Note: MTFs do not furnish hospital reports until after the Veteran’s discharge from the hospital when a Veteran has been admitted for treatment. References: For more information on the duty to assist in obtaining relevant records of a Federal department or agency, see M21-1, Part I, 1.C.1, and policies and procedures for development for mental health records from an MTF, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.8. e. When to Request Evidence From the Veteran to Establish an Stressor Request the Veteran provide credible supporting evidence to establish that an in-service stressor occurred unless the evidence of record that PTSD was diagnosed in service, and the claimed stressor is related to that service, or the claimed stressor is related to the Veteran’s verified combat or FPOW service and consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of such service, or fear of hostile military or terrorist activity or Veteran served as a drone aircraft crew member, and exposure to such activity is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of the Veteran’s service. f. Information to Request From the Veteran to Support an Stressor Use the PTSD development paragraphs in VBMS to request information from the Veteran. Enclose VA Form 21-0781 to solicit specific details of the in-service stressor, 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 unnecessarily delay an examination or claim by asking the Veteran for specific details or send the Veteran VA Form 21-0781 in any case in which there is credible supporting evidence that demonstrates the claimed in-service stressor occurred, such as evidence of internment as an FPOW fear of hostile military or terrorist activity receipt of one of the decorations listed in M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.1.e, or other instances in which the Veteran’s lay testimony alone may establish an in-service stressor as discussed in M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.1.b. Service
Marine Corps, during the Vietnam Era or earlier Address: National Archives and Records Administration Attention: Modern Military Records 8601 Adelphi Road College Park, MD 20740-6001 Exceptions: Do not submit a request for stressor corroboration to this address if the claimed stressor can be corroborated through review of Marine unit records in Virtual VA occurred during assignment aboard a Navy ship, or occurred after Vietnam Era service. Note: Most unit records covering the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era are available in Virtual VA. Marine Corps, after the Vietnam Era Send an e-mail to K. Whitfield, Archives Technician, Marine Corps Archives and Special Collections (MCASC), at the following address: Telephone number: (703) 784-4685 Reference: For more information on what information to include in the e-mail to MCASC for verifying claimed in-service stressors, see M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.D.3.l. Exceptions: Do not submit a request for stressor corroboration to this e-mail address if the claimed stressor can be corroborated through review of Marine Corps unit records in Virtual VA occurred during assignment aboard a Navy ship, or occurred during Vietnam Era service or earlier. Marine Corps, during assignment aboard a Navy ship Address: U.S. Army and Joint Services Records Research Center 7701 Telegraph Road Kingman Building, Room 2C08 Alexandria, VA 22315-3852 c. Format of Requests for Stressor When submitting a request for stressor corroboration to JSRRC, submit all requests using the DPRIS web application. If, due to an exceptional circumstance, the need arises to submit a written (paper) request, send