PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) VA Rating Guide

Overview

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, commonly affecting veterans who have experienced combat, military sexual trauma, or other traumatic events during service.

• VA Disability Code: 9411
• ICD Code: F43.10
• Category: Mental Health

Rating Percentages & Criteria

100% Rating

Criteria: Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name.

Examples:

• Unable to maintain personal hygiene
• Danger to self or others
• Complete social isolation

70% Rating

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

Examples:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Unable to maintain employment
• Severe relationship problems
• Impaired impulse control

50% Rating

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

Examples:

• Panic attacks multiple times per week
• Memory problems affecting work
• Difficulty with complex tasks

30% Rating

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events).

Examples:

• Weekly panic attacks
• Chronic sleep problems
• Occasional work absences
• Mild memory issues

10% Rating

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

Examples:

• Symptoms controlled by medication
• Mild symptoms during stress

0% Rating

Criteria: A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.

Examples:

• Diagnosed but minimal symptoms

Symptoms & Functional Impact

Common symptoms associated with this condition:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Nightmares about traumatic events
• Severe emotional distress
• Avoidance of trauma reminders
• Negative changes in thinking and mood
• Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response
• Difficulty sleeping
• Angry outbursts or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Self-destructive behavior

Evidence Requirements for Your Claim

To support your claim, gather the following evidence:

• Medical records documenting PTSD diagnosis
• Buddy statements describing behavioral changes
• VA DBQ for PTSD
• Treatment records from therapy or counseling
• Service records showing traumatic events
• Personal statement describing symptoms

Secondary Conditions Commonly Connected

This condition often leads to secondary disabilities:

Depression (Strong Connection)

PTSD commonly co-occurs with depression due to shared neurological pathways and emotional regulation difficulties

Anxiety (Strong Connection)

Hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD often manifest as anxiety disorders

Sleep Apnea (Strong Connection)

PTSD-related sleep disturbances can contribute to or exacerbate sleep apnea

Migraines (Moderate Connection)

Chronic stress and tension from PTSD can trigger migraine headaches

Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam Tips

Prepare for your C&P exam with these strategic tips:

• Keep a symptom journal for at least 30 days before your exam
• Describe your worst day, not your best day
• Be honest about work and relationship difficulties
• Bring supporting documentation from mental health providers
• Explain how symptoms affect daily functioning

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need combat experience to claim PTSD?

No. PTSD can result from any traumatic event during service, including military sexual trauma, accidents, or other non-combat stressors.

Can I get PTSD benefits if I'm already receiving treatment?

Yes. Being in treatment shows evidence of your condition and can strengthen your claim.

Key Points for Your Claim

When filing for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder):

1. Document everything - Every medical visit, treatment, and symptom counts
2. Get a nexus letter - A medical opinion linking your condition to service is crucial
3. Be thorough - Don't downplay your symptoms in your claim
4. Track progression - Show how the condition has worsened over time
5. Claim secondary conditions - PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) often causes other disabilities

Ready to File Your Claim?

The VA disability system is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We help veterans understand their benefits, gather strong evidence, and maximize their ratings.

Related Rating Guides:

• Depression VA Rating Guide
• Anxiety VA Rating Guide
• Sleep Apnea VA Rating Guide