How VA rates PTSD
PTSD is rated under Diagnostic Code 9411 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR § 4.130):
| Rating | General description |
|---|---|
| 0% | Diagnosed, but symptoms don't interfere with work or social functioning or require continuous medication |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms affecting work only during periods of significant stress, or controlled by medication |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent inability to perform tasks (e.g., depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment) |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity (e.g., panic attacks more than once a week, impaired judgment, difficulty maintaining relationships) |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment |
Listed symptoms are examples. VA looks at the overall frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms and their effects.
Stressor evidence
Combat veterans, veterans whose stressor involves fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and MST survivors benefit from relaxed evidence rules. Other stressors need credible supporting evidence. Learn more on our PTSD & mental health claims page.
Common secondary conditions
Depending on the medical evidence: sleep problems, erectile dysfunction from medications, GERD from medications, and in some cases hypertension or sleep apnea through aggravation.
Get a free, no-obligation review from a VA-accredited claims agent.
Official sources
Rating criteria summarized for general information. Read the full regulation for details. Last reviewed October 2026.