VA Disability Claims for Mental Health: PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety Guide

VA Disability Claims for Mental Health: PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety Guide

You Don’t Have to Bleed to Be Hurt

You served. You came home. But something changed.

Maybe it’s the nightmares. Maybe it’s the anger. Maybe you just don’t feel like yourself anymore.

Mental health injuries are real, valid, and compensable through the VA. And yet, too many veterans suffer in silence because there’s still stigma. Still shame. Still a belief that “if I can walk, I’m fine.”

We’re here to tell you — your invisible wounds matter.

And you deserve benefits for what you carry after service, just as much as those with visible scars.

Why Veterans Don’t File for Mental Health Claims (And Why They Should)

Stigma. Pride. Fear

Those are the top reasons veterans don’t pursue mental health claims. Many say:

• “I don’t want a diagnosis on paper.”

• “Other people had it worse.”

• “I don’t want this to affect my job.”

• “I just need to suck it up.”

But here’s the reality:

• VA disability is private and protected.

• You are not alone. Over 1.8 million veterans have filed mental health claims.

• Getting help — financially and clinically — doesn’t make you weak. It shows strength.

Most Common VA Mental Health Conditions That Qualify

These are some of the most frequently rated mental health conditions:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  
  Often related to combat, MST (Military Sexual Trauma), or other service trauma.
  
  Rating range: 0 to 100%

• Depression
  
  Can be primary or secondary to other physical injuries.
  
  Rating range: 0 to 100%

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder / Panic Disorder
  
  Tied to trauma, service stress, or ongoing chronic pain.
  
  Rating range: 0 to 100%

• Insomnia or Sleep Disorders
  
  Often filed as a secondary condition to PTSD, pain, or depression.
  
  Rating range: 0 to 50%

• Substance Use Disorder
  
  When connected to service or secondary to other mental health conditions.
  
  Can qualify if properly documented.

What Evidence You Need to File a Mental Health Claim

Mental health claims often require the following documentation:

• Service records showing the incident or stressor (for PTSD)

• VA or private medical records showing a diagnosis

• Nexus letter or DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) from a provider linking the condition to your service

• Buddy statements or personal impact statements describing how it affects your daily life

The more evidence you can show that connects your condition to your time in service — or to a service-connected physical injury — the stronger your case.

How the VA Rates Mental Health Conditions

The VA uses a 0% to 100% scale, in increments of 10%. Ratings are based on functional impairment in your daily life.

Key criteria include:

• Difficulty with work or social relationships

• Memory loss

• Panic attacks

• Sleep disruption

• Suicidal thoughts

• Impaired judgment or hygiene

• Hospitalizations or crisis episodes

Even mild symptoms can qualify you for a 30% or higher rating — and that can be life-changing.

Nexus Connections and Secondary Conditions

Many veterans don’t realize how interconnected mental and physical health are:

• PTSD → leads to insomnia

• Chronic pain → causes depression

• Anxiety → worsens GERD or IBS

• Depression → leads to alcohol abuse or relationship issues

• TBI → increases risk of mental health complications

You can file secondary claims when a service-connected physical condition causes or worsens your mental health — and vice versa.

The ClaimSmart VA Advantage: AI That Sees What You May Miss

Mental health claims are complex. Many veterans don’t even realize what they qualify for. That’s where ClaimSmart VA comes in.

Our system:

• Scans your service and medical records using AI trained on Title 38 and VA guidelines

• Identifies patterns of behavior, treatment, and symptom language that suggest underlying mental health issues

• Flags possible secondary connections — like insomnia linked to back pain or depression from TBI

• Creates a custom report with claim recommendations, evidence breakdowns, and next steps

All reports are manually reviewed for accuracy. And if you choose our service, we provide free Nexus letter templates to bring to your provider.

It’s Time to Get the Support You Deserve

You served your country. Now let the system serve you.

Don’t wait until your symptoms get worse. Don’t talk yourself out of what you’ve earned.

Let our AI-driven approach take the guesswork out of filing for mental health compensation.

You are not alone — and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.