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What other evidence is needed for combat verification ? I was on a 155 Howitzer on an LZ (Carolyn) that was hit one night by a regiment of NVA. I have my advancement orders (in country) travel orders to Phouc Vinh for DEROS, and of course the pictures of LZ life in 'Nam during my 14 month tour. Put bodies in helos, kicked a severed head the morning after and saw more than that. Been a long time but the memories don't go away, never have-just though I would deal with it personally.
I would think your DD-214 would have that information coded in. As far as any injury, the Department of Veteran's Affairs would be my first contact. Sorry, but pictures aren't always authentic (i.e. John Kerry).
Getting help is hard and the hoops you have to jump through are amazing. There is a really good book out: The Veteran's PTSD Handbook: how to file and collect on claims for PTSD by John D. Roche. It is the best resource you can find I think. I've used it to help a few friends sucessfully get through the process and get access to the resources they deserve access to.
I hope that helps. If you want any other help, I'm praying for ya and I have other resources, I'm starting to work on my phD and my dissertation is on military crisis counseling, so just DM me and I'll share my other resources with ya.
My father has cyclical bouts of PTSD stemming from his tours in Viet Nam and he has found much comfort in a network of other men who were there with him. He said when he has tried to talk to folks who did not share the experiences, or similar ones, he felt more isolated than before.
With that said, I believe NIMH has some great resources for you...you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Last edited by mrstewart; 03-03-2009 at 11:32 AM..
I work with a physician who is over 60 yrs old now and served as a 1LT PLT leader in Vietnam and still sees psych for therapy on a routine basis. Time doesn't necessarily heal PTSD. See someone - VA hospitals have support groups and other therapeutic measures.
WWII used the word, "shell shocked" - but don't remember a lot of WWII vets bringing the problem to surface - and you'd think with the manner that WWII was fought in both Europe and the Pacific, it would definitely be a problem for survivors. I have worked with a lot of vets (as a healtcare provider) and can't say that it was a significant problem brought to our attention in providing them care.
WWII used the word, "shell shocked" - but don't remember a lot of WWII vets bringing the problem to surface - and you'd think with the manner that WWII was fought in both Europe and the Pacific, it would definitely be a problem for survivors. I have worked with a lot of vets (as a healtcare provider) and can't say that it was a significant problem brought to our attention in providing them care.
I talked to a psychiatrist friend of ours and while she does not specialize in PTSD, she said she wondered if the treatment of our soldiers when they returned home from war exacerbated the pain and shock.
I have heard the term shell shocked in reference to WWII vets as well.
PTSD from other wars seems to have been "treated" with cheap booze at the VFW and American Legion bars. I have a friend that fought in Europe in WW2 in an armored scout platoon. He and I can share war stories without the uninitiated looking at us funny. He is glad he didn’t have to fight in Nam and I am glad I didn’t have to fight the Whermacht.
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