DISABILITYVA program

PTSD Disability Claim (Combat Simplified Process)

Combat veterans may establish the in-service stressor for PTSD with a lay statement alone; no corroborating evidence of the specific event is required, streamlining the initial claim process.

Available to veterans with service in a combat zone or qualifying fear-of-hostile-activity

View on VA.gov

Step-by-step guide

What VA looks for in every PTSD claim

A PTSD diagnosisA diagnosis of PTSD that follows the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual VA uses for mental health conditions. It can come from a VA examiner or from your own provider.
Evidence the event happenedCredible evidence that the event in service took place. It can come from service records, unit records, or statements from people who were there. Not every detail needs to be confirmed.
A link between the event and your symptomsMedical evidence that your current symptoms are related to the event in service. This usually comes from a VA claim exam or from your own provider.

Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 4.125(a) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.C (opens in new tab)

How VA confirms the event in service

Any traumatic event in service
Every PTSD claim needs the same three things. On this general route, used for events such as an accident, a natural disaster, or witnessing a death or injury not caused by an enemy, records or other evidence must back up your account of the event. Your statement alone is not enough on this route.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 4.125(a) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); VA.gov: disability compensation for PTSD (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-526EZ (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-0781 (opens in new tab)
PTSD diagnosed during service
When PTSD was diagnosed while you were in service and the event relates to that service, your own account may establish the event. It needs to fit the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of your service, and there must be no clear and convincing evidence against it.
1. A diagnosis made during serviceService treatment records or military mental health records showing PTSD was diagnosed while you served.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(1) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab)
Combat with the enemy
When records show you engaged in combat with the enemy and the event relates to that combat, your own account may establish the event, as long as it fits the circumstances of your service and no clear and convincing evidence goes against it. VA presumes combat for certain decorations, such as the Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, or a Bronze Star Medal with the V device.
1. Records that show combatService records, awards, or other credible evidence showing you engaged in combat with the enemy.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(2) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); VA.gov: disability compensation for PTSD (opens in new tab)
Fear of hostile military or terrorist activity
This covers events that threatened death or serious injury, such as incoming rocket or mortar fire, sniper fire, or an IED, where your response involved fear, helplessness, or horror. Your own account may establish the event when a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or one VA contracts with, confirms the event is adequate to support a PTSD diagnosis and that your symptoms relate to it. The event must fit the places, types, and circumstances of your service. VA applies this route to armed drone aircraft crew duty too.
1. Confirmation from a VA or VA-contracted psychiatrist or psychologistAn exam by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or one VA contracts with, confirming the event supports a PTSD diagnosis and your symptoms relate to it. An opinion from your own provider does not meet this part of the rule.
2. Service that fits the eventService records showing where you served and what you did, so VA can see the event fits the places, types, and circumstances of your service.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(3) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); VA.gov: disability compensation for PTSD (opens in new tab)
Former prisoner of war
When records show you were a prisoner of war and the event relates to that experience, your own account may establish the event, as long as it fits the circumstances of your service and no clear and convincing evidence goes against it.
1. Records that show prisoner of war statusService records showing you were held as a prisoner of war.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(4) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab)
Personal assault, including military sexual trauma
For PTSD after an assault in service, including sexual assault or harassment, evidence from outside your service records can back up your account. When no record documents the event, VA can look at changes in behavior after it, such as a request for transfer or a drop in work performance. Before denying a PTSD claim based on assault, VA tells you that these sources count and gives you a chance to send them or tell VA where they are. MST has its own card.
1. Evidence the assault happened, from any sourceService records, records from outside the military such as police or rape crisis center records, statements from people you told, or records of behavior changes after the event that a clinician reviews.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.B (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.E (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma and disability compensation (opens in new tab)

What to gather, and what it shows VA

Documents for this benefit: what each is, what it shows VA, and how VA gets it
Document	What it shows	How VA gets it	Have it?
Statement about the traumatic event VA Form 21-0781, where you describe the type of event and where and when it happened, such as your unit or duty station. Naming other people is optional, and VA will not contact anyone you name. It also asks about behavior changes, any official report, other places evidence may be, and where you were treated.	What happened, where, and when, so VA can find records	VA Form 21-0781. It is optional, and you do not have to complete every section. If you file online and answer the mental health questions in VA's application, a separate 21-0781 is not needed. The event details go on VA's form and the form goes to VA. The BeneVets fill flow covers name and contact fields only and does not ask for the event details.
Separation papers (DD214) The record of your service dates, branch, job, awards, and character of discharge.	Combat awards, prisoner of war status, and where you served	VA will request this for you once you file. You can also get your own copy through eVetRecs or SF180.	Yes
Service personnel records Records of assignments, deployments, job duties, hazard or hostile fire pay, awards, and performance reports.	Where you were, what you did, and changes in your record	VA will request these for you once you file. You can also get your own copy through eVetRecs or SF180.
Service treatment records Medical and mental health records from your time in service, including any counseling or treatment after the event.	A diagnosis or treatment during service	VA will request these for you once you file, including clinical mental health records from service. A copy you already have can go to VA with your claim.
Unit records and histories Official records of what a unit did: unit histories, after action reports, daily staff journals, ship logs, and morning reports.	That the event took place where your unit was	If the records VA already has do not confirm the event, VA can search these itself. A research coordinator at the regional office asks for the search when the claim names the event, the place, your unit, and a date within about two months.
Buddy statements Signed statements from people who were there or who knew you then: a fellow service member, family member, roommate, or clergy.	What others saw or were told	VA Form 21-10210, Lay/Witness Statement. The witness completes it and it goes to VA with your claim. VA accepts a fellow veteran's statement as backing for the event when it fits the time, place, and circumstances of both people's service, and may ask for the witness's DD214.
VA and military treatment records Records of mental health care at VA medical centers and clinics, care VA paid for in the community, and military treatment facilities.	A diagnosis and the treatment you have had	VA will request these for you once you file. No release form is needed for them. You can review your own VA records on VA.gov.
Private and Vet Center records Records from therapists, doctors, and hospitals outside VA, and counseling records from a Vet Center.	A diagnosis and how long you have had symptoms	Two routes. Send copies to VA yourself, or complete VA Form 21-4142 and VA Form 21-4142a so VA can request them. Vet Center records need these release forms too. The provider details go on the VA forms, not into BeneVets.
Records from outside the military about an assault Records from law enforcement, rape crisis centers, counseling centers, hospitals, or civilian doctors, and pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection test results.	That an assault happened, without a military record of it	Name each source on VA Form 21-0781. VA requests police records once you identify the office. For medical and counseling records, send copies to VA or complete VA Form 21-4142 and VA Form 21-4142a so VA can request them.
Records of changes after an assault Records showing changes around the time of or after the event: a request for transfer, worse or better performance reports, more leave, or disciplinary trouble.	Changes in behavior after the event	VA will request your service records once you file. List the changes you remember in Section III of VA Form 21-0781. VA asks a clinician whether the changes fit the event when no record documents it.
VA claim exam for PTSD A mental health exam by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or one VA contracts with, ordered for the claim.	The diagnosis and its link to the event	VA schedules it when it needs more medical evidence to decide. For a mental health exam, you can ask for a male or female provider when you confirm the appointment.
Opinion from your own provider A written opinion from your own psychiatrist, psychologist, or other provider about the diagnosis and its link to the event.	The diagnosis and its link to service	Optional. Your provider writes it and submits it to VA. VA does not publish the initial PTSD Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for public use, so for a first PTSD claim the opinion comes as a written statement. VA does not pay for it.

Records and statements go to VA. BeneVets never asks you to upload or type them here.

Steps, in order

Set your start date
Submit an intent to file on VA Form 21-0966, by phone, or by starting the online application. You then have 1 year to file the full claim, and VA treats a complete claim filed in that year as filed on the intent to file date.
Source: 38 CFR 3.155(b) (opens in new tab); M21-1 II.iii.2.A (opens in new tab); VA.gov: your intent to file (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-0966 (opens in new tab)
Get free help from a VSO
Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you. VA also accredits attorneys and claims agents, who can charge fees only for work done after VA issues its initial decision on the claim.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.636(c) (opens in new tab)
See which route fits the event
Read the routes above to see what VA looks for on each. You do not have to label the event yourself; VA decides which route applies from the record.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab)
Know where your mental health records are
VA will request VA and military treatment records for you once you file. For a private therapist, doctor, or Vet Center, send copies to VA or complete VA Form 21-4142 and VA Form 21-4142a so VA can request them.
Source: 38 CFR 3.159(c)(1) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.159(c)(2) (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-0781 (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-4142 (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-4142a (opens in new tab)
Gather service records
VA will request your DD214, service treatment records, and personnel records for you once you file. Include any copies you already have. For your own copies, use eVetRecs or SF180.
Source: 38 CFR 3.159(c)(3) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: request your military service records (opens in new tab); Standard Form 180 (SF180) (opens in new tab)
Complete the traumatic event statement
Complete VA Form 21-0781, or answer the mental health questions in the online application instead. Where you can, give the type of event, the place, your unit, and an approximate date. Approximate dates are fine, and leaving a section blank does not stop the claim.
Source: VA Form 21-0781 (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); VA.gov: disability compensation for PTSD (opens in new tab)
Give VA enough to search unit records
When records on file do not confirm the event, VA can search unit records itself. That search needs the event, the location, your unit, and a date within about two months.
Source: M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab)
List other sources for an assault
For an assault, use Section III of VA Form 21-0781 to note behavior changes, any official or police report, and places evidence may be, such as a crisis center, a clinic, clergy, or family. The MST card covers this route in more detail.
Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.B (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-0781 (opens in new tab)
Ask witnesses for statements
Ask people who were there, or who knew you at the time, whether they will complete VA Form 21-10210. Statements must be signed.
Source: VA Form 21-10210 (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.B (opens in new tab)
File your claim
File VA Form 21-526EZ with PTSD listed as a condition, along with VA Form 21-0781 if you did not answer the online questions. The BeneVets fill flow can prefill identity, contact, and service fields; the conditions and evidence sections are completed on VA's form.
Source: VA Form 21-526EZ (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-0781 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.155(b) (opens in new tab)
Answer VA letters
If VA cannot confirm the event from the record, it sends a letter asking for VA Form 21-0781 or the missing details. Answer with what you know. If you do not remember a detail, you can say so.
Source: M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.B (opens in new tab); M21-1 III.i.2.D (opens in new tab)
Go to any claim exam VA schedules
VA asks for a claim exam when it needs more medical information to decide. On the fear route, this exam is where a VA or VA-contracted psychiatrist or psychologist looks at the event and your symptoms. You can ask for a male or female provider when you confirm the appointment.
Source: 38 CFR 3.159(c)(4) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.304(f)(3) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.C (opens in new tab); VA.gov: VA claim exam (opens in new tab)
Read the decision
If you disagree, you can choose a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995), a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), or a Board Appeal (VA Form 10182). A review filed within 1 year of the decision notice keeps the original effective date.
Source: 38 CFR 3.2500(h) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: decision reviews and appeals (opens in new tab); VA Form 20-0995 (opens in new tab); VA Form 20-0996 (opens in new tab); VA Form 10182 (opens in new tab)

Good to know

Help is available right now

If you are in crisis or worried about a veteran, the Veterans Crisis Line is free, private, and open all day, every day: call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. For support related to military sexual trauma, every VA medical facility has an MST coordinator, and the VA.gov MST care page lists the ways to reach one.

Source: VA.gov: disability compensation for PTSD (opens in new tab); VA.gov: military sexual trauma care (opens in new tab)

Same three things, different routes

Every PTSD claim needs a diagnosis, evidence the event happened, and a medical link. The routes differ only in how VA confirms the event. You do not have to pick the route; VA claims processors decide which one fits your event.

Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab)

When your own account can be enough

On four routes, your own statement may establish the event: PTSD diagnosed during service, combat, prisoner of war, and fear of hostile activity confirmed by a VA or VA-contracted psychiatrist or psychologist. The event has to fit your service, and no clear and convincing evidence can go against it.

Source: 38 CFR 3.304(f)(1) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.304(f)(2) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.304(f)(3) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.304(f)(4) (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.A (opens in new tab)

PTSD is not the only condition a traumatic event can cause

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can also be claimed when they relate to a traumatic event in service. VA Form 21-0781 covers those conditions too. VA decides them under the general service connection rules rather than the PTSD routes.

Source: VA Form 21-0781 (opens in new tab); M21-1 VIII.iv.1.B (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 3.303 (opens in new tab)

BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you