Recently diagnosed with delayed ptsd

Thanks for the great info Newf. I went online and requested my personnel file and medical records.

Xmedic
Just reading your post. Trooper has some great advice. I also suggest submitting some supporting documentation with your VAC application. You mentioned about having been "...exposed to multiple trauma situations during my 10 year career." Some examples of the supporting documentation would include:
-copy of your DND Personel file which may have some references to the situations you have referenced.
-copy of your DND medical file. I suggest a copy of both your DND entrance medical exam along with your DND release medical exam in 1985. It would be good to PROVE you did NOT have any PTSD when you enrolled into the armed forces. This can give a starting point.
-You can obtain copies of your DND personell and medical files by making a Privacy Act request. There is NO fee associated with these types of information requests. They will send you a DVD with your files that you can easily search and browse through. Here is the link to their website where you can make an online request; http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/atip/requests-personal.asp

-If there are witnesses to support your exposure to traumatic situations then have them prepare a written statement of his/her recollection of the event.
-Any photos of the event, newspaper articles or other supporting information.
-copies of all your civilian medical records from each psychiatrist and family doctor that you have seen. You can see if any of the professionals may have referenced a PTSD symptom in their doctors notes on your file. You never know what notes these doctors put on their file that could help you.
-A copy of the psychiatrists report completed in 1970's.



There is lots of us on here who can help you.

Cheers Newf

Thank you for the information Trooper. I have always been one to save copies of medical reports and other import health records. I have a copy of the psychiatrists report from that time somewhere in my records. I see my FD on Thursday to discuss treatment options. The clinical counsellor haalso wants me to continue seeing him. I think your suggestion of a referral is a good one to support the diagnosis. The problem is that I don't like discussing what I'm going through with people. It's hard even for me to discuss it with my wife if 43 years let alone a stranger. Thanks again Trooper!

Xmedic wrote:I am a 62 year old xmedic who has been recently diagnosed by my family doctor with ptsd stemming from being exposed to multiple trauma situations during my 10 year career.  I released in 1985 and have had some symptoms off and on since my early career.  I sought a psychiatric assessment in the late 70's and after one short 45 minute session at NDMC was diagnosed as having cyclothymia which is a very mild form of mood disorder.  I don't think this diagnosis was correct and believe now that I suffered from ptsd. Now that I am semi retired I am experiencing significant ptsd symptoms.  My doctor sent me to a clinical therapist who said I had all the symptoms of ptsd and recommended I follow up with my doctor to see what options for treatment are available to me.  I have a couple of questions which I would appreciate advice on;  Firstly, can a family doctor diagnose ptsd and is the diagnosis accepted by VAC?  Secondly, what steps do I have to take to commence a disability claim?  Thanks for any and all replies.

Some info for you Xmedic,

32 years since your release so I hope that visit you had in the late 70's you have documents to show that. It would help if you did.

Can your family doctor diagnose you with PTSD? The answer is yes. That said, if you can get your doctor to refer you to a specialist that would also help to support your claim application.

To receive a disability benefit you must:  

1. have a diagnosed medical condition or disability; and

2. be able to show that the condition or disability is related to your service.

There are two types of disability benefits

Disability Pension

Disability Award

In your case you would be applying for a Disability Award.

Steps to apply for benefits

Step 1 - Get an Application Form Click here: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/how-to-apply

Step 2 - What You Need to Apply Click here: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/application-checklist

Step 3 - Submit Your Application  Click here: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/submit-application

Here is some info on VAC Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/benefits-determined/entitlement-eligibility-guidelines/ptsd

These are the steps to take in applying, I encourage you to apply, you got nothing to lose, and don't get discouraged as we all had to go through it and it can be stressful in terms of waiting for answers, but don't let this stop you from applying as that is what the benefits are in place for, to apply.

Feel free to continue to ask questions here, if need be.

I am a 62 year old xmedic who has been recently diagnosed by my family doctor with ptsd stemming from being exposed to multiple trauma situations during my 10 year career.  I released in 1985 and have had some symptoms off and on since my early career.  I sought a psychiatric assessment in the late 70's and after one short 45 minute session at NDMC was diagnosed as having cyclothymia which is a very mild form of mood disorder.  I don't think this diagnosis was correct and believe now that I suffered from ptsd. Now that I am semi retired I am experiencing significant ptsd symptoms.  My doctor sent me to a clinical therapist who said I had all the symptoms of ptsd and recommended I follow up with my doctor to see what options for treatment are available to me.  I have a couple of questions which I would appreciate advice on;  Firstly, can a family doctor diagnose ptsd and is the diagnosis accepted by VAC?  Secondly, what steps do I have to take to commence a disability claim?  Thanks for any and all replies.