VA Claim Readiness Checklist

Charlie Company Cooperative

The reality: You earned these benefits through service. Filing a VA disability claim isn't asking for a handout — it's documenting service-connected injuries and receiving the compensation you're entitled to.

This checklist covers what you need to file a strong claim for PTSD. Preparation matters.

Documents You Need

DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge) Shows your service dates, MOS, and character of discharge. Request from National Archives if needed.

Service Treatment Records (STRs) Medical records from active duty. Request from NPRC. May take 2-3 months.

Personnel Records Deployment orders, combat action documentation, awards (CAB, CIB, Purple Heart, etc.)

Post-service medical records Any mental health treatment since discharge. VA, private, Vet Centers — all of it.

Buddy statements (lay evidence) Written statements from fellow service members who can verify your stressors or symptoms.

Pro tip: You don't need everything perfect to file. File the claim, then continue gathering evidence. The "effective date" is based on when you file, not when you complete the file.

Establishing Service Connection for PTSD

PTSD claims require three things:

1. Current diagnosis of PTSD From a qualified mental health provider. VA C&P exam can provide this if you don't have one.

2. In-service stressor The traumatic event(s) that occurred during service. Combat vets with CAB/CIB have this presumed.

3. Nexus (link between stressor and diagnosis) Medical opinion connecting your current PTSD to the in-service stressor.

Combat Veterans: Easier Path

If you have evidence of combat service (CAB, CIB, combat zone deployment orders, hostile fire pay records), the VA presumes your stressor is valid. You don't need to prove the specific event — just that you served in combat conditions.

This is called the "combat presumption" under 38 CFR 3.304(f)(2).

Stressor Statement Prep

You'll need to describe at least one traumatic event. Be specific but don't over-explain. Include:

Approximate date (month/year):

Location:

Unit:

Your role:

Brief description of what happened:

The Process: What to Expect

1. File the claim

VA.gov, eBenefits, or paper form (VA Form 21-526EZ). This locks in your effective date.

2. Development phase

VA gathers evidence, requests records. You can submit additional evidence during this time.

3. C&P Exam

Compensation & Pension exam with a VA psychologist. Be honest. Describe your worst days, not your best.

4. Decision

Rating decision sent by mail. If denied or underrated, you have appeal options.

C&P Exam Tips

Don't minimize. Describe how symptoms affect your daily life at their worst.
Be specific. "I have nightmares 4-5 times a week" beats "I have sleep problems."
Mention everything. Anger, isolation, hypervigilance, avoidance, relationship impact.
Don't try to look tough. This isn't a job interview. It's documentation of injury.
Bring notes. It's okay to reference this checklist or written notes.

Rating Levels for PTSD

0% — Diagnosed, but symptoms controlled by medication

10% — Mild symptoms, minor impact on work/social functioning

30% — Occasional decrease in work efficiency

50% — Reduced reliability, difficulty in social/occupational situations

70% — Deficiencies in most areas (work, family, judgment, mood)

100% — Total occupational and social impairment

P&T (Permanent & Total): 100% rating that VA determines won't improve. No future re-evaluations.

Resources

VA.gov File claims, check status, access records

VSO (Veterans Service Organization) Free help with claims: DAV, VFW, American Legion, etc. They know the system.

Vet Center Free counseling, readjustment help. Separate from VA Medical. More personal.