soldiers being told they have "combat stress"

[Delfonic]

I just heard from a friend whose husband recently got back from being in Iraq for 2 years, where he received a purple heart and was injured badly twice, that he was just suffering from "combat stress". She thinks it's PTSD. I can't believe the govt is still using terms like this (aka vietnam, "shell shock" , and "soldiers fatigue") instead of helping the soldier get professional help (screening for various mental afflictions) and a legitimate diagnosis. I suppose doing things like this cuts down on the money they have to shell out for pensions and health care. And although the VA appears publically as being very thorough and cutting edge in their research and carrying out of mandated programs, I bet in the field, etc., the soldiers and the higher ups aren't educated about PTSD. So, that is how many years they've been disrespecting and straight up lying to soldiers and the public about the effects of experiencing combat on your mental stability? Right. That completely counters how the VA "established" the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in 1989. argh

[TheAmazon]

I think that failure is just reflective of mainstreams ideas about psychology etc. It's all been pretty recent history that people are starting to open up to ideas like that.

Nevertheless i have an older brother who served in Iraq. He's back home for good now , but one can notice changes.

I can only imagine what the soilders have to see out there, counseling and diagnosis etc should be advocated for.

[Tymeless]

As an Iraq Vet who is going through this now, your right about why they label it "Combat Stress" and don't formally diagnose it as PTSD, If the soldier has PTSD as an official diagnosis and gets out, There is the possibility that the government would have to pay him full benefits. With out the proper diagnosis, the government is free and clear from obligations.

Look up the story from about June timeframe on CBS

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/...n1798343.shtml

[Hubb]

so fucking shameful.....im embaresed to call myself an american

[Nyteshade]

Originally Posted by Hubb

so fucking shameful.....im embaresed to call myself an american

Mexico is that way------->

[Cock Puncher]

There is a George Carlin stand up explaining the different names given to shell shock over the years

[matt]

Originally Posted by Delfonic

And although the VA appears publically as being very thorough and cutting edge in their research and carrying out of mandated programs...

HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHA yea right. you must be joking. va's are one step above dumpster diving.

[Ash]

Originally Posted by Delfonic

And although the VA appears publically as being very thorough and cutting edge in their research

LOLOLOL

You obviously have never been to a VA hospital. It isn't even worth mentioning the word "research" in the same sentence as VA hospital.

[Hubb]

Mexico is that way------->

'
truth and the medical care u can recieve there MIGHT be on par with the VA....if you are lucky

[umalak_]

Originally Posted by Nyteshade

Mexico is that way------->

this is a horrible way to respond to someone who has an emotional reaction to the way our countries leaders treat our soldiers.

[Delfonic]

Originally Posted by Ash

LOLOLOL

You obviously have never been to a VA hospital. It isn't even worth mentioning the word "research" in the same sentence as VA hospital.

I have spent a lot of time in the Dallas and Waco VA. I got that information from www.va.gov

[Delfonic]

TO make things a bit clearer, by saying that they appear to be cutting edge in research, I meant the "fact sheets" and other documents on their website for the general public. They may be doing the research well, for all I know. I think they need to start doing something now with all the info they have learned.

[Ender]

what does Terrell Owens have anything to do with this?

Originally Posted by Delfonic

TO make things a bit clearer, by saying that they appear to be cutting edge in research, I meant the "fact sheets" and other documents on their website for the general public. They may be doing the research well, for all I know. I think they need to start doing something now with all the info they have learned.

[Nyteshade]

Originally Posted by umalak_

this is a horrible way to respond to someone who has an emotional reaction to the way our countries leaders treat our soldiers.

It's the standard response I give when people talk about how much America sucks or how they are ashamed to be an American. If this country sucks so bad that you are ashamed to be in it, there's a great freedom we have to emigrate to another country.

That being said, I agree that the VA sucks ass. I don't care about the fact I rate getting cheaper health care there. I will not step foot in one unless I absolutely have too.

[umalak_]

it's a lame response is what it is. however great this country is, there are still plenty of things wrong... and just because someone has an emotional response to this doesn't mean they just need to get the hell out. it means we need to keep improving. what your response does is urge the person to shut the hell up and that's not what we need to be doing, we need to keep talking about these kinds of things and those in positions to change things need to take action.