Rating PTSD

Pursuing a VA disability claim for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a challenge. Despite the high incidence of stressors common to military service, PTSD is not presumed service-connected. It’s up to the veteran to prove service connection.

It’s also up to the veteran to demonstrate the severity of the service-connected PTSD. That’s critical, because the VA may assign one of six different disability ratings for PTSD. The veterans disability benefits awarded vary greatly depending on your disability rating.

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VA Disability Ratings for PTSD

The criteria for each disability rating in a PTSD case are laid out in 38 CFR §4.130. The requirements are:

0% Disability Rating

A 0% disability rating for PTSD is assigned when the veteran has been diagnosed with service-connected PTSD, but symptoms are not serious enough to interfere with occupational and social function and continuous medication is not required.

At a 0% rating, the veteran does not receive monthly veterans disability benefits, but is entitled to medical care for the service-connected condition.

10% Disability Rating

A 10% disability rating is assigned when the veteran’s symptoms are controlled by continuous medication, or there is impairment of occupational and social function due to transient symptoms.

In 2024, a veteran with a 10% disability rating receives $171.23/month in compensation and is entitled to medical care for the service-connected condition.

30% Disability Rating

A 30% disability rating is assigned when the veteran exhibits occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

In 2024, a veteran with a 30% disability rating receives $524.31 in monthly benefits and is entitled to medical care for the service-connected condition. At the 30% level and above, compensation may be increased if the veteran has qualifying dependents.

50% Disability Rating

A 50% disability rating is assigned when the veteran exhibits occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

In 2024, a veteran with a 50% disability rating receives $1,075.16 in monthly benefits and is entitled to broader healthcare services. Compensation may be increased if the veteran has eligible dependents.

70% Disability Rating

A 70% disability rating is assigned when the veteran’s PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

In 2024, a veteran with a 70% disability rating receives $1,716.28 in monthly compensation and is entitled to broader healthcare services. Compensation may be increased if the veteran has qualifying dependents.

100% Disability Rating

A 100% disability rating is assigned if the veteran’s PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment.

In 2024, a veteran rated 100% disabled receives $3,737.85 in monthly benefits, and is entitled to broader healthcare services. The amount of compensation may be increased if the veteran has eligible dependents. Dependents may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as health coverage and educational benefits.

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Your PTSD Disability Rating Matters

As you can see, ensuring that you get the maximum appropriate disability rating can have a significant impact on the VA disability benefits you receive and the benefits that may be available for your dependents. It’s up to the veteran to establish that symptoms meet the criteria for a disability rating. That can be tough since there’s no clear, objective test to rely on. That’s why it’s important to get knowledgeable guidance in preparing your claim and documentation.

The advocates at Disabled Vets are fully dedicated to assisting veterans with disabilities and have extensive experience with both initial veterans disability claims and appeals. To learn more about how we can help, call (888) 373-4722, or click here to contact us.