Venting... False claims for PTSD!

sc_rufctr · 10-08-2017, 07:25 PM

Hope this doesn't go PARF. (I was reluctant to start this thread)

True story... Just recently an ex army "buddy" of mine contacted me out of the blue. Even though he was never sent to a proper shooting war he's trying to claim for PTSD for a near miss he had back in the 80s. He asked me if I would back up his story because I was the Medic at the location of the incident. I was shocked because this was nearly 30 years ago! I told him I didn't remember the incident and then he confessed that he was actually OK but he was trying to get compensation from the government & other guys he served with were doing the same.

It gets worse. This guy is really good with money. He owns his house outright on it's in a very good neighborhood, has lots of nice toys (cars, motor bikes and a collection of BMX bikes) AND he's semi-retired at 50.

Makes you wonder...

speeder · 10-08-2017, 07:51 PM

Points to his (lack of) character. Too bad.

Evans, Marv · 10-08-2017, 08:14 PM

Just imagine how many other scam type things he's done to be in the comfortable position he's in now.

sc_rufctr · 10-08-2017, 09:07 PM

Honestly it just floored me when he called. He found me through a Faceplant page. He likes boasting and posting picture of his toys. Back in the day he was fit and bright. One of the good guys but he never married and has no kids. I politely told him what I really thought.

With all the publicity around PTSD I'm guessing there's a lot of this out there. The people assessing him would know this so I doubt he'll be successful but that didn't stop from him trying.

theFONZ · 10-08-2017, 09:39 PM

I know many guys that certainly have PTSD (and know what they went through), I also have talked to many that claim or allude to it. The problem is it is too easy to fake it. The ones faking it for attention/disability are ruining the support for the ones that need it most. I'm glad you told him what you thought about it, problem is, he won't care and will go on pursuing it. Now try to get ahold of the agency he's claiming it to and let them know about what he said. Get on Facebook and let folks know what he is doing.

KFC911 · 10-09-2017, 02:32 AM

He gives slime a bad reputation and he is a real specimen

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-09-2017, 03:00 AM

How are you going to report him?

legion · 10-09-2017, 04:42 AM

My wife's cousin's father in law has been on Social Security disability since the 80's for a traumatic head injury. You know, the kind that allows him to work other jobs for cash, buy boats, go water skiing, go snow skiing, play hockey, spend all day on the golf course, and travel for lavish vacations 6-8 times a year.

widgeon13 · 10-09-2017, 04:57 AM

Serious question, is it necessary to have been in a combat zone to qualify for PTSD?

I know some snowflakes who would like to apply. They feel they aren't getting their fair share.

Who Qualifies for Veterans Disability Benefits?

In order to qualify for any type of veterans disability benefits, certain criteria must be met. First, the veteran must currently have a medically diagnosed disease or disability, which may include a mental illness or mental disorder such as PTSD. Second, there must have been a triggering incident during active military, naval, or air service. Third, the veteran must prove a causal connection between the military service and the current injury or disease, otherwise known as showing that the disability is “service-connected.”

berettafan · 10-09-2017, 05:45 AM

I think it's likely very common and is enabled by the disconnect between the taxpayer and the benefit theft.

ckelly78z · 10-09-2017, 06:19 AM

This is the problem with alot of "disabled" people out there whether it be from mental stress, or physical trauma. Way too many folks sucking on the government teet because they were a victim of some sort at some point in the past...hard to proove.

Evans, Marv · 10-09-2017, 06:46 AM

Another factor is the "disabled" being enabled by those working in the programs that service the "disabled." If you don't have any "disabled" to service, you don't have a program or job. Witness the welfare system.

legion · 10-09-2017, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Another factor is the "disabled" being enabled by those working in the programs that service the "disabled." If you don't have any "disabled" to service, you don't have a program or job. Witness the welfare system.

That is a problem all over government. Once government becomes the "solution" to a "problem", a cottage industry of bureaucrats springs up to ensure there are enough problems for the solution--these are often termed "government outreach programs". Over time, the spending on the problem accelerates. In bureaucracy, spending more on something is deemed as evidence that the problem has gotten worse, meaning even more spending is necessary. Rules get relaxed over time (either explicitly or because of the need for solutions to find problems), allowing more and more into the program. There is no interest in curing problems, as that might reduce spending and jobs employed in the name of solutions.

Yorkie · Yorkie's Garage

OP - You didn't think this would go PARF? You chummed the water and they are already here.

Arizona_928 · 10-09-2017, 07:21 AM

It's like sleep apnea... Bam 50% through the va.

Have him claim major depression, and/or anxiety... End result will follow.

TheMentat · TheMentat's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

That is a problem all over government. Once government becomes the "solution" to a "problem", a cottage industry of bureaucrats springs up to ensure there are enough problems for the solution--these are often termed "government outreach programs". Over time, the spending on the problem accelerates. In bureaucracy, spending more on something is deemed as evidence that the problem has gotten worse, meaning even more spending is necessary. Rules get relaxed over time (either explicitly or because of the need for solutions to find problems), allowing more and more into the program. There is no interest in curing problems, as that might reduce spending and jobs employed in the name of solutions.

I don't see how the private sector would be any better in this case... the incentives are still the same.

I think it's just an unfortunate byproduct of doing the things that are deemed necessary by society, but not by the market.

sc_rufctr · 10-09-2017, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkie

OP - You didn't think this would go PARF? You chummed the water and they are already here.

I was thinking about starting it in PARF but it would get a broader view/input here.

I really don't want to tell Vet Affairs that this guy is faking it but I know it would be the right thing to do. (because he fessed up and told me it was a BS claim)
He's stupid. We haven't talked in nearly 30 years! What was he thinking?

Rikao4 · 10-09-2017, 09:23 AM

most troops are now coached on their way out..
I see perfectly fit young troops with 100 % all the time..
it's the new retirement..that starts early..
I know folks suffer 'suffered'..and have bona fide claims..
but my neighbor never who never deployed & only saw stateside..
gets 50 % for her PID..she had a pelvic inflammatory event..

Rika

berettafan · 10-09-2017, 09:36 AM

Pelvic
Inflammatory
Event

I see what you did there!

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

I really don't want to tell Vet Affairs that this guy is faking it but I know it would be the right thing to do. (because he fessed up and told me it was a BS claim)
He's stupid. We haven't talked in nearly 30 years! What was he thinking?

Perhaps, "Somebody stop me!"
Just guessing, but maybe he respects you and your opinion and wanted some validation for what he was doing. By not saying it was wrong, you validated and encouraged him.
I probably would have done the same as you. No one wants to tell their friend he is being a dick. But from this distance, I can posit that maybe that's what he needed to be told.