PTSD VA Rating
Exposure to explosions, graphic events, and death are just some of the things that cause post-traumatic stress disorder, a potentially debilitating mental health condition that leads to symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of hopelessness. Veterans who are unable to fully participate in their social and work lives due to their condition can apply for a PTSD VA rating and receive monthly compensation and other assistance.
- Veterans can receive VA disability ratings for PTSD, which are determined by the condition’s impact on their daily lives and ability to work.
- PTSD in veterans is recognized for VA benefits when linked to service-related stressors, requiring a formal diagnosis and evidence of the stressor’s occurrence during service.
- The VA considers the severity of PTSD symptoms, such as intrusive memories and avoidance behaviors, to assign disability ratings, which can range from 0% to 100%.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly called PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have personally experienced or seen traumatic events. Veterans are prone to PTSD because it is not unusual for them to experience or witness traumatic events during their service, sometimes continuously.
Previously referred to as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue,” PTSD is now officially recognized as a disabling condition thanks to advances in psychiatric care. Veterans with the disorder can apply for a PTSD VA rating, granting them monthly compensation and other benefits. They may also qualify for an increased rating if their service-related PTSD leads to secondary conditions such as migraines or hypertension.
Yes. Veterans who are suffering from PTSD can absolutely be eligible for disability benefits if their condition is caused by their time and service. The veteran will need to show the VA that the stressor or the trigger happened during their time in service and that a doctor diagnosed a veteran with PTSD. The rating can range from 0% to a 100%, depending on the severity of the PTSD. 100% would mean that the PTSD completely interfered in the veteran’s ability to work and in their way of life. This can be accompanied by symptoms like persistent delusions or hallucinations, persistent danger of hurting self, or wanting to hurt others, and memory loss.
Yes. Veterans who are suffering from PTSD can absolutely be eligible for disability benefits if their condition is caused by their time and service. The veteran will need to show the VA that the stressor or the trigger happened during their time in service and that a doctor diagnosed a veteran with PTSD. The rating can range from 0% to a 100%, depending on the severity of the PTSD. 100% would mean that the PTSD completely interfered in the veteran’s ability to work and in their way of life. This can be accompanied by symptoms like persistent delusions or hallucinations, persistent danger of hurting self, or wanting to hurt others, and memory loss.
Veterans and PTSD
Veterans are commonly diagnosed with PTSD due to exposure to trauma such as explosions, disturbing events, injuries, or witnessing others’ deaths. Servicemembers and veterans with PTSD may not realize they have the condition and continue serving, which can make it worse. They may also delay seeking treatment after their service. In some cases, symptoms take years to develop.
The following are the four general types of PTSD symptoms:
- Intrusive memories such as nightmares, flashbacks, and physical and emotional reactions to triggers
- Avoidance of people, places, and things and an unwillingness to talk about experiences
- Negative thoughts and moods, such as feelings of hopelessness or detachment
- Emotional changes, such as hypervigilance, being easily startled, self-destructive behavior, and problems concentrating
It is often hard for veterans to return to civilian life. It is even more difficult for those with PTSD. They may withdraw from family and friends, have trouble keeping jobs, and lose interest in the things that used to make them happy. Left untreated, PTSD can lead to harming others or suicide.
How Does the VA Rate PTSD?
The VA rates PTSD under Diagnostic Code 9411. Based on your symptoms, the VA will assign one of five following PTSD ratings:
- 100 percent: Total social and occupational impairment with symptoms such as a persistent danger to self or others and the need to stay home with supervision or get help in a live-in care facility
- 70 percent: Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas and symptoms such as angry outbursts, suicidal thoughts, constant depression or panic attacks, and neglecting personal hygiene
- 50 percent: Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, with symptoms such as panic attacks more than once a week, short- and long-term memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with effective social and work relationships
- 30 percent: More frequent symptoms that are worse and interfere with your ability to work or interact socially, though you can generally function satisfactorily
- 10 percent: Some symptoms that come and go and affect your life or ability to work only during periods of significant stress or symptoms controlled by continuous medication
PTSD and Total Disability Individual Unemployability
The VA also offers Total Disability Individual Unemployability benefits, or TDIU, for veterans who do not have a 100 percent disability rating but cannot work. Eligibility hinges on the inability to secure substantially gainful employment due to service-related PTSD or a combination of PTSD and related conditions. If the VA grants you TDIU, you get the same benefits as a veteran with a 100 percent disability rating.
In addition to your inability to work, you must meet one of two following eligibility criteria :
- One service-related disability with a VA rating of 60 percent or higher
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70 percent, with one rated at least 40 percent disabling
You can still qualify for TDIU benefits if you can complete odd jobs. However, if you can’t get or keep a job because of your PTSD, you can apply for TDIU benefits with VA Form 21-8940.
Kevin McVeigh
A member of the Pennsylvania Bar and formerly a partner of a law firm, where he handled a diverse case load, Kevin is the editor of Veterans Guide’s content. He meticulously researches the accuracy of all the information provided by the Veterans Guide website.
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Secondary Service Connections and PTSD
If you have PTSD related to your service, the VA may grant you additional compensation based on secondary conditions. It recognizes several conditions that result from PTSD, such as the following:
If you have developed another condition due to your PTSD, the VA combines the ratings of your two conditions to determine your disability rating. You can use our disability calculator to determine how another condition can affect your benefits.
To increase your chances of receiving compensation for a secondary service-connected disability, ask your doctor for a nexus letter explaining how your PTSD and other conditions are related. These letters are a critical part of helping the VA understand how PTSD affects your home and work life and your appropriate disability rating.
How To Apply for VA Disability for PTSD
You can apply for VA disability benefits for PTSD through an online form or by completing VA Form 21-526EZ and mailing it or taking it to your nearest VA regional office.
To speed up your application, submit your VA and private medical records and nexus letters from your doctors, along with a Public Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ for PTSD. You can also submit so-called buddy letters from those you served with who witnessed your symptoms or the circumstances of your service.
The VA may require you to attend a Compensation and Pension exam, or C&P, before assigning you a PTSD rating. A VA staff member or a contracted doctor usually conducts this exam. They will ask you questions and may perform a physical exam to check for symptoms of physical ailments related to your PTSD. You may have to undergo further C&P exams to continue receiving benefits or if you apply for increased benefits.
If you need a VA PTSD exam, do not try to hide your emotions from your doctor. How you react to their questions about your condition and its symptoms will help guide their decision-making regarding your disability level.
Appealing or Increasing Your VA PTSD Rating
If you believe that your PTSD rating is too low, you have one year from the date you receive your decision to file an appeal. There are three types of VA disability appeals:
- Higher-level review: A senior claims adjuster reviews your initial claim without new evidence.
- Supplemental claim: You must submit new evidence to bolster your original claim.
- Board of Veterans Appeals: A veterans law judge hears and decides your case whether or not you submit new evidence.
You do not have to partner with an attorney to file a VA appeal, but an experienced VA disability attorney can help the process go more smoothly. These attorneys understand why the VA denies claims or assigns low ratings and the evidence needed to affect their decisions.
If your condition worsens or you develop a secondary condition, you can submit an increased or new claim for benefits. You must include new medical evidence that supports your claim.
If you need assistance, contact Veterans Guide for help increasing or appealing your PTSD VA Rating.
