Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health conditions veterans face due to their service. Many veterans are rated for PTSD, with ratings determining the level of compensation they receive.
If you have a 50% VA PTSD rating and feel your symptoms have worsened, you may be considering how to increase your rating to 70%.
This blog will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand the VA rating system and how the VA evaluates PTSD claims. Then, we shall explain the steps you can take to increase your PTSD rating to 70%.
Understanding the VA PTSD Rating System
The VA rating system for PTSD ranges from 0% to 100%, assigned in increments of 10%.
The percentage reflects the severity of the veteran’s symptoms and how much they affect daily life. That includes work, social interactions, and overall functioning.
For PTSD claims, the 50% rating indicates moderate symptoms, such as-
- Reduced reliability and productivity in social or occupational settings
- Difficulty in maintaining relationships or fulfilling job responsibilities
- Frequent anxiety, irritability, or trouble controlling emotions
A 70% rating means that the veteran experiences more severe symptoms, significantly affecting their ability to work and interact socially. Symptoms at this level may include:
- Frequent panic attacks, near-constant depression, or social withdrawal
- Memory loss (e.g., forgetting names, directions, or important dates)
- Severe difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships due to irritability or emotional instability
The 100% rating represents total occupational and social impairment, where a veteran’s PTSD symptoms severely affect nearly every aspect of their life.
How the VA Evaluates PTSD Claims
The VA evaluation process for PTSD claims is based on a combination of-
- Medical evidence
- A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam and,
- An assessment of the impact PTSD symptoms have on your daily life
Here’s a breakdown of how the VA evaluates PTSD-
- Medical Evidence: The VA requires strong medical documentation to substantiate your claim. This may include psychological evaluations, doctor’s notes, and treatment history.
They want to know when PTSD symptoms began, how often they occur, and how they’ve affected your life. Regular visits to a mental health professional can bolster your case.
- C&P Exam: Veterans with PTSD must attend a C&P exam, where a VA examiner evaluates the severity of symptoms.
The examiner will ask questions about your trauma, daily functioning, and how PTSD affects your life, including work and relationships.
It’s important to be honest and thorough during this exam to ensure that the examiner captures the full extent of your condition.
- Rating Criteria: The VA follows specific criteria to assign ratings for PTSD based on the level of impairment caused by the condition.
They assess factors like work impairment (e.g., difficulty performing tasks or maintaining employment) and social impairment (e.g., relationships with family and friends).
- Severity of Symptoms: The VA examines how your symptoms align with the 50% or 70% criteria.
If your symptoms have worsened since your initial rating, the VA will consider the evidence to determine whether an increase is warranted.
Providing clear and comprehensive evidence, along with a detailed account of how PTSD impacts your life, is essential for a higher rating.
How to Increase Your VA PTSD Rating from 50% to 70%
If you’re seeking an increase in your VA PTSD rating from 50% to 70%, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of success. Here’s a guide on how to go about it:
Request a Re-Evaluation
If your symptoms have worsened since your last rating, you can request a re-evaluation from the VA.
Make sure to clearly explain that your symptoms are now more severe than when your initial rating was assigned. This will trigger the VA to reconsider your disability level based on your current condition.
Provide Updated Medical Evidence
Obtain current medical records from from mental health professionals who treat your PTSD.
This can include therapy notes, psychiatric evaluations, and any hospitalization records. If your symptoms have become more severe or persistent, this should be reflected in the documentation.
Submit Detailed Personal Statements
Write a personal statement describing how PTSD affects your daily life, work, and relationships.
Be specific about the challenges you face due to symptoms like irritability, nightmares, anxiety, and memory loss.
Explain how these symptoms prevent you from functioning at full capacity in your job or personal life.
Obtain Buddy Statements
Statements from family members, friends, or co-workers who have witnessed the effects of PTSD on your life can be very helpful.
These statements provide the VA with a more complete picture of your condition and how it has impacted your ability to function socially and occupationally.
Document Worsening Symptoms
Keep a symptom diary to track the frequency and intensity of your PTSD symptoms. This can include details of things like panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.
The more comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your claim will be.
Consult a Veterans’ Service Organization (VSO)
Working with a VSO or VA-accredited attorney can significantly improve your chances of success. They can help you gather evidence, prepare for your C&P exam, and ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
The Importance of the C&P Exam in PTSD Increase Claim
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam plays a critical role in determining your VA PTSD rating, especially when seeking an increase from 50% to 70%.
This exam is the VA’s primary tool for evaluating the severity of your condition and how much it affects your daily life. Here’s why the C&P exam is so important-
Objective Assessment
The C&P exam gives the VA an objective evaluation of your PTSD symptoms. It helps them assess how your condition aligns with the rating criteria.
The examiner will ask about your PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
They will also ask about the impact of these symptoms on your job, social life, and overall functioning.
Accurate Rating
To increase your rating to 70%, it’s essential that you provide a clear and accurate picture your symptom’s worsening.
The examiner will evaluate how your condition now compares to the 70% criteria. This includes more severe symptoms like frequent panic attacks, social isolation, and memory issues.
Honesty and Detail Matter
It’s important to be honest and detailed during the exam. Discuss all symptoms you experience, even if they seem minor, as they may contribute to the overall impact of PTSD.
Don’t downplay your symptoms—being open about how PTSD affects you can lead to a more accurate rating.
Influence on Your Claim
The C&P exam report will directly influence the rating decision made by the VA. If the examiner finds that your symptoms meet the criteria for a 70% rating, it could be the determining factor in your claim’s success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking a PTSD Rating Increase
When seeking an increase in your PTSD rating, there are several common mistakes that could hurt your chances. Here’s what to avoid-
- Underreporting Symptoms: Some veterans downplay the severity of their PTSD symptoms during their claim or C&P exam.
It’s important to accurately describe all symptoms, even if they seem minor. Failing to do so can result in a lower rating.
- Lack of Medical Evidence: Your claim will be much stronger with up-to-date medical records that show how your PTSD has worsened.
Ensure you submit therapy notes, psychiatric evaluations, and hospital records to support your claim.
- Not Providing Personal or Buddy Statements: These statements can provide context to how PTSD affects your daily life, relationships, and employment.
Without them, the VA may miss important aspects of your condition.
- Failing to Request a Re-Evaluation: If your symptoms have worsened, don’t assume the VA will automatically review your case.
Request a re-evaluation to ensure your rating reflects your current condition.
How Long Does It Take to Increase a PTSD Rating?
The timeline for increasing your PTSD rating can vary, but the typical process may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Several factors can influence the duration, including the complexity of your case, the availability of medical records, and the VA’s current workload.
Initial Claim Processing
After submitting your re-evaluation request, the VA will gather necessary documents.
This phase can take several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you provide the required evidence.
C&P Exam Scheduling
After you submit the necessary documents, the VA may schedule you for a C&P exam. This could take some time, especially if there’s a backlog at your local VA office.
Decision and Notification
Once all the evidence is gathered, the VA will review your claim and issue a decision, which can take up to several months.
In some cases, if you disagree with the decision, an appeal process could extend the timeline further.
What to Do If Your PTSD Rating Increase Is Denied?
If your PTSD rating increase is denied, it can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand that the VA’s decision isn’t final.
You have options to challenge the denial and continue pursuing the appropriate benefits. Here’s what you can do-
Request a Higher-Level Review
If you believe the VA made an error in your decision, you can request a Higher-Level Review. This process involves a senior claims adjudicator reexamining your case without new evidence or a hearing.
It’s faster than a full appeal and can lead to a favorable outcome if mistakes were made in the original evaluation.
File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)
If you’re not satisfied with the result, you can submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to initiate a formal appeal.
The NOD outlines why you believe the rating decision was incorrect, and you can present new evidence or arguments to support your claim.
Provide Additional Evidence
You may need to submit additional evidence that provide further insight into how your PTSD affects your daily life.
Consult with a VA-accredited Representative
If you’re unsure about the appeal process, seek the assistance of a VSO or a VA-accredited attorney. They can guide you through the appeals process.
Conclusion
Increasing your PTSD rating from 50% to 70% requires thorough preparation, detailed medical evidence, and a clear understanding of the VA’s rating system.
If your increase is denied, don’t lose hope. Use the available appeal options and work with professionals to strengthen your case.
Ultimately, persistence and attention to detail are key to ensuring you receive the compensation for your service-connected PTSD.