Taking Care of Your Health

Physical Health

Post-Deployment Health Readiness Assessment
The Post-Deployment Health Readiness Assessment, or PDHRA, is a health assessment that is conducted at the 90 Day Drill following demobilization at your unit. The PDHRA is important for you to attend.
Reference Unit, J1 Medical Readiness

Dental Exam
You are eligible for a free dental exam through the VA Medical System. You need to apply for the dental exam with your local MTVAD Service Officer or the VA Regional Center (See Reference) WITHIN 90 DAYS of De-Mobilization to be eligible for the free Dental Exam. Once you have applied for the Dental Exam and have been approved - You can receive your dental exam.
Reference:   MT VA Medical Centers

LINE OF DUTY issues
IThe Post Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) processing identified soldiers authorized a one time referral to medical facility for evaluation of a specified condition was incurred or aggravated, as a result of the deployment.  These soldier’s identified will work through their unit chain of command to coordinate future care, if authorized, as a result of an approved line of duty determination made by National Guard Bureau.
Reference: J1 Medical, J1 Dental, MT VA Medical Centers

Disability Issues
IIf you believe you have a disability from being deployed on Title 10 status, you should contact your MTVAD Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The other organizations providing VSO’s are DAV, Order of the Purple Heart, and VFW. They can help you through the process of filing a VA disability claim. There is a MT Veteran’s Service Officer in one of 10 locations in Montana.  These locations are Belgrade, Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewistown, Miles City, and Missoula.  Information for each city at:  www.dma.mt.gov/mvad/

Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, (aka: concussion) is the damage caused by the brain-shaking event that occurs at the time of a nearby blast, like an IED of VBIED.   Other events such as a close mortar attack, or a basic head injury (getting hit in the head by/with something) can also cause a TBI. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or double vision
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Difficulty finding words or understanding the speech of others
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of memory
• Sleep difficulties (more or less sleep than pre-injury)
• Tingling, numbness, pain, or other sensations
• Sense of spinning (vertigo )
• Weakness in one or more limbs, facial muscles, or on an entire side of the body

A medical examination is recommended for TBI symptoms.
Reference: VA claims  U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs, MT VA Medical Centers, Tricare

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis (LEASH-ma-NIGH-a-sis) is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms of leishmaniasis. The most common forms are cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores, and visceral leishmaniasis, which affects some of the internal organs of the body (for example, spleen, liver, bone marrow).

CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS: People who have cutaneous leishmaniasis have one or more sores on their skin. The sores can change in size and appearance over time. They often end up looking somewhat like a volcano, with a raised edge and central crater.

VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS: People who have visceral leishmaniasis usually have fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver (usually the spleen is bigger than the liver). Some patients have swollen glands. Certain blood tests are abnormal.

TREATMENT: If you suspect you are infected with leishmaniasis, consult a physician. There are treatments available for leishmaniasis. You will need to inform your physician that you were in a combat zone known to have leishmanisis. They may need to call the CDC (Center for Disease Control) to obtain information on treatment.

Reference: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/leishmania or www.pdhealth.mil/leish.asp

TB is a potentially severe contagious disease that is spread from person to person through the air. The TB germs may spray into the air if a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sneezes. Anyone nearby can breathe TB germs into their lungs. People with TB infection do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms. However, they may develop TB disease at some time in the future. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. If people have TB disease, they need medical help. If they don't get help, they can die.

At your 90 day Reintegration event, you will receive a TB tine test that will detect if you have TB.  If you test positive for TB, then you will be directed by the State Surgeon’s office on what to do.   (See PDHRA above.)

Mental/Emotional Health

Knowing When You Need Help

• Am I feeling worse – or not any better – as time passes?
• Am I unable to do my job in the way it needs to be done?
• Is my family suffering because of the way I am acting?
• Am I drinking more alcohol that usual?
• Am I using/abusing drugs?
• Am I having trouble sleeping, or wanting to sleep to much?
• Have I had these problems for more than a few weeks?

Getting Help

• PERFORM SELF/BUDDY ASSESSMENT – Ask a battle buddy/friend if you are acting differently than you used to.  If those who know you best tell you things are very different, listen to them.   The first step is to recognize you need help, then . . .
  
  
• ASK FOR HELP – It’s okay to seek help.  You can utilize a MT VA Medical Center, counseling services, MT Veterans Affairs Centers, Military One Source, etc.  (reference page(s))
  
  
• IT’S NEVER TOO LATE – to seek help.  A person can go months, even years, without experiencing any physical/mental/emotional health issues.  If something triggers depression, anxiety, or other stress reactions within you later in life, again, ASK FOR HELP.