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

RatingCriteria
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 rate

High – especially with supporting diagnosis and stressor verification.

Annual service-connected

1,260,000 veterans

Average rating

70%

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.

  • Migraine

    Often triggered by PTSD stress

  • GERD

    Can result from chronic stress

  • Sleep Apnea

    PTSD increases sleep disturbance

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently claimed.

Army00BDiverArmy00ERecruiterArmy00HEnlisted AideArmy00RRecruiter/Retention NCOArmy00ZCommand Sergeant Major NominativeArmy09LInterpreter/TranslatorArmy11AInfantry OfficerArmy11BInfantrymanArmy11CIndirect Fire InfantrymanArmy11ZInfantry Senior SergeantArmy12AEngineerArmy12BCombat Engineer

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)?
The average awarded rating for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is 70%. Roughly 1,260,000 veterans are service-connected for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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