Experiencing a Stressful Event During Service

Many veterans, at one point or another, have experienced a stressful event during their time in the military. Some moments are easier to shake off, while others leave a lasting impact. Both experiences are completely normal. But for many veterans, that impact can linger long after service ends, manifesting as something more serious: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD. 

Active-duty military service exposes individuals to a wide range of intense situations that can leave a deep emotional and psychological imprint. These are not the kind of experiences that fade with time. PTSD isn’t something that typically resolves on its own — it’s a real, diagnosable condition that affects your daily life and deserves attention and care. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For veterans, PTSD is one of the most commonly claimed and recognized service-connected conditions by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This condition can arise weeks, months, or even years after the initial trauma, and it can significantly interfere with relationships, work, sleep, and overall quality of life. 

What Counts as a “Stressor” or Traumatic Event? 

When you file a PTSD claim, one of the most important steps is showing that a traumatic event — what the VA calls a “stressor” — happened during your service. A stressor is any situation where you experienced or witnessed actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. 

The VA recognizes many types of stressors, including: 

Combat experiences – Being in firefights, under enemy attack, or in areas where you feared for your life — even if you never fired a shot. 

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) – Any sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment during service. MST can happen to anyone, regardless of rank or gender. 

Traumatic personal interactions – Physical assault, robbery, stalking, or harassment by someone outside of combat. 

Accidents and operational hazards – Serious training or vehicle accidents, friendly fire incidents, or working in high-risk environments like burn wards or graves registration. 

Witnessing traumatic events – Seeing others injured or killed, experiencing natural disasters, or any event that left a lasting impact. 

If you’re wondering whether what you went through “counts,” you’re not alone. Many veterans feel the same way. The truth is, if it still affects you today, it matters — and the VA has guidelines to make sure those experiences are recognized. 

Every Trauma is Different, Every Trauma is Valid 

Every veteran’s experience is unique. Trauma does not follow a single pattern, and the fact that your experience differs from someone else’s does not make it any less real, valid, or impactful. PTSD can arise from a wide range of circumstances—combat exposure is common, but it is not the only cause. Events such as military sexual trauma, accidents, and witnessing injury or death can also lead to PTSD.  

It’s important to remember that the examples often listed in guides or claims processes are not exhaustive. There are exceptions, and many veterans qualify for PTSD-related benefits for situations that fall outside the most frequently mentioned scenarios. If you believe your mental health has been affected by your service, you deserve to have your experience acknowledged and evaluated on its own merits. Seeking help or filing a claim is not about comparison—it’s about ensuring you receive the care and support you need. 

That’s where we come in. Our team at ForTheVeteran can help identify what claims may be available to you and guide you through the process of filing for the benefits you’ve earned. 

How Do I Know If I Have PTSD?

It can be frightening and confusing to try to “self-diagnose.” If it’s been several months or years since your service-related stressor and you’re still struggling with symptoms that affect your daily life, it may be time to talk to someone about it. Ideally, a qualified medical professional should assess your symptoms. However, the VA often requires veterans to identify and document their symptoms as part of the claim process, so knowing what to look for can help. 

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event 

• Nightmares or trouble sleeping 

• Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma 

• Emotional numbness or detachment 

• Hypervigilance or being easily startled 

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Irritability or angry outbursts 

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness 

Filing A PTSD Claim

To file a PTSD claim with the VA, you will typically need: 

• To have the ability to talk about the stressor event to the C&P Reviewer 

The process can quickly become overwhelming when working on it alone. Many veterans find themselves lost in VA paperwork, uncertain about what evidence is needed, and unsure how to frame their claim to be as strong as possible. 

That’s where our team at ForTheVeteran steps in. We specialize in navigating the VA disability process. Unlike many other organizations, we staff true medical professionals, at no additional fee, who understand what to look for when evaluating a veteran’s history and symptoms. We ask the right questions to build a strategic and thorough claim, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. 

Why Work With ForTheVeteran

You may be asking yourself, “Why would I pay a company like ForTheVeteran when I could file a claim myself or work with a free option like a VSO or DAV?” 

The short answer: expertise matters. Since opening our (virtual) doors in 2023, ForTheVeteran has helped thousands of veterans file tens of thousands of claims. We’ve grown quickly because we focus on doing things the right way the first time. 

Our process is different because: 

• We use licensed medical professionals to evaluate your case. 

• We create customized claim strategies tailored to your history and symptoms. 

• We support you from start to finish, ensuring your claim is backed by strong evidence. 

• We have a team of experts in each department, with a multi-layered process to ensure you are getting the best and most thorough care through each step 

• We fight to get veterans the maximum benefits they deserve. 

Getting Help Is A Sign Of Strength

PTSD can make everyday life challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or a veteran you know has experienced a traumatic event during service and are struggling with PTSD, you may be eligible for VA compensation. Getting that compensation can open the door to vital healthcare services, financial support, and a better quality of life. 

Unsure where to start? Our team of medical experts can help assess your eligibility and build a clear, strategic plan to file your claim. While many companies may offer access to medical professionals, they often charge additional fees. At ForTheVeteran, we include licensed medical professionals as part of our standard process — at no extra cost — ensuring you receive expert care and guidance from start to finish. 

You’ve served your country — now let us serve you. Reach out today for a free consultation with our expert team and take the first step toward securing the benefits you’ve earned.