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Do you qualify for VA compensation for PTSD, depression, and anxiety?
These invisible wounds can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, impacting work, relationships, and daily life.
However, if your condition is linked to your military service, you may qualify for VA compensation and benefits. Not sure where to begin?
This post will cover how to file for VA compensation, the steps to establish a service connection for your condition, and the monthly compensation you may be eligible for.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- You may be eligible for VA compensation for PTSD, depression, and anxiety if you can prove your military service caused or aggravated your condition.
- The VA rates mental health issues under various diagnostic codes depending on the specific condition.
- The VA assigns disability ratings for mental health conditions ranging from 0% to 100%, based on the level of social and occupational impairment.
Can You Get VA Compensation for PTSD, Depression and Anxiety?
Yes, you can receive VA compensation for PTSD, depression and anxiety.
However, the VA rates mental health conditions under a single rating system, meaning you’ll receive one rating for all mental health conditions instead of separate ratings for PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Want to estimate your VA disability rating? Try our easy-to-use VA Disability Calculator now!
PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety as Service-Connected Disabilities
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health injury that may develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as combat, physical assault, natural disaster, or psychological trauma.
According to the VA, at some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 veterans will have PTSD.
Symptoms related to PTSD include:
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Hypervigilance and irritability
- Sleep apnea and other physical symptoms
- Substance abuse
You may be eligible for a PTSD VA disability rating if you can establish a service connection for your post-traumatic stress disorder, demonstrating that it was caused or aggravated by your military service and significantly impacts your daily functioning.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Many veterans suffer from persistent sadness, hopelessness, and excessive worry due to their service-related experiences.
These mental disorders can be linked to work-related stress, exposure to traumatic incidents, and other psychological injuries.
Symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of interest in activities
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of the condition, with specific anxiety VA disability ratings and depression VA disability ratings determining the level of compensation you may receive.
How the VA Rates PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression
The VA rates PTSD, anxiety, and depression under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, with ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100%.
Your VA rating for PTSD, anxiety, and depression depends on how severely these conditions impact your ability to work and engage in daily life.
Here’s a snapshot of the VA ratings for PTSD, anxiety, and depression:
- 100% VA Rating: Total occupational and social impairment due to gross impairment in thought processes or communication.
- 70% VA Rating: Major occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment, mood).
- 50% VA Rating: Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
- 30% VA Rating: Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.
- 10% VA Rating: Mild symptoms that may decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress. Generally well-controlled with medication.
- 0% VA Rating: Diagnosed condition, but symptoms do not interfere with work or social functioning. No medication or treatment required.
VA Compensation for PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety
| VA Rating for Mental Health Conditions | VA Monthly Compensation (No dependents) |
| 100% | > $3,800 |
| 70% | > $1,800 |
| 50% | > $1,100 |
| 30% | > $525 |
| 10% | > $150 |
Note: If you have a 10% to 20% disability rating, you won’t receive a higher VA compensation rate even if you have a dependent spouse, child, or parent.
See More: VA Disability Compensation Rates
Service-Connecting Mental Health Conditions
To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must prove that your mental health condition is service-connected, meaning it was caused or worsened by your military service.
To prove service-connection, you must provide evidence of:
- A current medical diagnosis.
- An in-service injury or illness.
- A medical nexus, or link, connecting your military service and your medical diagnosis. (can be a nexus letter)
See More: VA Service Connection Explained
How to File for VA Compensation
Online is the quickest way to file for VA compensation. However, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it in one of the following ways:
- By Mail
- Via Fax
- In person at a VA regional office
Before you file your VA claim, you can find out your eligibility and begin gathering evidence and supporting documents.
TDIU and Mental Health Conditions
If your mental health condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits.
TDIU allows veterans who are unable to secure substantially gainful employment’ to receive benefits at the 100% level, even if their VA disability rating is below 100%.
See More: VA TDIU Approval Rate
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average VA rating for PTSD, anxiety, and depression?
The average VA rating for PTSD, anxiety, and depression is 70%. VA ratings vary based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life.
If you disagree with the VA’s decision on your claim, you can file an appeal.
Can I be rated for PTSD and anxiety?
No. The VA evaluates mental health conditions under a single rating system, meaning you can only receive one rating even if you have both PTSD and anxiety.
However, the VA will consider all symptoms when determining your overall disability rating.
Can I be rated for PTSD and depression?
No. While PTSD and depression are distinct conditions, the VA doesn’t assign separate ratings for multiple mental health diagnoses.
Instead, they assess how all your symptoms collectively impact your daily life and functioning to determine a single rating.
Can I be rated for anxiety and depression?
Since anxiety and depression fall under the broader category of mental health disorders, the VA will assign a single disability rating that reflects the severity of your combined symptoms rather than rating them separately.
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About the Author
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.
