Advocating For You, Fighting For Justice. Call For A VA Decision Review 
In this article, you can discover…
- The criteria the VA uses to evaluate the severity of PTSD.
- How to write a compelling PTSD stressor statement.
- Steps to take if your disability rating does not reflect your needs.
What Are The VA PTSD Claim Eligibility Criteria?
To qualify for VA disability benefits for PTSD, you will need to show a clear diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified healthcare provider, evidence of a traumatic event during your military service, and medical evidence linking your PTSD diagnosis directly to this event.
It is important to meet these criteria, and documentation is crucial. An attorney can help you collect the needed evidence and make a stronger case, greatly improving your chances of approval.
How Does The VA Evaluate PTSD Severity For Disability Ratings?
The severity of your PTSD is rated from 10% to 100%, depending on how severe, frequent, and disruptive your PTSD symptoms are.
- 10% Rating: Mild PTSD symptoms causing minor impairment occur during moments of stress and mildly impact your work efficiency. These symptoms may be largely controlled with medication.
- 30% Rating: Moderate PTSD symptoms cause a noticeable reduction in your work-related and social efficiency. However, your symptoms are occasional and do not generally impact your ability to care for yourself.
- 50% Rating: PTSD causes a noticeable reduction in productivity due to frequent anxiety attacks, mood swings, or difficulty in maintaining social relationships.
- 70% Rating: PTSD causes significant impairment due to chronic panic attacks, inability to maintain employment, or trouble adapting to stressful circumstances.
- 100% Rating: Severe PTSD has caused complete impairment, including chronic disorientation and an inability to care for yourself or live independently.
How Do I Write A Compelling VA PTSD Stressor Statement?
A stressor statement is your opportunity to describe clearly to the VA the traumatic event (or “stressor”) that led to your PTSD. To make your statement compelling, you must…
- Be Specific: Clearly detail dates, locations, and events as accurately as possible.
- Describe The Impact: Explain how the traumatic event has affected your life, relationships, work, and mental health.
- Provide Supporting Statements: Include testimonials from fellow servicemembers who witnessed or were aware of the event.
Your statement should be honest, clear, and detailed. A veteran disability attorney can help you write an impactful statement that effectively supports your claim.
Attorney William Nabors is a knowledgeable, compassionate veteran disability attorney serving Georgia. For over 15 years, he’s helped clients just like you understand how the VA evaluates PTSD claims and worked towards the maximum benefits possible.
Have questions, or in need of legal help? Reach out to Nabors Law Group for an initial consultation today.
Advocating For You, Fighting For Justice. Call For A VA Decision Review (678) 253-4884
What Medical Evidence Strengthens A PTSD Claim And Helps Achieve A Higher VA Rating?
Strong medical evidence is crucial to achieve an accurate and higher PTSD disability rating from the VA. This documentation helps the VA understand your condition’s severity and how it impacts your abilities and daily life.
This evidence should include…
- Professional Medical Diagnoses: Clear, detailed assessments from psychologists, psychiatrists, or mental health professionals.
- Treatment Records: Documentation of ongoing treatment for PTSD symptoms, showing the condition’s severity and impact on your life.
- Medical Nexus Letters: Expert letters explicitly connecting your PTSD diagnosis to your service-related stressor can significantly strengthen your claim.
How Do I Appeal If I Receive A Lower PTSD Rating Than Expected?
Your attorney can appeal a lower rating by providing additional evidence to the VA. This evidence can take the form of statements from friends, family, and coworkers and evaluations from an independent private psychologist.
In one such case, I represented a veteran who has received a fairly low disability rating of 30% for his PTSD. I obtained written statements from family and friends describing how his symptoms resulted in almost complete social isolation and constant panic attacks.
The appeal was successful, resulting in a much more accurate disability rating of 70%.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on the VA PTSD claim process, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (678) 253-4884 today.
