A PTSD diagnosis requires the following: a traumatic event, flashbacks, avoidance, arousal and reactivity symptoms, and cognition and mood symptoms. 5Id. at 393. The evidence in a case involving claims of PTSD must demonstrate that the victim experienced an event that threatened death or serious injury.
Medical records, whether a private physician, VA doctor, or in-service treatment will be a way to demonstrate the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms. Sometimes employment records can be used to show how the condition and symptoms are affecting your daily life, at work, at home, or in social situations.
The standard for receiving a 100% rating for PTSD alone is stringent: total occupational and social impairment. That's characterized by symptoms like: Gross impairment of thought processes or communication. Persistent delusions or hallucinations.
Evidence of an In-Service Stressor Documentation or credible evidence that a traumatic event occurred during service, capable of causing PTSD. For combat veterans, personal statements may suffice. Non-combat veterans need corroborative evidence such as buddy statements or service records.
Getting a 100% PTSD rating from the VA is next to impossible. A 70% rating (the most common) is a high hurdle in it's own right. To achieve a 100% PTSD rating, it means you would literally have to be almost totally unable to function in everyday life.
Use VA Form 21-0781 if you've been diagnosed with a mental health condition related to a traumatic event during your military service, and you want to apply for related benefits or services.
Take time to sit down and complete the statement at your own pace. As best you can, describe the traumatic events in the order that they happened. Say where, when, and what unit you were in when the event happened. Provide as much detail as you're able to, and describe the feelings you had about what happened.
​ credible evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred. ​ a link, established by medical evidence, between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. ​ related to the Veteran's service, and. ​ consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of that service.
You are eligible for PTSD benefits if you meet the following three criteria: You had a traumatic event or stressor during your service. You've been diagnosed with PTSD. You can't maintain relationships or employment because of PTSD symptoms.