How PTSD Affects VA Disability Ratings and How to Prove Your Case 

Posted by Ruben Mejia on February 28, 2025 in Uncategorized

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that affects many Veterans after military service. VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life. Understanding how PTSD affects VA disability ratings and knowing what evidence is required can help Veterans receive the compensation they earned. At Berry Law, we assist Veterans in filing strong claims and appealing for higher ratings when necessary. 

1. How VA Assigns PTSD Disability Ratings 

VA rates PTSD based on the severity of a Veteran’s symptoms and their impact on social and occupational functioning. The rating scale includes: 

• 0% – PTSD is diagnosed, but symptoms do not significantly impair daily life. 

• 10% – Mild symptoms managed with treatment, minimal impact on work or relationships. 

• 30% – Moderate symptoms, occasional work impairments, and social difficulties. 

• 50% – Significant difficulty maintaining work and relationships due to PTSD. 

• 70% – Severe symptoms, including near-continuous panic, depression, or inability to maintain good relationships. 

• 100% – Total occupational and social impairment, including symptoms like persistent delusions, memory loss, or an inability to function independently. 

2. Evidence Needed to Prove a PTSD VA Disability Claim 

To qualify for VA disability compensation for PTSD, Veterans must provide evidence, or tell VA where it can find evidence, including: 

• PTSD Diagnosis – A formal diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional. 

• Stressor Event (In-Service Connection) – Explanation that PTSD was caused by a traumatic event during military service. 

• Medical and Mental Health Records – Documentation showing ongoing symptoms and treatment since leaving military service. 

Additionally, Veterans’ PTSD claims may be supported by: 

• Statements from Family, Friends, or Employers – Personal accounts describing how PTSD affects daily life. 

• VA C&P Exam Results – Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams assess PTSD severity for rating purposes. 

If VA denies a claim due to insufficient evidence, appealing with additional proof may help secure a higher rating. 

3. How to Increase Your PTSD Disability Rating 

Many Veterans receive lower disability ratings than they deserve due to incomplete evidence or VA errors. Strategies to increase a PTSD rating include: 

• Submitting Additional Medical Evidence – Updated mental health evaluations showing symptom severity. 

• Providing Lay Statements – Letters from family and coworkers describing daily struggles. 

• Requesting a Higher-Level Review – If the VA made a mistake in evaluating evidence. 

• Filing a Supplemental Claim – Submitting new evidence that supports a higher rating. 

4. Common Reasons PTSD VA Claims Are Denied 

VA frequently denies PTSD claims due to: 

• Lack of a Clear Stressor Event – The VA requires a verified service-connected stressor. 

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – Without consistent medical records, the VA may reject claims. 

• Inconsistent Statements – Conflicting information in medical records and C&P exams can hurt a case. 

• VA Examiner’s Opinion – A VA doctor may incorrectly assess the severity of PTSD symptoms. 

Appealing a denied claim with new evidence or legal assistance may improve the chances of approval. 

Understanding how PTSD affects VA disability ratings is key to securing the correct compensation. If you need assistance increasing or appealing your PTSD disability rating, Berry Law is here to fight for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the average VA disability rating for PTSD?

Most Veterans receive a 50% or 70% rating, but ratings vary based on symptom severity. 

2. Can I work while receiving VA disability for PTSD?

Yes, but if PTSD prevents substantial employment (generally, earning annual pay over the poverty line), Veterans may qualify for TDIU (Total Disability for Individual Unemployability). 

3. How do I prove my PTSD is service-connected?

Veterans need a stressor event, a medical diagnosis, and ongoing treatment records to establish service connection. For cases involving PTSD as a result of personal assault, VA accepts a wider variety of evidence that tends to show a traumatic event occurred, such as requests to change units or disciplinary problems where none existed before. 

4. What should I do if my PTSD claim is denied?

Appeal the decision by submitting new evidence, requesting a higher-level review, or filing a Board appeal. Note: filing a Board appeal, particularly when requesting a hearing, can result in a wait of over a year for a new decision. 

5. How can a VA disability lawyer help with my PTSD claim?

A VA disability lawyer can gather medical evidence, challenge VA errors, and represent you in appeals to secure the highest rating possible.