Your complete roadmap to securing VA disability benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder
What You’ll Learn
PTSD affects millions of veterans, yet many struggle to get the VA disability benefits they deserve. Whether you’re filing your first claim or appealing a denial, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of establishing service connection for PTSD.
The Three Essential Requirements for PTSD Service Connection
To establish service connection for PTSD, you must prove these three elements:
Current PTSD Diagnosis
A diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional using DSM-5-TR criteria
In-Service Stressor
A verified traumatic event that occurred during military service
Medical Nexus
Medical evidence linking your current PTSD to the in-service stressor
Qualifying PTSD Stressors
The VA recognizes several categories of traumatic stressors:
Combat-Related
- Direct combat engagement
- IED/mortar attacks
- Witnessing casualties
Fear-Based
- Fear of hostile action
- Terrorist activities
- Ongoing threats
MST-Related
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Physical assault
Non-Combat
- Training accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Natural disasters
Evidence You Need to Win Your Claim
Medical Evidence
- Current PTSD diagnosis
- Treatment records
- Therapy notes
- Medication history
- Nexus letter from psychiatrist
Service Records
- DD-214
- Service treatment records
- Unit records
- Awards and decorations
- Performance evaluations
Supporting Evidence
- Buddy statements
- Spouse/family statements
- Employer letters
- Police reports (if applicable)
- VA Form 21-0781
VA PTSD Rating Criteria & Compensation
PTSD ratings are based on occupational and social impairment:
*2024 rates for veteran only, no dependents
Common PTSD Claim Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
Challenge: “Lack of treatment records from service”
Many veterans didn’t seek mental health treatment while active duty due to stigma.
Challenge: “Stressor can’t be verified”
Non-combat stressors often lack documentation.
Challenge: “C&P examiner minimized symptoms”
Brief exams often miss the full picture of PTSD impact.
PTSD Secondary Conditions
PTSD often causes or aggravates other conditions that may qualify for additional compensation:
Sleep Apnea
50% of PTSD patients
Depression
Common comorbidity
Migraines
Stress-induced
Substance Abuse
Self-medication
Hypertension
Chronic stress
GERD
Anxiety-related
Your PTSD Claim Action Plan
Get Your Current Diagnosis
See a psychiatrist or psychologist for formal PTSD diagnosis using DSM-5-TR criteria.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Gather Your Evidence
Collect service records, medical records, and write your stressor statement.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Obtain Nexus Letter
Get expert medical opinion linking PTSD to military service.
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
File Your Claim
Submit online via VA.gov with all supporting evidence.
Timeline: 1 day
Prepare for C&P Exam
Review your symptoms, be honest about impact on daily life.
Timeline: 30-90 days after filing
Insider Tips from a VA Psychiatrist
Dr. Lee’s Top 5 PTSD Claim Tips:
Start a symptom journal today. Include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and how PTSD affects work/relationships.
Vague statements hurt claims. Include dates, locations, unit information, and specific details about the traumatic event.
Describe your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on maximum impairment, not average function.
Statements from fellow service members who witnessed your stressor or behavior changes are gold for your claim.
A well-written nexus letter from a psychiatrist can overcome weak C&P exams and fill gaps in your service records.
C&P Exam vs. Independent Nexus Letter
Frequently Asked Questions
Real Success Stories
“After two denials, Dr. Lee’s nexus letter finally got my PTSD service-connected at 70%. The difference was night and day—he actually understood military trauma.”
– Marine Veteran, Iraq
“My MST claim was approved on the first try. The nexus letter addressed everything the VA needed to see. Worth every penny.”
– Army Veteran
✓
Key Takeaways
-
→
PTSD requires three elements: current diagnosis, in-service stressor, and medical nexus -
→
Combat veterans get presumptive stressor credibility—huge advantage -
→
70% is the most common PTSD rating, worth $1,716.28/month -
→
Secondary conditions can significantly increase your combined rating -
→
A strong nexus letter can overcome weak C&P exams and missing records
Ready to Win Your PTSD Claim?
Dr. Ronald Lee, MD specializes in PTSD nexus letters. As a Harvard-trained psychiatrist who trained at the VA, he knows exactly what the VA needs to see.
PTSD Nexus Letter: $600
Includes 90-minute evaluation & comprehensive letter
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.