VA Claims Reference

These are the same examination requests used in Claim review. Each review stays with its request and linked issues. Use the questions for one stressor basis at a time; identify any other development the issue still needs.

Start a review to follow the questions. Use the action selector for a pending examination or an available report; PTSD report checks are under disability-specific requirements.

PTSD reference checklist

Saved reminders for the wider claim. These do not establish completed development or a rating decision.

Identify the mental-health issue and every asserted stressor theoryRecord whether the claim raises combat, fear-based, personal-trauma, prisoner-of-war, terrorist activity, or another stressor route. Do not assume one label decides the path.

Verify the relevant service and available recordsReview service treatment, personnel, VA, and other relevant records before deciding what evidence needs to be requested or corroborated.

Screen for personal-trauma / MST developmentIf the facts raise personal trauma, use the dedicated personal-trauma procedure and carefully review potential markers. Do not force that claim into an ordinary stressor-verification template.

Apply the correct stressor-development routeDetermine which procedural route applies to the asserted stressor and complete the required development or corroboration steps under that route.

Develop medical and non-medical evidenceRequest relevant records, including identified private and Federal evidence, and document unavailable evidence under the duty-to-assist procedure.

Complete the PTSD examination and opinion reviewUse the shared exam module only after the applicable development path is clear; ensure the request identifies the theory or stressor information the examiner needs.

Review other psychiatric diagnoses and theoriesDo not overlook a reasonably raised non-PTSD mental-health condition, secondary theory, aggravation question, or other benefit within scope.

Complete decision and QRT-informed closeoutConfirm that the right stressor route, evidence, diagnosis/opinion, evaluation, effective-date issue, notice, and authorization have all been reviewed.