Abstract
In conducting Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations, one of the most significant sources of evidence supporting a veteran’s claim for service connection are found in the veteran’s service medical records and service personnel records. Although specific numbers are unknown, a majority of mental health providers who conduct C&P examinations are not veterans and have limited knowledge and understanding of the records they are being asked to review. In cases of an initial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) examination, the Federal Register requires C&P examiners to determine if the veteran’s claim is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of the veteran’s service. This article reviews specific data within personnel records to help verify those elements. Additionally, perhaps one of the most difficult types of evaluations faced by any C&P examiner is a PTSD claim for personal assault (e.g., military sexual trauma). This article reviews the types of information within the records to help identify specific “Markers” associated with personal trauma.
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Notes
Within the mental health field, TBI examinations are completed by psychiatrist or other physician. However, psychologists should be aware of the content within the TBI templates, because they are often asked to help answer questions relating to cognitive deficits associated with a TBI.
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This article and the recommendations or opinions stated herein should in no way be construed to reflect the opinions or beliefs of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions expressed in this article are the authors’ alone.
Appendix A: Links
Appendix A: Links
Listing of Army MOS:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjobs/tp/armyenlistedjobs.htm
Listing of Marine Corps MOS:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/marinejobs.htm
Listing of Naval Ratings:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/navyjobs.htm
Listing of Air Force AFSC:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforceenlistedjobs/a/afjobs.htm
Listing of Coast Guard Ratings:
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Moering, R.G. Military Service Records: Searching for the Truth. Psychol. Inj. and Law 4, 217–234 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-011-9114-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-011-9114-3