The VA rates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%, based on the severity of your occupational and social impairment. The most common (average) rating for PTSD is 70%. Like all mental health conditions, PTSD is evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. To win a PTSD claim, you must have a current diagnosis, a medical nexus, and—most importantly—a verified in-service "stressor."
| Percentage | Official Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Diagnosed, but symptoms do not interfere with occupational or social functioning; no continuous medication required. |
| 10% | Mild symptoms causing transient decreased work efficiency during high stress, or symptoms fully controlled by continuous medication. |
| 30% | Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency. Symptoms include depressed mood, weekly panic attacks, and sleep impairment. |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity. Symptoms include flattened affect, more than weekly panic attacks, and impaired judgment. |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family). Symptoms include near-continuous panic/depression, suicidal ideation, illogical speech, and inability to establish effective relationships. Most common rating. |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment. Symptoms include gross impairment in thought processes, persistent delusions/hallucinations, danger to self/others, and inability to perform basic activities of daily living. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.130, General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
1. Confirm diagnosis and timeline.
2. Identify and document your stressor.
3. Complete VA Form 21-0781 or 21-0781a (MST).
4. Submit Mental Health DBQ and nexus evidence.
References: 38 CFR 4.130, VA Form 21-0781.
Unlike other conditions, you must prove the specific traumatic event (the "stressor") that caused your PTSD. The VA categorizes these differently:
If your stressor is related to combat, the VA generally concedes the stressor occurred if your lay statement is consistent with the circumstances of your service (e.g., you have a Combat Action Ribbon or Purple Heart).
You must provide corroborating evidence. This means police reports, buddy statements, news articles, or medical records proving the event happened.
Required Form: VA Form 21-0781
Because MST is heavily underreported, the VA accepts "markers" as evidence. This includes requests for transfer, sudden drops in performance evaluations, STD tests, or statements from roommates about behavioral changes.
Required Form: VA Form 21-0781a
Source: 38 CFR § 3.304(f) (PTSD Stressor Evidentiary Rules).
Sources: 38 CFR § 4.14 (Avoidance of Pyramiding), 38 CFR § 4.130.
50%: $1,102.04 / month
70%: $1,716.28 / month
100%: $3,823.89 / month
The VA rates PTSD at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% under Diagnostic Code 9411 and the General Rating Formula (38 CFR 4.130). The most common (average) rating for PTSD is 70%.
Combat stressors are often conceded if your lay statement is consistent with your service (e.g., Combat Action Ribbon or Purple Heart). Non-combat stressors require corroborating evidence (police reports, buddy statements, news articles). MST accepts markers as evidence (transfer requests, performance drops, STD tests). Use VA Form 21-0781 for general stressors and VA Form 21-0781a for MST.
No. Under the VA's rule against pyramiding (38 CFR 4.14), you cannot be compensated twice for the same mental health symptoms. PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety are combined into one single mental health rating.
For a standalone veteran in 2026: 50% pays $1,102.04/month, 70% pays $1,716.28/month, and 100% pays $3,823.89/month. Confirm current rates on the VA compensation rates page.