Diagnostic Code 9434 · 38 CFR §4.130
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a persistent mood disorder characterized by prolonged periods of depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and in severe cases, thoughts of death. Veterans may develop depression as a result of combat experiences, military service stressors, chronic pain from service-connected injuries, or the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. The VA rates MDD using the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders that applies to all mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130. The rating criteria focus on the degree of occupational and social impairment, not on the specific diagnosis.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | A mental condition has been formally diagnosed but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication. |
| 10% | Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. |
| 30% | Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, although generally functioning satisfactorily. Examples: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss. |
| 50% | Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. Examples: flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, memory impairment, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships. |
| 70% | Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. Examples: suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression affecting ability to function independently, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance, inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment. Examples: gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, disorientation to time or place, memory loss for names of close relatives. |
A current diagnosis of MDD from a qualified mental health professional is required. Treatment records documenting ongoing symptoms, medication prescriptions (antidepressants, sleep aids), and therapy notes are important evidence. If claiming as secondary to a service-connected condition (such as chronic pain from a back injury), you need a medical nexus opinion explaining how the primary condition caused or aggravated the depression. Lay statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing observed changes in mood, behavior, motivation, and social engagement are valuable. Employment records showing missed days, reduced performance, or job changes due to symptoms can support higher ratings.
Generally, no. If a veteran has both PTSD and depression, the VA typically assigns a single rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders because the symptoms overlap. The rating will reflect the combined severity of all mental health symptoms. However, if depression is claimed secondary to a different service-connected condition than the one causing PTSD, some veterans have successfully argued for separate evaluations.
Yes. Depression secondary to service-connected chronic pain conditions is one of the most common and successful secondary claims. You need a nexus opinion from a medical professional stating that your service-connected condition at least as likely as not caused or aggravated your depression.
Even if medication controls your symptoms, you can still be rated. The 10% criteria specifically include "symptoms controlled by continuous medication." If your symptoms break through despite medication, the VA should rate based on your overall impairment level, including the need for ongoing medication as part of the picture.