Stressor
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
The traumatic event during military service that caused PTSD - combat, military sexual trauma, accidents, or other traumatic experiences.
Why This Matters
For PTSD claims, you must identify and verify your stressor. Combat stressors are easier to verify with deployment records. Non-combat stressors may need buddy statements or other corroborating evidence.
Example
Your stressor statement describes the IED attack on your convoy on March 15, 2007 in Baghdad. The VA verifies this through your unit records and deployment documentation.