Getting a Higher PTSD Rating from VA

If you read our last article, you learned the basics of VA disability for PTSD and the ratings that can be assigned. Many of the veterans we talk to have either been denied service connection for PTSD or feel they should have a higher.  If you have been denied, take a look at one of our earlier articles about what you must prove to win VA disability for PTSD.  If you are concerned about your rating, here we will discuss a couple of things to keep in mind as you go through your claim to make sure you get the most benefits you deserve on account of your VA disability for PTSD.

VA Disability for PTSD
Your PTSD rating may not be as simple as the VA makes it seem. Make sure you get all you deserve.
What the Law Requires for the Higher of Two Possible Disability Ratings

Contrary to what the VA may have said in your Ratings Decision, you do not have to exhibit ALL of the PTSD symptoms of a particular rating level to be assigned that rating.  For certain disabilities, you must have each and every symptom at the specified severity or frequency.

That is not the case with PTSD.  The PTSD rating criteria are a guide for VA raters when assessing your particular disability.  Because PTSD is a complex and unique disorder, your PTSD may not neatly fit into one level of the ratings tables.

Luckily, VA law realizes that many veterans find themselves in that situation.  Because of this, when deciding between two rating levels, the VA should rate you at the one that most closely describes your level of disability.  We say “should” because we have seen decision in the past where the VA did not grant the higher rating level because the veteran did not meet each and every part of the higher rating criteria.

So, how does this work in reality?  Let’s say you have applied for VA disability for PTSD and have some symptoms that fall in the 50% rating level and some other symptoms in the 70% rating level.  Although your symptoms may be somewhere in between these two levels, it is not possible to “split the difference”.  There is no 60% rating for PTSD, so the VA will have to decide which one is appropriate.

How to Maximize Your Compensation for VA Disability for PTSD

If you have been assigned the lower of two possible ratings for VA disability for PTSD, you will want to look closely to see which level better describes your particular situation.  You will need to consider the severity of your symptoms – how greatly they impair your social and work relationships.

You will also need to look at how frequently you have those impairments.  The more frequently you experience problems related to your PTSD, the more difficult it is to maintain personal relationships and employment.

You will need to make sure that your doctor understands the extent of your disability.  Your doctor may do this either through psychological testing or the information you provide, It is probably best to provide your doctor with a copy of the ratings criteria so they can address your symptoms in a way that will allow you to receive the highest and most appropriate rating.

If you have received a Ratings Decision and don’t feel that you received as high of a rating as you should have, you probably should find a veterans disability attorney to review your claim.  Perkins Studdard’s VA-accredited attorneys can review your medical information and Ratings Decision to see if you may be entitled to more compensation on account of your VA disability for PTSD.

We can also help you appeal any decision that does not place you at the ratings level that most closely describes your situation and symptoms.  If you have questions, contact us for a free consultation.  You can set one up either by calling us at (770) 214-8885 or by completing and submitting the consultation request form on this page.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

Rita BarnesRita Barnes
00:03 20 Jan 22
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
Cortex ButlerCortex Butler
18:09 29 Dec 21
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
annetteMomma nokesannetteMomma nokes
14:29 12 Sep 16
Jason and his paralegal Lisa were on point and on top of their game when it came to handling my worker's comp. injury case. I tried going it alone and the insurance carrier pushed me around. They denied extra physical therapy. They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. They were at all times attentive and on top of my case. I cannot recommend Jason and his staff enough. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side.
Sheila KirklinSheila Kirklin
23:11 12 May 16
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
Anna PabonAnna Pabon
23:16 13 Sep 15
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
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