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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of veterans, making it the most common mental health condition among those with service-connected disabilities for mental health.
PTSD is also the #6 most claimed and service-connected VA disability overall.
Of the 2,562,933 veterans with a service-connected mental health condition, 1,451,153 (56.6%) are rated for PTSD.
With PTSD being such a widespread issue, you might be asking: How do I prove my PTSD claim to the VA?
If you’re navigating the VA disability claims process for PTSD, it’s crucial to understand the key elements of a successful claim:
- (#1) A diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 standards, and
- (#2) A verifiable in-service stressor event, and
- (#3) A “nexus” connecting your PTSD to your military service, and
- (#4) Medical evidence your severity of symptoms and how these symptoms negatively impact your occupational and social functioning.
Table of Contents
4-Minute Video: What is the Average VA Disability Rating for PTSD? New Statistics Revealed!
Summary of Key Points
- Prevalence of PTSD Among Veterans: PTSD is the most common service-connected mental health condition among veterans, affecting over half of those with a mental health-related VA disability rating. Of the 2,562,933 veterans with a service-connected mental health condition, 1,451,153 (56.6%) have a rating for PTSD. PTSD ranks as the #6 most claimed VA disability overall, highlighting its widespread impact on the veteran community. The average VA rating for PTSD is 50% while the most common PTSD VA rating is 70%.
- PTSD Risk Factors and Demographics: Veterans are more likely to experience PTSD than civilians, with approximately 7% of veterans developing PTSD in their lifetime, compared to 6% of the general population. Female veterans face a notably higher risk, with 13% experiencing PTSD, compared to 6% of male veterans. Factors such as deployment, combat exposure, and military sexual trauma (MST) significantly increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.
- Variations in PTSD Prevalence Across Service Eras: The likelihood of developing PTSD varies by military service era. For example, veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have higher rates of PTSD, with 15% experiencing symptoms in the past year and 29% at some point in their lives. In contrast, veterans of older conflicts, such as World War II and the Korean War, show lower PTSD rates, reflecting changes in combat exposure and support over time.
- VA Rating Criteria for PTSD: The VA assigns PTSD ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning. PTSD VA ratings range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%. To secure a VA disability rating for PTSD, veterans must meet specific criteria, including a diagnosis conforming to DSM-5 standards, a verifiable in-service stressor event, a clear link between the PTSD and military service, and medical evidence showing how the symptoms affect daily life and work.
How Common is PTSD Among Veterans?
PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians.
Published VA PTSD statistics show that approximately 7 out of every 100 veterans (7%) experience PTSD at some point in their lives, compared to 6 out of every 100 adults (6%) in the general population.
The risk is notably higher for female veterans, with 13 out of every 100 (13%) affected, compared to 6 out of every 100 (6%) male veterans.
PTSD Prevalence Across Different Service Eras
The likelihood of developing PTSD varies depending on the era in which a veteran served.
Here’s a breakdown of PTSD rates by service era, based on a comprehensive study of veterans across the United States:
| Military Service Era | PTSD in the Past Year | PTSD at Some Point in Life |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Enduring Freedom (OEF) | 15 out of 100 (15%) | 29 out of 100 (29%) |
| Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm) | 14 out of 100 (14%) | 21 out of 100 (21%) |
| Vietnam War | 5 out of 100 (5%) | 10 out of 100 (10%) |
| World War II (WWII) & Korean War | 2 out of 100 (2%) | 3 out of 100 (3%) |
Factors That Increase PTSD Risk in the Military
Deployment significantly increases a veteran’s risk of developing PTSD.
Research shows that veterans who deploy are up to three times more likely to suffer from PTSD than those who do not, even when considering veterans from the same service era.
Several factors during deployment and combat can elevate the risk of PTSD, including:
- Military Role: Certain occupations, such as infantry or combat roles, are more likely to expose service members to traumatic events.
- Political Climate: The level of public support for a war can impact the mental health outcomes of veterans.
- Location of Conflict: The environment of the war zone, whether urban, jungle, or desert, can present different challenges and stressors.
- Nature of Combat: The type of enemy and combat style—such as guerrilla warfare or traditional battlefield engagement—can affect a service member’s experiences and subsequent mental health.
The Role of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in PTSD
Another significant contributor to PTSD among veterans is Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
MST includes any form of sexual harassment or assault experienced during military service.
It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, and may occur during peacetime, training, or wartime.
Unfortunately, MST remains a widespread issue and a major cause of PTSD among service members.
Although MST can happen to anyone in the military, it is much more commonly reported in women.
About 1 in 3 women veterans and 1 in 50 male veterans report experiencing MST when screened (asked about MST experiences) by their VA provider.
The Average VA Rating for PTSD
According to the latest Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) annual report on disability compensation, the average VA rating for PTSD is 50%.
Of the 2,562,933 veterans with a service-connected mental health VA rating, 674,723 of them have a 50% VA disability rating, representing 26.3% of the total.
The Most Common PTSD VA Rating
The most common VA rating for PTSD is 70%.
Of the 2,562,933 veterans with a service-connected mental health VA rating, 914,880 of them have a 70% VA disability rating, representing 35.7% of the total.
The Average Disability Rating for PTSD MST
The average VA rating for PTSD MST is 50% while the most common rating is 70%.
The numbers reflect the same average and most common rating for all types of service-connected PTSD.
What Are the VA Ratings for PTSD?
VA disability ratings for PTSD range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%.
The VA rates PTSD based on the severity of symptoms and the level of impairment they cause in both occupational (work) and social (life) functioning.
The PTSD rating scale and criteria is outlined in the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), Diagnostic Code (DC) 9411.
0% VA Rating for PTSD
PTSD symptoms are present but do not interfere significantly with social or occupational functioning. There may be mild symptoms or a full remission of symptoms.
A veteran may have occasional nightmares or mild anxiety but is otherwise able to function normally in daily life and work.
10% VA Rating for PTSD
PTSD symptoms cause mild impairment in social or occupational functioning. Symptoms may not always be noticeable or disruptive.
The veteran experiences occasional sleep disturbances, mild anxiety, or mild hypervigilance but can generally maintain relationships and employment.
30% VA Rating for PTSD
PTSD symptoms cause occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, though generally functioning satisfactorily with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation.
The veteran has occasional panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment, or mild memory loss.
They may struggle with work-related stress or find social interactions somewhat challenging but are generally able to cope.
50% VA Rating for PTSD
PTSD symptoms cause reduced reliability and productivity due to disturbances such as flattened affect, frequent panic attacks, impaired judgment, difficulty in understanding complex commands, impaired short- and long-term memory, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.
The veteran has frequent panic attacks, experiences mood swings, and has difficulty maintaining work performance or social relationships.
They might struggle with tasks that require concentration and may avoid social interactions.
70% VA Rating for PTSD
PTSD symptoms cause deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms like suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals interfering with routine activities, speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
The veteran experiences near-continuous panic or depression and has significant difficulty in social and work settings and may exhibit neglect of personal hygiene.
They might also have severe issues with anger management or find it impossible to maintain stable relationships.
The 70% rating is the most common rating among veterans with service-connected PTSD.
100% VA Rating for PTSD
PTSD symptoms result in total occupational and social impairment, due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, disorientation to time or place, memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name.
The veteran is unable to work or maintain any social relationships.
They may have severe memory loss, experience hallucinations, or exhibit dangerous behavior.
They might also be disoriented or unable to perform basic daily activities.
How Does the VA Determinate My Disability Rating for PTSD?
The VA determines your final PTSD rating based on a subjective assessment of your severity of symptoms and their impact on your work, life, and social functioning, with a particular emphasis on occupational and socail impairment.
Here’s an overview of the process:
#1. Diagnosis of PTSD with Medical Evidence
To establish a valid PTSD VA claim, the veteran must have a current diagnosis of PTSD that meets the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
This diagnosis must come from a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The C&P examiner will make or confirm your PTSD diagnosis on exam day.
#2. Verification of an In-Service Stressor Event
The veteran must demonstrate a connection between their PTSD and an in-service stressor event.
This can be verified through military records, personal statements, or corroborative evidence from other sources.
The VA has a new VA Form 21-0781 to help validate your PTSD stressor event.
#3. “Nexus” (Link or Connection) Between #1 and #2 Above
There must be a clear “nexus,” or link, between the in-service stressor and your PTSD.
This is typically established through medical evidence, including statements from healthcare providers that explicitly connect the PTSD to the veteran’s service.
If you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months, it’s highly recommended to get an independent psychological evaluation before filing your PTSD claim.
#4. Severity of PTSD Symptoms and Occupational and Social Impairment
Finally, the VA Rater will assign a PTSD rating based on the severity of symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration, along with how those symptoms affect occupational and social impairment.
The VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for PTSD includes a comprehensive list of 31 mental health symptoms used to evaluate the severity of your PTSD:
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety
- Suspiciousness
- Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often
- Panic attacks more than once a week
- Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively
- Chronic sleep impairment
- Mild memory loss, such as forgetting names, directions, or recent events
- Impairment of short and long-term memory, for example, retention of only highly learned material, while forgetting to complete tasks
- Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name
- Flattened affect
- Circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech
- Speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant
- Difficulty in understanding complex commands
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired abstract thinking
- Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
- Disturbances of motivation and mood
- Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships
- Difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a work-like setting
- Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships
- Suicidal ideation
- Obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities
- Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence
- Spatial disorientation
- Persistent delusions or hallucinations
- Grossly inappropriate behavior
- Persistent danger of hurting self or others
- Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene
- Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene
- Disorientation to time or place
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
