Does a PTSD-combat diagnosis result in an automatic 100% VA disability rating?

Remembering Jim

Jim Strickland was a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits who was also editor and webmaster of the popular VA Watchdog website. Jim wrote extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits. Before his recent passing, Jim was kind enough to answer questions from visitors on StatesideLegal.org here in Jim's Mailbag. This page is dedicated to Jim and to his efforts to assist every veteran who called upon him.

About Jim's Mailbag

Jim's Mailbag is a regular column where veterans, servicemembers, and family members can find answers about their VA and Social Security disability benefits. Although we are not accepting new questions at this time, you can browse all of the previous Q&As and search Jim's Mailbag for helpful answers to your specific VA issue.

January 11, 2018

Question:

I was recently told that if you have been dx'd with PTSD-combat that it is an auto 100% disability from the VA. Any truth to that?

Thank you and thank you for helping my fellow Vets, Mike

Jim's Response:

No, absolutely not. PTSD and other mental health conditions are rated from 0% service connected to 100% service connected depending on the circumstances. PTSD may arise from combat as well as many other life threatening circumstances. Every veteran will manage his or her PTSD symptoms differently so different ratings are appropriate. Additionally, most 100% PTSD ratings are temporary ratings that are subject to future examinations.