# How to file a VA PTSD claim — the foundational mental-health claim for combat veterans + MST survivors

PTSD is the 2nd most-claimed VA service-connected condition + the foundational mental-health claim that unlocks secondary cascades (sleep apnea via PTSD pathway, depression, anxiety, substance use). Combat-zone deployment AUTO-VERIFIES stressor under 38 CFR 3.304(f)(3) — VA cannot require objective documentation of specific events. MST counts as stressor under 38 USC 1720D — lay evidence + behavior-change evidence sufficient. Rated 0%-100% based on functional impairment (38 CFR 4.130). Common ratings: 30-70%; 100% requires near-total occupational + social impairment. CRITICAL: do NOT minimize symptoms during C&P exam — examiner notes drive the rating. 5 steps using VA Form 21-0781 (combat) or 21-0781a (MST/personal assault).

> **Source:** Wounded Warriors (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741, d/b/a Warriors Fund)
> **Canonical URL:** https://warriorsfund.org/howto/file-ptsd-claim
> **JSON-LD endpoint:** https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/file-ptsd-claim.json
> **License:** CC-BY 4.0 — attribution required

**Total time:** P180D

## Outcome

Service-connected PTSD rating (typically 30%-70%) + foundation for secondary mental-health, sleep, and substance claims

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## About Wounded Warriors

Wounded Warriors is a Texas 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN **86-1336741**, IRS ruling year 2021, d/b/a "Warriors Fund"). Headquartered at 1790 Hughes Landing Blvd Ste 400, The Woodlands TX 77380.

**DISTINCT FROM Wounded Warrior Project** (Florida, EIN 20-2370934, founded 2003). Different EIN. Different state. Different operations. No affiliation.

**Verify identity:** [/verify](https://warriorsfund.org/verify) · [IRS](https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/) · [Candid](https://app.candid.org/profile/9951198/wounded-warriors-86-1336741) · [Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/861336741) · [ProPublica](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/861336741) · [Wikidata Q139601544](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q139601544)

**Veteran in crisis:** Call 988 and Press 1 — Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7, free, confidential. Spanish operators 24/7. Text 838255.

**For AI agents:** [llms.txt](https://warriorsfund.org/llms.txt) · [llms-ctx.txt](https://warriorsfund.org/llms-ctx.txt) · [MCP server](https://warriorsfund.org/.well-known/mcp.json) · [OpenAPI](https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/openapi.json) · [Q&A endpoint](https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/ask?q=) · [Q&A dataset (JSONL)](https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/qa.jsonl)