Many veterans develop mental health conditions due to their time in the service, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These mental health conditions can result from a number of service-related events. Those events could be physical injury, combat, or disconnects in transitioning back to civilian life. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition that stems from your active service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
The VA uses mental health ratings to describe the severity of mental health symptoms. These ratings determine the monthly amount of disability benefits you will receive. If you plan to file a disability claim, you must understand what these ratings are and how they work.
Which Mental Health Conditions Can Qualify Veterans for VA Disability Benefits?
The VA currently recognizes 31 mental health disorders that can qualify veterans for disability benefits. According to the VA, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, and chronic adjustment disorder make up the majority of mental health disability claims. 38 CFR 4.130 contains a complete list of recognized conditions and includes many common disorders, such as
- Schizophrenia
- Delusional disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
You will need an official diagnosis of your mental health condition when you apply for disability benefits.
Overview of VA Mental Health Disability Ratings
The VA’s mental health disability rating system describes the severity of impairment due to a mental disorder. Ratings are assigned a percentage value between 0 and 100, with different levels at 10, 30, 50, and 70. These ratings encompass a wide range of debilitating symptoms and behaviors that negatively affect one’s ability to function in daily life.
- 100 ‒ A person with a 100 percent rating exhibits complete occupational and social impairment due to gross deficiencies in thought, memory, behavioral control, communication, and other mental faculties. They might have hallucinations and be intermittently unable to perform basic living tasks, like personal hygiene.
- 70 ‒ A 70 percent rating indicates severe difficulty in professional and social tasks because of panic, depression, obsessive rituals, violent outbursts, or impaired impulse control. A person with a 70 percent rating may also show great difficulty maintaining social relationships and adapting to new situations.
- 50 ‒ A rating of 50 percent corresponds to a sustained reduction in occupational and social productivity due to memory issues., low mood, difficulties concentrating, and panic attacks with a frequency of at least once a week.
- 30 ‒ A rating of 30 percent indicates occasional social and occupational productivity losses due to depressed mood, anxiety episodes, and sleep difficulties. Symptoms might also include slight memory problems and semi-frequent feelings of panic.
- 10 ‒ A 10 percent rating means the individual experiences transient symptoms that only cause productivity losses during periods of extreme stress.
- 0 ‒ A rating of 0 percent means you have a diagnosed mental health condition, but it doesn’t interfere with social and occupational functioning.
You may have multiple mental health disorders from your time in the service. In these cases, the VA will give you a single combined mental health rating based on the rating for each individual disabling condition. This combined rating determines your ultimate disability benefit rate.
How the VA Evaluates Mental Health Conditions
The VA will evaluate your medical records and list of symptoms to assign an appropriate mental health rating. Records relevant to mental health disorders include psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, prescription histories, and statements from family, friends, and others attesting to your functional limitations. The VA considers social functioning when making assignments, but its social impairment is not the only basis for a rating (38 CFR 4.126).
One common test the VA uses for mental health assessments is the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). The test assigns a score for six different sections related to social and occupational functioning, such as cognition, self-care, and mobility. A higher WHODAS score corresponds to a greater level of impairment.
In addition, you must show that your current medical condition was either caused or exacerbated by some event that occurred while you were serving. Proving this so-called ‘nexus’ connection is one of the most challenging parts of filing a mental health VA disability claim. Most applicants receive a letter from a medical professional stating their opinion that the disability is service-connected. It is usually good practice to secure multiple professional opinions for more evidence of the claimed connection.
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Generally, if you want to receive total disability benefits at 100 percent of the benefit rate, you must have a total disability rating of 100. However, there is an exception with total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). TDIU lets you receive 100 percent of the VA benefit rate even if your combined disability rating is less than 100 percent.
In order to receive TDIU, you must be unemployed or unable to maintain substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your disability. In addition, you must also:
- Have a total disability rating of 60 percent from a single disability, or
- Have a combined disability rating of 70 percent from two or more disabilities, with one disability rated at 40 percent or higher
How to Qualify for a Higher Mental Health Rating
Below are some general tips on how to maximize your mental health impairment rating to secure a higher benefit rate.
- Be honest during your VA mental health exam. Mental health professionals will be able to tell if you are exaggerating symptoms.
- Be clear and comprehensive when answering questions about the effect of your disability on your life.
- Provide details about your day-to-day functioning to contextualize the extent of impairment in your life.
- Discuss how your symptoms vary across time (e.g., some days are good, some days are bad).
- Gather personal statements from those close to you who can verify your mental state.
- If possible, ask for performance evaluations from previous employers that document your difficulties performing job duties.
Contact VetLaw for Help with Your Mental Health VA Disability Claim
A VA disability benefits attorney from VetLaw can answer any more questions you have about VA mental health ratings. Contact us online or call (336) 355-8387 today to receive a case consultation.
