• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Missed PTSD Diagnosis...any recourse?

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

rlnoyes

Junior Member
Virginia

I retired from the military in 2007 and completed my VA physical in 2010. I listed as one of the conditions I thought I had as PTSD. I was tested and told I did not suffer from it.

In October, 2016, I took my 5-year polygraph (the second I've taken in this position - the first was in 2011), and was told I failed the poly. Specifically, I was told that it didn't matter what question I was asked, "Are the lights on?" or "Do you work for ISIS?," I was told my bios were off the charts.

I was immediately removed from my place of work and let go.

One indication of a symptom was given by the polygrapher who said, "Sir, you're showing so much anxiety...you need to relax." With that, I immediately booked an appointment with a specialist who confirmed that, indeed, I do have anxiety likely caused by PTSD from a year in Iraq.

Besides getting a doctor's note before I take another poly, do I have any recourse?

Thanks in advance for your answers.
 


ecmst12

Senior Member
Well, you can apply for service-connected disability for the PTSD and see if you may qualify for any benefits for it. Speak with your local VA representative if you're not sure how to start the process.

As far as the delayed diagnosis, it is entirely possible that your symptoms were mild enough to not meet the criteria for diagnosis when you were evaluated at the time of your discharge, but over time without receiving any treatment have worsened. There is no liability for that.
 

Shadowbunny

Queen of the Not-Rights
And it's also possible that your anxiety doesn't stem from your deployment. The development of delayed-onset PTSD (especially after 10 years) when there hasn't been any previous PTSD symptoms is very rare. If you weren't showing any signs in 2007 -2011, how could you expect a doctor to diagnose?
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
data-ad-format="auto">
Top