Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common and most misunderstood VA disability claims. Whether you're filing for the first time or appealing a denied claim, understanding how the VA rates PTSD can mean the difference between a 30% rating and a 70% rating.
This guide covers VA PTSD ratings in 2026, written by veterans who've been through the process.
What is PTSD in VA terms?
The VA defines PTSD as a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event during military service. Under Title 38 CFR § 4.130, PTSD falls under diagnostic code 9411 and is rated on a scale from 0% to 100% based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning.
Key point: The VA doesn't rate PTSD based on the trauma itself, but on how your current symptoms affect your daily life and ability to work.
PTSD rating percentages explained
The VA rates PTSD at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. Here's what each rating means:
0% rating — "Diagnosed but not disabling"
- PTSD is diagnosed by a medical professional
- Symptoms are present but do not impair work or social functioning
- Monthly compensation: $0 (but you're service-connected, which matters for future increases)
Real-world example: You have occasional nightmares but they don't affect your job performance or relationships.
10% rating — "Mild symptoms"
Symptoms that create mild occupational and social impairment, such as:
- Occasional periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (but generally functioning satisfactorily)
- Mild memory loss (forgetting names, directions, recent events)
- Occasional anxiety or depression
Real-world example: You occasionally miss work due to panic attacks, but you're able to maintain employment and relationships most of the time.
30% rating — "Occasional decrease in work efficiency"
Symptoms that create occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, such as:
- Depression, anxiety, suspiciousness
- Chronic sleep impairment
- Mild memory loss affecting daily activities
Real-world example: You call out sick 1–2 times per month due to PTSD symptoms. You avoid social gatherings. You have frequent nightmares that disrupt your sleep.
50% rating — "Reduced reliability and productivity"
Symptoms that create reduced reliability and productivity, such as:
- Difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships
- Panic attacks more than once a week
- Disturbances of motivation and mood
Real-world example: You’ve been fired from jobs due to PTSD symptoms. You avoid leaving home except when necessary. You have frequent panic attacks in public.
70% rating — "Severe occupational and social impairment"
Symptoms that create severe impairment in most areas, such as:
- Suicidal ideation
- Near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently
- Impaired impulse control (unprovoked irritability with periods of violence)
- Difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships
Real-world example: You cannot maintain employment. You rarely leave your home. Your relationships are severely strained.
100% rating — "Total occupational and social impairment"
Symptoms that result in total impairment, such as:
- Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
- Persistent danger of hurting self or others
- Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living
- Disorientation to time or place
Real-world example: You require hospitalization or constant supervision. You cannot care for yourself. You are a danger to yourself or others.
What evidence do you need for a PTSD claim?
To win a PTSD claim, you need to prove three things:
1) Current diagnosis of PTSD
Required: A formal PTSD diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional.
Pro tip: The DBQ is the gold standard. It asks the exact questions the VA needs answered. Generate your DBQ here →
2) In-service stressor event
Required: Evidence that you experienced a traumatic event during active duty.
Special rule for combat veterans: If you served in combat, the VA must accept your word that a stressor occurred if it's consistent with your service.
3) Nexus (medical link)
Required: A medical opinion stating that your current PTSD is "at least as likely as not" (50% or greater probability) caused by your in-service stressor.
The C&P exam: what to expect
After you file your PTSD claim, the VA will schedule you for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam heavily influences your rating.
How to prepare
- Keep a symptom journal for 30 days before your exam.
- Bring a list of symptoms (memory aid) with specific examples.
- Be honest about your worst days, not your best days.
- Don't downplay symptoms.
Common mistakes that lead to PTSD claim denials
1) Insufficient evidence of in-service stressor
Solution: Gather buddy statements and be specific about dates, locations, and events.
2) No current diagnosis
Solution: Get diagnosed before filing. A diagnosis is non-negotiable.
3) Weak or missing nexus
Solution: Submit a strong nexus letter that explains why the PTSD is service-connected.
4) Underreporting symptoms at the C&P exam
Solution: Describe your worst days and typical impairment patterns.
5) Not mentioning secondary conditions
Solution: PTSD commonly causes secondary conditions. File for those too. See what secondary conditions you can claim →
Secondary conditions to PTSD (don’t leave money on the table)
PTSD often causes other ratable conditions. Consider secondary claims for:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- IBS
- Erectile dysfunction
- Migraines
- Hypertension
Each secondary condition can move your combined rating upward. Calculate your combined rating →
PTSD and TDIU: getting to 100% without a 100% rating
Can’t work because of PTSD, but your rating is 70%? You may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU eligibility (common rule of thumb):
- One service-connected disability at 60%+, OR
- Combined 70%+ with at least one condition at 40%+
2026 PTSD compensation rates
| Rating | Veteran Only |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 |
| 10% | $171.23 |
| 30% | $524.31 |
| 50% | $1,075.16 |
| 70% | $1,716.28 |
| 100% | $3,737.85 |
Next steps: get your PTSD claim started
Filing can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
- Analyze your medical records: Upload your records →
- Autofill your PTSD DBQ: Start your DBQ →
- Calculate your combined rating: Try the calculator →
- Prepare for your C&P exam: Get the prep guide →
Important disclaimers
This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. VA Rating Assistant is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- For legal guidance, consult an accredited VA attorney or Veterans Service Officer.
- For medical diagnosis and treatment, see a licensed healthcare provider.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988, then press 1.
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Ready to start your claim?
Upload your medical records and get an AI-powered rating estimate in minutes. We'll help you find evidence gaps and next steps.
Upload documents: /documents
Calculate your combined rating
If you have multiple conditions, our calculator shows your combined rating and monthly compensation using the VA's formula.
Try the calculator: /calculator
Autofill your DBQ
Use the Document Generator to accelerate common VA paperwork. We'll keep improving DBQ support as the beta expands.
Open Document Generator: /document-generator
Prepare for your C&P exam
Bring specific examples of how symptoms impact work and daily life. Use our tools to organize evidence and timelines before your exam.
Upload evidence: /documents
Open calculator: /calculator
Secondary conditions matter
Many veterans qualify for secondary conditions they haven't filed for yet. A single 10% can change your combined rating.
Upload records for analysis: /documents
Try the calculator: /calculator