How VA Rates PTSD: DC 9411 Stressors and Impairment

PTSD is evaluated under 38 CFR 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9411. Like all psychiatric diagnoses, ratings are assigned at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% based on the veteran's documented level of occupational and social impairment rather than the specific trauma history.

A 10% rating reflects mild symptoms controlled by continuous medication; 30% describes occasional work impairment and depressed mood; 50% reflects reduced reliability and productivity due to flattened affect or panic attacks; 70% requires deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, and mood (including suicidal ideation); and 100% reflects total occupational and social impairment.

Unless PTSD is conceded based on combat service, prisoner of war status, or fear of hostile military activity under 38 CFR 3.304(f), non-combat and military sexual trauma (MST) claims require evidence corroborating the stressor event using VA Form 21-0781 or 21-0781a and credible lay or military personnel records.

Under the pyramiding rule (38 CFR 4.14), a veteran cannot receive separate ratings for PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety. The VA combines all psychiatric symptoms into a single overall evaluation under 38 CFR 4.130 reflecting the veteran's total psychological impairment.

A successful PTSD claim requires a formal medical diagnosis matching DSM-5 criteria, a completed Initial PTSD DBQ from a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, credible stressor verification documentation, and personal or buddy statements illustrating changes in behavior and functional limitations since the trauma.