General VA Rating Formula for Mental Health Disorders

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VA rates all mental health conditions using the same diagnostic criteria. Mental health conditions are rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% using VA’s General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. These ratings are based on the level of social and occupational impairment caused by the mental health condition. For example, a veteran experiencing mild symptoms, or whose symptoms are well controlled by continuous medication, may receive a disability rating of 10%. Veterans with more severe symptoms—such as an intermittent inability to perform the activities of daily living or suicidal ideation—may receive a 100% disability rating.

It is important to note that you do not need to meet all the criteria listed for a certain a rating level to qualify for that rating, as mental health conditions manifest differently per individual. The symptoms listed in each level of the rating formula are examples to demonstrate the types and levels of impairment commonly found.