When a veteran files a disability claim for a mental disorder, the first step is establishing a service connection. But the next—and equally critical—step is deciding how severe the impairment is. This is done using the VA’s General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, which evaluates how your condition affects your ability to function socially and occupationally.
In this video, Accredited Veterans Disability Attorney Marc Whitehead explains how the VA assigns compensation ratings based on a percentage scale ranging from 0% to 100%. Each level reflects specific symptoms and their impact on daily life, from mild anxiety and sleep issues to severe disorientation, hallucinations, and inability to maintain relationships.
Understanding this scale is essential to ensuring your rating accurately reflects your condition. If your symptoms are underestimated, legal guidance can help you present the right evidence and advocate for a fair outcome.
