Filing a VA Claim for PTSD: What Veterans Need to Know About Ratings and Mental Health Diagnoses
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common service-connected conditions among Veterans, but pursuing VA disability benefits for PTSD can be complex. Veterans need to be aware of the eligibility requirements, how the VA evaluates PTSD claims, and how these claims differ from those involving other mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder.
Eligibility for a PTSD Claim
To receive VA disability compensation for PTSD, a Veteran must demonstrate:
A current diagnosis of PTSD by a qualified medical provider,
A credible in-service stressor event (combat, military sexual trauma, etc.), and
A medical nexus linking the PTSD to the stressor.
Unlike some other conditions, PTSD claims often require detailed personal statements and corroborating evidence of the traumatic event.1
What Makes PTSD Claims Different
PTSD claims involve more detailed documentation than many other mental health claims. The VA uses the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) as part of the Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess PTSD-specific symptoms and functional impact. Veterans must also describe the stressor event in detail, and it must be verifiable unless the claim qualifies under relaxed combat-related standards.2
PTSD vs. Anxiety Disorder Ratings
PTSD and anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are both rated under the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 C.F.R. § 4.130). However, PTSD typically involves more complex claims due to the need for stressor verification and specific trauma-related symptoms. In contrast, anxiety claims may rely more heavily on present symptoms and functional impairment without requiring a defined traumatic event.3
VA Disability Ratings for PTSD and Anxiety
VA ratings for mental health conditions range from 0% to 100%, based on the severity of occupational and social impairment:
0%: Diagnosis with no functional impairment
10%: Mild symptoms; occasional work inefficiencies
30%: Moderate symptoms; reduced reliability
50%: Impaired judgment, panic attacks, difficulty with relationships
70%: Near-continuous symptoms affecting most areas of life
100%: Total occupational and social impairment
Both PTSD and anxiety disorders follow these same rating criteria, though the path to establishing the condition can differ.4
Tips for Filing or Appealing a Claim
To strengthen your PTSD claim:
Submit a personal statement describing the in-service event (VA Form 21-0781 or 21-0781a for MST)
Include buddy statements from fellow service members
Obtain treatment records or a diagnosis from a VA provider
Work with an accredited attorney or representative to ensure complete documentation and legal support
If you are struggling with PTSD or anxiety due to your military service, you deserve the support and benefits you've earned. Contact Obsidian Ridge Law today for help navigating the VA disability claims process. We offer experienced legal guidance to ensure your case is properly documented and thoroughly presented.
1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “PTSD Compensation and Pension Exam.” https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/ptsd/
2. VA.gov. “Understanding PTSD and the C&P Exam.” https://www.va.gov/disability/ptsd/
3. 38 C.F.R. § 4.130 – Schedule of Ratings – Mental Disorders. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-B/section-4.130
4. National Center for PTSD. “PTSD Compensation and Benefits.” https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/compensation_claims.asp