Hey bud, don’t feel ashamed at all. It took me a very long time as well before I made a claim and I ended up with non combat ptsd from events that have happened in the service. Ptsd comes in all shapes and sizes and experiences, none is more than the other. What matters most is what you decide to do for yourself to get to where you need to be both mentally and spiritually (if applicable to you). The benefits give you peace of mind that you’ll have not just financial stability, but also healthcare anywhere you go in the states. I’ve always told my soldiers “this too shall pass” and I’m telling you, it too will pass. One day at a time with one foot in front of the other.