How Is My Mental Disorder Rated for Disability Benefits?

man sitting on a couch hand on his head

If you read our post, My Mental Illness Was Caused By My Military Service – How Do I Prove It for Disability?, then you are aware that mental illness is a valid disability for receiving disability compensation. Once you have proved the service link between your mental disorder and the VA approves your claim, your disability will be rated to determine your monthly compensation amount.

How Is My Mental Disorder Evaluated?
The VA uses a “General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders” and evaluated based on your level of social and economic function. The formula relies on specified symptoms and is rated on a schedule at 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%, or 0%.

For more information on how disability claims are rated, check out our post here.

In the meantime, below are some mental health resources and crisis hotlines:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)’s National Helpline
    • Call at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Veteran Crisis Helpline – Lines for Life
    • Call at 888-457-4838
    • Text MIL1 to 839863
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
    • Call 1-877-424-3838
    • Confidential chat at veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/homeless-veterans-chat
  • Women Veterans Call Center
    • Call 1-855-VA-Women(6636)
  • Real Warriors
    • Call 1-866-966-1020, available 24/7

If you have more questions about filing a disability claim, please contact us today at (855) 312-5575.