Emotional numbness, reduced ability to feel strong emotions, and loss of the adrenaline or excitement response are recognized symptoms that can be part of a mental health condition tied to military service, most commonly PTSD or an unspecified depressive/anxiety disorder. Under the DSM-5 criteria the VA uses to evaluate PTSD, one of the diagnostic clusters is called "negative alterations in cognition and mood," which specifically includes persistent inability to experience positive emotions, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, and diminished interest in activities. Feeling emotionally flat rather than constantly sad or anxious does not disqualify a veteran from a diagnosis or a rating; VA rates mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130 based on overall occupational and social impairment, not on which specific symptoms are present.
The fact that 15-20 years have passed since separation does not bar a claim. Mental health conditions, including PTSD, can be claimed at any time, and there is no requirement that symptoms have been continuously documented since service, although a clear record helps. What matters is establishing three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service stressor or event (combat deployments to Iraq generally satisfy this element more easily under 38 CFR 3.304(f), which relaxes stressor-verification requirements for combat veterans), and a medical nexus connecting the current condition to that service.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →To pursue this, a veteran would file a claim for a mental health condition, commonly PTSD or an unspecified depressive disorder, using VA Form 21-526EZ if this is an original claim, or a supplemental claim with VA Form 20-0995 if a related mental health claim was previously denied and new evidence is available. The VA will typically schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination where a psychologist or psychiatrist assesses current symptoms, including emotional numbing, and renders an opinion on whether the condition is at least as likely as not related to service. It can help to see a private provider beforehand for an initial diagnosis and to describe specific incidents from the two deployments that may relate to the numbing and loss of emotional intensity.
Outcomes vary significantly depending on the strength of the diagnosis, the clarity of the nexus opinion, and how thoroughly symptoms are documented, so no one should assume a particular rating percentage or approval likelihood. The concrete next step is to seek an evaluation from a mental health provider, obtain a diagnosis, and file a claim for a mental health condition connected to the Iraq deployments, using a supplemental claim form if any related claim was filed and denied before.
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