PTSD and Trying to re-enlist [Archive] - Marine Corps Community for USMC Marine Veterans

CPL Jack

06-08-08, 08:46 PM

Here is the SITREP

I did four years active duty as a grunt and I have been out for six years. I no longer have the IRR status.

Upon getting out I exhibited symptoms of PTSD and sought treatment through the VA for it. I still go to the occassional doctors appointment and am currently taking an anti-depressant as part of the therapy plan.

I have been feeling great over the past year and would want nothing more than to put my uniform back on and re-up. I am 28 and besides the "been there, done that" diagnosis; I am in top shape.

I spoke with a prior service recruiter about reenlisting and I am interested in becoming a School of Infantry instructor but I fear I screwed myself by seeking treatment for PTSD. I think there is a good chance that I won't be allowed back in because of my VA medical record.

My question is: Has anyone been in this sort of situation? Does anyone have any advice for this Marine?

It would be a shame if I could not serve because I had a rough time during the first enlistment. What do you all think?

Semper Fi and thanks!:flag:

sparkie

06-08-08, 09:33 PM

Don't shoot me.

CPL Jack

06-08-08, 09:57 PM

Hey thanks allot for that Marine. You really made me feel better about my situation. Maybe I should spend the rest of my days in a hospital to keep people like you safe.

Nice sharpshooter badge by the way. I would have no problem getting a bead on you.

Its great to have such a caring band of brothers:devious:

sparkie

06-08-08, 10:34 PM

You will probly get some answers around here, Sorry for the ribbing,,,,,,I'm not all that far off now, considering I was locked up in the Va for 3 months. Since you took me badly in my jest, I apologise, Bro. I am sorry. Don't take a bead on me,,,It may backfire.

CPL Jack

06-08-08, 10:50 PM

Good to go devil dog. I will let you live for another day. Make good use of your borrowed time here on earth.

I was just a little caught off guard, thats all.

Semper Fi sparkie

sparkie

06-08-08, 10:54 PM

Don,t get caught off guard again,,,,,,,,,, Bunch of us old salts around here just havin a little fun,,,, My best advice, Overcome, Marine.

Sterge

06-10-08, 03:46 PM

Sterge

06-10-08, 03:49 PM

(continuation of above post) but you may be able to provide supporting documentation to avoid the disqualification.

oldtop

06-11-08, 10:51 AM

If you are IN RECEIPT of compensation from the VA, then your chances of reenlisting in the Corps is pretty much slim and none. If, however, you are only receiving treatment for your condition but are not rated 10% or higher, you MIGHT be able to get back in. If you really just want back into the military and ARE rated at least 10% but not more than 30%, your best bet is the National Guard. The Guard will allor reenlistment and continued service even though the soldier is rated up to 30% by the VA. The Corps will not allow continued service if you have even a 10% rating.

CPL Jack

06-11-08, 10:55 AM

60% here. Looks like a no-go. I nearly drank myself to death last night but I am over it. At least I am still in school and can move on to other things. Oh freaking well. Its the Corps' loss not mine.

CPL Jack

06-11-08, 10:56 AM

plus two hospitalizations....wtf was I thinking trying to reenlist.

AL49BGN

06-11-08, 12:42 PM

Good Luck CPL JACK.

FistFu68

06-26-08, 11:17 AM

:usmc: You are not alone Cpl. Welcome home Marine :usmc: :iwo:

DevsDad

06-26-08, 02:15 PM

Ditto that... Thank You for your service and welcome home Marine!

fjmas1976

08-04-08, 11:23 AM

Semper Fi:usmc:. Good luck.

FistFu68

08-04-08, 01:12 PM

fjmas1976

08-04-08, 01:35 PM

:evilgrin: A'LOT OF THE POLICE OFFICERS I KNOW ARE FORMER VIETNAM OR DESERT STORM COMBAT VETS THAT ARE COLLECTING$$$$ 4 "PTSD".THEY ARE ON THE STREETS PACKING NOW THAT IS SCAREY:scared: WATCH OUT CRIMINALS :evilgrin:
As a Police Officer I can attest to the fact that before you are hired, you are REQUIRED to take a Psychologocal Screening. If you are not fit to be hired, you are not. They don't just hand you a duty weapon and send you out to the street.

FistFu68

08-04-08, 02:19 PM

:evilgrin: REALLY SO YOU'R THE ONLY ONE THAT TOLD THE TRUTH OR DID YOU NOT NO,THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TOO DISCLOSE ANYTHING ABOUT YOU'R V.A.STATUS???SUM DO SUM DON'T.THAT'S A BIG 10/4 :confused: :iwo:

fjmas1976

08-04-08, 04:24 PM

:evilgrin: REALLY SO YOU'R THE ONLY ONE THAT TOLD THE TRUTH OR DID YOU NOT NO,THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TOO DISCLOSE ANYTHING ABOUT YOU'R V.A.STATUS???SUM DO SUM DON'T.THAT'S A BIG 10/4 :iwo:
Since we're all Brothers here, I have no problem being honest. I don't have PTSD, it's not one of my VA rated disabilities. I work with quite a few vets (Marines and Army) who do have PTSD and yes they disclosed it during the hiring process. Also, there is no one I would rather have as my back-up when I need it than those guys. They are dependable and always there when the sh*t goes down. Why are you so bitter against Marines (and other vets) with PTSD? Are you angry that some Police Department turned you down?:cry:

FistFu68

08-04-08, 04:42 PM

:evilgrin: YOU GOT THE WRONG MESSAGE MARINE.I COME FROM A LONG LINE OF POLICE OFFICERS AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MY FAMILY.AS TOO YOU'R WISEAZZ COMMENT ABOUT ME,I WAS ACCEPTED BY THE TEXAS RANGERS NOT TALKING BASEBALL EITHER.WITH AN EARLY OUT OPTION OF THE USMC.MARINES DON'T GET FUCING "PTSD"(LMAO)!!!DON'T THINK YOU'R THE ONLY SWINGING DICK IN THIS WORLD WITH A BADGE.YOU SHOULD NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER. 10/4 S/F :D :iwo:

fjmas1976

08-04-08, 11:40 PM

AS TOO YOU'R WISEAZZ COMMENT ABOUT ME
My apologies on that......Sorry I kinda went crazy for a little there. It just upsets me when Marines (or Vets from other branches of service) get that PTSD label thrown on them. My apologies for my rant, FISTFU68....Semper Fi.:usmc:

FistFu68

08-05-08, 07:21 AM

:usmc: NO BIGGY MARINE,I HEAR WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM.I ALSO WANTED TOO COMMEND YOU,ON WORKING WITH OTHER VETERANS;IT'S A GOOD THING YOU ARE A DOING.I GUESS WE BOTH RESPECT THE HELL OUTTA OUR FELLOW MARINES.IF YOU'R STILL A POLICE OFFICER;PUT THAT VEST ON MARINE.IF NOT WEAR IT ANYWAY(LOL),THESE MEAN STREETS ARE NUT'S THESE DAY'S.SEMPER~FIDELIS YOU'R NEW BUDDY ME!!!:beer: :iwo:

bootlace15

08-05-08, 08:01 AM

PTSD, Seems with all the apologies going on,we are all ****** nuts. So lets all start laughing at ourselves......................

hhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaa

bootlace15 out

Riven37

08-05-08, 12:42 PM

Page 203 of the USMC procurement manual (found at http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/MCO%20P1100.72C%20W%20ERRATUM.pdf (http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/MCO%20P1100.72C%20W%20ERRATUM.pdf) )

lists receipt of compensation for disability benefits as a non-waiverable bar to reenlistment. Page 236 discusses previous "psychological health", and page 143 discusses psychological hospitalization as potentially permanently disqualifying, .

Didn't congress just do something about this issue like didn't they said the military can't stop personal who are diagnosed with PTSD as a means to discharge them. Therefore, they can't stop reenlistment right ?????

Riven37

08-05-08, 12:43 PM

Here is the SITREP

I did four years active duty as a grunt and I have been out for six years. I no longer have the IRR status.

Upon getting out I exhibited symptoms of PTSD and sought treatment through the VA for it. I still go to the occasional doctors appointment and am currently taking an anti-depressant as part of the therapy plan.

I have been feeling great over the past year and would want nothing more than to put my uniform back on and re-up. I am 28 and besides the "been there, done that" diagnosis; I am in top shape.

I spoke with a prior service recruiter about reenlisting and I am interested in becoming a School of Infantry instructor but I fear I screwed myself by seeking treatment for PTSD. I think there is a good chance that I won't be allowed back in because of my VA medical record.

My question is: Has anyone been in this sort of situation? Does anyone have any advice for this Marine?

It would be a shame if I could not serve because I had a rough time during the first enlistment. What do you all think?

Semper Fi and thanks!:flag:

My main question is why would want to go back in ? You did your time, move on live your life, because PTSD gets worse over time not better.

Petz

08-06-08, 02:42 AM

yes they can't stop them from re-enlisting.... I got attached to a reserve unit with 70% disability from the VA... what gets you is if you get disability from the military... I.E. medical seperation... if you RE code is 1 or 1A you are good to go devil, you just need to talk to a recruiter and they'll tell you to get a doc to say you are able to play Marine some more with your friends.

KILL!

davblay

08-06-08, 02:46 AM

Sometimes it don't show up for years. Mine didn't and I have been home from the Nam since 13Feb70. But I see a lot in my dreams, very accurate things, that bother me. They called that Delayed PTSD!

Dave

davblay

08-06-08, 02:48 AM

Didn't congress just do something about this issue like didn't they said the military can't stop personal who are diagnosed with PTSD as a means to discharge them. Therefore, they can't stop reenlistment right ?????

Ask your Carreer counsilor, that's what he gets paid for! Or a Recruiter.

Dave

lowkeys760

08-16-08, 12:28 AM

I was a recruiter and to be honest with you brother because of the medical history that was developed after your discharge. The medical staff at MEPS will DQ for your medical history, I always tell people if you got any problems as far as medical or whatever and you think that you want to get out then come back in dont do it, because it is harder to get back in considering most Marine medical records while they are in.

Petz

08-16-08, 12:50 AM

they can't DQ you for military medical records if you got an 1A after your final physical... now if you got more added while you were out... that's different.

lowkeys760

08-16-08, 01:36 PM

they can't DQ you for military medical records if you got an 1A after your final physical... now if you got more added while you were out... that's different.

oh yeah no doubt, but if you have the medical problems that the Marine I was referring to has, then you will not receive 1A leaving the Corps they will give you different code, but yeah if you do get 1A and start developing medical problems and start receiving treatment yes it will be a problem trying to get back in.

waltcolle4

08-16-08, 01:41 PM

my jr DI had mental problems, he was pysco but he was fair and still in the croutch.

lowkeys760

08-16-08, 10:41 PM

i say being a DI can in some ways alter your personality good and bad.

DIUSMC

01-30-09, 03:30 PM

Back up Jack. Question, Do you want to get back in the Marine Corps? Simple answer here...Yes or No? If no, move on and do whatever you have to do next. Stop drinking and stop with the PTSD treatments. If you have the ability to jump tracks this fast you are OK! If you want to get back in the Marine Corps, all of the above still apply all you have to do is get out there and convince EVERYONE that you still have it and am willing to show it. The longer you wait the further it gets.

Petz

01-30-09, 05:15 PM

they can't DQ you for military medical records if you got an 1A after your final physical... now if you got more added while you were out... that's different.

I'm going to correct myself here... yes they can.

though they will only ask if you are ok.... I was asked the same simple questions from the first round.... no issues.

they don't goto the VA and do a search... it's all dependant on your recruiter and the paperwork he fills out.

so I'll say, if you do it without complaining and cry that you were messed up and are a fraudulent reenlistment... well you'll be ok... just say you have those issues AFTER you get in... treat it as a problem once you are in.

Petz

01-30-09, 05:16 PM

oh yeah no doubt, but if you have the medical problems that the Marine I was referring to has, then you will not receive 1A leaving the Corps they will give you different code, but yeah if you do get 1A and start developing medical problems and start receiving treatment yes it will be a problem trying to get back in.

yeah... my last post adds to this.

DocGreek

01-31-09, 12:12 AM

SSGT.....If a Marine left the Corps, with P.T.S.D., WHY would he WANT to go back? Seems to me, he should be at a Vet Center, or a V.A. Hospital, learning how to cope with his life.....as it is!! If I were his recruiter, and knew his med. problem, that's what I would stress.....GET HELP!!.....SEMPER FI....Doc Greek

Petz

01-31-09, 02:21 PM

the PTSD is something that can be from a car accident as a civilian... not just because of combat.

if he wants to get back in it's because he loves the Corps and enjoyed the job when not getting blown up.

it's different for everybody, and sometimes it becomes a last resort in order to put food on his familys table.

DocGreek

01-31-09, 03:41 PM

SSGT....Just thought I'd ask.....you never know!! You're right about P.T.S.D., E.M.T.'s, suffer badly, just like us villains!! I wish him my best!!.....Doc Greek

Petz

01-31-09, 09:07 PM

devils advocate is one of the hardest jobs in the Corps/Navy.... keep it up doc.

HavokUSMC

02-06-09, 02:05 AM

You're not alone brother. I served with 2/2 Golf as an 0311 for OIF 2 and 3 and lemme tell ya bro since I got out in Oct 2006 and moved back home to Alexandria, Va, civilian life has been pretty ****ty man. I thought I was fine till a few months later got in some trouble and got arrested for destroying some property then sent to the psych ward in a local civilian hospital where I stayed for a month. Once I got outa there I was transferred to the VA in Washington DC where I stayed in the locked in psych ward as well. They gave me meds which I still take to this day mostly for mood stabilization and sleep. If I don't take these meds for sleep, then I ain't sleeping period. The whole year of 2007 was spent in and out of civilian and VA hospitals due to my unstable manic conditions. Each time I'd go back home, within a few weeks, I'm back in a hospital. I finally got out of my last hospital stay in July 2007 and I found a job as a bus boy for a restaurant but that didn't last but 5 months and I quit on the spot cuz I got ****ed off and my anger just blew it. I also tried out for the Fairfax County Fire n Rescue as a firefighter but 7 months into the process I was disqualified cuz of my PTSD and meds. I just recently got my 70% from the VA after 2 yrs of fighting them and 3 denial letters. Yeah brother you're not alone. It makes me feel better knowing that there are other vets out there who are in the same shoes. I'm currently jobless and I want back in the Corps but I also realized that I got recalled a few months back and they actually wouldn't let me go back in cuz of my PTSD and 70%! It sucks being "stuck" out here in society man but I gotta move on. I gotta take it day by day. We're in the civilian world now bro. We're young and can take all the time in the world to get our lives back. I still get the dreams, hardly flashbacks, but I still get startled easily, can't stand crowds, and am always paranoid. I notice myself still out there looking for a fight sometimes and wanting to take someone down and beat the living s**t out of him you know. Guess that's just our violent tendencies. But I still need to realize that that kinda stuff don't fly here in civilian world. We'll get locked up in a heartbeat! Anyways brother take care and I will try and do the same. We made it! Everything's gonna be alright! Semper Fi! - Paul Guevara

HavokUSMC

02-06-09, 02:39 AM

Hey brothers I'm also new to this site. Apparently I'm a dumba$$ Grunt n this thing is Grunt proof lol but how do you put down your unit name and your ribbons and badges? Thanks guys Semper Fi!

DocGreek

02-06-09, 08:45 AM

PAUL....to add, or delete anything, in your PROFILE, just click on "My Info", at the top of this page....take your time, post some pic's of whatever you want!!! YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, BRO"!!! I, and some of the other Grunts, here will be Honored to give you Info, and Support....when you need it!!!.....SEMPER FI.....Doc Greek

2ndLAADBnWRENCH

02-06-09, 09:24 PM

Many of us have moved on from the Corps and returned to service just not the Marines, Cpl Jack. Usually its a catch 22 returning after many years away. I read the threads and like many. The National Guard is a haven for those that still want the life of service. Many units have a high number of former Marines and the commands want these in AGR and slots of responsibility. Dave Blay would be a good source to figure a plan. I was 40% SC physically and exibited PTSD and they really don't care as long as they get your experience, they'll deal with the issues from the past. This was my deal and I chased active and AGR orders till medical retirement.. I'm not selling the Guard but it may be your only chance at the return to uniform duty. Good Luck n God Speed in your dream of returning to uniform service.

Dublin0341

06-15-09, 04:02 PM

SSGT....Just thought I'd ask.....you never know!! You're right about P.T.S.D., E.M.T.'s, suffer badly, just like us villains!! I wish him my best!!.....Doc Greek

Hi,

I have had the privilage of not only being a US Marine, but also prior to that a soldier in the Irish defence forces (Thats where I am from) and am a volunteer Firefighter/EMT in Texas. In Iraq I was our defacto Corpsman as the Doc did not have very much experience, which in ways thats no fault of his own. DocGreek is correct. EMT's, Firefighters, Cops do have simular reactions however after such incidents that trigger PTSD we are 100% firm on having what we call CISDs (Critical Incident stress debriefing). Its a powefull means of dealing with the reactions to abnormal situations.

In Iraq, covered in another Devils blood from head to toe (Post CPR) in which a suicide bomber killed him, the mission to an ASP was continued needlessly which entailed picking up a package of some sort. I am relaly not trying to rant, I just think that the Marine Corps needs a little lesson from professional EMS. What we experience in combat is abnormal, the mission needs to go on I agree. But when prudent, it does not take much for the corps to organise a POW WOW. I have seen more people killed stateside (through EMS) than I have had home cooked meals. They can be put into context with a shoulder to lean on and a pat on the back to a certain degree, however I cannot let my Marine brother go as my reaction was never defused.

I would really like to work on a project to set up some sort of program that Marines can use in country to deal with these issues before they become issues that tear veterans lifes apart. If anyone is interested, please hit me up.

Semper Fi
Is mise le meas,
do chara, Dale

rheinmark187

06-17-09, 06:00 PM

Hi,

I have had the privilage of not only being a US Marine, but also prior to that a soldier in the Irish defence forces (Thats where I am from) and am a volunteer Firefighter/EMT in Texas. In Iraq I was our defacto Corpsman as the Doc did not have very much experience, which in ways thats no fault of his own. DocGreek is correct. EMT's, Firefighters, Cops do have simular reactions however after such incidents that trigger PTSD we are 100% firm on having what we call CISDs (Critical Incident stress debriefing). Its a powefull means of dealing with the reactions to abnormal situations.

In Iraq, covered in another Devils blood from head to toe (Post CPR) in which a suicide bomber killed him, the mission to an ASP was continued needlessly which entailed picking up a package of some sort. I am relaly not trying to rant, I just think that the Marine Corps needs a little lesson from professional EMS. What we experience in combat is abnormal, the mission needs to go on I agree. But when prudent, it does not take much for the corps to organise a POW WOW. I have seen more people killed stateside (through EMS) than I have had home cooked meals. They can be put into context with a shoulder to lean on and a pat on the back to a certain degree, however I cannot let my Marine brother go as my reaction was never defused.

I would really like to work on a project to set up some sort of program that Marines can use in country to deal with these issues before they become issues that tear veterans lifes apart. If anyone is interested, please hit me up.

Semper Fi
Is mise le meas,
do chara, Dale

That's a good idea. In the city of Austin, you'll find many people with skills you'll need to develop that program too, if you intend to make it into a short film or dvd to send with the folks implementing it.

RhodeIsland

06-17-09, 07:16 PM

Cpl. Jack,
Welcome Home my Brother and thank you for sharing with us.
You are not alone here.
I am reading your thread and I am confused. You are asking for advise on RE-Enlisting because you want to serve again but then on your next post to your own thread you say you are better off to not.
You said you are 60% Service Connected and you also almost drank yourself to death the other night.
You asked for advice so here is my advice.

Stop drinking, continue with your Drs. treatment plan for your PTSD and take care of your health!!!
Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice.
Put one foot in front of the other and try and have the best day that you can.
Semper Fi,
Rocky
100% SC, P&T, PTSD

Sgt Leprechaun

06-24-09, 05:00 AM

If you are getting 60 percent, you are ineligible for reenlistment, and quite frankly, you DON'T want to re-enist. Not sure if it's been answered before (part of PTSD is disorganized thought and impatience, therefore I just skipped to the end of the thread LOL...apologies if it's been answered before), but you would have to completely re-nounce the 60 percent, likely have to pay back what you've already gotten, and get cleared medically. If you are at that level, it's highly unlikely ANY of those things are going to happen, bro. Sorry but that's just the way it is.

Rocky has it right...one day at a time. It's all you can do.

Petz

06-24-09, 11:22 AM

it depends on if that's 60% for one thing.

if you don't have any one problem rated over 30% then you will be cleared for re-enlistment.

I wouldn't worry if this is the case... however many PTSD people have it at 40%

if you don't know then goto the VA and talk to one of the service reps there DAV,VFW... they'll pull it up for you. then tell them that you want to re-enlist and you need to get your ratings down to 30%

keep in mind this isn't the OVERALL rating just the individual ratings.

Caesar Augustus

07-09-09, 07:27 AM

Hi,

I have had the privilage of not only being a US Marine, but also prior to that a soldier in the Irish defence forces (Thats where I am from) and am a volunteer Firefighter/EMT in Texas. In Iraq I was our defacto Corpsman as the Doc did not have very much experience, which in ways thats no fault of his own. DocGreek is correct. EMT's, Firefighters, Cops do have simular reactions however after such incidents that trigger PTSD we are 100% firm on having what we call CISDs (Critical Incident stress debriefing). Its a powefull means of dealing with the reactions to abnormal situations.

In Iraq, covered in another Devils blood from head to toe (Post CPR) in which a suicide bomber killed him, the mission to an ASP was continued needlessly which entailed picking up a package of some sort. I am relaly not trying to rant, I just think that the Marine Corps needs a little lesson from professional EMS. What we experience in combat is abnormal, the mission needs to go on I agree. But when prudent, it does not take much for the corps to organise a POW WOW. I have seen more people killed stateside (through EMS) than I have had home cooked meals. They can be put into context with a shoulder to lean on and a pat on the back to a certain degree, however I cannot let my Marine brother go as my reaction was never defused.

I would really like to work on a project to set up some sort of program that Marines can use in country to deal with these issues before they become issues that tear veterans lifes apart. If anyone is interested, please hit me up.

Semper Fi
Is mise le meas,
do chara, Dale

I agree when I was in iraq during OIF III and a another squad got hit and four Marines were killed, we went out to secure the area and search for two bodies in the canals which were found I think a week later. However it was back to business as usual right after we came back. Not even a moment of silence etc.

I didn't feel anything at the time. I flat out lied to myself and said "Nope they aren't dead, and I'm not leading this patrol because LT thinks I'll keep it together" Same time I knew four of our guys were dead two of which we were searching the canals for their bodies.

In hind sight its a little sad our Plt Sgt or Commander didn't do or say anything besides "just because this happened doesn't mean you can destroy this mans house"