ptsd Extension Of Time Period Or Withdraw Claim?

[Melancholy_Sleestak]

Hello, this is my first post. I really don't understand the process of filing a claim but I have mainly two questions. I submitted a form stating that I had additional materials to submit as evidence for a PTSD claim due to military sexual assault; however it has been about ten months and as I understand it I only have a year to submit this information. I have tried to dig up some information and a mixture of failures and just plain avoidance of the issue helped me get frustrated and discouraged. My questions are:

1. Can I request an extension to submit evidence or withdraw my claim for PTSD in order to file later after I have hopefully gathered information (sworn statements)

2. Does anyone have any recommendations for obtaining information on fellow soldiers I was in basic with or to see if other soldiers reported the Drill Sergeant? I don't know if I should hire a private investigator or what.

Thanks for any information or guidance.