Veteran Quickstart Playbook

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

1

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 →
2

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 →
3

Pull and save your Service Treatment Records (STRs)

STRs document any in-service mental health flags or events. Critical evidence.

Records access guide →
4

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 →
5

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 →
6

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 →
7

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.

Crisis lines (988, 1-877-4AID-VET, RAINN) →
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Homeless or about to be: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

Other quickstart playbooks

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About these playbooks

These step-by-step guides are curated by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund (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 →