Depression
Major depressive disorder. Diagnostic Code 9434.
Overview
Major depressive disorder involves persistent low mood or loss of interest along with symptoms like sleep changes, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. Veterans sometimes claim depression directly from service, or as a condition linked to another service connected condition such as chronic pain.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 9434 · 38 CFR 4.130
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment. |
| 70% | Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. |
| 50% | Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. |
| 30% | Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms that affect work only during significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. |
| 0% | A formal diagnosis, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with work and social functioning or to require continuous medication. |
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. VA generally assigns one mental health rating even when more than one mental health diagnosis exists.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Depression. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Often discussed as secondary to chronic pain, tinnitus, or other service connected conditions
- Sleep problems
- Weight changes and related conditions
Presumptive notes
VA does not list this condition on its main presumptive lists covered in this library. Service connection is generally shown with evidence of a current condition, an in service event, and a link between them. See VA hazardous materials exposure for other presumptive programs.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- Mental health treatment records
- Records showing the timeline of symptoms
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.130 on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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