YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) under diagnostic code 9411, in 38 CFR § 4.130 (mental disorders), and the schedule provides six evaluation levels for it: 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10% and 0%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Prepare for your examTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health issue caused by a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, or nightmares.
Must have DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis, documented in-service stressor, and a VA C&P exam showing persistent symptoms.
- Diagnostic code
- 9411
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.130
- Schedule levels
- 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10% and 0%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
Which level applies is set by the criteria the evidence meets, not by the diagnosis. Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations applies, 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher one if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) VA rating criteria (DC 9411)
Choose a percentage to see what that level means. Open the full comparison to read all the criteria in one place.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
A LITTLE PREPARATION HELPS
What the C&P examiner will ask about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Think through your own experience before exam day. Open a question to see what the examiner is assessing and which details are useful to describe accurately.
HistoryDescribe the specific traumatic events from your military service that continue to affect you.
Establishing clear connection between military trauma exposure and current PTSD symptoms for service connection.
- Provide specific details about traumatic events (within comfort level)
- Describe your role and what you witnessed or experienced
- Mention any immediate reactions or symptoms after trauma
- Note if trauma was single incident or repeated exposure
- Being too vague about specific traumatic experiences
- Not connecting current symptoms to specific military trauma
- Failing to mention cumulative trauma from multiple exposures
SeverityHow often do you experience nightmares or disturbing dreams related to your military service?
Assessing re-experiencing symptoms, one of the core PTSD symptom clusters.
- Keep a symptom diary for 2-4 weeks before your exam
- Be specific about frequency - times per week or month
- Describe how nightmares affect your sleep quality and next-day functioning
- Mention if you avoid sleep or need medications
- Downplaying symptoms to appear strong or 'fine'
- Not mentioning how symptoms affect family relationships
- Forgetting to describe your worst periods, not just average days
SeverityDo you experience anger outbursts or increased irritability since your trauma?
Assessing alterations in arousal and reactivity, including anger and irritability symptoms.
- Describe frequency and intensity of anger episodes
- Mention triggers that provoke anger or irritability
- Note any relationship problems caused by anger
- Document any legal issues or workplace problems related to anger
- Minimizing anger problems due to embarrassment
- Not connecting anger to PTSD symptoms
- Failing to describe impact of anger on relationships and functioning
SeverityDo you experience flashbacks or feel like you're reliving traumatic events?
Assessing intrusive re-experiencing symptoms which are core to PTSD diagnosis and severity.
- Describe how realistic and vivid the flashbacks feel
- Mention triggers that bring on flashbacks
- Describe how long flashbacks last and how you recover
- Note if flashbacks affect your ability to drive or work safely
- Confusing memories with actual flashbacks
- Not describing the intensity and realism of flashback experiences
- Failing to mention triggers that cause flashbacks
SeverityHow do you react to loud noises, crowds, or unexpected sounds?
Evaluating hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response symptoms.
- Describe specific situations that trigger strong startle responses
- Mention if you avoid certain places due to noise sensitivity
- Describe physical reactions: heart racing, sweating, shaking
- Note if hypervigilance affects your sleep or concentration
- Not connecting startle responses to PTSD symptoms
- Failing to describe avoidance behaviors related to hypervigilance
- Not mentioning how hypervigilance affects daily activities
SeverityDo you avoid certain places, people, or activities that remind you of your trauma?
Evaluating avoidance behaviors, a key symptom cluster for PTSD diagnosis and severity.
- List specific things, places, or people you avoid
- Describe how avoidance has changed your lifestyle
- Mention activities you used to enjoy but can no longer do
- Note if avoidance affects work or family responsibilities
- Not recognizing avoidance behaviors as symptoms
- Failing to describe how avoidance impacts daily life
- Not connecting specific avoidances to trauma triggers
SeverityHow would you describe your mood and emotional state most days?
Assessing negative alterations in mood and cognition symptoms of PTSD.
- Describe your typical daily mood and energy levels
- Mention feelings of detachment or emotional numbness
- Note any loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Describe feelings about the future and your life prospects
- Not describing emotional numbness as a symptom
- Failing to mention loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Not connecting mood changes to the traumatic event
SeverityHave you had thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself?
Critical safety assessment. ALWAYS assess suicidal ideation in PTSD evaluations.
- Be completely honest about suicidal thoughts - this is critical medical information
- Describe frequency and intensity of suicidal thoughts
- Mention any protective factors that keep you safe
- Note any crisis interventions or emergency psychiatric care
Daily functionHow has PTSD affected your memory and ability to concentrate?
Evaluating cognitive symptoms which significantly impact occupational and social functioning.
- Give specific examples of memory problems (forgetting appointments, names, tasks)
- Describe concentration difficulties at work or during daily activities
- Mention if you need to write everything down or set multiple reminders
- Note if cognitive problems have worsened over time
- Not recognizing cognitive symptoms as part of PTSD
- Failing to provide specific examples of memory and concentration problems
- Not connecting cognitive issues to functional impairment
Daily functionHow do your PTSD symptoms affect your ability to maintain steady employment?
Evaluating occupational and social impairment, key factor in PTSD rating levels.
- Bring documentation of job history, including reasons for leaving positions
- Describe specific work challenges: concentration, memory, interpersonal conflicts
- Mention any workplace accommodations you need or have requested
- Be honest about attendance issues or performance problems
- Being too vague about specific work impacts
- Not mentioning interpersonal difficulties with coworkers or supervisors
- Forgetting to discuss how symptoms affect job interviews or job searching
Daily functionHow do your PTSD symptoms affect your relationships with family and friends?
Assessing social impairment and interpersonal functioning for disability rating.
- Provide specific examples of relationship problems
- Describe changes in how you interact with family since trauma
- Mention if family members have expressed concerns about your behavior
- Note any relationship losses due to PTSD symptoms
- Not providing specific examples of relationship impacts
- Failing to describe changes in social functioning since trauma
- Not mentioning family members' observations about behavior changes
TreatmentDo you use alcohol or drugs to cope with PTSD symptoms?
Assessing substance use as coping mechanism, which may indicate severity and require separate substance abuse evaluation.
- Be honest about all substance use including alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs
- Describe how substances help with specific PTSD symptoms
- Mention any substance abuse treatment you've received
- Note if substance use has caused additional problems
- Hiding substance use due to stigma or legal concerns
- Not connecting substance use to PTSD symptom management
- Failing to mention prescription drug misuse for self-medication
TreatmentWhat treatments have you tried for PTSD and how well have they worked?
Evaluating treatment response and current symptom management efforts.
- List all treatments you've tried: therapy types, medications, duration
- Describe what has helped and what hasn't worked
- Mention any hospitalizations or intensive treatment programs
- Note current treatment status and provider recommendations
- Not disclosing all treatment attempts including those that didn't work
- Failing to mention hospitalizations or crisis interventions
- Not describing why treatments were discontinued
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- Initial Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). VA's examiner completes this questionnaire; it is not publicly available.
- PTSD Review DBQ (PDF, VA.gov)
VA's page says: “You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers.”
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Use clear examples in your personal statement
- 02
Get a Nexus letter linking service trauma to current symptoms
- 03
Include evidence of how PTSD affects work and relationships
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind3 tips
- 01
Minimizing symptoms during exam
- 02
Inconsistent reporting across evidence
- 03
No specific stressor linked to service
Common filing mistakes3 tips
- 01
Failing to describe how symptoms affect daily life
- 02
Not linking condition to in-service trauma
- 03
Submitting without a formal diagnosis
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
Usually begins shortly after traumatic event
- 02
Can worsen with life stress (e.g., job loss, family illness)
SECONDARY TO SOMETHING ELSE
Conditions that can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Each links to a page on claiming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as secondary to that condition.
YOUR SERVICE STORY
Military jobs associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
More by branch: Army · Marines · Air Force · Navy · Coast Guard · Space Force
THE BROADER PICTURE
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- High – especially with supporting diagnosis and stressor verification.
- Service-connected disabilities (VBA count)
- 1,760,497 disabilities
- Typical rating awarded
- ~70%
Count of service-connected disabilities from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025; the report counts disabilities, not veterans. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) under VASRD diagnostic code 9411 (Mental Disorders). PTSD is a mental health issue caused by a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, or nightmares.
What VA disability rating can I get for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Possible VA ratings for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 100%: 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; 70%: 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; 50%: 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.
Can I get separate VA ratings for anxiety and depression?
Not for the same symptoms. Diagnostic codes 9201 through 9440, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among them, are all rated on one General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, which grades how much symptoms impair work and social life. 38 CFR 4.126(a) says the rating rests on "all the evidence of record that bears on occupational and social impairment." 38 CFR 4.14 says: "The evaluation of the same disability under various diagnoses is to be avoided." So the same symptoms should not be rated twice, once under each diagnosis. These rules do not say when, if ever, a second mental disorder rating is given.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at around 70%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), veterans receiving VA compensation as of September 30, 2025 had 1,760,497 service-connected disabilities rated as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The report counts disabilities, not veterans. Estimated approval outlook: High – especially with supporting diagnosis and stressor verification.
What evidence helps prove Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) claim includes: Formal PTSD diagnosis from a VA or private psychiatrist; C&P exam results showing PTSD symptoms; Buddy statements confirming trauma or symptoms; Personal statement detailing symptoms and triggers.
Which DBQ is used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
VA's examiner completes the Initial Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) questionnaire; VA lists it among the DBQs that are not available for public use. VA's PTSD Review Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's page says: "You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers."
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Failing to describe how symptoms affect daily life; Not linking condition to in-service trauma; Submitting without a formal diagnosis.
What conditions can be secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Conditions that can be service-connected as secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), when a medical opinion links them, include: Migraine; GERD; Sleep Apnea. A secondary condition gets its own rating, which VA combines with the veteran's other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.130, Schedule of ratings, mental disorders (Diagnostic Code 9411)
- 38 CFR § 4.7, higher of two evaluations
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), service-connected disabilities count, as of September 30, 2025
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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