For many veterans, receiving a PTSD diagnosis is a difficult but important step in understanding and managing the emotional toll of military service. However, simply having a diagnosis does not automatically guarantee that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will award you disability benefits. If you’re a veteran in Louisiana struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, it’s crucial to understand how the VA determines eligibility — and what additional evidence is required to secure your claim.
Let’s break down why a PTSD diagnosis alone isn’t enough for VA disability and what you need to successfully file for benefits.
What Does the VA Require for a PTSD Disability Claim?
While a diagnosis is a key component of your claim, the VA looks at several specific criteria before granting benefits for PTSD. These are:
- A current PTSD diagnosis from a qualified medical professional (such as a VA or private psychologist or psychiatrist).
- Evidence of an in-service stressor — a specific traumatic event that occurred during your military service.
- A clear link between the in-service stressor and your PTSD symptoms, known as a “nexus.”
In other words, the VA is not just interested in whether you have PTSD — they also want to know how it’s connected to your time in service.
Why a PTSD Diagnosis Alone Isn’t Enough
Many veterans are surprised to learn that having a formal PTSD diagnosis — even from a VA hospital — doesn’t automatically lead to compensation. The reason is that the VA operates on a system of service connection. You must prove that your condition is directly linked to your military service, not caused by other life events or unrelated trauma.
For example, if a veteran is diagnosed with PTSD but the triggering event occurred after service (such as a car accident or civilian job incident), the VA won’t consider it a service-connected disability.
What Qualifies as an In-Service Stressor?
To support your claim, you must provide evidence of the traumatic event or stressor that occurred during your time in service. This can include:
- Combat exposure
- Witnessing death or serious injury
- Surviving an IED explosion or ambush
- Military sexual trauma (MST)
- Training accidents
- Hostile or life-threatening situations during active duty
If the stressor occurred during combat or was related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, the VA may accept your testimony alone — as long as it is consistent with the conditions of your service.
How the VA Rates PTSD Disability Claims
Once your claim is approved, the VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with daily functioning. These ratings are given in increments of:
- 0% – Diagnosis exists, but symptoms do not interfere with work or social functioning
- 10% – Mild symptoms controlled by continuous medication
- 30% – Occasional work and social interference
- 50% – Impaired judgment, panic attacks, or difficulty maintaining relationships
- 70% – Near-continuous panic, depression, or inability to function independently
- 100% – Total occupational and social impairment
So even if you receive service connection, your monthly compensation depends on how the VA evaluates the severity of your condition. That’s why strong documentation is so important — not just to establish service connection, but also to ensure an accurate rating.
Supporting Evidence That Strengthens Your PTSD Claim
To improve your chances of a successful claim, include as much evidence as possible, such as:
- VA or private medical records that confirm your PTSD diagnosis and treatment
- Service records that document or support your claimed stressor
- Buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed the event or its effects on you
- Lay statements from family or friends who have observed your symptoms
- C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam results, which the VA may schedule to assess your condition
The more comprehensive your evidence, the more likely the VA will approve your claim and assign a fair rating.
What If Your PTSD Claim Is Denied?
PTSD claims are among the most frequently denied VA disability claims — often due to lack of evidence, missing nexus opinions, or unverified stressors. If your claim was denied, you still have options:
- File a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence
- Request a Higher-Level Review by a more experienced VA adjudicator
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a formal hearing and review
An experienced VA disability attorney can help you understand the reason for your denial and guide you through the appeals process.
Can Sarphie Law Help with My PTSD Claim?
Absolutely. At Sarphie Law, we represent veterans across Louisiana who are struggling to get the PTSD benefits they’ve earned. Whether you’re filing a claim for the first time or appealing a denial, our team knows how to build strong cases that clearly connect your diagnosis to your service — and fight for the rating you deserve.
We take care of the legal complexities so you can focus on healing. We also ensure that deadlines are met, evidence is complete, and your rights are protected at every stage of the process.
Contact Sarphie Law Today for Legal Representation
A PTSD diagnosis is the first step — not the finish line. To secure the benefits you deserve, you must show that your condition is service-connected and provide clear documentation of how it affects your life.
Contact Sarphie Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you build a strong claim, appeal a wrongful denial, and secure the support you need to move forward with dignity and peace of mind.