1997 ) . If VA determines the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy and the alleged stressor is combat - related , then the Veteran ' s lay testimony or statement is accepted as conclusive evidence of the stressor ' s occurrence and no further development or corroborative evidence is required , provided that such testimony is found to be " satisfactory " - i . e . , credible , and " consistent with the circumstances , conditions , or hardships of service . " See 38 U . S . C . A . § 1154 ( b ) ; see also Dizoglio v . Brown , 9 Vet . App . 163 , 164 ( 1996 ) . If , however , the Veteran