VA Rating for PTSD, the Six Levels in Plain Words
VA rates PTSD and other mental health conditions with one shared scale, the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in 38 CFR 4.130. The scale has six levels: 0, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100 percent. The level depends on how much your symptoms affect your work and your social life, not on the diagnosis alone. This guide explains each level in plain words and the evidence that usually matters.
If you are in crisis
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of hurting yourself, call the Veterans Crisis Line now. Dial 988 and press 1. It is free and open 24 hours a day.
The six PTSD rating levels
| Rating | What the level describes in plain words |
|---|---|
| 0 percent | You have a diagnosis, but symptoms are not strong enough to affect work or social life or to need continuous medication. |
| 10 percent | Mild or short lasting symptoms that lower work efficiency only in times of high stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. |
| 30 percent | Now and then you work less efficiently or cannot do tasks, but you mostly function well. Symptoms can include low mood, anxiety, panic attacks weekly or less, poor sleep and mild memory loss. |
| 50 percent | Lower reliability and productivity at work and in relationships. Symptoms can include panic attacks more than once a week, trouble with complex tasks, memory problems, poor judgment, mood changes and trouble keeping relationships. |
| 70 percent | Problems in most areas of life, such as work, school, family, judgment, thinking and mood. Symptoms can include suicidal thoughts, near constant panic or depression, poor impulse control, neglect of hygiene and trouble adapting to stress. |
| 100 percent | Total impairment at work and in social life. Symptoms can include severe problems with thinking or communication, ongoing delusions or hallucinations, a constant danger of hurting yourself or others, and serious memory loss. |
The symptom lists in the regulation are examples, not a checklist. VA looks at how often, how long and how severely your symptoms affect your daily life. For a deeper look at each level, read our guide to the ptsd va disability rating.
Evidence that usually matters
- A current PTSD diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional.
- An in-service stressor, such as combat, fear of hostile activity or military sexual trauma.
- A medical opinion that links your PTSD to the stressor, often called a nexus.
- Treatment records that show how severe your symptoms are and how often they happen.
- Lay statements from you, family members, friends or people you served with about how your symptoms affect daily life.
Claims based on military sexual trauma can use other kinds of evidence, called markers. Our guide to the mst va rating explains them.
The PTSD DBQ and the C&P exam
VA usually asks for a compensation and pension exam. The examiner often uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for PTSD to record your diagnosis, symptoms and how they affect your work and social life. Be honest and describe your worst days as well as your typical days. Read our guide to the va dbq ptsd form and our page on the va c&p exam.
Secondary conditions linked to PTSD
PTSD can cause or worsen other conditions, such as sleep problems, high blood pressure or stomach problems. VA can rate a condition as secondary when medical evidence shows that PTSD caused it or made it worse. Each secondary rating is combined with your PTSD rating using VA math.
See how a PTSD rating fits your combined rating
Add your PTSD rating and your other conditions to the va combined rating calculator. It shows each step of the VA math and your rounded combined rating.
Calculate my ratingGet help with a PTSD claim
Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) help with claims at no cost. Accredited attorneys and claims agents generally may not charge for help before VA issues an initial decision on a claim (38 CFR 14.636). If you want an accredited representative, see our page on va disability lawyer options and send one match request.
What is the most common VA rating for PTSD
We do not publish statistics. Your rating depends on how your symptoms affect your work and social life under 38 CFR 4.130, and every level from 0 to 100 percent is possible.
Can I work and still get a 70 percent PTSD rating
Yes. The rating looks at how much your symptoms affect work and social life. Having a job does not rule out a higher rating, but VA reviews the whole record.
Do I need a nexus letter for PTSD
VA needs evidence that links your PTSD to an in-service stressor. A medical opinion often provides that link, and the C&P examiner can also give one.
Can VA lower my PTSD rating
VA can review a rating and propose a change if the record shows improvement. You receive notice and a chance to respond before most reductions.
Does a PTSD rating combine with my other ratings
Yes. Your PTSD rating is combined with your other ratings using the whole person method in 38 CFR 4.25. The va combined rating calculator shows the steps.