OEF female vet here just starting the process of my PTSD/MST and Tinnitus claims.
I'm gonna be really honest here : For many years I didn't file anything because I felt guilty filing claims next to soldiers missing limbs and suffering from TBI and other horrors. At the urging of a fellow friend and vet, I've started the process and have quickly gone from feeling guilty to becoming a total trainwreck. I met with a VSO last week and have slowly started working on my statement and I feel like a giant hole has been ripped open and everything is spilling over. It's affecting my job, my family, everything. I am having panic attacks and crying uncontrollably off and on. I really am shocked at what is coming out. I thought the two years of private therapy immediately after my deployment was enough. Did anyone else feel the same way?
Please tell me that putting myself/family through this and reliving these traumas, coupled with the tedious maze of claim do's and don'ts is truly worth it? I think I may need to start counseling again to get through this.
Thanks.