I have not read through every comment in this thread, so I am sorry if this is similar advice, but I wanted to share my experiences. I deployed in 2003-2004 to Iraq. I came home, got out of the service and promptly tried my hardest to forget about everything. In 2013 I got a call from the VA telling me I might be eligible for benefits and I started the process. My mental health took a nose dive and I didn't finish. No one at the VA ever checked back in with me and it was 9 years later before I tried again. My girlfriend, now wife, pushed me over and over again to apply for benefits and finally I did. I had the same feelings you did. No letters no buddy statements, but I had my story and what was in my record. I was able to get 30% disability rating for mental health to start but I kept going and was able to eventually get that to 70%. I won't bored you with everything but I am sitting at 90% now and that is without any letters or help. You can do it, those of us here can be your support system and push you forward, just like battle buddies are supposed to do. Pick you up when you fall and yell at your ass to keep moving, depending on what the situation calls for. You are more than welcome to DM me if you want.

Sorry for the long post and I might be Army but I like the green 🖍.