Jason Vazquez has been home in Kokomo since 2009, but he still doesn’t feel like he fits into civilian life.
Vazquez, 26, enlisted in the Navy right out of Western High School. He later re-enlisted to become a corpsman. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines and served 10 months in Iraq and eight months in Afghanistan.
After returning to the United States, he was diagnosed as having suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a rocket-propelled grenade injury in Afghanistan.
While still with the Marines, he used to screen soldiers for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He recognized he was suffering from the symptoms.
“I was disconnected with my family, had anger issues, didn’t want to be around people and couldn’t drive in Kokomo,” he explained, fearing a hidden roadside bomb or attack from a building. “I have nightmares, flashbacks and have trouble sleeping.”
After leaving the Marines, the unit was sent back to Afghanistan and Vazquez felt he should have been there.
“I have a lot of survivor’s guilt,” he said. “I felt I was letting them down. I remember the guys that didn’t come back.”
Vazquez was examined a first time for PTSD by a Veterans Affairs doctor in Marion. He told Vazquez he had the symptoms, but didn’t have PTSD. The doctor said he had a little depression and anxiety.
A second examination determined Vazquez suffered from PTSD. The second doctor got him into counseling.
Vazquez applied for a disability claim and was denied. Vazquez filed another claim that has been denied and is pending appeal.
Vazquez said the VA wanted specific dates and details of incidents he was involved with in the Middle East.
“They wanted you to relive the horrors you were trying not to think about,” he said. “They wanted the time frame and location.”
Vazquez said his Marine unit was in firefights or received incoming mortar rounds on a daily basis during his time in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He received counseling for PTSD in Marion for several months on a weekly basis, but had a break down July 4.
“The Black Cat fireworks sound just like an AK-47 firing,” Vazquez continued. “The aerial display was like incoming mortar fire, and the small bottle rockets sounded like an RPG.”
Vazquez believes the recent change made on PTSD claims by the VA gives him the opportunity to receive benefits.
He said Bob Ladd, the veterans service officer for Howard County, has been assisting him with the appeals process.
“When I go to the American Legion, the Vietnam veterans are thanking me because we made PTSD more recognized,” Vazquez said. “The Vietnam veterans were always considered crazy because of drug use, which is not the case.”
Vazquez said PTSD is an on-going issue that is never cured. The veterans learn how to deal with it.
“I don’t belong here in Kokomo,” he said. “Because of the TBI, I don’t remember Kokomo or my classmates. My short-term memory is terrible. I have to use a GPS to get around Kokomo.”
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