Reservist - PTSD and VA Question

[KARLW45]

I deployed to Iraq 8 years ago. I'm still in the Reserve but I got triggered about an event that happened in Iraq by some abusive behavior directed to me at work, left my job, and am told by two different counselors (one a psychologist and one a social worker), that I have PTSD.

I went to the VA in October and they did the intake for trauma services and then I underwent the PTSD assessment.

I called twice for the conclusion or treatment recommendation and they have not provided it so far.

Is it normal for it to take this long??

I also need to know if they think it is service connected.

The other two providers told me it is.

The VA assessment felt more like an interrogation than any type of productive examination or assessment.

If they say it is not service connected, is it worth the energy to produce private practice counseling records to dispute the VA conclusion????

In the meantime, I am getting a PHA since I got the advice that I need to document the PTSD with the Army Reserve.

Am I in the wrong place to ask here what happens to an Army Reservist with PTSD?

I've now got several other medical conditions as well (that are not service related).

Do they have to put me on some kind of orders, or will I get some type of referral to a provider through the Army Reserve????

Thank you, and sorry if I'm asking this in the wrong forum.

 

[gsfowler]

There are two unique seperate questions here and I will attempt to address them both.

1.) How long after I get off of active duty can I be treated for PTSD?

There are two answers to this, the first is that you are automatically eligible for full treatment for any condition for five full years from the date of your DD-214. This does not currently apply to your based upon what you have said. The second answer is that the VA will treat you for any service connected condition throughout your life, provided they are able to establish service connection. Based upon what you have written, you have tried this route and have not achieved success at this point, I think that you should give it another chance, perhaps go to a Vet Center and establish a dialogue with them, I think this is a great gateway into treatment with the VA. Call 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387)

2.) You want to document the PTSD with the Army reserve.

Self reporting via the PHA is a great way to initiate documentation in your medical records. You may be met with a bit of skepticism since you have not reported the medical condition in the past, but trust me, this is not uncommon. Many service members keep things to themselves, it happens all of the time. Your best bet it to be fully honest with yourself, list the condition and how it is currently affecting you.

Closing statement: The VA is not in the business of denying service connection, there is no benefit to them as an organization to deny you. Their only purpose is to serve those who have served. Without you they will cease to exist.