How do I prove I was in combat?

This question becomes important if a veteran has PTSD.  The VA is required to accept a combat veteran’s word about stressors in combat.  It is not required to accept a non-combat veteran’s word about stressors.

There are a number of ways to prove combat.  The VA will readily accept certain medical, e.g. the CIB, the Purple Heart, etc, as proof of combat.  Buddy statements can also be used as proof of combat.

The more difficult cases involve soldiers who did not have a combat MOS and who were involved in combat that was not recorded by their units.  Normally, with this type of case, we will retain a military historian to review the unit records of all of the units around the veteran’s assigned unit to see what was happening in the area.  We have found this to be extremely helpful in proving these types of cases.

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