How does VA rate PTSD?

Under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent. The level turns on occupational and social impairment shown by the record — the symptoms listed at each level are examples of type and degree, not a required checklist.

What evidence do I need for a PTSD claim?

A current PTSD diagnosis, a link between the diagnosis and an in-service stressor, and credible supporting evidence of the stressor. Combat service, fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and military sexual trauma each have relaxed corroboration rules that change what must be documented.

Can I get VA compensation for depression or anxiety secondary to a physical condition?

Potentially, yes. A mental health condition caused or aggravated by a service-connected physical condition — chronic pain is the most common example — may be service-connected on a secondary basis under 38 CFR § 3.310 and rated under the same mental health formula.

Is insomnia rated separately from PTSD?

Usually not when both stem from the same disability picture — VA does not compensate the same symptoms twice (the anti-pyramiding rule). Insomnia may be rated separately when it is independently diagnosed and distinct, or as part of another condition's evaluation.

My mental health C&P exam was 15 minutes long. Does that matter?

It can. An examination that does not elicit the symptoms, work history, and social functioning the rating criteria require may be inadequate, and an inadequate examination is a recognized basis for challenging the decision that relied on it.

★Resource Center

PTSD and Mental Health VA Claims: Ratings, Evidence, and Appeals

Mental health claims turn on two questions: is the condition connected to service, and does the rating reflect how severe it actually is. This center covers both — including the stressor rules, the rating formula, and the ways denials and low ratings are challenged.

(760) 702-4507

No upfront fee for eligible appeals. No rating or outcome is guaranteed.

Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims AgentLast updated: 2026-09-17

PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia are among the most claimed — and most frequently underrated or denied — disabilities in the VA system. The rules are more structured than they appear: one rating formula governs most conditions, specific corroboration rules govern stressors, and secondary service connection opens a path many veterans never claim.

How VA rates mental health conditions

One formula for most mental health conditions

PTSD, depression, anxiety, and most other acquired psychiatric conditions are rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent. The assigned level turns on occupational and social impairment — not on the diagnosis name or a symptom count.

Symptoms serve as examples, not a checklist

The symptoms listed at each level are illustrations of the type and degree of impairment. A veteran does not need every listed symptom, and a listed symptom alone does not set the rating — the overall picture of work and social functioning controls.

PTSD adds a stressor element

Service connection for PTSD requires a current diagnosis, a link to an in-service stressor, and credible supporting evidence that the stressor occurred — with relaxed corroboration rules for combat, fear of hostile activity, and military sexual trauma.

Mental health conditions can be secondary

Depression, anxiety, or insomnia that develops because of a service-connected physical condition — chronic pain, tinnitus, medication side effects — may be compensable as secondary service connection, rated on the same formula.

When a mental health decision may be worth reviewing

None of these establish entitlement on their own. They are the patterns that make a closer look reasonable.

Your PTSD or mental health rating does not reflect how the condition affects work, relationships, or daily functioning.
VA conceded a stressor but assigned a low rating based on a brief examination.
Your claim was denied for lack of a verified stressor that falls under the relaxed corroboration rules.
A mental health condition caused or worsened by a service-connected physical condition was never claimed.
The C&P examination lasted minutes, skipped social and occupational history, or misstated your symptoms.
You were denied because the examiner attributed symptoms to a non-service-connected cause without explanation.
Your condition has worsened since the last rating and treatment records document the decline.

What Oakridge Claims reviews

The rating decision against the General Rating Formula — which level the documented impairment most nearly supports.

The stressor evidence and whether the correct corroboration standard was applied (combat, hostile activity, MST).

The C&P examination for adequacy — symptom elicitation, occupational and social history, and reasoning.

Treatment records, therapy notes, and medication history showing severity over time.

Whether a secondary service-connection theory was reasonably raised and never addressed.

Lay statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing observable functional change.

The effective date, including whether an earlier claim or informal filing was overlooked.

Which post-decision lane — Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board appeal — fits the posture.

Examination problems are common in mental health claims. If a brief or incomplete examination drove the decision, see the C&P Exam Problems Center. When a mental health condition prevents substantially gainful work, see the TDIU Resource Center.

Guides in this center

PTSD and mental health claims — frequently asked

How does VA rate PTSD?: Under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent. The level turns on occupational and social impairment shown by the record — the symptoms listed at each level are examples of type and degree, not a required checklist.
What evidence do I need for a PTSD claim?: A current PTSD diagnosis, a link between the diagnosis and an in-service stressor, and credible supporting evidence of the stressor. Combat service, fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and military sexual trauma each have relaxed corroboration rules that change what must be documented.
Can I get VA compensation for depression or anxiety secondary to a physical condition?: Potentially, yes. A mental health condition caused or aggravated by a service-connected physical condition — chronic pain is the most common example — may be service-connected on a secondary basis under 38 CFR § 3.310 and rated under the same mental health formula.
Is insomnia rated separately from PTSD?: Usually not when both stem from the same disability picture — VA does not compensate the same symptoms twice (the anti-pyramiding rule). Insomnia may be rated separately when it is independently diagnosed and distinct, or as part of another condition's evaluation.
My mental health C&P exam was 15 minutes long. Does that matter?: It can. An examination that does not elicit the symptoms, work history, and social functioning the rating criteria require may be inadequate, and an inadequate examination is a recognized basis for challenging the decision that relied on it.
What does a review cost, and does it commit me to anything?: The consultation is free and does not create an agent-client relationship. Oakridge Claims decides whether it can offer representation only after reviewing the facts and procedural posture of a case. Filing independently, or with a free accredited Veterans Service Organization, always remains an option.

Get your decision reviewed

Bring your most recent rating decision, the examination report if you have it, and any treatment records showing how the condition affects work and daily life. We will read the decision against the rating formula and the stressor rules and explain what the record supports.

Important: Oakridge Claims evaluates potential representation only after reviewing the facts and procedural posture of a case. Submitting information does not create an agent-client relationship. Veterans may seek free assistance from VA-accredited Veterans Service Organizations.

Authorities

38 CFR § 4.130 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
38 CFR § 3.304(f) — PTSD stressor requirements and relaxed corroboration rules.
38 CFR § 3.310 — secondary service connection, including aggravation.
38 CFR § 4.14 — anti-pyramiding rule.
38 CFR § 4.126 — evaluation of disability from mental disorders.

Disclaimer: Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No specific outcome, rating, or approval can be guaranteed — results depend on the individual facts of each case and applicable law.