Disability rating Veterans benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States

code of federal regulations, title 38 – pensions, bonuses, , veterans relief

the va assigns disability ratings ptsd according general rating formula mental disorders (38 c.f.r. § 4.130), specifies criteria disability ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.

some argue relying on current rating formula, va uses decades-old regulations developed mental disorders not resemble ptsd , and, consequently, [i]rrelevant criteria ... may outweigh ... more relevant factors, leading va undercompensate veterans valid diagnoses of ptsd. similarly, veterans service organizations have argued, example, ... veteran service connected schizophrenia , veteran service connected psychiatric disorder should not evaluated using same general formula , have supported efforts revise rating formula.

concern has been expressed rsvrs (vba raters adjudicate claims) automated software discourages use of independent judgment evaluate claim whole, charge senior va officials reject.

since 2001, va has been revising disability rating schedule incorporate medical advances have occurred since last review, update medical terminology, add medical conditions not in rating schedule, , refine criteria further clarity, consistency , ease of rater application.

requests increased disability rating

a veteran receiving compensation service-connected ptsd may file claim increase in or disability rating (the va refers increased disability evaluation, although increased disability rating more common), or individual unemployability: if veteran believes ptsd, either alone or in combination other service-connected disabilities (e.g., diabetes, injury, chronic pain, etc.), renders him or incapable of pursuing , retaining gainful employment, , meet eligibility requirements, may file compensation claim based on unemployability using va form 21-8940.

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