Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological disorders experienced by Veterans. In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suggests that Veterans are about twice as likely as the general public to experience PTSD, with much higher rates for specific groups, including Veterans who experienced particular wars. Veterans who receive VA care for other disorders are more likely to have PTSD, possibly because of the link between the underlying injury and PTSD.
The evidence needed in Veteran PTSD claims includes a current diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified medical professional, documentation of an in-service stressor leading to the PTSD, and a nexus statement linking the in-service stressor to the PTSD diagnosis. To understand how different types of evidence can bolster a psychological condition claim, talk to the VA benefits lawyers at Fight4Vets.
A PTSD diagnosis requires a triggering event. The stress must be linked to some past trauma. Therefore, evidence in Veteran PTSD claims has to include credible evidence of a traumatic event experienced during military service that could reasonably cause PTSD. Some events that could trigger PTSD include:
These may be some of the most common types of in-service stressors, but the list is non-exhaustive. Various traumatic events can lead to PTSD, so establishing the event is essential.
For a Veteran to receive benefits for PTSD, they must have a current medical diagnosis of PTSD from a healthcare provider. Generally speaking, to diagnose PTSD, a healthcare provider needs to be a mental health practitioner, like psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical social workers, and licensed professional mental health counselors. While a general practitioner or a specialist in another field may suspect PTSD, a claim needs a diagnosis by a mental health practitioner.
Veterans need to demonstrate an in-service stressor that could lead to PTSD. The evidence needs to be credible, and the event needs to be linked to PTSD reasonably. However, PTSD is not universal. Not everyone who experienced the same event has to have PTSD to support the claim. However, a doctor needs to provide a statement that it is equally-likely-or-better odds that the Veteran’s PTSD is connected to the in-service stressor.
Many different types of evidence can support a Veteran’s PTSD claim. Service treatment records are one of the most helpful types of evidence. When military medical records document and report PTSD symptoms, injuries from the triggering event, or any type of related stressors, it can help establish a PTSD claim.
The Veteran’s personal statements can be an essential type of evidence. It is helpful if he or she can write a detailed written account of the traumatic event and its impact on their life. Buddy statements, which are personal statements from fellow service members, can also be helpful in establishing that a traumatic event occurred and showing that it changed the person’s behavior in some way.
Since PTSD is an ongoing condition, many Veterans will seek treatment for PTSD after leaving the military. In those instances, the records from those civilian doctors may be relevant. Likewise, statements from witnesses who can prove that the Veteran is experiencing symptoms may be helpful.
While non-combat stressors are linked to PTSD, it can be easier for Veterans to establish that PTSD is service-connected when it is related to combat. One of the challenges for this issue is military sexual assault, which is a known problem but often has no witnesses and becomes a he-said, she-said issue. In those cases, it may be even more critical for the Veteran to demonstrate a consistent history of seeking medical help for PTSD and its symptoms.
At Fight4Vets, we know it can be challenging to know what types of evidence are needed in Veteran PTSD claims. We can make things easier so you can avoid stress. During a free case evaluation, we can go over the facts of your case, including your medical records, and help you identify whether you need additional evidence before filing a claim.
