What must be established for PTSD claims related to combat?

For PTSD claims related to combat, establishing credible supporting evidence of combat engagement is essential. This requirement stems from the necessity to substantiate the veteran's reported stressors. The VA recognizes that combat experiences can lead to PTSD, but there must be documentation or reliable accounts that support the veteran's assertion that they were in combat and faced stressful incidents during their military service. This evidence can come from various sources, including military records, service personnel files, or other official documentation that confirms participation in combat operations.

Establishing this evidence is critical for the VA's assessment process, as it helps to validate the veteran's claims regarding the traumatic events experienced during service. Without credible evidence of combat engagement, it becomes challenging to link the reported PTSD symptoms directly to the veteran's military experiences.

In contrast, corroborating evidence from civilians may not hold the same weight in validating combat experiences. A medical diagnosis within one year of service could be relevant in some cases, but it is not specifically tied to the need for establishing combat-related PTSD claims. Similarly, evidence of psychological counseling prior to service would not be relevant in proving the occurrence of combat stressors during military duty. Thus, the focus remains on the need for credible evidence of combat engagement to support PTSD claims.