Question that maybe belongs on instructors corner

[Kingfisher42223]

For those vets that draw disability for PTSD, or even get that diagnosis from the VA... Is it likely or possible that a CCW could be denied based on a diagnosis? And when filling out the form to buy a weapon and it asks if you've ever been "mentally adjudicated" does PTSD count under that category, and would you be required to admit to that? The VA doesn't release records except when required by law so I wonder if the FBI would run a check with DOD or DOVA

[BC1]

Adjudicated mentally unstable means having been declared by a court of law. A simple diagnosis of PTSD is your personal medical information and under the rules of HIPAA cannot be disclosed to any agency unless you approve or you become dangerous to yourself. I believe the 4473 is asking have you been adjudicated mentally unstable by a court. That answer is probably no. Hell, half the population suffers mild PTSD just from the non-stop stress of life.

[localgirl]

Adjudicated mentally unstable means having been declared by a court of law. A simple diagnosis of PTSD is your personal medical information and under the rules of HIPAA cannot be disclosed to any agency unless you approve or you become dangerous to yourself. I believe the 4473 is asking have you been adjudicated mentally unstable by a court. That answer is probably no. Hell, half the population suffers mild PTSD just from the non-stop stress of life.

That's my understanding as well. I think some states might be different, but overall, so long as you haven't been institutionalized against your will, you should be safe. Cripes, with depression included as a form of mental illness, that makes about two-thirds of the population with some loose screws :P

[jabatam]

I know this post is old but I just now saw it.

I was initially denied a CL from the shall-issue state of Indiana because I answered "yes" to that damn question (OIF vet with PTSD). In retrospect, I should have answered no because it was highly unlikely that they'd have found out...but I digress.

I was told by the state CL approving authority to appeal his decision and that a hearing would be scheduled. He told me that, based on speaking with me and the letter sent from my doctor, that the hearing would be a cover-their-a$$ formality. He held true to his word and told the judge at the hearing that he had no issues with granting me a CL (lifetime I might add).

If I could do it all over again, I'd have checked "no" though