VASRD 9411 · Mental Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) VA Disability Rating
PTSD is a mental health issue caused by a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, or nightmares.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | You can't work or function in daily life due to PTSD symptoms. |
| 70% | Severe PTSD that makes it hard to keep a job or relationships. |
| 50% | Moderate PTSD that causes regular issues at work or home. |
| 30% | Mild to moderate PTSD symptoms that sometimes affect your work. |
| 10% | PTSD symptoms show up during stress or are managed by meds. |
How the VA Evaluates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Must have DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis, documented in-service stressor, and a VA C&P exam showing persistent symptoms.
Approval outlook
High – especially with supporting diagnosis and stressor verification.
Veterans service-connected
1,760,497 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~70%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •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
Strategy Tips
- •Use clear examples in your personal statement
- •Get a Nexus letter linking service trauma to current symptoms
- •Include evidence of how PTSD affects work and relationships
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Minimizing symptoms during exam
- •Inconsistent reporting across evidence
- •No specific stressor linked to service
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Failing to describe how symptoms affect daily life
- •Not linking condition to in-service trauma
- •Submitting without a formal diagnosis
Onset Patterns
- •Usually begins shortly after traumatic event
- •Can worsen with life stress (e.g., job loss, family illness)
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently claimed.
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%. Examples: 100%: You can't work or function in daily life due to PTSD symptoms.; 70%: Severe PTSD that makes it hard to keep a job or relationships.; 50%: Moderate PTSD that causes regular issues at work or home..
- 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), 1,760,497 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as of September 30, 2025. Estim…
- 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.
- 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 are commonly secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) include: Migraine, GERD, Sleep Apnea. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.130 — Schedule of ratings — mental disorders (Diagnostic Code 9411)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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