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To prove service connection for PTSD, you need to provide the VA with a valid stressor event.
This means you need “proof” of an in-service stressor that led to the development of your PTSD.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about VA PTSD stressors with examples, how the VA reviews and validates stressor events, and three examples of PTSD stressor statements.
A VA PTSD stressor is a traumatic event or series of events experienced during military service that contributes to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
For a veteran to receive service connection for PTSD, the VA requires credible evidence that these stressor events occurred during military service.
These stressors can vary widely and are crucial in establishing the link between a veteran’s military service and their PTSD diagnosis.
VA PTSD stressors generally fall into two categories: (#1) combat-related stressors, and (#2) non-combat-related stressors.
However, we’ll also list valid stressor events that don’t necessarily fit into those two categories.
Exposure to Hostile Fire:
Engagement in Combat:
Witnessing Death or Serious Injury:
Captivity or Torture:
Military Sexual Trauma (MST):
Severe Accidents:
Natural Disasters:
Explosions:
Handling Human Remains:
Witnessing Violence:
Medical Emergencies:
Exposure to Deadly Conditions:
Friendly Fire Incidents:
Search and Rescue Operations:
First Responders:
Humanitarian Missions:
Peacekeeping or Occupation Duties:
Severe Training Accidents:
Live-Fire Exercises:
Prolonged Exposure to Hostile Environments:
Evacuation Under Fire:
To substantiate a claim, veterans should provide the VA with evidence such as:
The VA requires veteran’s to complete a VA Form 21-0781 Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to an In-Service Traumatic Event(s).
Note: As of June 28, 2024, the VA has discontinued the use of VA Form 21-0781a, the Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for PTSD Secondary to Personal Assault. This form was previously used to gather additional information to support PTSD claims related to personal assault. The VA has combined this form into the new PDF version of VA Form 21-0781, the Statement in Support of Claimed Mental Health Disorder(s) Due to an In-Service Traumatic Event(s). Download the new form here.
| Stressor Evidence | VBMS Development Language | Attachment |
|---|---|---|
| Combat, fear, or hostile military or terrorist activities that cannot otherwise be corroborated based on evidence currently of record, and no VA Form 21-0781 submitted. | PTSD—Need stressor details/med evid combat-related incdnt | VA Form 21-0781 |
| Non-combat event such as a car accident, or hurricane, or does not mention a source for the stressor and does not provide details, and no VA Form 21-0781 submitted. | PTSD—Need stressor details/med evid of stressful incdnt | VA Form 21-0781 |
| MST or similar personal trauma event such as harassment, and no VA Form 21-0781 submitted. | PTSD—Need stressor details/med evid personal trauma incdnt |
Name: John Doe
Social Security Number: XXX-XX-XXXX
Branch of Service: U.S. Army
Service Period: January 2005 – January 2010
Unit: 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
MOS: Infantryman
Deployment: Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, April 2006 – April 2007
Date of Incident: September 15, 2006
Location: Fallujah, Iraq
During my deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, I was involved in a series of combat operations as an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. On the night of September 15, 2006, our unit was tasked with conducting a raid on a suspected insurgent stronghold within the city.
As we approached the target building, our convoy came under heavy enemy fire from multiple directions. The insurgents were armed with small arms, machine guns, and RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades). During the initial exchange of fire, our lead vehicle was hit by an RPG, causing it to explode and killing all three occupants instantly.
Despite the chaos and intense enemy fire, we proceeded with the mission. As we breached the target building, I was directly involved in a close-quarters firefight with several insurgents. I vividly remember the confusion, the deafening sound of gunfire, and the sight of one of my closest friends, Specialist James Smith, being shot multiple times. Despite our efforts to provide immediate medical aid, Specialist Smith succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
The firefight continued for what felt like an eternity, but was likely around 20 minutes. We successfully neutralized the insurgent threat, but the cost was high. Along with Specialist Smith, two other members of my squad were wounded, and several insurgents were killed.
Since returning from deployment, I have experienced significant psychological distress directly related to this event. I have recurring nightmares about the firefight, particularly the moment Specialist Smith was killed. These nightmares often leave me feeling anxious and unable to sleep.
During the day, I experience intrusive thoughts and flashbacks that bring me back to that night in Fallujah. Loud noises, such as fireworks or car backfires, trigger intense panic attacks and hypervigilance. I find it extremely difficult to be in crowded places, as they remind me of the combat environment.
My personal relationships have also suffered. I struggle with feelings of guilt and anger, which have led to frequent arguments and a sense of isolation from my family and friends. I have been unable to hold down a steady job due to my symptoms, further exacerbating my feelings of worthlessness and depression.
I respectfully request that my PTSD claim be considered with the understanding of the severe and lasting impact that this combat experience has had on my mental health and overall well-being. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Signature:
John Doe
Date: [Current Date]
Name: Jane Smith
Social Security Number: XXX-XX-XXXX
Branch of Service: U.S. Navy
Service Period: March 2010 – March 2014
Unit: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
MOS: Hospital Corpsman
Location: Camp Pendleton, California
Date of Incident: August 20, 2012
Location: Camp Pendleton, California
During my service as a Hospital Corpsman at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, I was part of the emergency response team. On August 20, 2012, I was called to respond to a severe vehicle accident on base. A military transport vehicle had collided with a civilian car at high speed, resulting in multiple casualties.
When I arrived at the scene, it was chaotic and overwhelming. The transport vehicle was overturned, and the civilian car was severely damaged. I immediately began providing medical assistance to the injured. One of the most traumatic aspects of this incident was tending to a severely injured young Marine, Private First Class (PFC) Daniel Rodriguez. He was trapped in the wreckage, suffering from multiple fractures, internal injuries, and significant blood loss.
Despite my efforts and those of my team, PFC Rodriguez’s condition deteriorated rapidly. I was holding his hand and talking to him, trying to keep him conscious, but he succumbed to his injuries before we could extract him from the vehicle. The sight of his lifeless body, the smell of blood, and the sound of his labored breathing are memories that have haunted me ever since.
Additionally, there were two other fatalities, including the civilian driver. The entire scene was one of intense distress and helplessness. The aftermath of the accident required extensive cleanup and dealing with the grief and shock of both military personnel and civilians involved.
Since that day, I have been struggling with severe psychological symptoms that I believe are directly related to this incident. I experience recurrent and distressing flashbacks of the accident scene, especially the moment PFC Rodriguez died in my care. These flashbacks are often triggered by the sight of accidents, emergency sirens, or even specific smells associated with the trauma.
I suffer from persistent nightmares where I relive the accident, waking up in a state of panic and anxiety. My sleep is frequently disrupted, leaving me exhausted and on edge during the day. I also have significant difficulty in managing my emotions, experiencing bouts of intense sadness, anger, and irritability.
Socially, I have become increasingly withdrawn. I avoid gatherings and events that involve large groups of people or any situation that might remind me of the trauma. My relationships with family and friends have deteriorated due to my inability to communicate my feelings and the isolation I have imposed on myself.
Professionally, my symptoms have severely impacted my ability to work. I have trouble focusing and maintaining the emotional stability required to perform my duties as a medical professional. This has resulted in my inability to maintain steady employment since leaving the military.
I respectfully request that my PTSD claim be considered with the understanding of the severe and lasting impact that this non-combat traumatic experience has had on my mental health and overall well-being. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Signature:
Jane Smith
Date: [Current Date]
Name: Sarah Johnson
Social Security Number: XXX-XX-XXXX
Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force
Service Period: June 2012 – June 2016
Unit: 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron
MOS: Logistics Specialist
Location: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
Date of Incident: November 15, 2014
Location: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
During my service as a Logistics Specialist with the 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, I experienced a traumatic event that has had a profound impact on my mental health. On the evening of November 15, 2014, I attended a unit social gathering at the base recreation center. This event, intended to foster camaraderie among unit members, turned into a nightmare for me.
After a few hours at the event, I decided to leave and head back to my dorm. As I was walking to my car in the parking lot, I was approached by Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Michael Harris, a colleague from my unit. SSgt Harris offered to walk me to my car, and I accepted, thinking it was a friendly gesture. However, once we reached my car, SSgt Harris forcibly grabbed me and pushed me into the back seat. Despite my attempts to resist and plead for him to stop, he overpowered me and sexually assaulted me.
The assault was brutal and left me physically and emotionally shattered. After he left, I was in a state of shock and disbelief. I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. The next day, I reported the assault to my superior officer and sought medical attention. A formal investigation was launched, and SSgt Harris was eventually court-martialed and discharged from the Air Force.
Since the assault, I have been struggling with severe psychological symptoms that I believe are directly related to this incident. I experience recurrent and distressing flashbacks of the assault, often triggered by situations or environments that remind me of that night. These flashbacks are accompanied by intense feelings of fear, helplessness, and panic.
I suffer from persistent nightmares where I relive the assault, waking up in a state of terror and anxiety. My sleep is frequently disrupted, leaving me exhausted and on edge during the day. I also have significant difficulty in managing my emotions, experiencing bouts of intense sadness, anger, and irritability.
Socially, I have become increasingly withdrawn. I avoid gatherings and events that involve large groups of people or any situation that might remind me of the trauma. My relationships with family and friends have deteriorated due to my inability to communicate my feelings and the isolation I have imposed on myself.
Professionally, my symptoms have severely impacted my ability to work. I have trouble focusing and maintaining the emotional stability required to perform my duties as a logistics specialist. This has resulted in my inability to maintain steady employment since leaving the military.
I respectfully request that my PTSD claim be considered with the understanding of the severe and lasting impact that this traumatic experience has had on my mental health and overall well-being. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Signature:
Sarah Johnson
Date: [Current Date]
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
