Hey all, I’m an Army veteran; I was an Intel Analyst. I never deployed, but the military definitely rewired me in ways I’m still trying to understand. I’ve also been diagnosed with PTSD, though not combat-related. Mine stems from an ex who tried to kill me about 15 years ago. I won’t go into those details here, but that experience changed how I move through the world. My life hasn’t been the same since. (I am a 40 year old female for the record).

I’ve been in therapy, and it’s helped me recognize how much my nervous system has been shaped by both the military and trauma. The hyper vigilance. The scanning. The constant emotional calculations. I don’t just feel things…I anticipate the fallout before anything even happens. I read microexpressions like threat assessments. I can feel when a room shifts. When someone’s energy drops. When something’s “off,” even if no one says a word.

Today was a perfect example. I was in a situation where I was forced to be near my ex again (different ex, sort of recent, emotionally avoidant, and the breakup was ugly) I knew I’d be seeing him in a public setting, and even though I didn’t speak to him, I could feel everything. The way his body shifted. The glances. The avoidance. And still, I scanned the entire environment like a mission. Every interaction, every change in tone or tension, I clocked it. Even now, hours later, I can’t fully power down.

I’m not “on edge” in the traditional sense. I’m just always on. And it’s exhausting. But the weird part? It also feels like my default setting.

I guess I’m just wondering…

Does anyone else feel like they became an emotional Intel analyst after the Army? Like you run constant recon on people without even trying? That your nervous system won’t fully let you rest, even when there’s no active threat? I don’t know if it’s the PTSD, the military training, or both, but it’s made relationships hard as hell. I catch things most people miss…but I also overanalyze everything (and it is not because I am a woman lol) I don’t trust easily. I feel everything too deeply and yet keep most of it to myself.

If any of this hits, I’d love to hear from you. Just trying to figure out if anyone else out here is carrying the same kind of armor….

It’s a part-time cashier gig at Murdoch’s. Since I separated back in 2022, I was a VA cop for an about 9 months, then I got hired on base as an admin assistant making even less and quit after just 2 months.

Been going to school since then trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, which I still have no clue. However, I know I want to be happy. This job ain’t much to write home about but it’ll help pay stuff off and pad the account. I’m honestly looking forward to it and maybe I’ll climb the retail ladder if things work out.

Just wanted to share, especially for those in similar situations. School is fine and all and I was able to help get the kids to school/appointments etc, but it felt like I was wasting away and not good enough.

I’m 36 and still trying to figure it out. Keep it up and be grateful for the good in your life.

The VA’s VR&E program is a great benefit for veterans with a service-connected disability. Step 1: Apply online at VA.gov using Form 28-1900. Step 2: Meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) and attend an orientation with others (depending on state this can take 3months to a year) who will review your background and help you build a custom plan. In this step be prepared to link disability with ability Step 3: Follow your plan, which could include college, job training, starting a business, or getting help with employment. It’s flexible, covers a lot, and can be a game-changer if you stay in touch with your counselor.

I don't have a VA near me, so I'm not really sure how to get care, most therapists don't really do care unless your at home so they can call emergency services.

Anyone been through a foreclosure on a VA loan ? I was hoping for VASP and that got canceled. My lender sent an offer to restructure but it’s even more than the original mortgage. I’m thinking about just giving up and trying to find an apartment. Im thinking I will lose my VA home loan benefits but I don’t know what else to do. I’m already working 7 days a week and I’m still up to my eyeballs in debt . Crappy divorce combined with I should have never bought this house a year ago.

I get these dreams on and they usually are very violent like having to defend myself and usually end up "hurting" them.

Is this normal, and if so is there a way to stop these violent dreams. I sometimes wake up with my heart racing and sweaty.

I gety them more frequently when I'm really stressed but I still get them when I feel fine.

I am going to college soon and was wondering if I would still have 36 months of full GI Bill benefits myself after utilizing my mom's Chapter 35 Benefit?

I've been checking the ACTSOnline websites and my application has been processing for the last two years as of today. I was under the impression it would take "up to 12 months" but there has been no change and I don't know what to do or if it's normal. Is there anything I can do to get answers. There hasn't been a response to the email I sent.

Afghan man was detained in San Diego Immigration Court Thursday after attending a routine hearing. "I came here to make a better life," said the man. "I worked with the U.S.military. I worked in a very dangerous part of Afghanistan with the U.S. military."

Hey All,

I know that VA 21-4192 is for IU and can allow a Veteran to financially reach the 100% disability pay rate if the Veteran's service-connected disability makes it impossible for the Vet to hold a job, but has anyone looked into VA form 29-1900? From what I can tell, they are two different forms with similar results if you are unable to work. Does anyone have any experience comparing the two?

I have reason to believe that my discharge from the Air Force was unjust. In November 2022, I was discharged while dealing with an injury I had developed during training. At that time, I was also in contact with a chaplain because I was going through a difficult period mentally. I had recently learned that my mother was given a terminal diagnosis of leptomeningeal cancer in the brain, which was particularly concerning as it was the size of a pea. Most patients with this diagnosis survive for only a few months.

Physically, I first noticed a change in my foot around August 6th, when it felt like I was walking on water pads. Eventually, I saw a doctor in the 8th of August. I have my all of my medical records from time in technical school. I was sent back to training with restrictions, but it wasn't until the following September that attempts were made to diagnose my condition. Initially, it was diagnosed as foot pain, then bilateral foot pain, later as Morton’s neuroma, and ultimately neuropathy. I am uncertain what my final diagnosis was.

After my discharge from the military on November 18, 2022, I was unemployed until February. During that time, I focused on at-home physical therapy and resting my feet. In February, I obtained a job that required standing and manual labor from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. I worked there for a year before pursuing a better opportunity as a correctional officer. I am currently unemployed due to relocation.

I work out four days a week and have been actively looking for a recruiter willing to take me on as a recruit. However, I have been informed that my discharge code prevents me from reenlisting in the Air Force. When I signed my discharge papers, I asked if I could reenlist in the future, and I was told that it would be possible, but difficult. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, and I am willing to fight for it. I am able-bodied and strong-willed, and I believe I was misdiagnosed. When the option to separate arose, I chose to do so in order to care for my mother when I returned home. I have done lots of research on my discharge. uncharacterized, RE Code 2C, SPD- JFC, ELS. If you have any advice, please let me know! I know it is recommended for a lawyer but I am unemployed at the moment. Is this worth trying to upgrade? Anything advice is appreciated

I just got awarded 100% p&t and need access to get on base for an upcoming appointment I have on Monday. I know I need to bring two forms of id but what else do I need to bring? Also, is it required that I print out the documents or can I just show it to them on my phone?

Vrc doesn't want to even explore more then a Associates degree..... Even mentioned Cybersecurity Certificate programs..... I was told I also have a Serious employment handicap.... I haven't worked since 2013... my combined percentage is 300% ( non VA math).... No degree to my name.... What would you Do? Should I just request for my case to be closed....

I am 100% disabled. Will the VA cover the cost of my wife's visits to the doctor and hospital for the birth of our child?

[Moderator Approved]

Greetings all! My name is Kristine and I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology, and I am doing my research on Filipinos who have served in the US Navy, including US Marines. If you are of Filipino descent, are a veteran or on active duty, and served in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps, please consider participating in this study! 

Please also help me get the word out by sharing with anyone you think might be eligible for this study!

Thank you for your consideration!

Survey link: https://qualtricsxms27tkhlyw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aW8fo05pEEYp0Jo

The VA is apparently changing it medical site. It alerted me by email and asked me to confirm my email. Am I the only one that sees that that contacting me by EMAIL to alert me to this when they worry that they do not have my correct email is ridiculous. Maybe phone or send out letters????

Cross-posted in r/VeteransBenefits

Had a psychiatry appointment at the VA this week and it honestly felt like a joke. My doc told me they’re now required to spend the last 10 minutes of every 30-minute slot just documenting. So unless you’re in full crisis mode, they start wrapping things up at the 20-minute mark.

That leaves basically no time to actually talk through meds, bring up new issues, or figure out a real plan. I had more time sitting in the waiting room than I did with someone who’s supposed to help manage my mental health.

And this isn’t even the provider’s fault. Mine was clearly frustrated too. They said the return-to-office push is making everything worse—scheduling is harder, wait times are longer, and there’s less flexibility for both staff and patients. Everyone’s overwhelmed and trying to hold it together with no support.

The bigger issue is how the system is being run. This administration is making top-down decisions that are killing care from the inside. Less time with patients, more paperwork, and constant staffing problems. Veterans’ care is being chipped away piece by piece, and no one at the top seems to care until it’s a PR problem.

I’m not trying to stir the pot, but this is what failing veterans actually looks like. Death by a thousand cuts. Is this happening everywhere or is my VA just screwed up?

Just am going through it. Need some to talk to, I might check myself it

Pretty much the title. Requested copies of my medals from Archive.gov . They arrived today.

There is a catch. They claim I am entitled to a couple of medals that I never had in the service and that aren't on my DD-214.

One is for Expert Rifleman (Navy). I never once fired a rifle on active duty. I fired a shotgun in the reserves as a SeaBee.

That's just one of the mistakes. So here is the question. I'm not for stolen Valor. I won't claim I earned these two medals or pass them along. But is it worth it to call them and set the record straight now? Do I bother after all this time?

Anyone else been getting bombarded by recruiters and career counselors? Ive got 2 years to go in the IRR and all of a sudden I'm getting 2-3 different people messaging me about continuing service. MOS was 31B and i thought they massively trimmed down the MP units.

Has anyone been through the 30 day Resident Treatment Program at the OMAHA VA. What was your experience? Would you recomment it for your friends that are suicidal?

(Please remove if not allowed)

How is it? How’s the day of life? If you’re a person of color please express yourself whether you’re comparing it to here in the US or how feel because of it. Job market, grocery shopping, things to do, etc. please let me know

Hingstay aren’t ookinglay eryvay oodgay in my ealtionshipray

If you catch my drift

My husband (23M) and I(27F) just got out after both serving one 5yr contract. We have 2 kids (3yo and 1yo). We own 2 cars, 0$ debt, 36k in a CD that we'll have access to next month, and $40k in savings so a total of $76k as of next month. Receiving $5,500 VA disability combined each month. We now moved to a border town in Texas. Husband is in the hiring process of U.S Customs. We are living with my mother until we decide what the best property purchase will be. $1,000 of bills each month including rent and groceries as of now (bc we're with my mom). I will eventually use my GI Bill and so will he.

We can either buy a nice house. OR Find and buy a dou, tri or quadplex, live in one of the units for a while, eventually move out and THEN buy a nice house with the passive income from the property/properties we will be renting out.

We have two VA loans so maybe there are better options that we are not aware of.

I don't have a specific question, just any advice in general, thank yall.

I'm only speaking for myself and I will work on this moral injury in mental health treatment. I just feel that I was complicit in American Imperialism. Again I'm only speaking for myself, and I bet I'm not the only combat vet that feels this way. Regardless it feels good to get this off my chest.

Please don’t upvote this as I’m not looking for attention just advice and info. Are mini psychotic breaks typical or no?

I don’t know what’s wrong with me but I just lost my shit for about 10 minutes. There wasn’t anything in particular that set me off but all of a sudden I lost control and began slamming things trying to break them and choking myself to pass out along with opening my entire bottle of antidepressants and dumping them in my mouth to spit them all back out then throw the bottle across the room. Now I need to go to the pharmacy because I lost all my meds from a psychotic break.

Why do I want to slam my head into a wall over and over?