Depression VA disability:
ratings, evidence and next steps.
Understand the rating criteria, organize supporting records, and find official help with your claim.
GrantsHubUSA · Independent editorial guide
- Diagnostic code
- DC 9434
- Rating framework
- 38 CFR § 4.130
- Key consideration
- Impact on work and social functioning
Overview
How VA evaluates depression.
Major depressive disorder is rated under the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as PTSD. The rating depends on how symptoms affect work and social functioning.
Depression can be claimed directly, or as secondary to another service-connected condition, such as one causing chronic pain.
A diagnosis alone does not establish a particular rating.
Depression rating criteria, at a glance.
A condensed guide to the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
| Rating | Criteria in brief |
|---|---|
| 0% | Formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with work and social functioning or to require continuous medication. |
| 10% | Mild or temporary symptoms that reduce work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of being unable to do work tasks, though generally functioning satisfactorily. Examples: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks weekly or less often, chronic sleep problems, mild memory loss. |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity. Examples: flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, trouble understanding complex commands, memory problems, impaired judgment, disturbed motivation and mood, difficulty keeping effective work and social relationships. |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. Examples: suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, neglect of appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stress, inability to keep effective relationships. |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment. Examples: gross impairment in thinking or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform daily living activities, disorientation to time or place. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9434
These summaries are not the full legal criteria or a self-assessment tool.VA decides the rating from the evidence. Read the full regulation text at the source link.
Build a clear evidence record.
- Diagnosis and treatment recordsVA, Vet Center and private-provider records showing the diagnosis, therapy and medication.
- Service recordsRecords showing symptoms or events during service, or the service-connected condition you are claiming it is secondary to.
- Personal statementExplain the condition's effects on work, relationships and daily life in your own words.
- Statements from othersObservations from family, friends or people you served with who know how you have changed.
- Work and daily-life recordsMissed work, job changes or other examples of functional impact.
- Medical opinionIf claiming as secondary, a clinician's opinion on the link.
Preparing for a C&P exam
- 1Follow the instructions in your appointment notice, and call the exam provider if you need to reschedule.
- 2Describe symptoms honestly, including how often they happen, how long they last, and changes over time.
- 3Explain the effects on work, relationships and everyday activities, including your worst days.
Common pitfalls to avoid.
- Missing recordsCheck which evidence VA has requested and send it before the deadline.
- Missed appointmentsContact the exam provider before the date if you cannot attend.
- Vague descriptionsUse accurate, specific examples of frequency and daily impact.
Questions about depression claims.
No. VA first decides whether the condition is service-connected, then rates it based on the evidence of how it affects you. A diagnosis alone does not set a rating.
VA compares the evidence, including the exam report and your records, with the criteria in 38 CFR § 4.130. When the evidence falls between two levels, VA assigns the higher one if the disability more nearly matches it (38 CFR § 4.7).
Read your appointment notice, bring a list of medications and treatment, and be ready to describe how often symptoms happen, how long they last, and how they affect work, relationships and daily activities. If you cannot attend, contact the exam provider before the appointment.
VA's directory lists accredited attorneys, claims agents and Veterans Service Organization representatives. Help from a Veterans Service Organization is free.
Check the original guidance.
This guide explains published information. It does not replace medical care or advice from an accredited claims professional.
Make your next step a clear one.
Explore more conditions, or use the VA pay calculator to plan ahead.