Mental Health Playbooks

Mental health claims are often the hardest to document because the evidence lives in your head, not an X-ray. These playbooks help you get it on paper.

The VA rates mental health conditions based on occupational and social impairment. That means how your symptoms affect work, relationships, and daily functioning—not just whether you have a diagnosis.

Stressor statements, therapy records, and lay statements from people who see your day-to-day struggles all matter. These playbooks show how to coordinate everything so raters see the full picture.

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PTSD VA Claim Field Manual

Use the updated VA Form 21-0781, document stressors, and map DSM-5 symptoms to CFR §4.130 for a stronger PTSD claim.

Anxiety & Depression VA Claim Field Manual

Claim anxiety or depression without stressor documentation. Secondary service connection to chronic pain, 38 CFR 4.130 rating criteria, and mental health C&P exam prep.

All Mental Health Playbooks

Buddy Statement Template

Help family or friends write a lay statement (VA Form 21-10210) describing what they observe.

Clinician Nexus Outline

Give your therapist language that meets VA requirements.

Secondary Conditions Finder

See conditions commonly linked to PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Do I need a buddy statement for PTSD?

They help, especially for stressor verification. A spouse, family member, or fellow service member who can describe your symptoms adds credibility. Use the lay statement template for structure.

How do I prep for a mental health C&P exam?

Review your symptom logs, write down specific examples of how your condition affects daily life, and don't minimize. Examiners ask about worst days, not average days.

File a Claim Playbooks

Step-by-step VA disability claim guides for new claims, secondary conditions, and TDIU. Lock your effective date, build your evidence, and submit a complete packet.

Decision Review Playbooks

VA decision review guides for Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews. Choose the right lane, gather new evidence, and fix bad decisions.

Evidence & Exams Playbooks

C&P exam prep and rating increase guides for VA disability claims. Document worsening symptoms, prepare for exams, and build evidence that supports accurate ratings.

Respiratory & Sleep Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for sleep apnea and respiratory conditions. CPAP compliance, secondary connections, and pulmonary evidence strategies.

Pain & Mobility Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for back pain, knee conditions, and joint disabilities. Range of motion documentation, flare-up evidence, and orthopedic C&P exam prep.

Neurological Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for TBI, migraines, and neurological conditions. The 10-facet TBI rating system, prostrating headache documentation, and secondary claims.