VA Disability ratings are percentages assigned by the body to a veteran’s condition linked to their service. These ratings are meant to indicate the severity of their condition. People with higher disability ratings, including those with a 100% VA disability compensation rating, are usually entitled to higher compensation. VA disability ratings are expressed as a percentage. The percentage indicates how the disability inhibits someone’s ability to function and general health. The following are levels of VA disability ratings for PTSD.

0% PTSD Rating

This is the lowest rating on the condition’s rating scale. It is usually assigned when a mental condition has been officially detected, but the symptoms aren’t serious enough to alter their social and occupational functioning. A person with this rating doesn’t require continuous medication.

A 0% rating is not compensable. Although veterans with this PTSD rating cannot be compensated, they are entitled to other benefits from the body.

10% PTSD Disability Rating

Typically, symptoms exhibited at this rating are irregular and transient. For instance, a person may have nightmares that don’t occur daily. Alternatively, the symptoms may be more serious but controlled by medication.

30% PTSD Disability Rating

This is the most common level of PTSD disability rating. Although the symptoms at this stage are worse, they can be managed. For instance, someone at this level may experience more severe and frequent nightmares characterized by sleeping difficulties. This may make a person feel tired the following day, particularly during morning hours. Although a person may be able to function fairly, the condition usually affects their job performance and social interaction.

50% PTSD Disability Rating

The first two levels of PTSD disability rating usually focus on the general effects. However, the subsequent ratings focus on particular symptoms. In this rating, the symptoms include:

The first two ratings focus on overall effects. The higher three focus on specific symptoms. A 50% rating is appropriate if symptoms include:

• Speech impairment
• Lethargic or flat outlook
• Thought, memory, or judgment impairment
• Difficulties in upholding healthy social relationships or in understanding complex instructions
• Weekly panic attacks

70% PTSD Disability Rating

Individuals at this level are usually struggling to maintain their job. Specific symptoms exhibited at this level include:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Panic attacks that are almost continuous or depression
• Obsessive focus on rituals
• Emotional outbursts, commonly irrational anger
• Disregarding personal hygiene
• Inability to control stressful circumstances

Most veterans who get VA disability for their PTSD linked to their service are usually at this level. According to VA rating standards, individuals at these ratings are affected in most areas, including school, family relations, work, thinking, judgment, and mood. A person with this PTSD level can file for total disability since they can’t work.

100% PTSD Disability Rating 

This is the most severe PTSD rating since it reflects total disability. In this stage, a person cannot leave their house or require constant monitoring. Symptoms linked to this disability include:

• Gross thought impairment
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Disorientation as to time, place, and situation
• Danger to others and self
• Near-complete memory loss

A person’s monthly amount is based on the disability rating given to their PTSD. If the percentage of the condition increases based on the VA rating, other monthly benefits also increase. The higher the disability, the higher the amount a person receives monthly. Veterans with conditions rated 30% or more are eligible for extra benefits for their dependents, including kids, spouses, or dependent parents.

A person undergoes various assessments to evaluate their PTSD ratings for compensation. Veterans are advised to provide truthful information and to document all necessary information to validate their case. Seeking help from health and legal practitioners can be helpful.

Jane