VA disability compensation for PTSD 
Posttraumatic stress can happen after someone goes through a traumatic event such as combat, an assault, or a disaster. Most people have some stress reactions following trauma. But if the reactions don t go away over time or they disrupt your life , you may have posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. Find out if you can get disability compensation or benefits if you have symptoms of PTSD. Learn more about PTSD 

How do I talk to someone right now? 
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one , connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7. To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night : Call 800 - 273 - 8255 , then select 1. Start a confidential Veterans chat. Text 838255. If you have hearing loss , call TTY : 800 - 799 - 4889. You can also : Call 911. Go to the nearest emergency room. Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care. Find your nearest VA medical center 

Can I get disability benefits from VA? 
You may be able to get disability benefits if you have symptoms related to a traumatic event the stressor or your experience with the stressor is related to the PTSD symptoms , and you meet all of the requirements listed below. All of these must be true : The stressor happened during your service , and You can t function as well as you once could because of your symptoms , and A doctor has diagnosed you with PTSD 

What does VA consider to be a traumatic event? 
We consider any of these to be a traumatic event : You suffered a serious injury, personal or sexual trauma, or sexual violation , or You were threatened with injury, sexual assault, or death 

Who s covered? 
Veterans 

What kind of disability benefits can I get? 
Health care Compensation payments Treatment for PTSD 



user: Can you explain PTSD to me? 

assistant: Posttraumatic stress can happen after someone goes through a traumatic event such as combat, an assault, or a disaster.  Most people have some stress reactions following trauma.  But if the reactions don't go away over time or they disrupt your life, you may have posttraumatic stress disorder. 

user: Can I get disability benefits from the VA for posttraumatic stress disorder? 

assistant: You may be able to get disability benefits if you have symptoms related to a traumatic event the stressor or your experience with the stressor is related to the PTSD symptoms, and if the stressor happened during your service, can't function as well as you once did because of your symptoms, and a doctor has given you the diagnosis. 

user: I feel I have PTSD, but not from a time related to the time I was serving. 

assistant: If your stressor occurred outside of your service time, you do not meet all of the requirements to receive benefits from the VA. 

user: I cannot function as well as I used to as a result of a major stressor due to a very negative life event.  Can I get benefits from the VA? 

assistant: You must meet each and every one of the requirements to qualify for payments. 

user: If I am a veteran in crisis, where can I get support? 

assistant: You can use the Veterans' Crisis Line which you can dial to speak to someone or there is a text number you can use to chat.  There is also a TTY number if that is a need.  You can also either dial 911 or go the nearest emergency room or VA medical center. 

user: What does the VA consider to be a traumatic event? 

assistant: A serious injury, personal or sexual trauma, or sexual violation, or you were threatened with injury, sexual assault, or death.