Any non-combat PTSD stressor must be validated in total. Verification occurs through reports in your administrative records, physical therapy, buddy statements or comments in support of a claim, and so forth. It will be difficult to establish an incident occurred if there are no records of it. Also, keep in mind that not all veterans receive the same level of care by VA. If you don't see any evidence of trauma in your record, this doesn't mean that it wasn't true. You may have received treatment for other issues while at the hospital or clinic where the trauma occurred. If you believe you were exposed to a combat situation but did not experience actual combat, your provider can document your symptoms and their severity. They should also confirm that you have not been given any medication that would cause mental problems (such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs). If your symptoms meet the requirements for consideration of a Combat Stress Reaction, your provider can document them as stemming from your alleged combat experience. If you were diagnosed with PTSD after being discharged from the military, your physician could review your medical records and talk to you and your buddies to verify events that caused your trauma. They might also speak with other people who knew you well to find out more about what happened. Your doctor could also contact your former unit or organization to get details on your alleged combat experience.