Will my PTSD claim be approved?

Asked by: Toy Cummings  |  Last update: April 6, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (19 votes)

To win a VA disability claim for PTSD you must prove the following: A current diagnosis of PTSD. An in-service stressful event. An opinion by a qualified mental health expert that the PTSD is related to the stressful event (called a “nexus” opinion).

Do most PTSD claims get denied?

Veterans that appeal their claims tend to win. Of the almost 1 million claims pending before the VA, 300,000 to 400,000 are denied every year. But most of the veterans and families that have claims denied do not appeal.

What percentage of soldiers return with PTSD?

The point prevalence of combat-related PTSD in US military veterans since the Vietnam War ranges from about 2 – 17%. Studies of recent conflicts suggest that combat-related PTSD afflicts between 4 – 17% of US Iraq War veterans, but only 3 – 6% of returning UK Iraq War veterans.

How do I get my PTSD claim approved?

You must provide evidence that there is a link between current symptoms and an event that caused the in-service distress or trauma (a stressor). There must also be credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

What support can you get for PTSD?

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. offers a list of support groups across the country for a number of different mental health conditions, including PTSD. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (NAMI) Information HelpLine provides support, referral and information on mental illness care.

PTSD VA Rating Secrets: Ultimate Guide To A Winning Claim!

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How hard is it to get disability for PTSD?

To qualify under these standards, the post-traumatic stress disorder must be severe enough that you are considered disabled from performing your previous job, or any other type of substantially gainful work. SSA will look at the physical and mental demands of the work you have done in the past 15 years.

What can I claim if I have PTSD?

You can make a PTSD compensation claim regardless of whether your PTSD is the only after-effect of what happened or if you also have physical injuries. As long as the accident or other incident that led to your PTSD was in the past three years and the fault of someone else, you can claim for PTSD compensation.

What to say to get 100% PTSD compensation?

The standard for receiving a 100% rating for PTSD alone is stringent: total occupational and social impairment. That's characterized by symptoms like: Gross impairment of thought processes or communication. Persistent delusions or hallucinations.

How much does PTSD disability pay?

Is PTSD a disability? Yes. Depending on the severity, a veteran's diagnosis of PTSD is eligible for a VA disability rating of 100% ($3,831.30/month), 70% ($1,759.19/month), 50% ($1,102.04/month), 30% ($537.42/month), 10% ($175.51/month), or 0% (no payment).

How long are PTSD claims taking?

The VA estimates that the initial application review process takes three to four months from the filing of the application until a decision letter is sent out. As of August 2021, the VA reported that the grant rate of MST-related PTSD claims was 72% – a dramatic increase from 50% in 2015.

What are the 17 symptoms of PTSD in veterans?

The 17 symptoms of PTSD are:
  • Agitation.
  • Nervousness & Anxiety.
  • Problems with Concentration or Thinking.
  • Problems with Memory.
  • Headaches.
  • Depression & Crying Spells.
  • Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts.
  • Mood Swings.

Who is a famous person who has PTSD?

Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger is the lead singer of the iconic rock band The Rolling Stones. Jagger has said he developed PTSD after his girlfriend, L'Wren Scott died by suicide in their home. Doctors ordered the grief-stricken musician to avoid performing for 30 days to prevent his symptoms from deteriorating further.

How to get diagnosed with PTSD?

For physical health problems, this could include labs (like bloodwork), tests (like an x-ray, scan or biopsy) or a physical exam. For PTSD, an assessment includes answering questions about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. PTSD is most often diagnosed, or confirmed, by a mental health provider.

What is the average payout for PTSD?

The average PTSD settlement amount is often between $10,000 and $100,000. Factors that influence the amount include injury severity, loss of income, how fault is determined, and the impact of injuries on everyday life.

How do I win a PTSD claim?

PTSD isn't presumed service-connected, and it doesn't show up in a blood test, so submitting comprehensive evidence is key to a successful PTSD claim. That means ensuring that you provide the VA with: Detailed medical records that support both your diagnosis and the severity of your condition.

What is the time limit for PTSD claims?

If you are claiming PTSD compensation on behalf of somebody who doesn't have the mental capacity to represent themselves, there is no time limit. You can claim at any point before they regain their mental capacity. At this point, the 3-year time limit would begin if they decide to take action themselves.

Is PTSD an automatic 50 percent?

Veterans are only eligible for an automatic 50% PTSD rating under the specific conditions that the VA stipulates. To qualify, veterans must show their discharge was the result of their PTSD symptoms interfering with their ability to work.

What is the hardest VA claim to get?

1. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., PTSD, Depression) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequently filed claims by veterans, but it's also one of the hardest to get approved.

What not to say during PTSD evaluation?

Understand that essentially everything you say during your PTSD C&P exam could be used to award your benefits or deny your claim. Therefore, avoid saying things like, 'I'm doing alright. ' While this is a natural part of small talk, don't give the VA the change to misinterpret what you mean.

Is 100% PTSD hard to get?

Achieving a 100% PTSD rating can be difficult. In 2021, more than 1.5 million veterans were receiving compensation for PTSD, but a much smaller percentage of those veterans received the 100% rating.

What evidence do you need to claim PTSD?

The 3 Things You Need to Claim a PTSD VA Rating

There are three requirements that make up a claim for PTSD and you will need strong evidence for all three to win your claim: A current diagnosis. An in-service stressor. A link between the current diagnosis and stressor.

What is the 17 question PTSD test?

The PCL is a standardized self-report rating scale for PTSD comprising 17 items that correspond to the key symptoms of PTSD. Two versions of the PCL exist: 1) PCL-M is specific to PTSD caused by military experiences and 2) PCL-C is applied generally to any traumatic event.

Is it hard to prove PTSD?

To prove PTSD, a plaintiff must have proper expert testimony. Jurors will want to hear from a treating psychiatrist or psychologist and to see that the victim has undergone a significant course of treatment.

Can I sue my employer for giving me PTSD?

Yes, you can file an employment lawsuit for pain and suffering. If your employer violated your rights, you may legally recover money to compensate for emotional distress.