Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
The VA disability 5-year rule for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) protects a veteran’s VA rating (and compensation and benefits) unless there is a change in the severity of their condition.
The VA can reevaluate your current VA disability rating if your condition is expected to show improvement.
Whether you’re concerned about a VA rating reduction or want to learn how the rule applies to you, this post breaks it down.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
VA DISABILITY 5 YEAR RULE
PTSD
Summary of Key Points
- The VA disability 5-year rule allows the VA to reevaluate your existing VA disability rating within 5 years of your initial examination if your disability condition is expected to show material improvement over time.
- The 5-year rule is particularly relevant for PTSD, a condition known for its fluctuating symptoms, which may improve or deteriorate over time.
- Veterans with PTSD should maintain thorough medical records and attend required evaluations to safeguard their ratings, especially as they approach the 5-year mark.
What is the VA Disability 5-Year Rule?
The VA disability 5-year rule ensures that ratings are reviewed within the first five years to assess stability, with changes requiring evidence of sustained improvement under typical life conditions.
However, the VA may still reevaluate your VA rating past the 5-year deadline if your condition has significantly improved, as shown by medical evidence.
Typically, VA raters consider whether your VA disability condition is considered “static” and/or “permanent” when considering a reevaluation request.
(VIDEO) VA Disability 5-Year Rule
How Does the 5-Year Rule Work For PTSD?
The 5-year rule states that if your PTSD disability rating has been in effect for five years or less, the VA can re-evaluate your condition to determine if improvement has occurred.
However, the VA must base this decision on evidence that shows sustained improvement under ordinary life conditions.
The VA can still lower your rating if there is strong medical evidence showing your condition has significantly improved.
Common Scenarios Under the VA Disability 5-Year Rule
Scenario 1: PTSD Symptoms Improve
A veteran receiving treatment for PTSD, such as therapy or medication, may experience improvement in symptoms. During a reevaluation, the VA may determine that the veteran’s condition has improved and assign a lower disability rating.
Scenario 2: PTSD Symptoms Worsen
If a veteran’s PTSD worsens due to life stressors, lack of treatment, or other factors, they may qualify for a higher rating during the reevaluation. Veterans experiencing increased difficulty should provide thorough medical evidence to support their claim.
Scenario 3: No Significant Change
In cases where PTSD symptoms remain consistent and stable, the VA may decide to maintain the current disability rating after the 5-year period, making it less likely to be reduced in the future.
Effective Date for the VA Disability 5-Year Rule
The effective date for the VA disability 5-year rule is the initial date when the VA assigns a disability rating for a condition like PTSD.
The rule allows for periodic reevaluation within the first five years to determine whether the condition has stabilized, ensuring the rating accurately reflects your current health status.
When Does the 5-Year Rule for PTSD Not Apply?
The 5-year rule is specific to conditions that are likely to improve over time. If PTSD is classified as a static condition—meaning it is not expected to change—the VA may forgo reevaluations entirely.
Static ratings are typically assigned for:
- Long-term or permanent disabilities
- Conditions that show no potential for improvement with treatment
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA disability 5-year rule for PTSD?
The 5-year rule for PTSD means the VA can’t reduce your disability rating if it has been in place for at least five years unless medical evidence clearly shows sustained improvement under normal life conditions.
Can the VA reduce your disability rating for PTSD?
If your VA rating has been continuously in place for 10 years or more, the VA can’t eliminate the rating; however, it can still be reduced if medical evidence shows your disability has improved.
For PTSD, sustained improvement may be harder to prove due to the nature of the condition. However, you have the right to appeal rating reductions if you believe the evidence doesn’t support the VA’s decision.
Does the 5-year rule mean my PTSD rating can never be reduced?
No, the rating can still be reduced if medical evidence shows that your PTSD has significantly and consistently improved. However, the VA must provide substantial proof before making changes.
Can the VA increase my PTSD rating after five years?
Yes, if your symptoms worsen and you file for an increased rating with evidence to support it, the VA may raise your PTSD rating.
Related Blogs
VA Disability 5 Year Rule Explained
5 10 20 Year Rule VA Disability: 3 Rules Every Veteran Should Know!
YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE. We Got Your Six!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate and lead you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
