theplanck

Hello, I served in the USAF from 93-97. I was dishonorably discharged. My bipolar (and other secondary disorders) presented during basic training for what I now know was general anxiety disorder. The remainder of my enlistment bipolar started to present as mobility training increased (a huge problem for me was wearing the gas mask for 8 + hours at a time) and the threat of going back to war was escalating. I have no documentation from back then, no contact with anyone from that long ago and did not report any of this for fear of ridicule and embarrassment. I am absolutely positive that these disorders began during my time in the military. I've been seeing a psychiatrist for about 5 years and have been diagnosed and on meds for as long, I cannot function without the meds. Me being absolutely positive these issues started between 93-97 is a lot different then a physical injury (Thank you for your service) and being able to see that injury. So, my question is, how do I begin to justify and win a disability claim with something that just happens to most bipolar suffers around 25? In other words, it just happened. There are those times I remember back from basic training and the mobility exercises where I felt a certain way, but I do not think my bipolar was caused by that. Thanks in advance. Bob