How Does the VA Rate PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. For Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits to help support their recovery and well-being. For Veterans pursuing service connection for PTSD, they must have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. The rating schedule is based on the severity of the Veteran’s symptoms and how they impact their social and occupational functioning.

The VA’s Rating Schedule for PTSD

The VA is required by law to follow a rating schedule when determining the level of disability for Veterans with PTSD. The ratings range from 0% to 100%, with each percentage corresponding to a specific level of impairment. The scale for rating PTSD is as follows:

• 0%: The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, but the symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with social and occupational functioning.
• 10%: The Veteran experiences mild symptoms, such as depressed mood and mild insomnia, that cause some impairment in social and occupational functioning.
• 30%: The Veteran experiences moderate symptoms, such as panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss, that cause significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.
• 50%: The Veteran experiences severe symptoms, such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, and impairment of short- and long-term memory, that cause substantial impairment in social and occupational functioning.
• 70%: The Veteran experiences severe symptoms, such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, and near-continuous panic or depression, that cause deficiencies in most areas of life, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.
• 100%: The Veteran experiences total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, and persistent danger of hurting self or others.

Manifestation of PTSD in Veterans

PTSD can have a profound impact on Veterans’ lives, affecting their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. The symptoms of PTSD can make it difficult for Veterans to function in their daily lives and maintain healthy connections with others.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

• Intrusive memories: Veterans with PTSD may experience recurring, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, including flashbacks and nightmares.
• Avoidance: A Veteran may avoid people, places, or situations that remind them of the traumatic event, as well as thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.
• Negative changes in thinking and mood: PTSD can cause Veterans to feel detached from others, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame.
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Veterans with PTSD may be easily startled, have difficulty sleeping, experience angry outbursts, or engage in self-destructive behavior.

For Veterans, PTSD can manifest in various ways depending on the nature of their traumatic experiences. Some examples include:

• A Veteran who served in combat may experience intrusive memories of a firefight or the loss of a fellow service member, leading to feelings of guilt and self-blame.
• A Veteran who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) may avoid intimate relationships and struggle with feelings of shame and betrayal.
• A Veteran who witnessed the aftermath of a natural disaster during a humanitarian mission may experience recurring nightmares and feel a sense of helplessness.

These are just a few examples of how PTSD can impact Veterans. It is important to recognize that every Veteran’s experience with PTSD is unique, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person.

Providing Evidence of PTSD to the VA

To determine the appropriate rating for a Veteran’s PTSD, the VA relies on evidence provided by the Veteran and their healthcare providers. There are several ways that Veterans can provide evidence of their PTSD to the VA:

Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam: A C&P exam is a medical evaluation conducted by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist. During the exam, the Veteran will be asked about their military experience, their PTSD symptoms, and how those symptoms impact their daily life. Veterans need to be honest and detailed in their responses, as this information will be used to determine their disability rating.

Private Treatment Records: If Veterans are seeking private treatment for PTSD, they are encouraged to submit their private records or authorize VA to obtain their private records to show the history and severity of their PTSD.

Personal Statement: Veterans can submit a personal statement along with their application for benefits or request for an increased rating. In the statement, Veterans should describe their PTSD symptoms and how they affect their daily life, including their ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in activities they once enjoyed. It is important to be specific and provide examples of how PTSD impacts different areas of life.

Supporting Statements: Family members, friends, and coworkers can also provide statements supporting the Veteran’s claim. These statements should describe how the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms have impacted their relationships and daily functioning. Supporting statements should always include the phrase “This statement is true and correct to the best of the writer’s knowledge and belief” and be signed and dated.

Symptom Tracking: Veterans can keep a journal or log of their PTSD symptoms and how they change over time. This information can be submitted along with their application for benefits to provide a more comprehensive picture of their condition.

Performance Evaluations: If a Veteran’s PTSD symptoms have impacted their work performance, they can submit performance evaluations completed by a supervisor or coworker. These evaluations can provide insight into how PTSD has affected the Veteran’s productivity, efficiency, and ability to interact with others in the workplace.

Seeking Help from a Veterans Disability Lawyer

While the VA’s rating system for PTSD is designed to be fair and objective, the process of applying for and receiving benefits can be complex and time-consuming. Many Veterans find that working with a Veterans disability lawyer can help them navigate the system and ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve.

A PTSD lawyer can assist with:

• Gathering and submitting evidence to support the Veteran’s claim.
• Ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
• Representing the Veteran in appeals and hearings if their claim is denied or rated too low.
• Providing guidance and support throughout the claims process.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By taking the first step and reaching out for assistance, Veterans demonstrate the same courage and resilience they showed in their military service. With the right support and resources, Veterans can overcome the challenges of PTSD and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.

Contact Berry Law for a PTSD Disability Benefits Claim

At Berry Law, our team of experienced Veterans disability lawyers is dedicated to helping Veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. Many of our lawyers and legal staff are also Veterans. We understand the unique challenges that Veterans with PTSD face, and we are committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable representation every step of the way.

Veterans struggling with PTSD are not alone. Contact Berry Law today at (888) 883-2483 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to speak with a Veterans disability lawyer and learn more about VA disability options. Our legal team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance. The firm represents Veterans in all 50 states.