How long does a PTSD disability claim take?

You will generally get an initial rating within six months of filing a claim, but the actual length of time for claims has varied widely from 90 days to 2 years.


How long does a PTSD claim take?

According to the VA website, in April of 2022, the average number of days to complete a disability-related claim was 152 days which is nearly 5 months. In our experience, it can take anywhere from months to a year or longer for an application to be approved.

What percentage of PTSD claims are approved?

Top 10 Most Common VA Disability Claims

The average (mean) VA disability rating for PTSD is between 50 percent and 70 percent, with 53.9% of veterans being rated between 50% and 70%.


How often do PTSD claims get denied?

Additionally, appeals represent a third of the VA's pending disability claims which means 1 in 3 cases the VA is processing are veterans appealing a denial. The following information is provided to help you improve your chances of getting your VA benefits claim approved.

How hard is it to get PTSD disability?

The max rating is 100%, but this is hard to get. A lot of veterans end up with a 70% rating and unemployability because they cannot work. The VA will use a C&P exam to help them determine what the appropriate rating is. A veteran should review the PTSD rating criteria that VA uses.


70% PTSD VA Rating: What it Means and How to Qualify



Why do PTSD claims get denied?

One of the most common reasons the VA gives for denying PTSD claims is lack of evidence. Obtaining the evidence the VA wants to see to approve a claim can be a challenge; however, it is possible. A knowledgeable PTSD appeals attorney can help veterans present a compelling application while saving them time and stress.

How do I prove PTSD for disability?

To fulfill the criteria for the listing, you must have medically documented evidence of all of the following:
  1. exposure to a death or threatened death, serious injury, or violence.
  2. subsequent involuntary re-experiencing of the traumatic event (for example, intrusive memories, dreams, or flashbacks)


What is the average disability rating for PTSD?

Does PTSD qualify for disability? Yes, and many veterans receive VA benefits every month for their PTSD. You need to have a professional diagnosis and prove your condition is service-connected. The average rating is 70%, which means those veterans get $1,663.06 per month for PTSD.


Is PTSD a total permanent disability?

The veteran's total disability due to PTSD is permanent with no likelihood of improvement. The 100 percent rating for PTSD is total, permanent, and static in nature.

Does PTSD automatically qualify you for disability?

You may be eligible for disability benefits if you have symptoms related to a traumatic event (the “stressor”) or your experience with the stressor is related to the PTSD symptoms, and you meet all of these requirements.

Can you get 100% PTSD and still work?

Can I work with a 100 PTSD rating? Yes! You can still work with a 100 percent scheduler PTSD rating. Veterans with a 100 VA disability from the VA for PTSD also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation.


Can I work with 100% PTSD rating?

A 100% disability rating means the veteran's physical and/or mental disability makes it impossible for them to maintain substantially gainful employment.

Why is my PTSD claim taking so long?

The amount of time it takes to review your VA disability claim depends on: The type of claim you filed. How many injuries or disabilities you claimed and how complex they are. How long it takes us to collect the evidence needed to decide your claim.

How far back does VA disability back pay go?

The VA typically only pays disability compensation going back to the date of discharge to veterans who apply for their VA disability benefits within one year of being discharged.


Do you get back pay for PTSD?

To compensate for the months or years veterans must go without compensation, the VA grants retroactive awards. Generally, you are eligible for back pay from the first day of the month following your “effective date” for benefits. In most cases, your effective date is when the VA received your disability application.

What qualifies as 100% PTSD?

100% – “Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including ...

How much does a 70 PTSD rating pay?

As of December 1, 2021, veterans with a 70 percent VA disability rating receive $1,663.06 per month in VA compensation.


What jobs can I do with PTSD?

Great job ideas for people with PTSD
  • Working with animals. Animals, such as dogs and horses, are often used in therapy for people with PTSD. ...
  • Maintenance and repair jobs. ...
  • Writer/editor. ...
  • Working outdoors. ...
  • Hospitality jobs.


How do you get officially diagnosed with PTSD?

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:
  1. At least one re-experiencing symptom.
  2. At least one avoidance symptom.
  3. At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms.
  4. At least two cognition and mood symptoms.


What trauma qualifies for PTSD?

The most common events leading to the development of PTSD include:
  • Combat exposure.
  • Childhood physical abuse.
  • Sexual violence.
  • Physical assault.
  • Being threatened with a weapon.
  • An accident.


Is it hard to hold a job with PTSD?

People with PTSD often have a hard time holding down a job. Perhaps there are triggers all over the office, or maybe their brains associate work with the accident. In many cases, it's simply a matter of work being too mentally demanding for an injured brain.

Can you hold a job with PTSD?

If you have depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or another mental health condition, you are protected against discrimination and harassment at work because of your condition, you have workplace privacy rights, and you may have a legal right to get reasonable accommodations that can help you perform and ...

Is 70% PTSD a permanent VA disability?

Although the terms “Permanent” and “Total” are often discussed together, it is possible to have a permanent disability that is not totally disabling. For example, a veteran may have a permanent disability (such as PTSD) at 70%.


What should you not say at C&P exam?

Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.