Most people have at least heard of the condition post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those who served in the military or know somebody who did. PTSD is incredibly common among those who have served, and it can cause major difficulties with readjusting to life after the military. The most severe PTSD cases can even lead to hallucinations or suicidal ideation, and these shouldn’t be taken lightly.
If you or a loved one developed PTSD due to military service, you may be able to file a VA disability claim and receive tax-free compensation. The amount of money you can receive depends on the types of disabilities that were caused by military service as well as the severity of such disabilities. The severity of disabilities is assessed with a percentage in an interval of 10%, with higher percentages indicating more severe disabilities. Those who have high disability ratings may be able to receive more compensation. Speak with a dedicated VA Disability lawyer about your case.
There are five distinct categories of VA disability ratings for PTSD:
10% VA Disability Rating for PTSD
A 10% VA disability rating for PTSD indicates mild PTSD symptoms, such as occasional nightmares or minimal anxiety. PTSD in this category may also be easily controlled with medication or other treatments, making the symptoms minimally disruptive to everyday life.
Veterans who are given a 10% rating for PTSD disability may be eligible to receive approximately $150 a month if that is the only disability claimed.
30% VA Disability Rating for PTSD
A 30% VA disability rating for post-traumatic stress disorder is likely the most common rating, and it is characterized by more moderate symptoms that occur more often than those in the 10% rating category. A person who is given a 30% rating may experience nightmares almost nightly and have trouble sleeping, or they may suffer from anxiety more regularly. Either way, the symptoms in this category are generally still able to be managed with some treatments, and they don’t drastically interfere with daily life.
Veterans who receive a 30% rating can receive more than $450 a month if they don’t have dependents and even more if they do.
50% VA Disability Rating for PTSD
A 50% VA disability rating is most appropriate for those who experience moderate symptoms that do interfere with daily life. Some symptoms consistent with a 50% rating include weekly anxiety or panic attacks, thought impairments, difficulty with maintaining healthy relationships, speech impairment, and more. People with these symptoms can probably still work and maintain social relationships, but they will likely experience reduced productivity and may have trouble understanding social cues and requests.
Those who receive a 50% rating for PTSD may be able to receive over $950 per month in compensation.
70% VA Disability Rating for PTSD
Veterans with a 70% VA disability rating for PTSD experience significant challenges with working, maintaining social relationships, and reasoning and processing. Many veterans placed in this category experience suicidal ideation, emotional outbursts, an inability to handle stress, and perform obsessive rituals. Some even experience difficulties with maintaining personal hygiene. All of these factors make it difficult to function in daily life, which creates the need for more compensation to cover the costs of care and additional help.
Veterans with a 70% disability rating can receive over $1,500 a month. Sometimes, those given a 70% rating for PTSD can actually receive the compensation given to those with a 100% rating.
100% VA Disability Rating for PTSD
Those given a 100% disability rating for PTSD typically need complete supervision and support for activities of daily living. Some symptoms consistent with this rating include severe thought impairment, disorientation, hallucinations and delusions, and memory loss. Many people in this category are also capable of harming themselves or others, making additional compensation necessary to cover care costs.
Veterans with a 100% disability rating can receive over $3,300 per month if they have no dependents and more if they do.
What If You Disagree with Your VA Disability Rating?
PTSD is difficult to assign a percentage to, as each veteran with the condition can experience different symptoms that come and go. If you disagree with the rating given to you for VA disability claims, you can appeal to advocate for a higher rating that yields more compensation. It is highly recommended to involve a skilled VA attorney in the appeals process, as they have the experience and knowledge to prove your need for a higher rating, making your odds of winning your appeal significantly higher.
Enlisting the Help of a Lawyer for VA Disability Ratings
Because you can receive a higher amount of compensation if you receive a higher disability rating, it’s important to make sure that your rating is accurate of the suffering and difficulties your PTSD has brought about. Getting an experienced attorney from Vetus Legal LLC involved with the initial filing and appeals process may help you get a higher rating and more money each month to take care of yourself and your family.
