Our 2nd video with licensed Psychologist, Dr. Vonetes. He is a Compensation and Pension Examiner as well. Today we address the differences between PTSD and Anxiety. Let us know what you think. More videos coming soon with Dr. Vonetes!
@HillAndPonton I am a combat vet with plenty of stressors to provide from my service 2002-2006 I have diagnosed afib and sleep apnea which I believe is from anxiety/ptsd. Is it necessary for me to have a ptsd diagnosis to file a claim for it with my other diagnoses as secondary? Thank you for your time.
As an 80% rated vet facing 4x initial DBQs including MH, I thank you for the info. I had to put my fieldjacket liner on to help control the shakes I got reflecting back while you spoke. Very shaken right now and shallow breathing. Self-isolating sucks. Gardening helps. Thanks. What if I have nightmare about answering the DBQs and losing it? Bleh
Every time I see a video about VA issues, my eyes water up, and feel so embarrassed. I applied for PTSD, but didn't have any stressors they said that qualify, but they did say I had other issues. I finally met a VA Phycologist, and we are getting set up with meetings soon. I never asked for help, and I am out of place. I spent 1973-1977 in the Infantry Airborne in the 82nd. I am 67 now, and I think it's time to get some help. Thank you for these videos, but it's not easy talking to anyone about this. I feel strange even writing this down.
When you go to the meetings ,you have to remember that it's you back then it's now.! Open -up ! Start slow to free yourself. I promise, it taught me too free my mind a little.?
Don’t be embarrassed man. I know it’s hard to talk about but we’re all here for you. No judgement from me whatsoever, we all have issues, whether or not you get the rating you deserve (and I hope you do), I hope you get help.
Thank you for your service. Maybe it will help to remember that holding the military/govt accountable is part of your ongoing duty, protecting yourself and other service members. I am sorry that your pain was not validated by the VA -- but it IS as valid as it is real. Thousands & thousands of soldiers experienced PTSD before the VA even knew the condition existed -- they do NOT know everything.
Thank you both so much. For the longest time I have always internalized most of what I've gone through. I'm sure 99% of vets will agree that you can only "suck it up" so long before you need help or to admit to yourself that you're NOT, "good to go." Thanks again. loved the video
The VA sicked the cops on me after I called the Veterans Crisis Line. Cops arrived at my home and stuffed me into a cruiser and off I went to an involuntary mental health confinement facility. I was discharged after the psychiatrist evaluated me. Was the VA done? Nope. The VA facility called a said I HAD to come in for a mental health appointment or they would place me back into that mental health facility involuntarily. I went to see the VA psychiatrist who gaslighted me. When he asked about my problem I told him. He said my problem was I was having a pity party. I can never go back to them.
@@panamacitybeachbumdamn I am sorry to hear that. You can contact the patient advocate at the VA, to get a different doctor. I did for my 1st psychiatrist he was a pos
With the assistance of a VSO I filed a letter of intent. Going back to 78 - 79 is the connection to my Navy service. Just first step has me jittery and nervous. Thanks for sharing, it gives me a little hope.
Wow. Perfect timing to show up on my feed! I I have a C&P next week for anxiety secondary to my back issues. Since filing I’ve been an anxious mess. I hate opening up and admitting how hard it is to have to ask for help with lifting things or that I can’t stand/sit for long periods without pain.
Good luck Tammy! We know it can be tough to get through C&P exams but being fully honest and transparent is important. We hope you get the benefits you deserve!
That's one hard thing to know, u r trained to be tough, but yet u eventually have to give in, and face the defeat that your issues have taken over, and nothing u can do to fix it. U r then forced to face defeat in the eyes of your injury and u feel like crap for being forced to rely on others. It sucks. No way to look around it. And when that realization steps in, that's when it hits u, and u don't want to be a burden for others.
I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, major depressive disorder and anxiety by a neuropsychologist and Auditory processing disorder by a Doctor whom specializes in audiology. All connected to the several IEDs I hit, my good friend and roommate dying in by an EFP and being shot at several times and in a few TICs. I refuse the medication they recommend to “help” with PTSD and anxiety or whatever it’s for because I don’t like taking meds and I know there are joes who have experienced a lot worse sht than I have. Fortunately I made it to 22 years active duty with my issues. The BH guy asked me what my plans are when I get out. I told him I don’t know because I don’t like interacting with people and any job that requires multi-step processes and “out of the box-thinking drives me crazy with anxiety. I know I can’t sit on the couch drinking beer when I retire, but I honestly don’t know what to do when I get out. My background is 12+ years of HR now and my bachelors is in Business admin, but I know I won’t be able to get jobs in those related career fields. HR people and cubicles piss me off. Not sure why I’m typing this, just that it sucks and I know I have to do something or I’ll die on the couch drinking. Maybe I just need to quit complaining and suck it up and drive on.
Thank you. My c&p exam is in 3 weeks for PTSD. They scheduled a virtual one I'm just really struggling with the thought of going over it all again. It cost me my marriage and the relationship with my kids. I had EMDR about 3 years ago that really did help me turn some things around. Ever since I filed my depression anxiety have really kicked up. I'm back on medications. I could never take my life because my youngest heard me say it so many times. My ex asked her what she's going to do when things get hard she said she was going to take her life like her father. I don't care to be here but I can't be my own end. I do look for a righteous way out every day
This really blessed me. I have found dogs to be my best friend. I am training two right now for service. One ptsd for me and one for my daughter and epilepsy.
Great comment. I'm going thru the mill right now and trying to understand about my diagnosis and my issues. My personality has changed completely and I don't understand why.
Thank you for your effort informing us vets. I recently had a 0 percent PTSD rating from VBA after 6 years. Im ŵth both of these health providers in this video saying, how if theres some evidence? Well in true V.A. fashion im schedule for my second P& T exam within 8 months. I've learned alot watching and listening to your video. Wish me luck🙏.
I recently learned that I sometimes have passive suicidal ideation. It’s like your description of pondering thoughts on what if I was not here anymore. I have no plan. Fortunately I’m getting treatment for finally identifying my ptsd stressor
Great video, these help a lot. There is a lot in this video that speaks to me! I've been waiting 6 months for my C&P exam and nervous about doing it and being denied. After watching these videos I feel better and have a better idea about how to make sure I can correctly plead my case. This insight is SO helpful. Thank you!
@@Sarnt_Eskie It was kind of a rough day. Lot of anxiety leading up to the exam. But overall went good. I got rated it 50% which is fair, for my experiences. Good luck! Make notes of triggers, episodes, experiences, etc. It's easy to forget about talking points when you're under stress.
@@tonyforrest1095 noted, I'm very bad at remembering things even when if I was just told. And thanks for your response brother. You should check out combat Craig if you haven't.
Once again I enjoyed this video. The the topic(s) were perfect and I learned so much. Dr. Venetos is an excellent doctor and communicator. I really appreciate how well he dissects and discusses a specific topic/condition to help me better understand it. Keep bringing the videos because the information is very valuable. Thank you both and have a wonderful weekend! 😃
I think civilian doctors have a lot more compassion to Veterans. VA Doctors are just like the Doctors in the military, I'll put a splint on that broken leg, now go back to work. What's the problem? We were brain washed not to ever complain about what bothers us. Even 40 years later many Veterans feel guilty for complaining about their problems in the military.
I’m 74 years old and served as a combat medic in Vietnam Nam and filing for PTSD & Anxiety. In gathering information for my case I find most of my records have been destroyed .How bad do you think this will hurt my chances. I have some records but not the beginning stages.Thank you
To me it’s the opposite, after some emotional issues, where I had so many stress factors in the service. I stopped being neat, I went from being organized to the total opposite. I write down all of my feelings before deployment in the paperwork and NOBODY read anything because no one questioned my feelings and concerns.
One thing I didnt see talked about is secondary PHYSICAL conditions due to MENTAL conditions (PTSD being one) such as hypertension, elevated inflammation (C-Reactive Protein blood markers), congestive heart failure, arterial plaque, etc. build up all of which are not otherwise explained by lifestyle or genetics.
I have a 109% P&T, but my doctor asked me to see a psychiatrist, I had to talk to him about something I have never talked to anyone about, not even my Wife. After we talked about everything, he told me that I had the worst case of PTSD he had ever seen. I have never even filled a claim for PTSD. I really feel worse today, then I did before I talked to him 😢
The VA has never once looked at any evidence I have supplied and raters only look at the C&P. The only way to have the buddy statements, logs, etc. is through HLR in my experiences. I have been through over 50 C&P's and 5 HLR's in the past 2 years on my own. Went from 50-90 and still at war with the VA. I may reach out to Hill and Pond to get to the finish line.
Does it matter much or if at all if you’ve filed a claim for one when maybe you should have filed for the other? like claiming ptsd when you should have claimed anxiety, etc
We appreciate you watching and we're so glad we could be of some help. If you haven't checked it out, here's our other video with Dr. Vonetes: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9_BdPGGp2Rg.html
So in your example of non combat stressor with the off duty pilot, couldn't you have stopped at the plane going down over the middle of the ocean and that qualify? Did the pilot have to also experience his mother dying?
The cup in the sink analogy was spot on accurate for me. My wife and I are nearly at the point of divorce because of her letting dishes dry in the sink. She also chews loudly!!
Definitely a tough situation to be in, Will. When this happens, it's important to understand WHY the VA denied your claim. Is there not enough evidence of an in-service event? Is there not enough medical evidence? Is the VA saying your condition already existed before service? Figuring out these questions may help you take that next step in moving forward with your claim and appealing. Don't give up!
It's even worse when you have a diagnosis for a presumptive condition (in my case Chronic Fatigue) and are still denied because they say the Fatigue is more than likely related to my sleep apnea and depression & anxiety. I'm SC for depression & anxiety, but was denied for sleep apnea when I claimed as secondary based on aggravation. It's all a game and VA looks for any reason to deny.
@@lindalav1477 Confirmation-Bias..... you have to adopt an Affirmative Defense Strategy to get the needed outcome... Appeals take too long so we need a method to file a "CUE-CLAIM" to show where an error in judgement was made.
Got checked out many years ago for ptsd the doctors was treating me with pain pills for my back which were a live saver at the time. Because of the pain pills I believe I was misdiagnosed for ptsd . After the pain pills were taken away all hell broke loose going through with drawls after that point the ptsd for me was a problem. Working around the VA for treatment was the only option. Veterans never wanted to deal with the VA makes good sense for some people.
Unemployed, homeless, with a recently repoed car, waiting on the VA to deny/grant me tdiu (@ 80%). The whole VA process and its wait time can set off ptsd....
@@YHWHWILLBEDONE Thank you for asking....After a denial, I received some help and advice from other brothers and sisters in arms in a shelter in south Florida and was granted tdiu. Currently doing remote therapy sessions while trying to restart my life in the Philippines... Long way to go but it's better than where I started🙏🏿
@SayntPx Wow, good for you, brotha. God willing, I too willbe in either the 1. Africa 2. Brazil or the 3. Philippines ! You went from the out house to the penthouse lol. They aay if you have $3k or more in the philippines your rich! Good for you man!
US ARMY I was misdiagnosed in 1969 as paranoid schizophrenic. After destroying many relationships and smashing up many motorcycles, I went back to the VA 45 yrs later and inturn ended up going for a C&P exam. At three years old my mother killed my sister, her daughter, and then hung her self in front of me. I stood there frozen- examining everything in detail... My mother's face hanging, my sister disfigured with her pajamas around her neck. No one to talk to, no one to comfort me. 1951- family kept everything hushed- destroyed all pictures and my history with my mother. Non-US, non-VA counselors all told me in certain ways they're surprised I'm still here alive. The only positive thing from all this experience is that I have a great determination to live, and have found a therapeutic approach for me where I gained tremendous healing and use to this day. I would be willing to share my experience with the VA but they seem to be unwilling to understand being in the dark ages with PTSD. Thanks for listening.
Word. Mine told me to hurry up because she had another appointment to get to. Lady literally said my fear and hypervigilance of someone entering a public gathering or my church with a firearm was probably just related to things I'd seen in the news..... 🤯 bro I just stopped talking. I was absolutely infuriated! She did not care, period.
42:40ish... Cupcakes? So now when you see guys with symptoms they are cupcakes? The respect meter just went from 100 to 50%. With an added dead eye stare.
I am currently at the Va in richmond Va, where I go for treatment on everything , but I have come to understand that a lot of the employees have no clue as to what I am going through , because they were never a solder, their only experience of the topic Wes watching movies or reading a book written by a government employee that has no real world experience of the topic , but they speak like they have all of this experience- just like that government publication says they should do-the problem with that is - the blind leading the blindand the official that is in charge has come to the very real conclusion that is WRONG and there is no way for you to get through to them because they are convened that they are right because of this publication that they read, never experienced . How does one overcome those issues to get well ???
Same here, i think our C and P exams should be Recorded 2022. Lets push for this action. Police wear camera's now. These private companies dont have our backs. Camera's Now. My c&p he was asking about my kids and job, nothing about the Stressors.
I was diagnosed with and awarded 50% for PTSD/Anxiety disorder in 2004 at 50%. I have not had a single reevaluation in 18 years. I recently put in for insomnia because other service connected injuries as well as nightmares have been keeping me from sleeping well for a long time and I was just told that they want to reevaluate my PTSD...after 18 years. Is this normal at this length of time? I'm nervous about this whole thing.
I took my C+P for PTSD and i received an Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and i was on a ship during the Gulf War that hit a mine which exploded and ripped a massive '30 x '30 hole through the forward hull of the ship. I explained i've been dealing with stress from the explosion. I especially become triggered with loud noises. And the examiner said i have Adjustment disorder and not service related. I couldn't believe it. This was during the Gulf War and i destroyed sea mines for 10 months and dealt with an actual mine attack and explosions and I got turned down with Adjustment Disorder?
What if one of your squadron planes crashed, and you knew 3 of them as Acquaintance. They wouldn't let me search for them. But I know how terrible they died.
Good question - the VA rates all mental health conditions under the same criteria, meaning you'd only get a rating for one of your conditions. Typically the one that manifests with the worst symptoms. Here's our other video with Dr. Vonetes where we also talk about ratings there: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9_BdPGGp2Rg.html
I had a near home invasion, someone was outside waiting for me to leave, but saw the person before I opened the door. would that be considered and event?
Would natural disaster such as Hurricane Maria be considered a stressor, I was on orders in Puerto Rico before, during and after the disaster and have been having a lot of anxiety and trouble sleeping since then.
If I filed for anxiety last summer, and got looked at, then was diagnosed for PTSD. I ended up filling for PTSD early 2021. Would they back pay from last summer for or early 2021?
Effective dates are typically the date you first filed your claim but it can get tricky. Here's our written article on www.hillandponton.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-effective-dates/
A Combat drone operator would be like a Patriot missle fire operator…you are directly involved in killing a human…Not having a reaction to this woukld be abnormal, not feeling guilty (even if you are fully justified) would be unusual.
The video "How PTSD and Anxiety are different (but the same)" by Hill and Ponton, P.A., features Dr. Vonetes, a licensed psychologist and C&P examiner in Florida, discussing the nuances between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. The discussion aims to clarify these conditions, especially in the context of veterans and PTSD Awareness Month. Here's an organized and detailed summary of the content covered in the video: ### Introduction - The video begins with an introduction by attorney Allison Reddick, who welcomes Dr. Vonetes to discuss the differences and similarities between PTSD and anxiety disorders. ### Differentiating PTSD and Anxiety - PTSD falls under the umbrella of anxiety disorders but has distinct characteristics. While there is symptom overlap among all anxiety disorders, including physiological symptoms like elevated heart rate and sweating, the specific symptomatology varies between disorders. - Dr. Vonetes outlines the primary differences in symptoms and triggers between PTSD and general anxiety disorders, emphasizing PTSD's link to specific traumatic events. ### Common Symptoms of Anxiety - General anxiety disorder (GAD) involves pervasive worry about various aspects of daily life, unlike PTSD, which is tied to specific traumatic experiences. - Symptoms common to anxiety disorders include racing thoughts, feeling on edge, shallow breathing, and physiological reactions like sweating or a racing heart. ### Types of Anxiety Disorders - Dr. Vonetes briefly discusses major anxiety disorders, including GAD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), PTSD, and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, highlighting their distinct features and triggers. ### PTSD's Unique DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) - The video explains why PTSD has a different DBQ than other mental health conditions, linking it to PTSD's unique stressor requirement and symptomatology. ### PTSD Stressors - Discussion on what qualifies as a PTSD stressor, emphasizing the need for a real or perceived threat of death or serious injury. Dr. Vonetes distinguishes between combat and non-combat stressors, providing examples of both. ### Non-Qualifying Stressors for PTSD - The video addresses common misconceptions about what constitutes a PTSD stressor, clarifying that not all military-related stressors, like harassment, necessarily qualify for PTSD. ### Veterans with Partial PTSD Symptoms - Dr. Vonetes shares observations on veterans displaying some PTSD symptoms without meeting the full diagnostic criteria per VA regulations, leading to diagnoses like Adjustment Disorder. ### Misdiagnoses and VA's Use of PTSD Diagnosis - The discussion includes whether the VA avoids using the PTSD diagnosis, the prevalence of other diagnoses like OCD among veterans, and the impact of classical conditioning on veterans' mental health. ### C&P Examiners' Role and Challenges - The video delves into why some C&P examiners may misdiagnose or inaccurately assess veterans' conditions, underscoring the importance of thorough evaluation. ### Secondary Service Connection for Mental Health - Dr. Vonetes talks about mental health conditions secondary to physical injuries, highlighting the frequency of such cases and the VA's approach to rating mental health disorders. ### VA Ratings for Mental Health Conditions - The conversation covers the VA's rating system for mental health disorders, including common ratings like 0%, 10%, 70%, and 100%, and how symptoms and functionality impact these ratings. ### Managing PTSD and Anxiety Symptoms - The video concludes with tips for managing PTSD and anxiety symptoms, the benefits of pets for mental health, and advice for handling panic attacks. Throughout the video, Dr. Vonetes and Allison Reddick aim to educate veterans and the general public about the critical distinctions and overlaps between PTSD and anxiety disorders, offering insights into the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions within the context of VA compensation claims.
In the video "How PTSD and Anxiety are different (but the same)" by Hill and Ponton, P.A., Dr. Vonetes, a licensed psychologist and C&P examiner, discusses the distinctions between PTSD and various anxiety disorders, including how suicidal tendencies differ among these conditions and the role genetics plays in their development. ### Differentiation between PTSD and Anxiety Disorders Dr. Vonetes explains that PTSD is categorized under anxiety disorders but has specific characteristics that set it apart from other forms of anxiety. While there is overlap in symptoms such as elevated heart rate, sweating, and feeling jittery, PTSD is distinguished by its direct link to traumatic events. This link can manifest as panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to safety and hyper-vigilance, which can also present in PTSD without necessarily meeting the criteria for panic or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ### Suicidal Tendencies in PTSD vs. Anxiety Disorders The discussion does not explicitly detail how suicidal tendencies differ between PTSD and anxiety disorders. However, it implies that the nature of PTSD, stemming from traumatic experiences, can lead to intense and possibly more specific triggers for distress, potentially influencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In contrast, generalized anxiety may not have such direct triggers, making the pathways to suicidal tendencies potentially different in terms of their immediacy or specificity. ### Role of Genetics Dr. Vonetes highlights the significant role genetics play in the development of various anxiety disorders, including OCD, panic attacks, and even suicidal thoughts. He notes that these conditions can often be traced back genetically within families, indicating a predisposition to such mental health challenges. For PTSD, however, the connection is more about the environmental trigger (the traumatic event) than genetic predisposition. Although a family history of PTSD might occur if family members have also experienced traumatic events, the genesis of PTSD is more about the trauma itself than an inherited vulnerability to anxiety disorders in general. ### Stressors Qualifying for PTSD Diagnosis A critical part of the PTSD diagnosis, as discussed by Dr. Vonetes, is the requirement of a stressor, which differentiates it from other anxiety disorders that might not require a specific triggering event. PTSD stressors must involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation. He elaborates on how the perception of threat, such as being in a hostile environment or facing significant personal danger, qualifies as a stressor for PTSD, distinguishing it from the broader, more diffuse anxieties that might not stem from such specific incidents. ### Conclusion The conversation with Dr. Vonetes sheds light on the nuanced differences between PTSD and general anxiety disorders, focusing on the nature of stressors, symptomatology, and the impact of genetics. While genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing certain anxiety disorders, PTSD is uniquely characterized by its direct connection to experienced trauma, which can also influence the presentation and severity of suicidal tendencies.
The symptoms you stated were what I had but I was misdiagnosed and actually have Graves Disease. Require providers to check thyroid before medication. 30 years of medication that I did not need.
I deployed to bagram and mortar attacks were daily. I think it caused my nightly panic attacks but I don't know if I should file for anxiety or PTSD. It's so confusing.
Hi Carlos, yes we're only able to assist veterans who have an active rating decision they want to appeal. If you need help filing the initial claim, you can reach out to a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you get started.
Served during don’t ask don’t tell. Essentially dealt with a hostile environment for 4 years because being outed would have spelled doom for me. Got diagnosed with adjustment disorder after getting suicidal ideation thoughts. Pending depression claim right now.
@@meech951 I had to be very, very honest at my exam. Specifically about my suicidal ideation ( wanting to not wake up, leave the car running in the garage, let go of the steering wheel when driving, etc) and that’s got me to 70. They kept rating me at 30 so I had to do a higher level review and point out the times in my medical history that I had SI or was getting treatment for SI ( current counseling approved by tricare). It helped getting proof that I sought mental health services when I served but I never had my records until I found the tricareonline page. I hope you get rated accurately!
The ist air cavalry division did combat assault In Vietnam: ashu hundreds of times and the 101airborne division are getting credit for the combat assault ? - not funny! 1st of the 7th did a hundred of those and never get a credit for it.
