I think I have PTSD from my service. How do I file a claim?
For: veteran with potential service-connected mental health condition.
Step-by-step
Check whether you served in a presumptive era
Vietnam, post-9/11 GWOT, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, radiation — all have presumptive PTSD-adjacent conditions that don't require nexus letters.
Browse PACT Act presumptive conditions →File "Intent to File" immediately
Even if your formal claim takes weeks to assemble, back-pay starts from the ITF date.
VA Form 21-0966 — Intent to File →Pull and save your Service Treatment Records (STRs)
STRs document any in-service mental health flags or events. Critical evidence.
Records access guide →Get a nexus letter from a private psychiatrist or VA clinician
For non-presumptive PTSD, nexus letter is often the difference between grant and denial. Cost varies; some Vet Centers provide for free.
Find mental health resources →Complete VA Form 21-0781 (Statement in Support of PTSD Claim)
Documents the in-service stressor. For MST-related claims use 21-0781a (allows "markers" as evidence).
VA Form 21-0781 — PTSD stressor →Have a CVSO or VSO file VA Form 21-526EZ
CVSOs file at no cost. Avoids paid lawyer fees on initial claims (paid representation only allowed on appeals anyway).
Find a free CVSO →Crisis safety net while claim pends
Filing can be re-traumatizing. 988 Press 1 is 24/7. Vet Centers offer free MST + combat counseling regardless of discharge.
Veterans Crisis Line (988 Press 1, text 838255) →Other quickstart playbooks
About these playbooks
These step-by-step guides are curated by Wounded Warriors (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). Each step links to the relevant VA form, free CVSO directory, or crisis resource so a veteran can move from question to concrete next-action in minutes. Free under CC-BY 4.0. Browse all playbooks →