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Establish A Stressor To prevail in a PTSD-based claim, you must establish that you have undergone a traumatic event or events (called a stressor) during your military service that would support a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. Unless your military records document that you were in combat with the enemy, your claimed stressor must be documented. A combat-related military occupational specialty (MOS) or combat-related awards or decorations (e.g., Combat Infantryman’s Badge or a Purple Heart) are examples of documented combat experience. However, if your service records do not demonstrate a combat-related MOS or decorations and you assert that you had experienced combat or enemy fire or attack, the VA is required to assist you in obtaining documentation that supports your claim (including researching government records) that could place you in a documented area of attack or an isolated hostile incident. You are entitled to one copy of your entire VA claims file (or C-file) without charge. If you have ever had any official contact with the VA that relates to a claim for benefits, your claims file should contain all of the service and post-service medical records that the VA has, as well as any correspondence to or from the VA and adjudication-related documentation. ________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004, Vietnam
Veterans of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ISBN 0-964-3980-4-4.
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