Ratings for Psychiatric Disabilities

Once VA determines that service connection for a psychiatric condition (PTSD or other) is warranted, it will then rate the condition based on VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities.  It is important to note that no matter what the underlying diagnosis is – whether VA awarded service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc. -- VA rates all psychiatric conditions using the same rating schedule.

The VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities for all psychiatric conditions evaluates the disability’s severity based on occupational and social impairment. A rating for a psychiatric condition can range from a non-compensable (0% rating) to a total (100% rating).  According to VA’s annual report for 2022, the most common degree of disability awarded is a 70% evaluation.  Below is the complete rating schedule for psychiatric conditions:

What Determines My Disability Rating?

Generally, as a veteran moves through the claims or appeals process, VA will schedule examinations for each condition involved in the veteran’s claim. The information gathered during the exam will then be compared to the Rating Schedule to determine the most appropriate rating level for the condition.  However, other evidence such as personal statements, buddy statements, information from treatment providers, etc. can all play a role in securing an appropriate evaluation.

Do I have to have all the symptoms listed for a particular rating?

You do not need to have every symptom listed in a rating category to be awarded at that level. VA must award a rating level consistent with the veteran’s overall disability picture. Descriptions contained with this Rating Schedule have been determined to be more akin to examples of the level of impairment, and not a checklist of necessary symptoms.  For example, you may have several symptoms noted in the 50% category, and a few particularly severe symptoms noted in the 70% category. But if your overall level of impairment “more nearly approximates” the 70% level of occupational and social impairment (i.e., with deficiencies in most areas of school, work, family relations, etc.), then VA must award the 70% rating.

I received a low rating for my disability, can I challenge it?

You can challenge VA’s evaluation of your disability. Your Rating Decision will usually contain information on the evidence required to achieve the next highest disability evaluation. You can also review the VA’s Schedule of Rating Disabilities for your particular disability to determine if you meet the next highest criteria. If you need help appealing your VA Rating Decision and achieving a higher rating, or if you are unable to work due to your service connected disabilities, reach out us to discuss your options!