Filing A VA Claim For PTSD: What You Need To Know

Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most commonly claimed conditions in the VA disability system. Despite that, many PTSD claims are denied or underrated because of issues with evidence or stressor verification.

Below, our friends from Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law discuss the basics of filing a VA claim for PTSD.

What The VA Requires For A PTSD Claim

To grant service connection for PTSD, the VA generally needs three things: a current diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified provider, a link between the diagnosis and an in-service stressor, and credible evidence that the stressor actually occurred. Each element must be supported, and a weakness in any one of them can result in a denial.

Stressor Verification

The type of stressor determines what evidence is required. Combat veterans benefit from a relaxed standard — if the stressor is consistent with the circumstances of service, the VA may concede it without independent verification. For non-combat stressors, veterans typically need corroborating evidence such as service records, buddy statements, or incident reports.

The Role Of A PTSD Diagnosis

A general anxiety or depression diagnosis won’t satisfy the VA’s PTSD criteria. The diagnosis must conform to the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and should be provided by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many claims run into trouble when the diagnosing provider doesn’t use the correct diagnostic framework or fails to connect the diagnosis to a specific in-service event.

How PTSD Ratings Are Assigned

The VA rates PTSD under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, with ratings typically at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent. The assigned rating depends on the severity of symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning. Veterans often find that their initial rating doesn’t reflect how significantly PTSD affects their daily lives.

Getting The Rating You Deserve

If your PTSD claim was denied or you believe your rating is too low, there are options for appeal. A qualified attorney experienced with VA PTSD lawyer can help you identify weaknesses in the current decision and gather stronger evidence for a successful outcome.