geraldscotty216
New Member
- Jurisdiction
- Missouri
Scared I Screwed Myself Long-Term by Omitting Childhood Mental Health History (VA Records Now Bringing It Up)
I'm in a stressful situation right now and I'm not sure how serious it actually is, but it's eating me alive mentally.
I'm dealing with a VA-connected lady who is calling to inquire about my medical records. The issue is that these medical records include things from my childhood that I never disclosed when I joined the military.
The records mention that I was hospitalized around age 12 for depression-related issues (not a suicide attempt, but it still looks bad on paper). It also lists ADHD and anxiety diagnoses from childhood. On top of that, my more recent records mention schizophrenia / psychotic symptoms.
None of that was listed on my initial medical disclosure forms when I enlisted. I didn't disclose basically anything at MEPS, and now I'm terrified that if I give the VA more information or send these records, it could open up a whole investigation into fraudulent enlistment or fraud in general.
I'm not trying to scam anyone, but I'm worried my past is going to come back and destroy my future. I'm also struggling mentally because I feel like I "survived" by keeping my mouth shut, but now it feels like I trapped myself in a corner.
I guess my questions are:
I'm trying to stay calm but it feels like my whole life could be at risk over something I didn't handle correctly when I was younger.
Description / Post:
I'm in a stressful situation right now and I'm not sure how serious it actually is, but it's eating me alive mentally.
I'm dealing with a VA-connected lady who is calling to inquire about my medical records. The issue is that these medical records include things from my childhood that I never disclosed when I joined the military.
The records mention that I was hospitalized around age 12 for depression-related issues (not a suicide attempt, but it still looks bad on paper). It also lists ADHD and anxiety diagnoses from childhood. On top of that, my more recent records mention schizophrenia / psychotic symptoms.
None of that was listed on my initial medical disclosure forms when I enlisted. I didn't disclose basically anything at MEPS, and now I'm terrified that if I give the VA more information or send these records, it could open up a whole investigation into fraudulent enlistment or fraud in general.
I'm not trying to scam anyone, but I'm worried my past is going to come back and destroy my future. I'm also struggling mentally because I feel like I "survived" by keeping my mouth shut, but now it feels like I trapped myself in a corner.
I guess my questions are:
- How often does the VA dig deep into childhood records like this?
- Can this realistically lead to a fraudulent enlistment discharge or loss of benefits after service?
- Should I be careful about what I say and only answer what's asked?
- Who should I talk to for the most accurate legal advice (VSO, VA lawyer, JAG, etc.)?
- Has anyone been in a similar situation where childhood diagnoses resurfaced?
I'm trying to stay calm but it feels like my whole life could be at risk over something I didn't handle correctly when I was younger.
