[onomonapetia]

Okay, so I was diagnosed b/p in the Air Force. The condition does run in my family, however I had NEVER had any symptoms until I was sexually harrassed/assaulted by my superior. It started out as blinding migraines. I went to the dr for the headaches and she suspected something else was going on after I told her about my moods. I had my first (hypo in my opinion) manic episode while all this was going on. She referred me to a pdoc who then diagnosed me with b/p nos type 2. While reading about the disorder when I was first diagnosed, I found out that a major traumatic incident in your life can bring it to the surface. That reads to me that b/p can lay dormant until something happens to bring it out. Can any of you remember what brought on your first episode?

Believe me, I am not after a bunch of money. I lost all of my benefits, my gi bill, school loan repayments, everything. I got a measly 10 % disability for the migraines. What upsets me is that when this happened 6 years ago, I was a scared young girl, who had no idea what kind of havoc this would bring in my life forever. The man who assaulted me did get into trouble, but remained in the service. I was discharged, shoved out on my *** and lost all of my benefits. My life was so good before all of this, and now it is **** and full of regrets. I had no idea how bad this would be or I would have gone after them before. I am always broke because of all the money I sink into this disease. I just want them to help, since they played big part in all of those.
My question is, do I have a right to go after them for disability for this? In my discharge paper work I was discharged honorable and it says that this disorder was NOT preexisting and that it DID occur in the line of duty. Sounds like a slam dunk to me, but I am afraid they will bring up the fact that it runs in my family. What do you think? I just made a claim to up my disability for my migraines because that would help a little, but I don't know what will come of that.

THANKS for any and all responses!

By the way, I can get paperwork regarding the incident with my supervisor, but it will take time. It will show that all this occurred in the same time frame.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by onomonapetia; Can any of you remember what brought on your first episode?

My question is, do I have a right to go after them for disability for this? In my discharge paper work I was discharged honorable and it says that this disorder was NOT preexisting and that it DID occur in the line of duty. Sounds like a slam dunk to me, but I am afraid they will bring up the fact that it runs in my family. [B

What do you think?[/b]

Hi onomonapetia I'm so sorry that happened to you.

For your first question my last major depression prior to being diagnosed was triggered when my horse got injured. Since I wasn't diagnosed this minor thing became a huge issue for me and it just went down hill from there. But looking back on my life I can see the pattern of bipolar. I am BP II as well and my hypomania normally shows up as irritability, super duper happy or just plain driven. It's the depression that knocks me on my butt.

As far as question 2 I don't have experience in this, but I think it's worthwhile to look into it. It may also boost your self esteem because you are taking your power back. If you can spare the money you may want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in these issues. If finances are an issue perhaps consulting with a student who is in law school. In a previous job when I went to court there was a person who was represented by a student lawyer. It's worth a try. Good luck and keep us posted.

[onomonapetia]

Thank you! My ex, argh, is an attorney now. His father was actually a JAG for the Navy. I know I should call him but I relish the thought of talking to my ex. He somehow manages to repel and magnetize me all at once. I am going to be contacting anyone and everyone I can to figure this mess out.

[blueoctober]

Yes exes can do that!!! Good luck and keep us posted!

[darilyn]

Hi,

I am a mental health professional, you may have PTSD or Post Traumtic Stress Disorder, but anyway any psychological dx you received while in the military; whether it be Bipolar or PTSD makes you elligible to file for disability with the VA. A traumatic event can also be a precursor to developing Bipolar disorder as well, but it is an overly diagnosed. I used to work for the VA and assisted many people in obtaining disability.