PTSD VA Rating Explained: 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%
How the VA assigns PTSD ratings under the General Rating Formula — what 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% really mean in plain English, with examples and tips.
The VA rates PTSD at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Ratings are based on occupational and social impairment — not on diagnosis alone. The higher your symptoms interfere with work and relationships, the higher the rating.
PTSD is one of the most-claimed conditions at the VA — and one of the most misunderstood. Two veterans with the same diagnosis can end up with very different ratings, and it often comes down to how their symptoms are documented, not how severe they actually are.
This guide walks through every PTSD rating level from 0% to 100% in plain English, with examples of what each level actually looks like in daily life, and the most common reasons veterans get under-rated.
How the VA Rates PTSD
PTSD is rated under 38 CFR § 4.130 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. That same formula applies to most mental health conditions — anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and others.
The VA does not rate the diagnosis. It rates the level of occupational and social impairment your symptoms cause. That means a veteran with mild symptoms on paper but severe day-to-day dysfunction can still qualify for a high rating, if the evidence shows it.
PTSD Rating Levels in Plain English
0% — Diagnosed, no impairment
A formal diagnosis exists, but symptoms are controlled by medication or therapy and don't interfere with work or relationships.
30% — Mild but noticeable
- Depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness
- Occasional panic attacks (less than weekly)
- Mild memory loss (forgetting names, directions)
- Generally functions well, occasional decrease in efficiency
50% — Moderate impairment
- Panic attacks more than once a week
- Difficulty understanding complex commands
- Impaired short- and long-term memory
- Disturbances of motivation and mood
- Difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships
70% — Severe
- Suicidal ideation
- Obsessional rituals interfering with routine
- Near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function
- Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
- Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships
100% — Total impairment
- Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
- Persistent delusions or hallucinations
- Grossly inappropriate behavior
- Persistent danger of hurting self or others
- Disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives or own name
Why Documentation Matters More Than Diagnosis
Examiners only see a 30-minute snapshot. If you minimize symptoms on a good day, the rating reflects the good day — not your worst weeks.
Strong claims combine treatment records, lay statements from a spouse or co-worker describing real incidents, and a clear list of how symptoms affect work and relationships.
Step-by-step
- Get current treatment. Even one session per month at VA or a private provider creates an active record.
- Track symptoms in writing. Keep a simple log of nightmares, panic episodes, missed work days, and conflicts. Bring it to the C&P exam.
- Gather lay statements. Ask a spouse, parent, or co-worker to write what they have personally observed — concrete incidents, not generalities.
- Be honest at the C&P exam. Describe your worst week in the last year, not your best day. Examiners are trained to ask about averages.
- Review the decision. If symptoms in your records meet a higher level than the rating reflects, file a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review within one year.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Going to the C&P exam clean-shaven and well-dressed and then describing severe symptoms — examiners note appearance.
- Saying things are 'fine' out of habit. Be specific: 'I haven't slept more than three hours a night in two weeks.'
- Failing to mention secondary conditions like sleep apnea, GERD, or migraines that often develop alongside PTSD.
- Skipping treatment because you feel better for a few months — gaps in care can be read as improvement.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
PTSD ratings are about impact, not diagnosis. Document your worst weeks honestly, keep treatment consistent, and don't let a polished appearance hide how hard daily life actually is. Educational only. Not legal advice.