Need to Know – 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- ✅ The 3 key elements every PTSD claim must have
- ⚖️ 2025 AMA updates and how to appeal smarter
- 🛑 How to avoid “claims sharks” and get free help
- ✍️ How to write powerful statements and buddy letters
- 📎 Links to official forms and expert support
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly impact the lives of veterans. Navigating the VA claims process for PTSD is often challenging, but building a strong appeal can significantly increase your chances of success. At HadIt.com Veteran to Veteran, our mission is to provide the tools, knowledge, and community support to ensure no veteran faces this process alone.
📘 Understand the Basics of a PTSD Claim
To get your PTSD claim approved, you need to prove:
- A current PTSD diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional
- An in-service stressor (e.g., combat, MST, traumatic event)
- A medical nexus connecting your PTSD to the in-service event
🩺 Gather Strong Medical Evidence
🧾 How to Write a Strong VA Buddy Statement (Lay/Witness Statement)
📂 Document Your In-Service Stressor
- Military personnel and medical records
- ✍️ Buddy statements
- Combat or police incident reports, medical records, ER, hospital stays
- 🔗 VA Form 21-0781
✍️ Write a Persuasive Personal Statement
- Describe the traumatic event(s)
- Explain how PTSD affects your daily life
- Be detailed, raw, and honest
💬 Need help? Join the PTSD Claims Forum on HadIt.com
⚖️ Understand the AMA Appeals Process (2025)
The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) gives you three options if denied:
- Supplemental Claim – Add new, relevant evidence
- Higher-Level Review – Senior VA reviewer re-evaluates your file
- Board Appeal – Choose a hearing or direct review by a judge
🚫 Ignore outdated terms like “Statement of the Case” — AMA replaced them.
🤝 Get Legit Help & Avoid Claim Sharks
Be cautious — scammers target veterans.
- ❌ Claims sharks charge illegal fees and offer false promises
- ✅ Only work with VA-accredited representatives
Get free help from:
📚 Stay Updated on Legal Developments
🧠 The 2025 Supreme Court case Bufkin v. Collins clarified the benefit-of-the-doubt rule — which could strengthen your appeal.
📰 Read more at Veterans Law Review
💪 Stay Organized & Don’t Give Up
- 📋 Keep copies of all claim documents
- 📬 Check your claim status at VA.gov
- ⏳ Appeals can take time — but persistence pays off
💬 You’re Not Alone – Real Voices from HadIt
“Good morning Hadit members. I just want to thank everyone for their encouragement, support and sage answers to many of my questions.
I just received notice today, my rating is 100% P & T. OSA secondary to PTSD 50% increased my rating to 100% P&T.
As many have said on this site, it may take longer than you would like to get the rating you deserve, but don’t give up.
Thank you T’Bird for founding Hadit.com and your mission to not ‘leave no one behind’.”
– GulfWarVet1990
🙌 Join the community on HadIt.com or connect in the PTSD Claims Forum
📥 Download the PTSD Claim Guide (PDF)
📝 Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified representative for individualized help.
