Once I found the "formula" for VA Compensation, I have assisted 2,000+ with their claims 1.  A Diagnosis of (PTSD, MST, Anxiety and or Depression, Back pain, etc.) 2.  A Nexus, or link to Service.  Example:  After reviewing Jerry's medical records, it is my opinion, more likely than not, that his PTSD, (or what you are filing for that matches the diagnosis in number 1) is a direct result of personal trauma that he experienced while on active duty. 3.  A piece of Evidence (such as the loss of a foot) or in the case of Military Sexual Trauma, creating the list of markers (see below). 4. A Global Assessment of functioning (for pysch claims) under 50. Add your stressor letter, and you are done.  You WIN.  This is NOT rocket science, people. MARKERS FOR MST/PERSONAL ASSAULT: > * alternative evidence might still establish an in-service stressful incident.  Behavior changes that occurred at the time of the incident may indicate the occurrence of an in-service stressor. > Examples of behavior changes that might indicate a stressor are (but are not limited to): > (a) Visits to a medical or counseling clinic or dispensary without a specific diagnosis or specific ailment; > (b) Sudden requests that the veteran's military occupational seriesor duty assignment be changed without other justification; > (c) Lay statements indicating increased use or abuse of leave without an apparent reason such as family obligations or family illness; > (d) Changes in performance and performance evaluations; > (e) Lay statements describing episodes of depression, panic attacks or anxiety but no identifiable reasons for the episodes; > (f) Increased or decreased use of prescription medications; > (g) Increased use of over-the-counter medications; > (h) Evidence of substance abuse such as alcohol or drugs; > (i) Increased disregard for military or civilian authority; > (j) Obsessive behavior such as overeating or undereating; > (k) Pregnancy tests around the time of the incident; > (l) Increased interest in tests for HIV or sexually transmitted diseases; > (m) Unexplained economic or social behavior changes; > (n) Treatment for physical injuries around the time of the claimed trauma but not reported as a result of the trauma; > (o) Breakup of a primary relationship. In personal assault claims, secondary evidence may need interpretation by a clinician, especially if it involves behavior changes. Evidence that documents such behavior changes may require interpretation in relationship to the medical diagnosis by a neuropsychiatric physician. [ Back ] [ Tell Your Compensation Story ]