Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Diagnostic Code 9411 • 38 CFR § 4.130
One of the most common service-connected mental health conditions
Diagnostic Code
9411
PTSD Rating Percentages at a Glance
Total occupational & social impairment
Gross impairment in thought, persistent delusions, danger to self/others
$3,737/mo
base, no deps
Impairment in most areas
Suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic, impaired impulse control
$1,716/mo
base, no deps
Reduced reliability & productivity
Panic attacks weekly+, memory impairment, difficulty in relationships
$1,075/mo
base, no deps
Occasional work decrease
Intermittent inability to perform tasks, generally functioning
$524/mo
base, no deps
Mild/transient symptoms
Decreased efficiency during stress or controlled by medication
$171/mo
base, no deps
Real-World Compensation Scenarios
70% PTSD + Common Secondaries
100% PTSD with Spouse & Child
100% PTSD
$3,737
Dependents
+$296
TOTAL
$4,033/mo
Spouse ($193) + 1 child ($103) @ 100% = +$296
70% PTSD + TDIU (Unemployable)
If you can't work due to PTSD, you can receive 100% compensation at the TDIU rate even with a 70% PTSD rating.
70% PTSD + TDIU
$3,737/mo
(same as 100% rating)
Complete Rating Criteria (General Rating Formula)
PTSD is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The key factor is occupational and social impairment, not just symptom count.
| Rating | VA Criteria (38 CFR § 4.130) | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 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. | $3,737 +deps |
| 70% | Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms such as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals; speech intermittently illogical; near-continuous panic or depression; impaired impulse control; spatial disorientation; neglect of personal hygiene; difficulty adapting to stress; inability to establish/maintain effective relationships. | $1,716 +deps |
| 50% | Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as: flattened affect; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty understanding complex commands; impaired short- and long-term memory; impaired judgment/abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty establishing/maintaining work and social relationships. | $1,075 +deps |
| 30% | Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but generally functioning satisfactorily, with normal routine behavior, self-care, and conversation. | $524 +deps |
| 10% | Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. | $171 +deps |
| 0% | A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough to require continuous medication. | $0 |
Important: All mental health conditions use this same rating formula. The key is documenting how symptoms impact work and social functioning, not just having the diagnosis.
Critical Evidence for PTSD Claims
1. DBQ for PTSD (Mental Disorders)
Most critical document. Completed by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Must include DSM-5 diagnosis, symptom frequency/severity, and functional impact assessment.
Tip: Private DBQs often more thorough than VA C&P exams
2. Stressor Documentation
Evidence of the traumatic event(s) that caused PTSD:
- • Combat: Service records, unit deployment logs, awards/medals
- • MST: Changed behavior evidence, buddy statements, counseling records
- • Training accident: Incident reports, medical treatment records
- • Fear of hostile military activity: Deployment records, threat assessments
3. Treatment History
Continuous treatment records showing ongoing symptoms: therapy session notes, psychiatric appointments, medication management records, hospitalizations, crisis interventions.
Warning: Gaps in treatment are often interpreted as symptom improvement
4. Work Impact Documentation
Employment records, termination letters, performance reviews, attendance records showing absences, disability accommodations, or inability to maintain employment.
5. Buddy & Family Statements
Lay statements describing: nightmares/flashbacks, hypervigilance, anger outbursts, social withdrawal, relationship difficulties, memory problems, personality changes since service.
Common Secondary Conditions to PTSD
PTSD causes or aggravates many physical conditions. Each is a separate claim with its own rating:
😴 Sleep Apnea
STRONGDC 6847 • 0-100% • Hyperarousal disrupts sleep architecture
Most common PTSD secondary - file immediately!
🤕 Migraines
STRONGDC 8100 • 0-50% • Chronic stress triggers migraines
🦴 IBS / GERD
STRONGDC 7319, 7346 • 0-30% • Gut-brain axis dysfunction
💔 Depression
MODERATEDC 9434 • Often pyramided - see note
May be pyramiding issue if same symptoms
❤️ Hypertension
STRONGDC 7101 • 0-60% • Chronic stress elevates BP
🚻 Erectile Dysfunction
STRONGDC 7522 • 0-20% • Psychological + medication side effects
🦴 Back/Neck Pain
MODERATEDC 5237-5243 • Muscle tension from hypervigilance
💊 Substance Use
STRONGVarious • Self-medication for PTSD symptoms
Substance use secondary to PTSD IS service-connected
Strategy: File all secondaries simultaneously to maximize retroactive pay. Use our Secondary Condition Mapper to identify all potential claims.
PTSD Claim Timeline
Gather Stressor Evidence
Day 0-14: Collect deployment records, incident reports, buddy statements, or changed behavior evidence
Get Private DBQ or Nexus Letter
Week 2-4: Schedule with psychiatrist/psychologist for PTSD DBQ linking stressor to current symptoms
File Initial Claim
Week 4-6: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all evidence
VA C&P Examination
Month 2-4: Bring all records, describe worst symptoms honestly, explain work/social impact
Receive Decision
Month 4-8: Review rating decision for accuracy
File Secondary Claims
Immediately: File for sleep apnea, migraines, IBS, etc. - retroactive to this filing date
What Gets You From 30% to 50% to 70%?
30% → 50% Increase
Document these symptoms to VA:
- ✓ Panic attacks weekly or more
- ✓ Memory problems affecting daily life
- ✓ Difficulty maintaining relationships (family, friends, coworkers)
- ✓ Reduced work reliability (missed deadlines, frequent absences)
- ✓ Mood disturbances interfering with work/social function
50% → 70% Increase
Document these more severe symptoms:
- ✓ Suicidal thoughts or ideation
- ✓ Near-continuous panic or depression
- ✓ Impaired impulse control (anger outbursts, reckless behavior)
- ✓ Spatial disorientation or confusion
- ✓ Neglect of hygiene/appearance
- ✓ Inability to establish or maintain ANY effective relationships
- ✓ Cannot adapt to stressful circumstances at all
70% → 100% Increase
Document catastrophic impairment:
- ✓ Gross impairment in thought processes (disconnected from reality)
- ✓ Persistent delusions or hallucinations
- ✓ Grossly inappropriate behavior
- ✓ Persistent danger to self or others
- ✓ Cannot perform basic activities of daily living intermittently
- ✓ Disoriented to time, place, or person
- ✓ Memory loss for close relatives' names or own identity
Often requires psychiatric hospitalization records
Can't Work Due to PTSD? File for TDIU
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is 70% or lower.
TDIU Requirements:
- • One condition rated 60%+ OR combined rating of 70%+
- • Unable to maintain "substantially gainful employment"
- • Disability prevents employment (not age, education, or job market)
Example:
70% PTSD + cannot work = File VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU → Receive $3,737/mo (100% rate) instead of $1,716/mo (70% rate)
That's an extra $2,021/month or $24,252/year!
Common Mistakes That Lower Your Rating
Not Describing Work Impact
Saying "I have PTSD symptoms" isn't enough. Must show HOW symptoms prevent you from working or maintaining relationships.
Gaps in Treatment
Not seeing a therapist regularly signals to VA that symptoms are improving. Maintain continuous treatment.
Minimizing Symptoms at C&P Exam
Describe your WORST symptoms, not how you're doing on a good day. Examiners rate based on peak severity.
Not Filing Secondary Claims
Sleep apnea alone can add 50% rating. Many veterans leave $1,000+/month on the table by not filing secondaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ Can I be rated for both PTSD and depression separately?
Generally no - this is called "pyramiding." Both use the same General Rating Formula and rate the same functional impairment. However, if depression predated PTSD or has a separate cause, separate ratings may be possible. Consult a VSO.
▸ What if I wasn't in combat?
You can still get PTSD service connection. Non-combat PTSD includes: MST (military sexual trauma), accidents/training injuries, fear of hostile military activity, or even non-traumatic stressors if a psychiatrist diagnoses PTSD. The stressor requirements vary by type.
▸ How much treatment do I need to show?
There's no specific number, but continuous treatment strengthens your claim. Monthly therapy sessions, regular psychiatric appointments, and ongoing medication management demonstrate persistent symptoms. Even if you're stable on medication, that ongoing treatment supports your rating.
▸ Can medications help or hurt my rating?
Medications help! Being on continuous medication for symptoms can support a 10% minimum rating. Multiple medications or high doses indicate more severe symptoms. The VA rates "despite treatment" - meaning if you still have impairment while medicated, that supports a higher rating.
▸ Should I work with a VSO or attorney?
Yes, especially for initial PTSD claims. VSOs are free; attorneys work on contingency (typically 20-33% of past-due benefits only). PTSD claims have unique evidence requirements (stressor documentation) and high denial rates for pro se claimants. Professional help significantly increases approval odds.
Tools & Resources for Your PTSD Claim
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.