PTSD & Women Veterans: How VA Disability Ratings Work Differently
- bwelts3
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
When we hear about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Veterans, most people picture combat-related trauma. But for many women Veterans, the story is different. They experience PTSD at higher rates than the general population, often due to unique stressors like military sexual trauma (MST) or harassment during service. Unfortunately, when it comes to VA disability ratings, their claims are often harder to navigate — and sometimes rated differently.
How the VA Rates PTSD
The Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates PTSD claims based on how symptoms affect a Veteran’s daily life, relationships, and ability to work. Ratings typically range from 0% to 100% and are determined by:
Frequency and intensity of symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety)
Impact on employment and career stability
Ability to maintain healthy relationships
Overall daily functioning
While these criteria seem neutral, many women Veterans face unique challenges in proving their claims.
Why Women Veterans’ PTSD Claims Are Different
Military Sexual Trauma (MST):Â A large portion of women Veterans with PTSD link it to MST. Proving these claims is especially difficult, since many incidents go unreported or are missing from official records.
Gender Bias in Diagnosis: Women’s PTSD symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorders, which can result in lower disability ratings.
Different Symptom Patterns: Women may express PTSD differently — through hypervigilance, avoidance, or physical health issues — and examiners aren’t always trained to recognize these presentations.
Barriers Women Veterans Face
Underreporting:Â Fear of stigma, retaliation, or not being believed can prevent women from reporting trauma during service.
Systemic Challenges:Â The claims process can feel overwhelming, especially if records are incomplete or inconsistent.
Emotional Burden:Â Reliving trauma during evaluations can discourage women from pursuing claims altogether.
Too often, these barriers leave women Veterans without the benefits and support they deserve.
What Families Can Do
If you have a loved one who served, here are some ways you can support her:
Encourage treatment and documentation. Keeping a record of symptoms, treatments, and triggers helps strengthen claims.
Remind her she doesn’t have to do this alone. Accredited representatives, advocates, and support networks can help.
Share resources that are specifically designed for women Veterans.
Helpful Resources for Women Veterans
VA MST Coordinators – Every VA medical facility has a designated MST Coordinator to connect survivors with care and guide them through the claims process.
Vet Centers – Community-based counseling centers that provide confidential PTSD and MST support outside of hospital settings.
National Call Center for Women Veterans – Call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) for healthcare and benefits assistance.
Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) – Accredited representatives who help Veterans file stronger, well-documented claims.
Final Thoughts
Every Veteran deserves recognition for the sacrifices they’ve made. For women, that means ensuring PTSD — no matter the source — is taken seriously and rated fairly.
If you know a woman Veteran silently struggling with PTSD, share this with her. She may not realize that support, resources, and benefits are available. Her service and her story matter, and she deserves to be heard.