Are Psychiatric Diagnoses Being Twisted To Force Soldiers Out?

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

Stigma seen in military finding TROOPS: Are psychiatric diagnoses being twisted to force soldiers out?

This is an interesting article, and I thought others might want to read it, from Sarasota Herald Tribune.Its about trumped up dx's to discharge those found wanting/lacking/unfit either due to and injury, or whatever might make them to later want to file a claim.

Oh well, just read if youve a notion, the article tells all, enjoy! Hugs, Mystic

http://www.heraldtri...e-soldiers-out-

Heres an edit adding the new york times rendition of same article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/25/us/a-military-diagnosis-personality-disorder-is-challenged.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

Edited February 26, 2012 by mysticcherokee usn vet

[Philip Rogers]

I find this quite believable and at this point of my life would put nothing beyond our gov't/military doing. Unfortunately, our society doesn't care about the warriors they send off to battle, either. Perhaps they are just beginning to find out just what war "does" cost. jmo

pr

[#1Cavtrooper]

A very good article my friend! Remember what I said about these commander's relationship (friendship) with these doctors? Often times in the military a soldier will be "chaptered" out based solely upon a commander's recommendation.

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

Thank you both, andI agree with you BOTH.This deeply saddens me when I think of the lives they wreck, not the least of these mine, and Im sure you two, in some capacity.Probably large by the sounds of it. You've both my most sincere empathy, all of them/us . Mystic

Edited February 25, 2012 by mysticcherokee usn vet

[john999]

This has been going on for at least 40 years since I was in the Army. To the military the individual soldier is just a widget that is thrown on the scrap heap when it breaks. They don't want to pay to repair the damage so they have the personality disorder discharge. To illustrate: The soldier comes home from the combat zone and begins to drink and act out. These could be signs of PTSD, but it is much cheaper to just write him/her up as a PD and boot them out in a matter of days. That PD DX hangs around your neck because on your DD214 it will give reason for discharge chapter and verse. The VA then does all they can to reinforce the PD DX so they don't have to pay.

John

[Chuck75]

Military members must "play by the rules" if they intend to stay in the military and eventually retire with full benefits.

The problem is that there are many rules and practices that are based upon tradition, not law or regulation.

Adapt or perish is one of the unwritten rules.

Those who cannot do so, regardless of why or how, will be treated poorly, and a concerted effort may be made to "get rid" of them as a "problem".

Commanders might say something to staff that prompts administrative action to transfer or discharge, for example.

The medical side may be asked to assist.

To the military, the "mission" is more important than any individual member, particularly those members in a "support" role.

When you couple this with obvious efforts to eliminate future liability for pension, compensation, and other benefits, you end up with today's realities.

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

thats what they were trying to do in my med records. i left for the civilian sector, but i cant tell you how much this interrupted my care, and made it so miserable going to one appt after the other. they take money for the initial appt, then tell you they dont believe in fibromyalgia. a rhemotologist! it was hell on earth for some time. AND THIS IS AT THE PHYSICIAN LEVEL, POST-DISCHARGE they saddled me with a borderline personality disorder tag.

Until I was able to go to a dr I had seen before and KNEW this wasnt true, I was in gridlock med proff wise, and it was just AWFUL trying to get established in the civilian sector with all the specialists, pcp. etc. I did it thru sheer agony and perseverance, but STILL.

A true borderline is the worlds worst nightmare tryin to deal with in a professional setting, where decorum prevents rippin off their head and uh, you get the picture.Personally wise, I know somebody with it(from a distance!LOL), and I can understand doctors wanting to steer clear, but if its used inapropriatly, THEY KNOW WHAT THEYRE DOING, and THAT's SICK! Understatement! IMHO. Mystic

Thanks for your post John!Interesting! Not surprising, but interesting nonetheless. ALL POSTS interesting and thanks!

Edited February 26, 2012 by mysticcherokee usn vet