PTSD VA Rating: Criteria, Percentages and What to Expect
The VA rates PTSD under 38 CFR § 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9411, assigning ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. Your rating is based on how severely your symptoms impair your occupational and social functioning. A 70% rating requires deficiencies in most areas of life, while 100% means total occupational and social impairment.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Tax-free monthly VA disability compensation |
| Eligibility | Veterans with a PTSD diagnosis linked to military service |
| Application | VA Form 21-526EZ (online or by mail) |
| Processing Time | Average 3–4 months for a fully developed claim |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ; VA Form 21-0781 (PTSD stressor statement) |
| Updated For | 2026 compensation rates (effective December 1, 2025) |
What Is a PTSD VA Rating?
A PTSD VA rating is a percentage assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs that measures how much your service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder impairs your ability to function in daily life and work. The VA uses this rating to determine your monthly tax-free disability compensation.
PTSD is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in 38 CFR § 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9411. The VA assigns ratings in 10% increments: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. The rating is not based on the severity of the trauma itself. It is based on how your symptoms affect your occupational and social functioning.
The VA evaluates PTSD using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, which require exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence; intrusive symptoms; avoidance behaviors; negative alterations in cognition and mood; and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
PTSD VA Rating Criteria by Percentage
Each rating percentage has specific symptom criteria. The table below shows what the VA looks for at each level.
| Rating | Key Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Diagnosis exists, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational or social functioning. No compensation payable. |
| 10% | Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress. |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, generally functioning satisfactorily. Symptoms include depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks (weekly or less), chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss. |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity due to flattened affect, circumstantial speech, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships. |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment, thinking, mood) due to suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal hygiene, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances. |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment due to gross impairment in thought processes, persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting self or others, disorientation to time or place, and memory loss for names of close relatives. |
A 30% rating is the most common initial rating for PTSD. Veterans seeking an increase must show that their symptoms have worsened or that the original rating did not properly account for their impairment.
2026 PTSD VA Disability Compensation Rates
If you receive a PTSD rating, your monthly payment depends on your rating percentage and your dependent status. The 2026 rates took effect December 1, 2025, following a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran + Spouse | Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $666.47 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,341.90 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,868.19 | $1,982.19 |
| 100% | $3,291.06 | $3,475.06 | $3,630.06 |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityNote: Veterans with a 10% or 20% rating do not receive higher payments for dependents. At 30% and above, dependent rates apply. Additional amounts are available for more than one child and for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance benefits.
Who Qualifies for a PTSD VA Rating?
To qualify for a PTSD VA rating, you must meet three requirements:
Current diagnosis. You must have a current diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified medical professional.
In-service stressor. You must have experienced a traumatic event during military service. The VA must be able to verify the stressor, or you must provide credible evidence.
Nexus. A medical professional must provide an opinion linking your current PTSD to your military service.
The VA does not require a specific type of trauma for a PTSD claim. Combat, military sexual trauma (MST), witnessing a traumatic event, and personal assault can all support a PTSD diagnosis. For MST claims, the VA applies relaxed evidentiary standards and permits you to choose the sex of your examiner.
You can still file a PTSD claim years after discharge. The VA does not impose a time limit on filing a disability claim, but the effective date of your benefits is generally the date you file.
What Is the VA Form 21-0781?
VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is required for most PTSD claims. This form asks you to describe the traumatic event, including the date, location, and circumstances. The VA uses this information to verify your stressor through military records.
For claims based on personal assault or MST, use VA Form 21-0781a instead. This form permits alternative evidence such as statements from family, friends, or clergy; police records; and medical records.
Complete the stressor statement in your own words. Be specific about what happened, when it happened, and how it affected you. Vague statements can delay or derail your claim.
How to File a PTSD VA Claim
Filing a claim for PTSD involves several steps. Following them in order improves your chances of an accurate rating.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Collect your current medical records showing your PTSD diagnosis and treatment. Include treatment notes, medication lists, and any psychological testing results. Also gather your service treatment records and any records documenting the traumatic event.
Step 2: Obtain a Nexus Letter
Ask your treating mental health provider to write a nexus letter connecting your PTSD to your military service. The letter should state that your PTSD is “at least as likely as not” caused by your service. This standard of proof is favorable to veterans.
Step 3: Complete VA Forms
File VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Include VA Form 21-0781 to describe your stressor. Submit lay statements from family, friends, or fellow service members who have observed your symptoms.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
You can file online through VA.gov, by mail to the VA Claims Intake Center, or in person at a VA regional office. The online application is the fastest method.
Step 5: Attend Your C&P Exam
The VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam unless your medical evidence is sufficient. Attend the exam and describe your symptoms accurately.
The VA PTSD C&P Exam: What to Expect
A C&P exam for PTSD is a mental health evaluation conducted by a VA examiner or a VA-contracted provider. The exam typically lasts two to four hours. The examiner will review your file, ask questions about your symptoms, and observe your behavior.
The examiner will ask about your military experience, your current symptoms, how PTSD affects your relationships and work, and your treatment history. Be honest and specific. Describe your worst days, not your best. If you downplay your symptoms, the examiner may assign a lower rating.
The examiner will complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that documents your symptoms and their severity. This DBQ is the primary evidence the VA uses to assign your rating.
You may request a female examiner if your claim involves MST. You may also bring a support person to the exam.
Secondary Conditions Related to PTSD
Many veterans with PTSD develop additional conditions caused or worsened by their PTSD. These are called secondary service-connected conditions. You can receive separate ratings for secondary conditions, which can significantly increase your combined disability rating.
| Secondary Condition | Typical VA Rating | Connection to PTSD |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 30–70% | PTSD often co-occurs with depression |
| Sleep apnea | 30–50% | PTSD disrupts sleep and medications cause weight gain |
| Hypertension | 10–20% | Chronic stress elevates blood pressure |
| GERD | 10–30% | Stress and medications worsen reflux |
| Erectile dysfunction | 0% special monthly compensation | PTSD medications cause sexual dysfunction |
| Tinnitus | 10% | Common co-occurrence with PTSD |
To claim a secondary condition, file VA Form 21-526EZ and list the condition as secondary to your service-connected PTSD. You will need a medical opinion stating that your PTSD caused or aggravated the secondary condition.
TDIU for PTSD: When Your Rating Doesn’t Match Your Disability
If your PTSD prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment but your rating is less than 100%, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU pays you at the 100% rate even if your schedular rating is lower.
To qualify for TDIU based on PTSD alone, you generally need a single disability rated at least 60%. If you have multiple service-connected conditions, you need a combined rating of at least 70%, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher. The VA can also award TDIU on an extraschedular basis under 38 CFR § 4.16(b) if your circumstances are exceptional.
TDIU is not permanent in all cases. If your condition improves or you return to work, the VA may reduce or terminate your TDIU benefits.
The PACT Act and PTSD Claims
The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. While the PACT Act does not create a presumption for PTSD itself, it has increased awareness of mental health conditions among toxic-exposed veterans and streamlined the claims process for related conditions.
If you served in a location covered by the PACT Act, you may be eligible for expanded VA health care enrollment, which includes mental health services. The VA has stated that it will not deny a PTSD claim solely because a veteran did not participate in a toxic exposure screening.
The PACT Act also allows veterans to file supplemental claims for conditions that were previously denied if the denial was based on a lack of toxic exposure presumption. If your PTSD claim was denied and you have new evidence of toxic exposure, you can file a supplemental claim.
Common Mistakes That Lead to PTSD Claim Denials
Understanding why claims fail helps you avoid the same errors.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| No nexus letter | VA cannot link PTSD to service | Obtain a medical opinion from your provider |
| Vague stressor statement | VA cannot verify the event | Provide specific dates, locations, and details |
| Downplaying symptoms at C&P exam | Lower rating assigned | Describe your worst days honestly |
| Missing the C&P exam | Claim denied without evidence | Attend or reschedule with good cause |
| Incomplete forms | Claim delayed or rejected | Double-check every field and signature |
| Waiting too long to appeal | Loss of effective date | File within one year of decision |
What to Do If Your PTSD Claim Is Denied
If the VA denies your PTSD claim or assigns a rating lower than you believe is warranted, you have three decision review options:
Supplemental Claim. File this if you have new and relevant evidence the VA did not consider. You can file at any time, but filing within one year of the decision preserves your effective date.
Higher-Level Review. Request a senior reviewer to examine your case for errors. You cannot submit new evidence with this option.
Board Appeal. Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can choose a direct review, evidence submission, or a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge.
You have one year from the date on your decision letter to request a Higher-Level Review or Board Appeal. Supplemental Claims can be filed at any time.
State Benefits for Veterans with PTSD Ratings
State benefits for disabled veterans vary widely. A 100% PTSD rating from the VA qualifies you for federal benefits, but state programs add significant value.
| State | Key Benefit for 100% PTSD Rating |
|---|---|
| Texas | Full property tax exemption on primary residence |
| Florida | Full property tax exemption; no state income tax |
| California | Assessed-value exclusion up to $271,009 (2026 low-income) |
| Arizona | Full property tax exemption for 100% rating |
| Alabama | Full property tax exemption on primary residence plus 160 acres |
| Colorado | 50% exemption on first $200,000; TDIU also qualifies |
Most states offer full property tax exemptions for veterans rated 100% permanent and total. Veterans rated 50% or higher often qualify for partial exemptions. VA disability compensation is not taxed by any state or the federal government.
Common Questions
What percentage does the VA rate PTSD?
The VA rates PTSD at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. The rating depends on how severely your symptoms impair your occupational and social functioning. A 30% rating is the most common initial rating, while 100% requires total occupational and social impairment.
How long does a PTSD VA claim take?
A fully developed PTSD claim takes an average of three to four months to process. Claims requiring additional evidence or a C&P exam may take longer. Appeals add significant time, often six months to several years.
Can I get 100% VA disability for PTSD alone?
Yes, if your PTSD causes total occupational and social impairment. Symptoms supporting a 100% rating include gross impairment in thought processes, persistent delusions or hallucinations, and persistent danger of hurting yourself or others. Some veterans qualify for TDIU at the 100% pay rate even without a 100% schedular rating.
What is a nexus letter for PTSD?
A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a doctor or mental health provider stating that your PTSD is “at least as likely as not” caused by your military service. This letter connects your current diagnosis to your service and is often the deciding factor in a PTSD claim.
Do I need a C&P exam for PTSD?
The VA may schedule a C&P exam to verify your diagnosis and evaluate symptom severity. Some claims are decided without an exam if the medical evidence is complete. If the VA schedules an exam, attend it. Missing a C&P exam without good cause can result in denial.
Can PTSD be rated secondary to a physical condition?
Yes. PTSD can be secondary to a physical condition, such as a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, or a disfiguring injury. The connection works both ways. You can also claim physical conditions as secondary to PTSD.
What is the difference between 70% and 100% PTSD ratings?
A 70% rating means your PTSD causes deficiencies in most areas of life—work, relationships, judgment, and mood—but you can still function in some settings. A 100% rating means total occupational and social impairment. You cannot maintain employment or relationships, and you may require hospitalization or supervision.
How do I increase my PTSD rating from 50% to 70%?
File a claim for an increased rating using VA Form 21-526EZ. Submit updated medical records showing worsened symptoms, a new nexus letter, and lay statements describing how your condition has deteriorated. The VA will review your evidence and may schedule a new C&P exam.
Does the PACT Act cover PTSD?
The PACT Act does not create a presumptive service connection for PTSD. However, it expands VA health care eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans, including mental health services. It also allows supplemental claims for conditions related to toxic exposure.
Can I work and still receive VA disability for PTSD?
Yes. You can work and receive VA disability compensation at any rating below 100% schedular. At the 100% schedular rating, the VA considers you unable to work, though receiving the rating does not create a legal bar to employment. TDIU, however, is based on unemployability, and working above the poverty threshold can terminate TDIU benefits.
Key Takeaways
The VA rates PTSD under 38 CFR § 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9411, with ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.
Your rating is based on how severely PTSD impairs your occupational and social functioning—not on the severity of the trauma.
A 70% rating requires deficiencies in most areas of life; a 100% rating requires total occupational and social impairment.
You need a current PTSD diagnosis, an in-service stressor, and a nexus letter to establish service connection.
File VA Form 21-526EZ and VA Form 21-0781 to apply for PTSD disability compensation.
The C&P exam is the most important evidence in your claim. Describe your worst days honestly.
Secondary conditions like depression, sleep apnea, and hypertension can increase your combined rating.
TDIU pays at the 100% rate if PTSD prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Most states offer property tax exemptions for veterans rated 100% permanent and total.
You have one year to appeal a VA decision. A Supplemental Claim can be filed at any time.
Official Resources
VA Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/
VA Form 21-526EZ: https://www.va.gov/forms/21-526ez/
VA Form 21-0781: https://www.va.gov/forms/21-0781/
38 CFR § 4.130 Rating Schedule: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR5f5af1b9c7b8e8c/section-4.130
VA C&P Exam Information: https://www.va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam/
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals: https://www.va.gov/resources/decision-reviews-faqs/
PACT Act Information: https://www.va.gov/PACT/
VA Mental Health Services: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
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