This So Called Weapons Ban

[super-dave]

If vets with PTSD lose their gin rights so should everyone in america with PTSD including police officers. I worked at a prison as a correctional officer for a few years. About half of the guards were on medication for anxiety depression or PTSD.

 

[JarHed]

I haven't seen any gun restrictions for any of the people I know that have been diagnosed with PTSD, including myself. I wouldn't argue the point as to whether the VA does or doesn't do these things, I don't know. I just personally don't know of anyone that it's happened to.

The only thing that I do know is that if you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and are being treated at home by the VA you do have to move any guns out of your home. It's done as a safety precaution for the care givers which I think is understandable.

Like all things it's about choices. I would still hope that people would choose to get better. Just an opinion.

 

[Spock]

OK, that was my understanding too, what I was told & wrote about earlier. If someone opts for total care from the VA than they must ensure the safety of caregivers.

 

[JarHed]

Yeah, me too Col.

As I said I admit to not knowing if other things are going on, the VA's rules and regs are complex to say the least. They have many masters to serve so to speak.

I would suggest that those that are concerned about such things get in touch with a service org like the DAV or VFW to find out more. I think you'd get the real skinny about what's going on in reference to gun regs and the VA from them. I've personally learned not to assume anything where these things are concerned.

 

[Barberian]

For me, I was 5150'd (<--- Wiki Link) Involuntarily held when I voluntarily went to the VA when I was "in crisis".

Down towards the bottom of the Wiki Link - Without Good Cause, second paragraph: "If someone is placed on a 72-hour hold (also known as a “5150”) as a danger to themselves or others and admitted to a facility for treatment, they are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms for five years from the date of admission to the facility. (California Welfare and Institutions Code, sections 8100 - 8108)"

I went to the emergency room, they held me for a while, then transferred me up to the psych ward. After a few days they said they were taking off the involuntary hold and I could leave if I wanted to, but they encouraged me to stay, which I did. When they discharged me, they had me sign a form acknowledging I was aware I was 5150'd and I couldn't legally have any guns for 5 years from the date of admission.

It is a California law that is prohibiting me from gun ownership, not a VA rule. I don't know what the laws are for other states.

 

[Spock]

For me, I was 5150'd...California law that is prohibiting me from gun ownership, not a VA rule. I don't know what the laws are for other states.

Thanks. Good feedback Bar. I knew you had mentioned something which peeked my interest. I thought it was more a state issue but this provides more specifics to research. I have a buddy in Florida that won't claim his PTSD because he'd lose his conceal carry permit due to state law.

 

[Spock]

I went to an ER for similar reasons but in my state there was no form or loss of rights...seems to be state-by-state issue or VA when opting for total care

 

[super-dave]

I just checked Florida law for concealed weapon license. You are only disqualified if you are disqualified by the same standards as federal law. That is you must be committed or adjucated by a judge. So PTSD is not a factor. Like I said earlier there are a lot of police officers that have deppression and PTSD. Should society take away their gun rights and fire them?

 

[Spock]

Good feedback Dave. I bet my buddy was listening to hearsay. I told him I thought he should claim his PTSD if he needed to.

 

[JarHed]

Should society take away their gun rights and fire them?

That's a very good question Dave. It's one that I think can be put forth in a free society. It's the only place that it would be asked. Today these questions are being asked a lot. I don't think there's a simple answer. It needs to be decided on an individualized basis. Look at each case and then decide.

I don't think that someone should loose their job because they have an illness. But that in itself brings up many questions. For instance, when to declare that someone is unfit for duty? It's all complex, very complex. Or at least that's how I see it.

I also think this; having a gun gives many, myself included, a sense of protection from the world out there. Although that is an illusion I feel better knowing I have one. Truly, I don't need, nor have I ever needed a gun to defend myself. I personally wouldn't want to loose my right to possess one. I think for me that's at the crux of it. Perhaps that's the way it is for others as well. Just my opinions here, of course, but good questions to think about.

Freedoms aren't free. And we have to be ever vigilant to insure that we will continue to have them.

Jar

 

[super-dave]

If some one is so mentally I'll that they should lose their guns because they are a danger to themselves or others, why does society only take away their guns? Why not their knives and bats and especially their car? If some one is that much of a danger to himself or others should not he be in a mental hospital and not roaming the streets of society?

 

[Sludge]

hey guys i have been suffering from ptsd since 2003 when we went into iraq. but the question i have is becuase of my mental health probloms will they take my pow away from me. i am pro 2nd amd.? if they will then i am not goin to clam this ptsd.

All political bullshit, legalities and personal opinions aside:

If you are a responsible gun owner and a patriot, a supporter of gun rights, and a combat PTSD vet, you should do the correct, responsible thing, and have a family member stow all of your firearms (hell, all of your weapons for that matter) away under lock and key somewhere you do not have access to them directly until such time your treatment regimen has the beast under control.


Yeah, it sucks. But do you want them removed from your possession involuntarily where they will be most likely destroyed? Or do you want the piece of mind they are safe and waiting for you until such time you can safely, responsibly posses them?

My advice: do as I did and have a family member stow them for you. That is what intelligent individuals do.

Real, responsible gun owners are man enough to know when they shouldn't have access. Nut-job zealots to caught up in their own egos get themselves are worked up over silly shit and end up on the National news and make the rest of us look bad.