THE PURPOSE OF A VA PTSD EXAMINATION

For many veterans, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most difficult and personal challenges to face after service. When it comes to pursuing VA disability benefits, one important step in the process is the Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination. But what exactly happens during a VA PTSD exam — and why does it matter?

Evaluating veterans’ mental health for benefits.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Diagnosis

The examiner will confirm whether you have a PTSD diagnosis that aligns with DSM-5 criteria. This is the foundation of your claim.

2.     Stressor Validation

The VA looks at whether your PTSD is connected to a stressor event during service. This could be combat, personal trauma, or other life-threatening situations — and the key factor is whether you genuinely feared for your life.

3.     Service Connection

For initial claims, the examiner provides a medical opinion on whether your PTSD was caused or worsened by your military service (or another service-connected condition).

4.     Symptom Severity

The exam also evaluates how frequent, severe, and disruptive your PTSD symptoms are — and how they affect your work, relationships, and daily life.

If PTSD has impacted your life after service, don’t wait. Take the first step toward clarity today.

For more information on veteran disability education, check out Patriot Path Solutions.