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VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 5:33 pm
by hemitos
Was wondering if anyone has experiance in this situation?
I was diagnosed with bipolar in 2008 and the doctor agrees that I am in "remission and not likely to relapse".
However, the VA apparently does not write letters to atest to the fact.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:17 pm
by cb1000rider
I don't know anything about VA docs. Pilots face psychological disorder screening. Any history of diagnosis, treatment, or related RX medications are disqualifying and can be a real bear to get past - if you can get past them at all. There are docs that specialize in getting qualified pilots past the FAA.
Heaven help you if you were misdiagnosed because the DSM-V has a qualification for all of us at some point in our lives.
When was the last time you were treated or took medication? (Don't answer that, but you will likely be asked)
I'm not a doctor, so what I'm passing on public advice for pilots in a similar circumstance. Some of it is cut/paste. Some of it is rephrase... None of it definitive, so take it for what it's worth:
Bi-Polar is assumed to be lifetime condition and there is no definitive physical test associated to qualify it.
For example, to be cleared for cyclothymia, which is a level under bi-polar, you'd need:
A) For at least 2 years, the presence of numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods with depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for a Major Depressive Episode. Note: In children and adolescents, the duration must be at least 1 year.
B) During the above 2-year period (1 year in children and adolescents), the person has not been without the symptoms in Criterion A for more than 2 months at a time.
C) No Major Depressive Episode, Manic Episode, or Mixed Episode has been present during the first 2 years of the disturbance
Note: After the initial 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents) of Cyclothymic Disorder, there may be superimposed Manic or Mixed Episodes (in which case both Bipolar I disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder may be diagnosed) or Major Depressive Episodes (in which case both Bipolar II Disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder may be diagnosed)
D) The symptoms in Criterion are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and is not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
E) The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
F) The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The best thing would be to have a letter from the physician that diagnosed you indicating that the diagnosis was in error or somehow no longer applied (see conditions above).
The second best thing would be a letter from a Board Certified Psychiatrist stating that you're not bi-polar.
The best thing you could have, outside of a retraction, is a letter from Forensic Psychiatrist credentialed with the Agency as a HIMS Psychiatrist.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:43 pm
by WildBill
cb1000rider wrote:
1. The best thing would be to have a letter from the physician that diagnosed you indicating that the diagnosis was in error or somehow no longer applied (see conditions above).
2. The second best thing would be a letter from a Board Certified Psychiatrist stating that you're not bi-polar.
3. The best thing you could have, outside of a retraction, is a letter from Forensic Psychiatrist credentialed with the Agency as a HIMS Psychiatrist.
IMO, I am not doctor.
1. Fat Chance that he would admit to a mistake.
2. Better Chance, but slim.
3. Good luck.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:50 pm
by Jumping Frog
Hemitos, I see it is your first post, so WELCOME!
it will be quicker and easier to simply get a non-resident license from FL, VA, or AZ. Any of them will let you carry in TX (albeit with a federal GFSZ disclaimer).
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:19 pm
by Keith B
Unfortunately bipolar disorder is a life-long illness and there is no 'cure', even though you can be 'in remission' due to symptoms lessening than before. So, since there is no cure, unless you can get a physician to reverse the original diagnosis, then you would be ineligible for a Texas CHL. As Jumping Frog stated, you may be able to get a license from another state if you meet their eligibility requirements.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:22 pm
by WildBill
Jumping Frog wrote:Hemitos, I see it is your first post, so WELCOME!
it will be quicker and easier to simply get a non-resident license from FL, VA, or AZ. Any of them will let you carry in TX (albeit with a federal GFSZ disclaimer).
Hemitos, please accept my apology for my rudeness. Welcome to the forum.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:24 pm
by WildBill
Keith B wrote:Unfortunately bipolar disorder is a life-long illness and there is no 'cure', even though you can be 'in remission' due to symptoms lessening than before. So, since there is no cure, unless you can get a physician to reverse the original diagnosis, then you would be ineligible for a Texas CHL. As Jumping Frog stated, you may be able to get a license from another state if you meet their eligibility requirements.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 8:38 pm
by hemitos
Thanks to all for the welcome and your responses!
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 1:41 am
by hemitos
If I understand you correctly, if I get at a Florida ccw or some other state that tx recognizes the non resident permit
As a resident of texas I can legally carry with consideration to gfsz.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 6:43 am
by jmra
hemitos wrote:If I understand you correctly, if I get at a Florida ccw or some other state that tx recognizes the non resident permit
As a resident of texas I can legally carry with consideration to gfsz.
What he means is you can legally carry under one of those states permits but since it is not a Texas CHL you would not be exempt from GFSZ which means you could not carry within a 1000 ft of a school.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:00 am
by Jumping Frog
But I also believe that the whole federal gun free school zone issue is a non-issue for law-abiding citizens. There are virtually no known cases where an otherwise law-abiding citizen was charged. Especially since the charges must be brought at the federal level (it is not a state or local offense in Texas), it ends up being used as a "add-on" charge when someone like a drug dealer gets busted by the DEA selling dope while armed within 1000 feet of a school.
For everyday people in urban and suburban America, 90% of the land is within 1000 feet if a school. The law is ridiculous.
BTW, yes, I am saying that getting a non-resident handgun license from VA, FL, or AZ would allow you to legally carry in Texas.
All three state require training. I can't speak to VA training, but I would recommend you take a qualified Texas CHL course to use as proof of training for AZ or FL. That way you learn Texas law relating to legal carry and use of force.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 10:54 am
by cb1000rider
Jumping Frog wrote:But I also believe that the whole federal gun free school zone issue is a non-issue for law-abiding citizens. There are virtually no known cases where an otherwise law-abiding citizen was charged. Especially since the charges must be brought at the federal level (it is not a state or local offense in Texas), it ends up being used as a "add-on" charge when someone like a drug dealer gets busted by the DEA selling dope while armed within 1000 feet of a school.
Didn't we just have a recent reference? If nothing else, it's another form of possible POP (irritated Police) arrest that could be used on hunters... It could also be used by your neighbor to nail you if he/she knows that you have firearms in the car.
I'm a bit more sensitive to this as a school is going up at the only point of ingress/egress to my community and the homes of about 5000 people. That is - there is no way around short of helicopter. And yes, I know that I don't have a problem. But every single hunter / CPA person is going to be breaking the law. Traffic stop? Get asked if there are any weapons in the car? Better think about how you're going to answer that.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 2:01 pm
by hemitos
I see, and I have already taken the texas chl course it is very informative. Thank again everyone for your help.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:31 pm
by C-dub
Keith B wrote:Unfortunately bipolar disorder is a life-long illness and there is no 'cure', even though you can be 'in remission' due to symptoms lessening than before. So, since there is no cure, unless you can get a physician to reverse the original diagnosis, then you would be ineligible for a Texas CHL. As Jumping Frog stated, you may be able to get a license from another state if you meet their eligibility requirements.
A family member has been dealing with this for many years. There is no cure. It can only be managed. I'm very happy for you that you are managing it properly. That is not an easy thing to do and keep doing. Many go undiagnosed and without proper treatment because of things like this and the stigma.
Re: VA psyciatrist wont write letter
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:05 pm
by Jumping Frog
Didn't we just have a recent reference? ...
Not when you read the actual decision. The facts in that case was the Puerto Rican put their firearm out the window into a public alley.
I'm a bit more sensitive to this as a school is going up at the only point of ingress/egress to my community and the homes of about 5000 people. That is - there is no way around short of helicopter. And yes, I know that I don't have a problem. But every single hunter / CPA person is going to be breaking the law. Traffic stop? Get asked if there are any weapons in the car? Better think about how you're going to answer that.
When was the last time you saw the FBI doing traffic stops?
Local police do not bring federal charges.
Heck, remember the hubbub about thousands and thousands of felons failing NICS checks and it turns out about a dozen were prosecuted?
People can make their own decisions, but I have travelled through many states while armed and completely do not worry about federal GFSZ. For example, the last long trip I took was about 1300 miles through 5 other states. I guarantee there were dozens, if not hundreds, of schools that I passed within 1000 feet of the interstates I traveled.