Long story short, yes. The “deployment” was riot control in Sept 2020. He was unaware that he was suffering from PTSD until the spring of 2021, when he had a manic episode, and got diagnosed with Bipolar disorder from a private psychiatrist. He then informed the guard who sent him to their behavioral health provider, who diagnosed him with PTSD in Oct 2021 From the Louisville riots.
We were told to file a workers comp claim due to him being on state active duty/T32. It was denied due to a KY law that prohibits PTSD without a physical injury. We had filed an intent to file VA claim in September when we knew he would be discharged at some point soon. He was discharged in January 2022, and the Army NG never addressed the PTSD, and the behavioral health provider told him in February he had been discharged. We then filed the VA claim. It was denied because they said his diagnoses did not happen while in service. (Bipolar, PTSD, GAD, panic disorder)
We used a VSO from Louisville, who was really no help at all. I called the KDVA this week for help with an appeal, and they stated he definitely needs a LOD to file a claim, that state orders absolutely need a LOD, that workers compensation is not the route we should have gone. So 9 months wasted I guess. He told them he had asked the Commander for a LOD, and he said they didn’t do those for state orders. I spoke to another NG member today from another state, and he agrees that we need a LOD. We spoke for 2 hours on the phone, and I’m pretty sure I know what to do now. But I think he still should be issued a LOD. We have proof that he was there, orders, homeland security ribbon, etc.
He has been seeing the psychiatrist for over a year now, and she’s been treating for Bipolar, and he isn’t seeming to get any better. We changed psychiatrists a few weeks ago, and she tells us that he isn’t being treating for the PTSD, which may be the issue at hand. It‘s been a hell of a year.
@Guardguy11
