### Section D. Claims for Service Connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > This section contains the following topics:           |
| #### In th |                                                         |
| is Section |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic        Topic Name                                     See Page

  13           General Information on Developing Claims for   1-D-2
               Service Connection for PTSD                    

  14           Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred   1-D-9

  15           Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service      1-D-15
               Stressor                                       

  16           Completion of a Formal Finding of a Lack of    1-D-25
               Information Required to Document the Claimed   
               Stressor(s)                                    

  17           Developing Claims for Service Connection for   1-D-27
               PTSD Based on Personal Trauma                  
  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------

#### 13. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for PTSD

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains general information on developing |
| troduction | > claims for service connection for posttraumatic       |
|            | > stress disorder (PTSD). It includes information on    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the requirements for establishing service           |
|            |     connection for PTSD                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the significance of prisoner-of-war (POW) and       |
|            |     combat service                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the definition of ***engaging in combat***          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   decorations as evidence of combat                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   action to take if a veteran received a combat       |
|            |     decoration but does not expressly state the nature  |
|            |     of the stressor                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what constitutes credible supporting evidence       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the degree of stressor corroboration required       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering non-combat-related stressors            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   primary sources of evidence used to corroborate a   |
|            |     claimed in-service stressor                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   examples of primary evidence, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   alternative sources of evidence that may            |
|            |     corroborate a claimed in-service stressor.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > September 5, 2008                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder  |
| a. Require | > (PTSD) requires                                       |
| ments for  |                                                         |
| Establishi | -   credible evidence that the claimed in-service       |
| ng Service |     stressor occurred                                   |
|  Connectio |                                                         |
| n for PTSD | -   medical evidence diagnosing the condition in        |
|            |     accordance with [38 CFR                             |
|            |     4.125](http://w                                     |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_125.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a link, established by medical evidence, between    |
|            |     current symptoms and an in-service stressor.        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: The lay testimony of a combat        |
|            | > veteran alone may establish an in-service stressor    |
|            | > for the purposes of establishing service connection   |
|            | > for PTSD.                                             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on establishing |
|            | > service connection for PTSD, see                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iv,                     |
|            |     4.H](../pt03_sp04_ch04_secH.xml#III.iv.4.H)         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.304(f)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_304.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 U.S.C.                                          |
|            |     1154(b)](http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/         |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001154----000-.html). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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13\. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for
PTSD, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b    | > The veteran's testimony alone establishes the         |
| . Signific | > occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor if      |
| ance of PO |                                                         |
| W and Comb | -   the evidence of record confirms the veteran         |
| at Service |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   engaged in combat, or                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   was a prisoner-of-war (POW) as defined by [38 CFR   |
|            |     3.1(y)](http:                                       |
|            | //www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_1.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   the claimed stressor is related to that episode of  |
|            |     combat or POW experience,                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   there is no clear and convincing evidence to the    |
|            |     contrary, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the claimed stressor is consistent with the         |
|            |     circumstances, conditions, or hardships of the      |
|            |     veteran's service.                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: There are no limitations as to the type   |
|            | > of evidence that may be accepted to confirm           |
|            | > engagement in combat. Any evidence that is probative  |
|            | > of (serves to establish the fact at issue) combat     |
|            | > participation may be used to support a determination  |
|            | > that a veteran engaged in combat.                     |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims for service connection for PTSD, see         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.304(f)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_304.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 U.S.C.                                          |
|            |     1154(b)](http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/         |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001154----000-.html), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   evidence that may be used to support a              |
|            |     determination that a veteran engaged in combat with |
|            |     the enemy, see [*VAOPGCPREC Opinion                 |
|            |     12-99*](http://vb                                   |
|            | aw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/Advisory/PRECOP/99op/Prc12_99.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > ***Engaging in combat*** with the enemy means         |
| Definition | > personal participation in events constituting an      |
| : Engaging | > actual fight or encounter with a military foe or      |
|  in Combat | > hostile unit or instrumentality. It includes presence |
|            | > during such events either as a                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   combatant, or                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   service member performing duty in support of        |
|            |     combatants, such as providing medical care to the   |
|            |     wounded.                                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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13\. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for
PTSD, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > When a veteran has received any of the combat         |
| ### d. Dec | > decorations listed below, VA will presume that the    |
| orations a | > veteran engaged in combat with the enemy, unless      |
| s Evidence | > there is clear and convincing evidence to the         |
|  of Combat | > contrary:                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Air Force Achievement Medal with "V" Device         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Air Force Combat Action Medal                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Air Force Commendation Medal with "V" Device        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Air Force Cross                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Air Medal with "V" Device                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Combat Action Badge                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Combat Action Ribbon (***Note***: Prior to February |
|            |     1969, the Navy Achievement Medal with "V" Device    |
|            |     was awarded.)                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Combat Aircrew Insignia                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Combat Infantry/Infantryman Badge                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Combat Medical Badge                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Distinguished Flying Cross                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Distinguished Service Cross                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Joint Service Commendation Medal with "V" Device    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Medal of Honor                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Navy Commendation Medal with "V" Device             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Navy Cross                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Purple Heart, and/or                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Silver Star.                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***:                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Receipt of one of the decorations cited above is    |
|            |     not the only acceptable evidence of engagement in   |
|            |     combat.                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If a veteran received a Global War on Terrorism     |
|            |     Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism        |
|            |     Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or Iraq  |
|            |     Campaign Medal, but not one of the combat           |
|            |     decorations cited above, develop for the claimed    |
|            |     stressor as shown in [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, |
|            |     1.D.14](../pt04_sp02_ch04_secH.xml#IV.ii.1.D.14).   |
|            |     Receipt of these campaign medals alone does not     |
|            |     generally indicate engagement in combat.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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13\. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for
PTSD, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e. A | > If a veteran received one of the combat decorations   |
| ction to T | > cited in [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,               |
| ake if Vet | > 1.D.13.d](http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/M21-1MR        |
| eran Recei | /pt04/sp02/ch01/pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.13.d) |
| ved Combat | > but does not expressly state the nature of the        |
|  Decoratio | > stressor                                              |
| n but Does |                                                         |
|  Not State | -   assume the stressor is combat-related               |
|  Nature of |                                                         |
|  Stressor  | -   order an examination, if necessary to decide the    |
|            |     claim, and                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   in the examination request                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   state that VA has verified the veteran's combat     |
|            |     service, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   specify any details regarding the combat stressor   |
|            |     contained in the record.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Credible supporting evidence that an in-service       |
| # f. What  | > stressor actually occurred includes not only evidence |
| Constitute | > that specifically documents the veteran's personal    |
| s Credible | > participation in the event, but evidence that         |
|  Supportin |                                                         |
| g Evidence | -   indicates the veteran served in the immediate area  |
|            |     and at the particular time in which the stressful   |
|            |     event is alleged to have occurred, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   supports the description of the event.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Evaluate the evidence as a whole to determine       |
|            |     whether a stressor is sufficiently corroborated.    |
|            |     (See *[Moran v.                                     |
|            |     Principi](h                                         |
|            | ttp://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/Advisory/CAVCDAD.htm#bmm),* |
|            |     17 Vet.App. 149 (2003).)                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Corroborating evidence of a stressor is *not*       |
|            |     restricted to service records, but may be obtained  |
|            |     from other sources. (See *[Doran v.                 |
|            |     Brown](h                                            |
|            | ttp://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/Advisory/CAVCDAD.htm#bmd),* |
|            |     6 Vet.App. 283 (1994).)                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   The credible supporting evidence requirement does   |
|            |     not necessarily demand the submission of official   |
|            |     documentary evidence.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Corroboration of every detail, including the          |
| # g. The D | > claimant's personal participation in the claimed      |
| egree of S | > stressful event, is not required. The evidence may be |
| tressor Co | > sufficient if it implies a veteran's personal         |
| rroboratio | > exposure to the event.                                |
| n Required | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Examples***:                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   When considered as a whole, evidence consisting of  |
|            |     a morning report, radio log, and nomination for a   |
|            |     Bronze Star with "V" device may be sufficient to    |
|            |     corroborate a veteran's account of an event, even   |
|            |     if it does not specifically include mention of the  |
|            |     veteran's name. (See *[Suozzi v.                    |
|            |     Brown](h                                            |
|            | ttp://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/Advisory/CAVCDAD.htm#bms),* |
|            |     10 Vet.App. 307 (1997).)                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Unit records documenting the veteran's presence     |
|            |     with a specific unit at the time mortar attacks     |
|            |     occurred may be sufficient to corroborate a         |
|            |     veteran's statement that she/he experienced such    |
|            |     attacks personally. (See *[Pentecost v.             |
|            |     Principi](h                                         |
|            | ttp://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/Advisory/CAVCDAD.htm#bmp),* |
|            |     16 Vet.App. 124 (2002).)                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

13\. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for
PTSD, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### h.   | > PTSD may result from a non-combat stressor, such as   |
| Considerin |                                                         |
| g Non-Comb | -   a plane crash                                       |
| at-Related |                                                         |
|  Stressors | -   a ship sinking                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an explosion                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a rape or assault                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   duty in a burn ward or graves registration unit     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   witnessing the death, injury, or threat to the      |
|            |     physical being of another person not caused by the  |
|            |     enemy, and                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   actual or threatened death or serious injury, or    |
|            |     other threat to one's own physical being not caused |
|            |     by the enemy.                                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Primary evidence, generally considered the most       |
| i. Primary | > reliable source for verifying in-service stressors,   |
|  Sources o | > is typically obtained from the                        |
| f Evidence |                                                         |
|  Used to C | -   U.S. Army and Joint Services Records Research       |
| orroborate |     Center (JSRRC) (formerly the U.S. Armed Services    |
|  a Claimed |     Center for Unit Records Research (CURR))            |
|  In-Servic |                                                         |
| e Stressor | -   National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Marine Corps Archives and Special Collections       |
|            |     (MCASC), or                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Compensation and Pension (C&P) Service website      |
|            |     links.                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Carefully review primary evidence for     |
|            | > information corroborating participation in combat or  |
|            | > to otherwise corroborate a claimed in-service         |
|            | > stressor.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

13\. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for
PTSD, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### j    | > Primary evidence may include                          |
| . Examples |                                                         |
|  of Primar | -   unit and organizational histories                   |
| y Evidence |                                                         |
|            | -   daily staff journals                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   operational reports-lessons learned                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   after-action reports                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   radio logs, deck logs, and ship histories           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   muster rolls                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   command chronology and war diaries                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   monthly summary and reports                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   information from VBA-sanctioned websites located on |
|            |     the [PTSD Rating Job Aid                            |
|            |     w                                                   |
|            | ebsite](http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/rating/rat06.htm). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Generally, documents written or recorded  |
|            | > by the lowest possible unit in the chain of the       |
|            | > command are the most probative source of information  |
|            | > to verify a claimed stressor, because, by nature,     |
|            | > they tend to include details of events with greater   |
|            | > precision. ***Examples***:                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   A company commander's narrative is likely of        |
|            |     greater relevance and specificity than a battalion  |
|            |     commander's.                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   A Navy ship's deck log would likely yield more      |
|            |     probative information than a fleet log.             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on where to send     |
|            | > requests for Navy deck logs, see [M21-1MR, Part IV,   |
|            | > Subpart ii,                                           |
|            | > 1.D.14.g](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.14.g). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

13\. General Information on Developing Claims for Service Connection for
PTSD, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Alternative sources of evidence must be critically    |
| #### k. Al | > and carefully reviewed for information confirming     |
| ternative  | > participation in combat or to otherwise corroborate a |
| Sources of | > claimed in-service stressor.                          |
|  Evidence  | >                                                       |
| That May C | > Alternative sources of evidence may include           |
| orroborate |                                                         |
|  a Claimed | -   military occupational specialty (MOS) evidence      |
|  In-Servic |     (***Note***: A veteran's MOS may be specified on    |
| e Stressor |     his/her *DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or     |
|            |     Discharge from Active Duty*, or in the personnel    |
|            |     folder.)                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   hazard pay records, which may be obtained from the  |
|            |     Department of Defense Finance and Accounting        |
|            |     Service (DFAS).                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   personnel folder, which may be requested via PIES.  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   service treatment records (STRs)                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   performance reports, which may be requested via     |
|            |     PIES                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verification that the veteran received              |
|            |     Combat/Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay             |
|            |     (***Note***: This information may be requested      |
|            |     through the Veterans Information Solution (VIS).)   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   buddy statements                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   contemporaneous letters and diaries                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   newspaper archives, and                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***:                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   All sources of evidence obtained for purposes of    |
|            |     stressor corroboration must be fully documented in  |
|            |     the file. ***Example***: Print and file pages from  |
|            |     a sanctioned website used in the determination of   |
|            |     combat participation.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   While confirmation of receipt of Combat/Imminent    |
|            |     Danger/Hostile Fire Pay through the VIS alone does  |
|            |     not constitute verification of a combat-related     |
|            |     stressor, it may, in combination with other         |
|            |     evidence, \"tip the scales\" in favor of the        |
|            |     veteran\'s assertion of his/her involvement in      |
|            |     combat.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 14. Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on requesting         |
| troduction | > evidence that a stressor occurred. It includes        |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to request hospital reports and clinical       |
|            |     records                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to request evidence from the veteran           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the information to request from the veteran         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the minimum information required from the veteran   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the PIES codes to use when submitting a records     |
|            |     request                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   relevant personnel records in PTSD cases, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   where to send requests for Navy deck logs.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > September 5, 2008                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Request hospital reports and clinical records if the  |
| ### a. Whe | > veteran indicates pertinent treatment in a Department |
| n to Reque | > of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, Vet Center, or     |
| st Hospita | > elsewhere.                                            |
| l Reports  |                                                         |
| and Clinic |                                                         |
| al Records |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b. W | > Request the veteran to provide credible supporting    |
| hen to Req | > evidence to establish that a stressor occurred if the |
| uest Evide | > evidence of record                                    |
| nce From t |                                                         |
| he Veteran | -   shows that the veteran was engaged in combat, but   |
|            |     the claimed stressor is not related to that combat, |
|            |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   does *not* show that the veteran was engaged in     |
|            |     combat.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

14\. Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Use the PTSD development letter in the Modern Awards  |
|  Informati | > Processing-Development (MAP-D) application to request |
| on to Requ | > information from the veteran.                         |
| est From t | >                                                       |
| he Veteran | > Enclose *VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of     |
|            | > Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic       |
|            | > Stress Disorder (PTSD),* to solicit specific details  |
|            | > of each of the in-service stressful incidents, such   |
|            | > as the                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   date of the incident                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   place of the incident                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   unit of assignment at the time of the incident      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   detailed description of the event                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   medals or citations received as a result of the     |
|            |     incident, and                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   name and other identifying information concerning   |
|            |     any other individuals involved in the event, if     |
|            |     appropriate.                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: Do not ask the veteran for specific  |
|            | > details in any case in which there is credible        |
|            | > supporting evidence that the claimed in-service       |
|            | > stressor occurred, such as evidence of internment as  |
|            | > a POW or receipt of one of the decorations listed in  |
|            | > [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,                        |
|            | > 1.D.13.d](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.13.d)  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > At a minimum, the veteran *must* provide the          |
| # d. Minim | > following:                                            |
| um Informa |                                                         |
| tion Requi | -   a stressor that can be documented                   |
| red From t |                                                         |
| he Veteran | -   the location where the incident took place          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the approximate date (within a two-month period) of |
|            |     the incident, and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the unit of assignment at the time the stressful    |
|            |     event occurred.                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > Inform the veteran that                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the information is necessary to obtain supportive   |
|            |     evidence of each of the stressful events, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   failure to respond or an incomplete response may    |
|            |     result in denial of the claim.                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Specific details of claimed stressful events may    |
|            |     also be gathered from such sources as VA or private |
|            |     medical treatment reports and examination reports.  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Veterans Service Representatives (VSRs) may obtain  |
|            |     the date and location of well-documented events,    |
|            |     such as the Tet Offensive, from VBA-sanctioned web  |
|            |     sites (available through the [PTSD Rating Job Aid   |
|            |     we                                                  |
|            | bsite](http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/rating/rat06f.htm)) |
|            |     and supply this information on the veteran's        |
|            |     behalf.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

14\. Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| d\.      | > ***Reference***: For information on the types of        |
| Minimum  | > stressors that may be impossible to corroborate, see    |
| Inf      | > the [*JSRRC Stressor Verification Guide, Section        |
| ormation | > V*](http://vbaw.                                        |
| Required | vba.va.gov/bl/21/publicat/Letters/TrngLtrs/TL04-02A.doc). |
| From the |                                                           |
| Veteran  |                                                           |
| (co      |                                                           |
| ntinued) |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ####     | > Use the following PIES request codes to request records |
| # e. PIE | > required to process a claim for service connection for  |
| S Codes  | > PTSD:                                                   |
| Used to  |                                                           |
| Submit a | -   Use PIES request code O18 if                          |
|  Records |                                                           |
|  Request | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   the stressor is associated with an episode of         |
|          |     personal trauma, such as rape, assault, and so forth, |
|          |     or                                                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the veteran is claiming service connection for PTSD   |
|          |     as a result of both personal trauma and other types   |
|          |     of stressors.                                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   Use PIES request code O19 for verification of all     |
|          |     other types of stressors.                             |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Notes***:                                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Only select documents from the veteran's personnel    |
|          |     folder, including those listed under [M21-1MR, Part   |
|          |     IV, Subpart ii,                                       |
|          |     1.D.14.f](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.14.f), |
|          |     are provided in response to submission of a PIES      |
|          |     request under request code O19.                       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   A copy of *all* documents within the personnel folder |
|          |     are provided in response to a PIES request submitted  |
|          |     under request code O18.                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Because of the time and cost involved in photocopying |
|          |     all documents within a personnel folder, do not       |
|          |     submit a request to NPRC (address code 13) under      |
|          |     request code O18 unless the claim involves personal   |
|          |     trauma.                                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   If documents not routinely provided by NPRC in        |
|          |     response to a request submitted under request code    |
|          |     O19 are needed, identify the documents in a           |
|          |     customized request, using request code O99.           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

14\. Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > The table below identifies the forms that contain       |
| #### f.  | > information about the veteran's unit(s) of assignment,  |
| Relevant | > military occupation, and service locations.             |
|  Personn | >                                                         |
| el Recor | > ***Note***: These forms are among the documents that    |
| ds in PT | > will be provided in response to PIES requests submitted |
| SD Cases | > under request code O19.                                 |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Branch of Service            | Name(s) of Forms                      |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Army                         | *DA Form 2-1*, *Personnel             |
|                              | Qualification Record*.                |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ***Notes***:                          |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *DA Form 2-1*                     |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   is used for both officers and     |
|                              |     enlisted personnel, and           |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   first came into use in January    |
|                              |     1973.                             |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   Prior to January 1973, *DA Form   |
|                              |     20*, *Enlisted* *Qualification*   |
|                              |     *Record* and *DA Form 66*,        |
|                              |     *Officer Qualification Record*    |
|                              |     were used.                        |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Navy                         | -   enlisted record of *Transfer and  |
|                              |     Receipts*, pages                  |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   12                                |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   32, and                           |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   33                                |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   enlisted record *Administrative   |
|                              |     Remarks*, pages                   |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   4 through 9                       |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   13, and                           |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   34, and                           |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   officer record, *NAVPERS          |
|                              |     1301/5*1, *Officer Data Card*,    |
|                              |     page 35.                          |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ***Note***: *DD Form 214* and         |
|                              | enlistment contracts are usually      |
|                              | included.                             |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Air Force                    | -   enlisted record, *AF Form 7*,     |
|                              |     *Airman Military Record*, pages   |
|                              |     36 through 39                     |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   officer record, *AF Form 11*,     |
|                              |     *Officer Military Record*, pages  |
|                              |     39 and 40, and                    |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   performance reports for both      |
|                              |     enlisted personnel and officers.  |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

14\. Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  f\. Relevant Personnel Records in PTSD Cases (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Branch of Service            | Name(s) of Forms                      |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Marine Corps                 | -   enlistment contracts              |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   discharge papers                  |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *MABMC-11 (discharge order)*, and |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   service records, pages            |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | ```{=html}                            |
|                              | <!-- -->                              |
|                              | ```                                   |
|                              | -   3                                 |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   5 through 6                       |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   8 through 9                       |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   12 through 13, and                |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   17\.                              |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Coast Guard                  | -   enlisted record                   |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *Endorsement on Order Sheet, (DoT |
|                              |     Form CG 3312B)*                   |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   officer record                    |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *Service Records Card*            |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *DoT Form CG CG 3301*             |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *DoT Form CG CG 3303*             |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *DoT Form CG CG 3305*, pages 3,   |
|                              |     5, 6-7                            |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   *DD Form 214*, and                |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | -   the enlistment contract.          |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

14\. Requesting Evidence That a Stressor Occurred, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > Use the table below to determine the address to use     |
| ### g. W | > when requesting Navy deck logs.                         |
| here to  |                                                           |
| Send Req |                                                           |
| uests fo |                                                           |
| r Navy D |                                                           |
| eck Logs |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| If the Navy deck logs ...        | Then send the request to ...      |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| are dated 1940 or earlier        | Old Military and Civil Records    |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | National Archives and Records     |
|                                  | Administration                    |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | 700 Pennsylvania Ave., NW         |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | Washington, DC 20408              |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| are dated between 1941 and 30    | Modern Military Branch            |
| years prior to the current date  |                                   |
|                                  | National Archives                 |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | 8601 Adelphi Rd.                  |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | College Park, MD 20740            |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| are less than 30 years old       | Department of the Navy            |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | Naval Historical Center           |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | 805 Kidder Breese, SE             |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | Washington Navy Yard              |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | Washington, DC 20374-5060         |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Reference***: For more information on Navy deck logs and how to  |
| > obtain them, see                                                    |
| > <http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org15-1.htm>.                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

#### 15. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > This topic contains information on requesting           |
| ### Intr | > verification of an in-service stressor. It includes     |
| oduction | > information on                                          |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   when to request corroboration of an in-service        |
|          |     stressor                                              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   where to send a request for corroboration of an       |
|          |     in-service stressor                                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   what to include in requests to the U.S. Army and      |
|          |     Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC)        |
|          |     (formerly the U.S. Armed Services Center for Unit     |
|          |     Records Research (CURR))                              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   sending requests for research of Marine Corps unit    |
|          |     records to NARA                                       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   accessing Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era unit        |
|          |     records through Virtual VA                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   requesting stressor corroboration from Marine Corps   |
|          |     unit records dated after the Vietnam Era              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the responsibilities of the Marine Corps Archives and |
|          |     Special Collections (MCASC)                           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   information to include in requests to MCASC           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   sample letter to MCASC for a determination as to the  |
|          |     availability of records required to corroborate a     |
|          |     stressor                                              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the duties of the JSRRC coordinator                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   invalid or incomplete requests                        |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   denying service connection because of an unconfirmed  |
|          |     stressor                                              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   handling requests for more information, and           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the failure of a veteran to provide sufficient        |
|          |     information.                                          |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > September 5, 2008                                       |
| #### Cha |                                                           |
| nge Date |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. | > Submit a request for corroboration of an in-service     |
|  When to | > stressor if                                             |
|  Request |                                                           |
|  Corrobo | -   the evidence does not corroborate the veteran's claim |
| ration o |     that he/she engaged in combat or experienced other    |
| f an In- |     in-service stressor(s)                                |
| Service  |                                                           |
| Stressor | -   the in-service stressor claimed is capable of being   |
|          |     documented                                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the veteran's records contain                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD, such as outpatient   |
|          |     treatment records showing treatment for PTSD, *or*    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   competent lay evidence of persistent or recurrent     |
|          |     symptoms of PTSD, such as the veteran's description   |
|          |     of symptoms indicative of PTSD, and                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   development is complete in every respect except for   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   corroboration of the in-service stressor, and         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD.                        |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Important***:                                        |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Do *not* schedule a VA examination before receiving   |
|          |     corroboration of the claimed in-service stressor. A   |
|          |     diagnosis of PTSD is not a prerequisite for           |
|          |     initiating the stressor verification process.         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Some stressors are clearly impossible to document and |
|          |     should not be referred to the U.S. Army and Joint     |
|          |     Services Records Research Center (JSRRC) (formerly    |
|          |     the U.S. Armed Services Center for Unit Records       |
|          |     Research (CURR)), NARA, or the Marine Corps. If,      |
|          |     after requesting/obtaining pertinent facts from the   |
|          |     veteran, it is obvious that corroboration simply is   |
|          |     not feasible, the claim should be decided based on    |
|          |     the evidence of record.                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***References***: For information on                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   where to send a request for corroboration of an       |
|          |     in-service stressor, see [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart   |
|          |     ii,                                                   |
|          |     1.D.15.b](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.15.b), |
|          |     and                                                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the types of stressors that may be impossible to      |
|          |     corroborate, see the [*JSRRC Stressor Verification    |
|          |     Guide, Section                                        |
|          |     V*](http://vbaw.                                      |
|          | vba.va.gov/bl/21/publicat/Letters/TrngLtrs/TL04-02A.doc). |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ####     | > Use the table below to determine where to send a        |
| # b. Whe | > request for corroboration of an in-service stressor.    |
| re to Se |                                                           |
| nd a Req |                                                           |
| uest for |                                                           |
|  Corrobo |                                                           |
| ration o |                                                           |
| f an In- |                                                           |
| Service  |                                                           |
| Stressor |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| If the stressor occurred  | Send the request to ...                  |
| during service in the ... |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| -   Army                  | JSRRC (address code 55) via the PIES/    |
|                           | Defense Personnel Records Imaging System |
| -   Navy                  | (DPRIS) interface under request code     |
|                           |                                          |
| -   Air Force, or         | -   O40 - first (or only) stressor       |
|                           |                                          |
| -   Coast Guard           | -   O41 - second stressor (if more than  |
|                           |     one is claimed), or                  |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   O42 - third stressor (if more than   |
|                           |     two are claimed).                    |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Marine Corps (*except*    | ***Address***:                           |
| during assignment aboard  |                                          |
| a Navy ship)              | Marine Corps Archives and Special        |
|                           | Collections                              |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | Alfred M. Gray Research Center           |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | 2040 Broadway Street, MCCDC              |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | Quantico, VA 22134-5107                  |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Fax number***:                        |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | \(703\) 784-4665.                        |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Note***: Submit a request for         |
|                           | stressor corroboration to this address   |
|                           | or fax number *only* if                  |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   the claimed stressor of a Korean     |
|                           |     Conflict or Vietnam Era veteran      |
|                           |     cannot be corroborated through       |
|                           |     review of Marine Corps unit records  |
|                           |     in Virtual VA, or                    |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   the claimed stressor occurred during |
|                           |     service after the Vietnam Era.       |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Marine Corps, during      | ***Address***:                           |
| assignment aboard a Navy  |                                          |
| ship                      | U.S. Army and Joint Services Records     |
|                           | Research Center                          |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | 7701 Telegraph Road                      |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | Kingman Building, Room 2C08              |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | Alexandria, VA 22315-3852                |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Important***: Do *not* submit these   |
|                           | requests for stressor verification to    |
|                           | JSRRC via the PIES/DPRIS interface.      |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #####    | > The following information must be included when         |
|  c. Info | > submitting a request for stressor corroboration to      |
| rmation  | > JSRRC's mailing address or through the PIES/Defense     |
| to Inclu | > Personnel Records Imaging System (DPRIS) interface:     |
| de in Re |                                                           |
| quests t | -   adequate identifying information, to include the      |
| o JSRRC  |     claimant's full name and Social Security number (SSN) |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a description of the claimed stressor(s)              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   month and year during which the stressful event       |
|          |     occurred (JSRRC will research records dated 30 days   |
|          |     before the date provided and 30 days after)           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the veteran's unit of assignment at the time of the   |
|          |     stressful event, and                                  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the geographic location where the stressful event     |
|          |     took place.                                           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Note***: The telephone number for VA's liaison       |
|          | > officer at JSRRC is (703) 428-6915.                     |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > ***Reference***: For a listing of the personnel         |
|          | > documents containing information about the veteran's    |
|          | > unit(s) of assignment and service locations, see        |
|          | > [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,                          |
|          | > 1.D.14.f.](http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/M21             |
|          | -1MR/index.asp?id=pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.14.f) |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > Additional information identified by JSRRC as helpful   |
|          | > in conducting research includes                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the medals or citations received by the veteran, and  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the names of other soldiers or sailors involved in    |
|          |     the stressful incident.                               |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ####     | > Send a request for research of Marine Corps unit        |
| # d. Sen | > records to NARA when                                    |
| ding Req |                                                           |
| uests fo | -   corroboration of a stressor is required, and          |
| r Resear |                                                           |
| ch of Ma | -   the unit records are dated prior to the Vietnam Era.  |
| rine Cor |                                                           |
| ps Unit  | > ***Exception***: Unit records covering the Korean       |
| Records  | > Conflict may be accessed through Virtual VA. For more   |
| to NARA  | > information, see [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,         |
|          | > 1.D.15.e](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.15.e)    |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > Use to table below to request stressor corroboration    |
|          | > from NARA.                                              |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
  Step                Action

  1                   Access the inquiry form at [NARA's website
                      address](http://www.archives.gov/contact/inquire-form.html#part-b).

  2                   Select "Records created by the United States military" from the
                      drop-down list of question topics.
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  d\. Sending Requests for Research of Marine Corps Unit Records to NARA
  (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| Step             | Action                                            |
+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3                | In the box provided                               |
|                  |                                                   |
|                  | -   identify yourself as a VBA employee, and      |
|                  |                                                   |
|                  | -   indicate the specific information you are     |
|                  |     seeking, as well as the veteran's             |
|                  |                                                   |
|                  | ```{=html}                                        |
|                  | <!-- -->                                          |
|                  | ```                                               |
|                  | -   name                                          |
|                  |                                                   |
|                  | -   rank                                          |
|                  |                                                   |
|                  | -   unit of assignment at the time of the         |
|                  |     stressful event, and                          |
|                  |                                                   |
|                  | -   inclusive dates of service.                   |
+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4                | Furnish your contact information in the spaces    |
|                  | provided.                                         |
+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > Marine Corps unit records covering the Korean Conflict  |
| ### e. A | > and Vietnam Era are available to VA personnel through   |
| ccessing | > Virtual VA.                                             |
|  Korean  | >                                                         |
| Conflict | > Perform a thorough search of Virtual VA to obtain       |
|  and Vie | > information needed to corroborate the claimed           |
| tnam Era | > stressor(s) of a Korean Conflict or Vietnam Era         |
|  Unit Re | > veteran.                                                |
| cords Th | >                                                         |
| rough Vi | > ***Note***: The Marine Corps Archives and Special       |
| rtual VA | > Collections (MCASC) maintains custodianship of the      |
|          | > records in Virtual VA and is the ultimate authority on  |
|          | > their content and organization.                         |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > Send requests for stressor corroboration from Marine    |
| #### f.  | > Corps unit records dated after the Vietnam Era directly |
| Requesti | > to MCASC.                                               |
| ng Stres | >                                                         |
| sor Corr | > ***References***: For information on                    |
| oboratio |                                                           |
| n From M | -   MCASC's mailing address and fax number, see [M21-1MR, |
| arine Co |     Part IV, Subpart ii,                                  |
| rps Reco |     1.D.15.b](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.15.b)      |
| rds Date |                                                           |
| d After  | -   what to include in the request to MCASC, see          |
| the Viet |     [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,                        |
| nam Era  |     1.D.15.h](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.15.h), and |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a sample of a letter to MCASC for a determination as  |
|          |     to the availability of records required to            |
|          |     corroborate a stressor, see [M21-1MR, Part IV,        |
|          |     Subpart ii,                                           |
|          |     1.D.15.i](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.15.i).     |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > When a regional office (RO) cannot document the claimed |
| ### g. R | > stressor of a Marine Corps Korean Conflict or Vietnam   |
| esponsib | > Era veteran following a thorough search of the records  |
| ilities  | > in Virtual VA, or the claim requires research of unit   |
| of MCASC | > records dated after the Vietnam Era, staff at MCASC is  |
|          | > responsible for                                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   identifying the record(s) required to document the    |
|          |     stressors, or                                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   providing confirmation that the claimed stressor(s)   |
|          |     cannot be corroborated using records in its custody.  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Important***: An RO cannot deny a claim for PTSD     |
|          | > based solely on the absence of a verified stressor      |
|          | > until MCASC or NARA has confirmed the RO's negative     |
|          | > findings.                                               |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ###      | > The following information must be included in each      |
| ## h. In | > request to MCASC for records needed to document a       |
| formatio | > claimed stressor:                                       |
| n to Inc |                                                           |
| lude in  | -   the veteran's name and VA file number                 |
| Record R |                                                           |
| equests  | -   the name of the veteran's squadron/battalion (or      |
| to MCASC |     higher echelon)                                       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the date (month and year) the stressful event         |
|          |     occurred (not to exceed a 60-day period)              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a concise description of the stressful event          |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   identification of the unit records reviewed through   |
|          |     Virtual VA                                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the mailing address of the requesting RO, and         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a point of contact at the RO.                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Notes***:                                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   The request may be faxed or mailed to MCASC, but it   |
|          |     must be on VA letterhead and no more than one page in |
|          |     length.                                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Do *not* attach to the request any medical            |
|          |     information or statement(s) from the veteran.         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Submit a request to MCASC *only* after exhausting all |
|          |     efforts to document the claimed stressor(s) through   |
|          |     other means, including Virtual VA and/or *official*   |
|          |     military web sites.                                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Referencs***: For                                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   MCASC's mailing address and fax number, see [M21-1MR, |
|          |     Part IV, Subpart ii,                                  |
|          |     1.D.15.b](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.15.b), and |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   sample of a letter to MCASC for a determination as to |
|          |     the availability of records required to corroborate a |
|          |     stressor, see [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,          |
|          |     1.D.15.i](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.15.i).     |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > A sample letter to MCASC for a determination as to the  |
| #### i.  | > availability of records required to corroborate a       |
| Sample L | > stressor is below.                                      |
| etter to | >                                                         |
|  MCASC f | > ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="5.082638888888889in"      |
| or a Det | > height="6.590277777777778in"}                           |
| erminati |                                                           |
| on as to |                                                           |
|  the Ava |                                                           |
| ilabilit |                                                           |
| y of Rec |                                                           |
| ords Req |                                                           |
| uired to |                                                           |
|  Corrobo |                                                           |
| rate a S |                                                           |
| tressor  |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### j. | > The JSRRC coordinator is the primary point of contact   |
|  Duties  | > for all JSRRC-related related issues within each        |
| of the J | > regional office and                                     |
| SRRC Coo |                                                           |
| rdinator | -   determines whether or not submission of a request for |
|          |     stressor verification is appropriate                  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   serves as the MCASC and NARA point of contact for     |
|          |     issues related to records requests                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   personally submits all of the RO's requests for       |
|          |     stressor corroboration                                |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   notifies JSRRC, MCASC, or NARA when further action on |
|          |     a pending research request is no longer necessary,    |
|          |     (i.e., evidence is received that verifies the claimed |
|          |     stressor or the claim is withdrawn altogether)        |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   determines the status of research requests pending at |
|          |     JSRRC by checking the [stressor corroboration         |
|          |     databa                                                |
|          | se](http://vbacodmoint1.vba.va.gov/currclts/default.asp), |
|          |     and                                                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   forwards inquiries from the regional office regarding |
|          |     JSRRC-related issues to the VACO JSRRC e-mailbox at   |
|          |     VAVBAWAS/CO/CURR.                                     |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### k  | > JSRRC, MCASC, or NARA will return to the appropriate    |
| . Invali | > regional office any research request identified as      |
| d or Inc | > invalid or incomplete, with an explanation of the       |
| omplete  | > deficiency(ies) identified. JSRRC, MCASC, or NARA then  |
| Requests | > closes out the request; it must be resubmitted as a new |
|          | > request to receive further consideration.               |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > JSRRC, MCASC, and NARA process research requests on a   |
|          | > first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete requests     |
|          | > that are later resubmitted lose their original "place   |
|          | > in line." For this reason, it is very important to      |
|          | > provide correct and complete information to JSRRC,      |
|          | > MCASC, and NARA at the time of the initial submission.  |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > ***Note***: ROs have the authority to deny a claim for  |
|          | > service connection for PTSD without requesting          |
|          | > corroboration of an in-service stressor from an         |
|          | > official records custodian, such as JSRRC, MCASC, or    |
|          | > NARA, if                                                |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the claimant fails to provide the minimum information |
|          |     required to conduct research, and                     |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the JSRRC coordinator has taken the actions described |
|          |     in [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart                         |
|          |     ii.1.D.16](http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/M21-          |
|          | 1MR/pt04/sp02/ch01/pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.16). |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #####    | > Denying service connection solely because of an         |
| l. Denyi | > unconfirmed stressor is improper unless the appropriate |
| ng Servi | > records custodian, such as JSRRC, MCASC, or NARA, has   |
| ce Conne | > confirmed that the claimed stressor cannot be           |
| ction Be | > corroborated or                                         |
| cause of |                                                           |
|  an Unco | -   the veteran has failed to provide the basic           |
| nfirmed  |     information required to conduct research, ***and***   |
| Stressor |                                                           |
|          | -   the JSRRC coordinator has taken the actions described |
|          |     in [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart                         |
|          |     ii.1.D.16](http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/21/M21-          |
|          | 1MR/pt04/sp02/ch01/pt04_sp02_ch01_secD.xml#IV.ii.1.D.16). |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### m  | > Occasionally, JSRRC, MCASC, or NARA requires additional |
| . Handli | > information in order to conduct its research. When this |
| ng Reque | > occurs the RO must take immediate action to comply with |
| sts for  | > the request.                                            |
| More Inf | >                                                         |
| ormation | > ***Notes***:                                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   The JSRRC coordinator may contact the veteran by      |
|          |     telephone to obtain the additional information needed |
|          |     to document the in-service stressor. The substance of |
|          |     the telephone call must be documented on a *Report of |
|          |     Contact,* *VA Form 119.*                              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   Failure by the veteran to respond substantively to    |
|          |     the request for information is grounds for denial of  |
|          |     the claim based on the absence of a verifiable        |
|          |     stressor.                                             |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Reference***: For more information on stressor       |
|          | > corroboration and the additional evidence that may be   |
|          | > required to conduct research, see the [*JSRRC Stressor  |
|          | > Verification                                            |
|          | > Guide*](http://vbaw.                                    |
|          | vba.va.gov/bl/21/publicat/Letters/TrngLtrs/TL04-02A.doc). |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

15\. Requesting Corroboration of an In-Service Stressor, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### n. | > Use the table below to determine what action to take    |
|  Failure | > when a veteran fails to provide sufficient information  |
|  of a Ve | > about a claimed stressful event.                        |
| teran to |                                                           |
|  Provide |                                                           |
|  Suffici |                                                           |
| ent Info |                                                           |
| rmation  |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| If a veteran ...                        | Then ...                   |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| fails to respond within 30 days to the  | refer the case to the      |
| request for information about a claimed | JSRRC coordinator to make  |
| stressful event                         | a formal finding that      |
|                                         | sufficient information     |
|                                         | required to corroborate    |
|                                         | the claimed stressor(s)    |
|                                         | does not exist.            |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | ***Reference***: For more  |
|                                         | information on action      |
|                                         | taken by the JSRRC         |
|                                         | coordinator, see           |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | -   [M21-1MR, Part IV,     |
|                                         |     Subpart ii,            |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         |    1.D.16.a](../pt04_sp02_ |
|                                         | ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.16.a), |
|                                         |     and                    |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | -   [M21-1MR, Part IV,     |
|                                         |     Subpart ii,            |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         |    1.D.16.b](../pt04_sp02_ |
|                                         | ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.16.b). |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| submits insufficient information in     | send a 30-day follow-up    |
| response to the initial request for     | letter explaining          |
| information                             |                            |
|                                         | -   what information is    |
|                                         |     missing, and           |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | -   why the information is |
|                                         |     needed.                |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| -   fails to respond to the follow-up   | refer the case to the      |
|     letter within 30 days, or           | JSRRC coordinator to make  |
|                                         | a formal finding that      |
| -   submits information in response to  | sufficient information     |
|     the follow-up letter that is still  | required to corroborate    |
|     insufficient.                       | the claimed stressor(s)    |
|                                         | does not exist.            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

#### 16. Completion of a Formal Finding of a Lack of Information Required to Document the Claimed Stressor(s)

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > This topic contains information on completing a formal  |
| ### Intr | > finding of a lack of information required to document   |
| oduction | > the claimed stressor(s), including                      |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   action by the JSRRC coordinator                       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   requirements for a formal finding, and                |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a sample of a formal finding.                         |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > September 5, 2008                                       |
| #### Cha |                                                           |
| nge Date |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. | > The JSRRC coordinator will make a formal finding        |
|  Action  | > regarding the lack of sufficient information in the     |
| by the J | > claims folder to document the occurrence of the         |
| SRRC Coo | > stressful event(s) and the veteran's involvement in it. |
| rdinator | >                                                         |
|          | > To ensure that the information of record is             |
|          | > insufficient, the JSRRC coordinator should review the   |
|          | > claims folder to confirm                                |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the claimant was properly notified of the information |
|          |     required to document the stressor(s), and             |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   all relevant evidence, to include service records,    |
|          |     has been considered in an attempt to confirm the      |
|          |     occurrence of the stressful event.                    |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > The formal finding                                      |
| ### b. R |                                                           |
| equireme | -   must be approved by the Veterans Service Center       |
| nts for  |     Manager (VSCM) or his/her designee                    |
| a Formal |                                                           |
|  Finding | -   should be on a separate page to be filed in the       |
|          |     claims folder, and                                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   should note                                           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   the actions taken to obtain the required information  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   that all procedures have been properly followed       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   that evidence of all efforts to obtain the records is |
|          |     in the claims folder                                  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   that all efforts to obtain the needed information     |
|          |     have been exhausted                                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   that further efforts would be futile, and             |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   that the information required to document the         |
|          |     stressful event(s) is unavailable.                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Note***: It is *not* necessary to contact the        |
|          | > veteran by telephone to                                 |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   advise him/her of the formal finding, or              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   allow additional time to submit the needed            |
|          |     information.                                          |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

16\. Completion of a Formal Finding of a Lack of Information Required to
Document the Claimed Stressor(s), Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ####     | > A sample of a formal finding of a lack of information   |
| #  c. Sa | > required to document the claimed stressor(s) is shown   |
| mple of  | > below:                                                  |
| a Formal | >                                                         |
|  Finding | > ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="5.082638888888889in"      |
|          | > height="6.480555555555555in"}                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

#### 17. Developing Claims for Service Connection for PTSD Based on Personal Trauma

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > This topic contains information on developing claims    |
| ### Intr | > for service connection for PTSD based on personal       |
| oduction | > trauma. It includes information on                      |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   general information about personal trauma             |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the evidence required to establish service connection |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the process for obtaining information from the        |
|          |     veteran                                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the letters to use to obtain information from the     |
|          |     veteran                                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the process for obtaining service records             |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the problems associated with development              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   alternative sources for information, and              |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the process for obtaining police reports.             |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > September 5, 2008                                       |
| #### Cha |                                                           |
| nge Date |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > Personal trauma is an event of human design that        |
| ### a. G | > threatens or inflicts harm. Veterans claiming service   |
| eneral I | > connection for disability due to in-service personal    |
| nformati | > trauma face unique problems documenting their claims.   |
| on About | >                                                         |
|  Persona | > These incidents are often violent and may lead to the   |
| l Trauma | > development of PTSD.                                    |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > ***Examples***: Rape, physical assault, domestic        |
|          | > battering, robbery, mugging, stalking, and harassment.  |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > To establish service connection for PTSD, there *must*  |
| ### b. E | > be credible evidence to support the veteran's assertion |
| vidence  | > that the stressful event occurred.                      |
| Required | >                                                         |
|  to Esta | > This does *not* mean that the evidence actually proves  |
| blish Se | > that the incident occurred, but that there is at least  |
| rvice Co | > an approximate balance of positive and negative         |
| nnection | > evidence that the event did occur.                      |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

17\. Developing Claims for Service Connection for PTSD Based on Personal
Trauma, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c  | > Identifying possible sources of evidence to support the |
| . Obtain | > claim may require asking the veteran for information    |
| ing Info | > concerning the traumatic incident. Make this request as |
| rmation  | > compassionately as possible in order to avoid causing   |
| From the | > further trauma.                                         |
|  Veteran | >                                                         |
|          | > Although personal trauma is most often thought of as    |
|          | > involving female veterans, male veterans may also be    |
|          | > involved. Be sure requests for evidence/ information    |
|          | > reflect the appropriate gender of the veteran.          |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d  | > When writing a letter to obtain information from the    |
| . Letter | > veteran regarding a claim based on personal trauma, use |
| s to Use | > MAP-D and select the personal assault option from the   |
|  to Obta | > PTSD special issues screen. Enclose *VA Form 21-0781a,  |
| in Infor | > Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection    |
| mation F | > for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Secondary to  |
| rom the  | > Personal Trauma,* to solicit details of the claim.      |
| Veteran  | >                                                         |
|          | > ***Important***: Letters used by ROs to solicit details |
|          | > concerning a combat stressful incident are              |
|          | > inappropriate for PTSD claims based on personal trauma. |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ##       | > Review the claim and all attached documents. Request    |
| ### e. O | > STRs and the entire personnel folder from the           |
| btaining | > appropriate records custodian, if necessary.            |
|  Service | >                                                         |
|  Records | > ***Note***: Veterans Service Representatives (VSRs)     |
|          | > must work closely with Rating Veterans Service          |
|          | > Representatives (RVSRs) when developing personal trauma |
|          | > cases.                                                  |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #####    | > Because personal trauma is an extremely personal and    |
|  f. Prob | > sensitive issue                                         |
| lems Ass |                                                           |
| ociated  | -   many incidents of personal trauma are not officially  |
| With Dev |     reported, and                                         |
| elopment |                                                           |
|          | -   the victims of this type of in-service trauma may     |
|          |     find it difficult to produce evidence to support the  |
|          |     occurrence of the stressor.                           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > It is often necessary to seek alternative evidence.     |
|          | >                                                         |
|          | > ***Reference***: For information on alternative sources |
|          | > for information, see [M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii,     |
|          | > 1.D.17.g](../pt04_sp02_ch01_secD#IV.ii.1.D.17.g).       |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

17\. Developing Claims for Service Connection for PTSD Based on Personal
Trauma, Continued

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ####     | > Service records not normally requested may be needed to |
| # g. Alt | > develop claims for service connection for PTSD based on |
| ernative | > personal trauma, including in-service sexual assault.   |
|  Sources | > Responses to a request for information may identify     |
|  for Inf | > alternative sources for information, such as            |
| ormation |                                                           |
|          | -   rape crisis center or center for domestic abuse       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   counseling facility                                   |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   health clinic                                         |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   family members or roommates                           |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   faculty members                                       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   civilian police reports                               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   medical reports from civilian physicians or           |
|          |     caregivers who may have treated the veteran either    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   immediately following the incident, or                |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   sometime later                                        |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   chaplain or clergy                                    |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   fellow service persons, or                            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   personal diaries or journals.                         |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| #        | > Obtain reports, as appropriate, from                    |
| #### h.  |                                                           |
| Obtainin | -   military police                                       |
| g Police |                                                           |
|  Reports | -   shore patrol                                          |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   a provost marshal's office, or                        |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   other military law enforcement offices.               |
|          |                                                           |
|          | > ***Note***: Requests may be submitted via phone, fax,   |
|          | > e-mail, or written correspondence, as long as the       |
|          | > request is properly documented in the claims folder.    |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+