The Veteran's PTSD Handbook by John D. Roche

Author:John D. Roche
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
Published: 2011-09-22T04:00:00+00:00

Components of Your PTSD Claim

FIRST ELEMENT: EVIDENCE OF A STRESSOR

How you organize your claim for PTSD depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding the traumatic event that caused the disorder. The evidence supporting the claim will require corroborating proof your diagnosis with PTSD is current at the time of application. The medical evidence must also show that these symptoms and treatment have been continuous for at least one month. The next question to be answered is was the stressor a combat event or was a noncombat-related psychological trauma the root cause of the disorder. The last major question your claim must answer is whether the onset of PTSD was immediate or a delayed reaction to the stressor. The basis of a delayed trauma must be fully explained by the examining physician.

The VA will deny your claim speedily if it is not supported by a clear-cut medical diagnosis of an active PTSD condition. Without a clear diagnosis that makes the connection between your military experiences and the current disorder, you will not have the basis for a well-grounded claim. There is an exception to this rule in that if you have been awarded one of the medals or awards refer to in VA manual M21-1, chapter 5, paragraph 5.14(b)(1) then the VA must accept your word that the PTSD event was the result of engaging in combat against the enemy (see chapter 4 for the full text of this section).

Linking the in-service incident to your current diagnosed condition has to be substantiated. The VA will not to accept a diagnosis of PTSD if the basis of the diagnosis by a mental health specialist was the veteran’s uncorroborated account of the event. By producing corroborating evidence, such as sworn “buddy statements” or copies of military records, the examiner can state that, based on the records he reviewed, it is more likely than not that the in-service stressor occurred as you have related.

The U.S. Army Joint Services Environmental Support Group and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have archives that may provide proof of a stressor, which may in turn help a veteran’s claim.2 When soliciting information from these agencies, make certain to provide the following information:

full name;

VA claim number, if you have one;

social security number;

military service number;

unit of assignment and its location at the time of the stressor incident (give complete military address);

type, place, and date of the specific stressor incident claimed;

the names of other individuals involved or aware of the incident;

a detailed statement of the events that took place (as best as you can remember).

I would also suggest that you send your request for this information through your senator or congressional representative since government function must give legislative inquiries a priority response. Information from any federal agency is available to you under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

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