Evidence builder
Mental healthevidence checklist.
Mental health ratings follow occupational and social impairment, not the diagnosis itself. The evidence that matters most shows how symptoms affect work, relationships, and daily functioning.
- Current diagnosis from VA or a private provider
- The in service stressor, event, or pattern (for PTSD, the stressor statement)
- Treatment history: therapy, medication, hospitalizations
- Work history: jobs lost, conflicts, warnings, accommodations, gaps
- How symptoms affect relationships, family, and friendships
- Sleep problems: nightmares, insomnia, and what a bad week looks like
- Panic attacks, memory problems, or concentration trouble, with examples
- A personal statement describing your worst periods honestly
- Statements from family or close friends who see the day to day
- Medication side effects worth documenting (sleep, weight, intimacy)
- Prior denial letter, if any, and the exact reason given
An educational list of evidence types VA commonly reviews for this claim family. It is not legal advice or a filing instruction, and a specific claim may need more, less, or different evidence. A VA accredited representative can review what your file actually needs.
The Veteran Benefit Desk
Mental health evidence checklist, August 19, 2026. Evidence VA commonly reviews; educational, not filing instructions.
Mental health ratings follow occupational and social impairment, not the diagnosis itself. The evidence that matters most shows how symptoms affect work, relationships, and daily functioning.
Current diagnosis from VA or a private provider
The in service stressor, event, or pattern (for PTSD, the stressor statement)
Treatment history: therapy, medication, hospitalizations
Work history: jobs lost, conflicts, warnings, accommodations, gaps
How symptoms affect relationships, family, and friendships
Sleep problems: nightmares, insomnia, and what a bad week looks like
Panic attacks, memory problems, or concentration trouble, with examples
A personal statement describing your worst periods honestly
Statements from family or close friends who see the day to day
Medication side effects worth documenting (sleep, weight, intimacy)
Prior denial letter, if any, and the exact reason given
Educational reference only, not legal or medical advice. Free calculators, condition guides, and the accredited representative directory: veteranbenefitdesk.com
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