[pachyderm]

VA psychologist e-mails something and is in hot water:

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/...chologist.html

[(JD)]

Hmmm obviously not the whole story... it does say she said "straight out" and that they didn't have the necessary whatever (time, resources?) to fully test for PTSD.... but adjustment disorder? Is that so they can receive benefits while waiting to be evaluated for PTSD?

I suppose it seemed innocent enough. They are many soldiers, airmen, marines, coasties and sailors who might exhibit some signs of PTSD but not have it... but then again, the sooner one begins therapy, the better.

Within the parameters of DXing PTSD itself are time guidelines... and while one would suppose that by the time a military person is seen, plenty of time has passed, it might not always be the case. (Especially if they are acting on this more quickly due to the emphasis.)

[pachyderm]

More on diagnosing PTSD in the VA:

http://www.emaxhealth.com/32/22378.html

[Troy]

always, always, always expect the worst from the media. They sensationalize everything.

While there are vets who are mistreated, I find that VA ppl want to help. Things have really turned around in the past 15 years. They might not always have the funding or resources, but the ppl do want to help every single vet.

A lot of us vets wish we qualified for more services, but the VA staff on the ground has little to do with who qualifies. That comes from Washington.

In this story, i suspect the VA rep was actually suggesting that these vets be given a lower level status so they could get some benefits while awaiting a full diagnosis of ptsd. That might be a reasonable approach, I don't know.

I'm sure we could get even another story from the vets involved and the other staffers. Let's hope this isn't a case of someone actually trying to save a few bucks at the sake of someone's health. It probably costs more for one day of combat than to treat all of the ptsd vets at this one hospital.

Thanks for putting the article up here.
T.

[pachyderm]

> In this story, i suspect the VA rep was actually suggesting that these vets be given a lower level status so they could get some benefits...

I think the story could easily be interpreted this way...