Understanding The VA PTSD Rating Scale
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PTSD is a mental illness that may arise from traumatic experiences and life-threatening situations. It can be common among veterans, especially those who have experienced combat or the results of war. Veterans whose PTSD is affecting their daily lives may be eligible for disability benefits through the US Veterans Association (VA). These benefits are calculated using a “disability rating” scale determined by the VA. Understanding these benefits can be a step toward finding support and advocating for your unique needs.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder.
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. However, those who do may experience challenges in their relationships and daily lives. PTSD symptoms can include:
- Reliving the traumatic event through memories or sensations
- Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event
- Becoming nervous, jumpy, or on edge
- Having trouble concentrating
- Depression
- Angry outbursts
- Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol
- Physical symptoms like headaches or dizziness
- Panic attacks
Symptoms like these can be distressing and may make it difficult to function at work and home. While symptoms of PTSD often develop within the first month after a traumatic event, they may not always. Some people may not develop PTSD symptoms until months or years after the trauma.
PTSD can have several possible causes, including but not limited to the following:
- Natural disasters
- Domestic abuse
- Violence or serious injury
- Personal or sexual trauma
- Acts of terrorism
War can be another cause of PTSD. For this reason, PTSD is often common among veterans, especially in women and people who served in specific military operations.
Understanding VA disability benefits
In the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to military personnel and their families. These benefits might include college tuition, pensions, and life insurance, among others.
Other benefits offered by the VA are designed to help veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability connected to your time in the military, you might qualify for benefits like VA health care or tax-free monthly payments (sometimes called “disability compensation”).
A PTSD diagnosis may qualify as a disability if you developed the disorder during your military service. However, your eligibility may depend on how severe your symptoms are. The VA uses a scale to determine this factor.
The VA PTSD rating scale
To receive VA benefits like disability pay, you may be asked to submit an application. In the application, you may list your conditions with a military service connection. You might be asked to provide supporting documents like medical and personnel records. You may also be asked to submit forms specific to PTSD.
The VA can then determine the level of disability your PTSD is causing you. They may use a “disability rating scale” or “schedule of ratings.” The VA has different rating criteria for different service-related conditions. These rank a person’s level of disability on a scale of 10% to 100%.
The criteria used to calculate the disability rating for PTSD is found in the Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, Book C, in the section called “Mental Disorders.” For the mental illnesses listed in this section, the following ratings are used:
- 0% disability: This rating is used when someone has been diagnosed with a mental illness, but their symptoms aren’t intense enough to need medication or interfere with their daily life.
- 10% disability: This rating is used when someone experiences mild, treatable, or infrequent symptoms due to a mental health condition.
- 30% disability: People assigned a 30% rating may have more severe challenges at work and in relationships, although they may function well in daily life. They may also experience subtle difficulties with mood, memory, or sleep.
- 50% disability: This level of disability may be used when someone has noticeable challenges in daily life and at work. They may have trouble speaking, thinking, and maintaining relationships. They may also have panic attacks more than once a week.
- 70% disability: This rating is given when a person has challenges in most areas of life due to symptoms like panic or depression. They may have noticeable confusion, trouble speaking, suicidal thoughts, or unprovoked outbursts. They may also neglect their hygiene and relationships.
- 100% disability: This level of disability is used when someone’s mental illness completely prevents them from functioning at work, in relationships, and in daily life. They may have major challenges with memory, thinking, and communicating. They may also behave inappropriately or pose a danger to themselves or others.
When the VA processes your application, they use these criteria to calculate your monthly PTSD disability payments.
Beyond the VA: Getting help for PTSD
PTSD can be distressing but is often manageable with treatment. According to the NHS, PTSD can be successfully treated even after many years of living with the condition. If you’re a veteran living with PTSD, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe medication to help you manage your symptoms and refer you to a therapist for ongoing support. Certain types of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and rapid eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), may be beneficial for people with PTSD.
If you’re applying for disability benefits because your PTSD makes it challenging to work full-time, accessing in-person therapy might not be accessible or convenient. Research has found that as few as 11.3% of mental healthcare providers are in-network with US marketplace insurance plans. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be a more affordable option. In addition, online platforms allow clients to choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions at times that work for them.
Studies have found that online therapy may be as effective at treating PTSD as in-person therapy. In a 2022 study, 196 adults with PTSD received therapy either online or in person. Online therapy led to similar improvements as in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Veterans may be eligible for disability payments if they have PTSD that affects their daily lives. When you apply for benefits as a veteran, the VA may use a rating scale to determine your level of disability due to PTSD. This scale is then used to calculate your monthly disability payments. Beyond VA benefits, PTSD can often be managed with medication and therapy.
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