How does the VA Determine a 50% Rating for PTSD?

Frequently, I am asked by Veterans what criteria they need to meet in order to receive a higher number on their PTSD rating and the GAF score that is needed and corresponds with the rating percentage. The VA service connects Veterans at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. Each percentage has its own criteria for symptoms.

For instance, I would use 50% as an example. These symptoms usually consist of a Veteran suffering from PTSD at a 50% rating: occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g. retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. Also, Veterans who have a rating of 50% normally fall in the 60 – 51 range of the GAF scale.

(Remember, every case is different, and these are just general guidelines.)

If you are a veteran , think you have PTSD, and need help getting service connection, or if you are already connected and want help with an increase, please give our office a call for a free consultation: 1-877-838-3726. Or Tell us about your case.