Yes, never tell the VA that you feel and have ever felt anything other than good mentally. It’s just a good defense. Seek any mental health you can elsewhere if needed and don’t tell them you are a Veteran if you don’t have to. Talked about this with many other Veteran friends of mine.
I’m a Vietnam vet & I won’t go to the VA for ANY kind of treatment. Not impressed with what I saw at the local VA center. They cater to those whose medical insurance is zero, zip, nada but who earned a DD 214 decades back. Brought in by the busload from affordable housing if you get my drift.
Get PTSD in your dossier & there’s a target on your back forever.