worth of therapy on base and 2 stints in outpatient IOP hasn't helped it. A few days ago I received news that I would be going through a MEB. Today, I looked through my health conditions on MHS Genesis and noticed that an active diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder is in there. I don't believe I have that, as my symptoms of dissociation, panic attacks, and depression only started after my assault in the military. I tried talking to my IOP therapist and she said that the facility received notes from on base stating that I had BPD and that I need to talk to the on base clinic about it. How do I navigate this misdiagnosis and what could it mean if my MEB is going forward with incorrect information?


I also tried talking to my On base Mental Health provider and she stated that during one of the routine weekly roll ups with my current IOP civilian team that they had mutually agreed that i had BPD, but i've only been to this IOP facility for less than 2 weeks now, and have only met my IOP psychiatrist and single therapist twice. my mental health provider on base also seemed really dismissive of my concerns and said that if i disagreed with the diagnosis that it was fine, but the best she would be willing to do is see if one of the on base psychs had time and were willing to give me a second opinion.


Currently at a loss on next steps. i tried talking to the patient advocate today and she said that she'd follow up with me tomorrow.
 
I would ask what your referred conditions are. If your referred conditions include ptsd as a result of MST then you could potentially still be fine. The VA rates all mental health under one rating. The VA will also give you a diagnosis after the C&P exam. You can challenge the diagnosis by doing an IMR after you receive your narsum as well. And if all else fails you could write a strong personal statement. I would advise you to be careful about what you say in a personal statement because you could potential give information to support a diagnosis whether it's PTSD or BPD. It is usually stated that there should be evidence of BPD in early childhood to late teens. I would get buddy letters to that support you never had any issues before you joined the military. Things that could also help are any accolades received from school or sports, high school or college transcripts, fitness evaluation, or letters of recommendations from previous managers. You essentially need to make a stronger case for the PTSD/MST. If you have anything to show a decline in performance after the MST then that is great. The board and any doctor looking at this will have a before and after the events. I can't speak of any chance of you being found fit especially with the IOP and etc but if your goal is to receive compensation and be found unfit, you have a chance.
 
1. BPD is often diagnosed in FEMALES following trauma. It is a known gender bias in MH.

2. Should you be boarded, the VA examiner will provide and independent diagnosis.

3. What was the diagnosis in IOP?

4. As previously state you can request an IMR.

5. When did your symptoms first emerge? How long ago? At what age? All PDs must manifest NLT young adulthood.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
1. BPD is often diagnosed in FEMALES following trauma. It is a known gender bias in MH.

2. Should you be boarded, the VA examiner will provide and independent diagnosis.

3. What was the diagnosis in IOP?

4. As previously state you can request an IMR.

5. When did your symptoms first emerge? How long ago? At what age? All PDs must manifest NLT young adulthood.
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I am currently dealing with this. Perhaps you could provide some insight?

Base MH diagnosed me with BPD (during a severe depressive episode following a lot of stressful/traumatic events and 3 weeks of insomnia) and despite 5 off base providers diagnosing Bipolar 2 and being on lithium with significant improvement in symptoms since last year.

I've been in the military for over 5 years. In that time, I was element leader in basic, distinguished graduate in tech school, BTZ (below the zone/ early promotion) at first base along with multiple quarterly awards over the years, been coined by my commander, held positions in the squadron booster club (secretary for two years then president the third year), and received a 5 on my EPR.

During teenage years I did experience trauma, but other than some occasional symptoms due to that, I was high functioning... Friends, varsity sports, great reviews from my employers, and great grades (including classes above my grade level.)

My first diagnosis of Bipolar was during inpatient a year ago, second was IOP, third was inpatient again, fourth was during a 28 day residential program, and fifth was with my current therapist who I see weekly. I have also seen another military psychiatrist from a different base who ruled-out BPD, diagnosed major depression, and noted symptoms of bipolar.

I'm currently in early stages of MEB (AFPC hasn't decided if it will be full MEB or return to duty), but I'm concerned with my diagnosis being BPD and not Bipolar and a lot of my records being falsified to support that diagnosis they won't get to look at the full picture (including physical conditions).

Do you have any advice or know of any recourses that could help me to appeal/ correct my records? I have exhausted every level that I know of to include, patient advocate, SGH, IG, DHA OIG... I have been informed about the ODCs.

Have you ever heard of anything similar?
 
BPD is the same as Bipolar. BPD is the full name, often people just say Bipolar. Be sure your off base records are in your military medical records. Let the MEB do its thing, before you get worried about its decision. The MEB can only recommend/not recommend a PEB.
 
chaplaincharlie said:
BPD is the same as Bipolar. BPD is the full name, often people just say Bipolar. Be sure your off base records are in your military medical records. Let the MEB do its thing, before you get worried about its decision. The MEB can only recommend/not recommend a PEB.
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BD is Bipolar Disorder. A brain/chemical condition causing cycles of mania/depression lasting days to weeks. It is treated primarily by medication and therapy.

BPD is Borderline Personality Disorder. A pattern of thinking and feeling that causes emotional dysregulation and mood shifts within minutes or hours. Primarily treated with primarily with therapy. Especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Meds may help with some symptoms but don’t treat core pathology.

These conditions are not the same as they differ in pathology, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. By letting the MEB go through with this misinformation and misdiagnosis, I risk receiving an improper evaluation and losing benefits that allow me to keep being treated once I separate. (Lifelong medication, therapy, and blood monitoring required for the meds I take.)
 
I misspoke , I’m sorry. I didn’t read it correctly
 
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