Welcome to the Veterans' information board. We have done our best to keep it simple and to the point. Most major issues are covered here, with links to in-depth information and research. This part of your site is maintained by Brothers Bound by Honor so your management and members can focus on the business of living and coping with PTSD. 
PTSD Diagnostic Criteria A. The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which both of
the following were present:
1. the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or thers
2. the person's response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror. (Note: In children, this may be expressed instead by disorganized or agitated behavior)
B. The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced in one (or more) of the following ways:
1. recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event,
including images, thoughts, or perceptions.
Note: In young children, repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the trauma are expressed.
2. recurrent distressing dreams of the event.
3. acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring
(includes a sense of reliving the experience, illusions,
hallucinations, and dissociative flashback episodes, (including those that occur on awakening or when intoxicated).
Note: In young children, trauma-specific reenactment may occur.
4. intense psychological distress at exposure to internal or
external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event physiological reactivity on exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by three (or more) of the following: efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma.
1. efforts to avoid activities, places, or people that arouse
recollections of the trauma
2. inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma
3. markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
4. feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
5. restricted range of affect (e.g., unable to have loving feelings)
6. sense of a foreshortened future (e.g., does not expect to have a career, marriage, children, or a normal life span)
D. Persistent symptoms of increased arousal (not present before the trauma), as indicated by two (or more) of the following:
1. Difficulty falling or staying asleep
2. Irritability or outbursts of anger
3. Difficulty concentrating 4. Hypervigilance 5. Exaggerate startle response E. Duration of the disturbance (symptoms in Criteria B, C, and D) is more than 1 month.The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
What If ? What if you think you might be among those who have PTSD from your combat experiences? (I understand that your unit went through some highly stressful combat.) How can you recognize it? Perhaps the best sign is
combat-related nightmares. However, these nightmares don't need to be exact replays of the actual combat experiences. Often they're weird take-offs on those experiences, and may involve, for example, the presence of family members or acquaintances you didn't even know in
Vietnam or other war experiences. But nightmares aren't essential. Unwanted, intrusive daydreams often signal PTSD. At their most severe, these may involve a sense of loss of contact with reality, in which case they're called flashbacks. Other PTSD features include becoming very emotionally or physically upset when reminded of combat experiences, trying to put such memories out of ones mind, and trying to avoid being reminded of combat experiences. There are also other features that a qualified diagnostician can explain to you.The good news about PTSD is that the natural course in most cases is progressive improvement. However, relapses are possible indefinitely, and it's not uncommon that veterans who initially had PTSD but then
became symptom-free for years, start having their symptoms again when they encounter another stressful life experience. The other good news is that effective treatments are available, including various kinds of
therapy and medication. What should you do if you think you might have PTSD related to your Vietnam or other war service? The first thing I recommend is filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Benefits. Persons who do this are usually helped by the DVA, VFW, American Legion, or other veterans' service organizations. One important reason to file a claim is to stand up and be counted. It's important that society recognize the detrimental effects, both physical and psychological, of war on people's health. (This is not to say that war is always bad. It's only to say that a nation that is contemplating war, and persons who are thinking of
enlisting in it, should be informed of the risks.) A second reason for filing a claim is that if granted, it entitles you to free care in the VA for your service-connected condition. In some cases, the VA will even pay for outside care. A third reason for filing a claim is to receive compensation
payments if you are disabled. Persons who find this thought objectionable should be aware that it's possible to have a 0% service-connection. This means being recognized as having the condition and being entitled to free medical care, but not receiving any monthly payments if you are not disabled. What if you have filed for service connection and been turned down, and you continue to think your case is legitimate? The answer here is persistence. In some VA Regional Offices, turning down a first application is almost a knee-jerk reaction, and meritorious cases may need to be appealed once, twice, or even more before they are
recognized. If you can't stomach the thought of going to a VA Medical Center for treatment, and some vets who are not very fond of the Federal Government can't, you might consider trying a Vet Center near you (formerly called Vietnam Veterans Outreach Centers, these are now open to vets of all wars.) The environment is often more friendly there. Most Vet Centers provide their own treatment and are even authorized to pay for private treatment in certain circumstances. Finding good psychiatric treatment isn't always easy. Like all other walks of life, some therapists and doctors are more competent than others. If you need treatment, don't settle for a therapist or a setting that doesn't feel right to you. Ask for a change. Keep trying until you get what you need. Again, in dealing with the VA, patience and persistence
are paramount. But keep in mind that there are many highly capable professionals in the VA. Also keep in mind that the rate of alcoholism is very high among veterans with PTSD. If you have a drinking problem, help is also available. Like PTSD, the VA is a leader in the
research and treatment of alcoholism. Finally, if the above information doesn't apply to you, count your blessings, and support those among you who are less fortunate. Roger K. Pitman, M.D.
Assoc. Prof. of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School For additional information on PTSD such as Global assessment of Functioning (GAF),
VA Rating for PTSD, getting evidence, writting a stressor letter and where to get help, and research, please go to:
Claims The Basics
The claims process is one of the most frustrating and intimidating areas of a Veterans life after service. Anyone who has struggled with getting a claim approved,or has had to wait as finances ran out, relationships became strained, or has just given up and surrendered to the system, will tell you it takes its' toll emotionally, physically and often times financially. This section of the site is designed to help those already in
the claims process, or about to open a claim to better understand how the VA works, what they are looking for, where to find help, and provide many helpful tips and information that will equip you to file a " Ready to Rate" claim and get the all the benefits you deserve under the law. Important Advice Before discussing the claims process there are a few important things that must be noted.
1) many vets have problems with the government, and would rather complain than become part of the solution. I highly recommend that all Vets become part of a Veterans' Service organization such as the DAV or Vietnam Veterans of America. There is power in numbers, and these organizations are our voice in Washington. Vietnam Veterans need to know that Lyndon B. Johnson is no longer President, and that the WWII vets that once ran much of the VA have been replaced by Vietnam era Veterans. 2) Veterans MUST take a personal interest in their claim. NO ONE should know their claim better than themselves.
3) YOU MUST keep copies of all correspondence with the VA. All communications should be sent certified mail, returned receipt requested. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Title 38, United States Code, Chapter 1 is the section of Federal law which deals with Veterans pensions (compensation), bonuses, and Veterans' Relief. Being familiar with this code will help you greatly in perfecting your claim. A person who knows and understands his/her rights under this code will be far more successful than the person who doesn't Take time to look at the full code, however, your main focus should be in Part 3 Adjudication and Part 4 Schedule for rating disabilities. For the full electronic version of title 38 just click on the link below. 38 CFR Ch. I (7-1-03 Edition) For further information on the claims process, types of evidence, VA Forms, and a complete picture of the claims process, please go to: http://www.brothersboundbyhonor.com/claims.html
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