What you have to prove
Medical documentation of exposure to trauma, intrusive symptoms, avoidance, disturbances in mood and behavior, and increases in arousal AND marked limitation of two (or extreme of one) of the Paragraph B areas. OR 2+ year serious-and-persistent presentation with marginal adjustment.
Medical evidence SSA expects
VA or treatment records, CAPS-5 (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) evaluations, service-connection documentation if veteran, therapist and psychiatrist records, and family/witness statements about functional impact.
Common misconceptions
Veterans often have both SSDI and VA disability — separate programs, separate decisions. VA service-connection doesn't guarantee SSDI approval but strong PTSD documentation from either program helps the other.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.