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Diagnosed PTSD = Negative Assessments

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ptsd

LAC
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Delicate this one, but i don't know where else to turn. Can anyone give advice on this scenario please?

I returned from a tour of duty in Basra , Op Telic, in 2007; (metal rain, 500+ rockets in 4 months) after suffering problems upon my return I made a very difficult decision to seek help and I was later diagnosed as having PTSD. I was posted to a Unit where I could commute to mental health professionals and receive treatment (medication and counselling).

My immediate line management at my new Unit were made aware of my 'problems' and diagnosis and upon arrival stated they would assist me as much as possible; I was never given a job role (posted in overborne), nor any Terms of Reference or any mid-term assessments – there was no post for me to go into and a ‘position’ was made for me. I was sent there as it was a nearby unit to specialist medical care for me. In Dec 2009, I was released from DCMH and the following year I was fully upgraded.

However, in 2009 and 2010 I received my yearly assessments from the Unit i was sent to; my assessments have been written in a way that has had a very negative effect on any future career prospects. My assessments explained i had been posted there for 'medical reasons' and went on to say i didn't really contribute to the section during my time there (i was on anti-depressants and spent most times travelling to and from DCMH). I felt like i have been punished for having an illness and seeking help.
I didn't have the energy or thought to fight it at the time, but when i got to my next unit i spoke with P1 who advised speaking with the RO's. I asked for a meeting with my Reporting Officer to discuss the contents in my appraisal, but they stated there was no point as they stood by their comments and would not review or change anything. The parting comment was that they apologise if the assessment seems negative, but as they never saw me “staring out of a window looking all depressed or moping about” they assumed all was well with me. My reply to this was I tried my hardest not to appear down in front of work colleagues or ‘mope’ around simply because this would have had a detrimental effect and even though I was depressed at the time and struggled with day to activities I tried to remain positive.

I again spoke with P1 who advised service complaint action; i contemplated this, but i then got pinged for an OOA, 6 minth PDT, 6 months on Ops and life got in the way. I am back now and realise how well and truly shafted i was and due to my state of mind at the time, i didn't have the thought to persue this.


The MoD state that they support Mental Health Awareness and sufferers:

Stress management is now embedded through the chain of command, and mental health awareness is a training and leadership issue in today’s Armed Forces – we are making a concerted effort to de-stigmatise issues around mental health and promote awareness of the professional medical care and support available.

Yet I asked for help and although I did receive help and treatment, in doing so I now have little or no chance of promotion or even continuing in HM Forces past my exit date of which I have given almost 22 years of my life too. My example only enforces the stigma surrounding Mental Health sufferers; I sometimes wish that I had never made the very difficult decision of asking for help.
My query is that a few years have now passed and I have only recently begun to realise how badly I was treated by my Line Management. I have no idea who to turn to, but I would very much appreciate some advice on whether there is anything I can now do to have these 2 x rogue assessments – they are not a true reflection of me and were written when I was medicated and attending counselling sessions; during which I was very vulnerable and in a delicate condition.

My assessment before and now after are glowing, yet the time i was in treatment and at a new unit is when my assessments nose dived.

Thanks.
 
Have you tried SSAFA yet? They are on most Camps and if they can't help they may have an understanding of who can. I'm not talking about SSAFA branch that you find on the tinterweb but the actual social workers employed for our welfare.
 
You appear to be in an invidious position. Cognisant that you are emotionally involved and the RO will claim to be subjective you need independent review of the ACRs in question. First step is to speak with your Chf Clk, they will be able to determine whether the ACR is rogue or not. Given I have no reason to doubt your statement the Chf Clk will, I suggest be able to determine a course of action: my experience in similar situations suggests that ACRs of this sort of contain inappropriate or unsuitable comment which allows them to be reviewed.

That aside, a recent similar case has claimed bullying and submitted a SC.

Good luck.
 
So thats where we are these days. Give somebody an SJAR they don't like and its bullying.

Yep. My professional opinion (PMS, HIO, EDA etc) was (in this instance) it was b*llocks but as soon as the words "bullying" or "harassment" are mentioned there is an obligation to investigate.
 
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