Diagnostic Code 9434 · Mental Health

Depression VA Rating (MDD)

The VA rates major depressive disorder under DC 9434 and 38 CFR § 4.130 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% based on occupational and social impairment. The 50% rating ($1,132.90/month) is most commonly awarded for moderate-to-severe MDD, reflecting reduced reliability and productivity at work and in relationships.

0%Symptoms Present, Not CompensableNo pay

10%Mild or Transient Symptoms$180.42/mo

30%Occasional Decrease in Work Efficiency$552.47/mo

50%Reduced Reliability and Productivity$1,132.90/mo

70%Deficiencies in Most Areas$1,808.45/mo

100%Total Occupational and Social Impairment$3,938.58/mo

Rating Criteria by Level

Under 38 CFR § 4.130, the VA evaluates all mental health conditions including major depressive disorder on a single general scale based on occupational and social impairment. The rating does not depend on a specific test score; it depends on how depression affects your ability to work and maintain relationships.

0%Symptoms Present, Not Compensable

Non-compensable

Criteria: Symptoms are present but not severe enough to interfere with occupational or social functioning, or symptoms require continuous medication to remain controlled.

A 0% rating is non-compensable, meaning no monthly payment. However, it establishes service connection, which preserves your right to claim secondary conditions and to seek an increase if the condition worsens without reopening the original service-connection question.

10%Mild or Transient Symptoms

$180.42/mo

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

At 10%, depression noticeably affects performance under stress but does not prevent sustained employment. Veterans who function well with medication but still experience stress-triggered episodes commonly receive this rating.

30%Occasional Decrease in Work Efficiency

$552.47/mo

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (though generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to symptoms such as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.

The 30% level captures veterans who largely function but experience recurrent symptomatic periods. Chronic sleep impairment and mood disturbance are key evidence points. Pay is $552.47/month (veteran alone, 2026).

50%Reduced Reliability and Productivity

$1,132.90/mo

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as: flattened affect, circumstantial speech, panic attacks (more than once a week), difficulty understanding complex commands, impairment of short- and long-term memory, impaired judgment and abstract thinking, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships.

The most commonly awarded rating for moderate MDD. At this level, depression materially impairs job performance and interpersonal relationships on a sustained basis, not just under stress. Pay is $1,132.90/month (veteran alone, 2026).

Most commonly awarded rating for moderate depression

70%Deficiencies in Most Areas

$1,808.45/mo

Criteria: Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as: suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities, near-continuous panic or depression, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events), impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting), inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The 70% level requires documented deficiencies across most life areas. Suicidal ideation, hospitalization records, crisis intervention documentation, and inability to sustain employment are the strongest evidence for this level. Veterans rated 70% frequently pursue TDIU.

100%Total Occupational and Social Impairment

$3,938.58/mo

Criteria: Total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, 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, own occupation, or own name.

The 100% schedular rating for MDD requires evidence of complete functional breakdown: psychotic features, persistent safety risk, or inability to perform basic daily activities. Inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations, inability to care for oneself, and continuous supervision needs support this level.

How to Service-Connect Depression

Service connection requires three elements: a current MDD diagnosis, an in-service event or injury, and a medical nexus linking the two. Depression is commonly connected in three ways:

Direct Service Connection

Depression diagnosed during service or within a year of separation, with service treatment records (STRs) documenting depressive episodes, psychiatric referrals, or medication prescribed for MDD. A diagnosis in the STRs is the strongest foundation for direct connection.

Secondary to PTSD or TBI

Depression frequently co-occurs with or develops secondary to PTSD and traumatic brain injury. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner establishing that MDD was caused or aggravated by the service-connected condition is required for secondary connection.

Secondary to Chronic Pain or Physical Conditions

Chronic pain from service-connected musculoskeletal conditions (back injuries, knee injuries, neuropathy) is a well-documented trigger for major depression. Secondary service connection is established through a nexus opinion linking the physical condition to the onset or worsening of MDD.

What Happens at Your C&P Exam

The VA will schedule a mental health compensation and pension exam with a VA or contracted examiner. For depression, the examiner will typically:

Review all psychiatric treatment records (VA and private)
Assess occupational history and job performance impact
Evaluate social functioning and relationship quality
Screen for suicidal and homicidal ideation
Review medication history and treatment response
Complete a GAF score or functional impairment assessment

Bring all private mental health records, a list of current medications, and any buddy statements from family or supervisors documenting behavioral changes. If you have a private DBQ or nexus letter, submit it before the exam date.

Secondary Conditions to Depression

Once depression is service-connected, you can file secondary claims for conditions it caused or worsened. Each secondary condition adds its own rating to your combined total.

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

Comorbid insomnia rated separately under DC 5275 or as a component of the mental disorder rating. Where sleep disruption is severe, a separate sleep claim may increase the overall combined rating.

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety frequently co-occurs with MDD. Under the VA's general mental disorders formula, anxiety and depression are rated on the same scale and typically combined into a single rating.

Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol or substance use as self-medication for depression can be rated as secondary to the service-connected MDD when a physician establishes the causal relationship.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Stress and depression worsen IBS and GERD. Secondary connection is possible with a nexus opinion from a gastroenterologist or primary care physician.

Hypertension

Chronic psychological stress from depression elevates blood pressure. Secondary claims for hypertension linked to MDD are supported by medical literature and can be rated 10% to 60%.

Social and Occupational Impairment

At 70%+ ratings, veterans often qualify for TDIU if depression prevents gainful employment. TDIU pays the 100% rate ($3,938.58/month) regardless of the combined schedular percentage.

SourcesLast reviewed: May 2026

Depression VA Rating FAQ

What is the most common VA rating for depression?

The 50% rating is most commonly awarded for moderate MDD. It requires reduced reliability and productivity at work due to symptoms like flattened affect, panic attacks more than once weekly, memory impairment, and difficulty establishing effective work relationships. Pay is $1,132.90/month (veteran alone, 2026).

Can depression be service connected without a combat history?

Yes. Depression can be directly connected if diagnosed during service or within a year of separation. It is also commonly service-connected as secondary to PTSD, TBI, chronic pain, or other service-connected physical conditions. Combat history is not required.

What is the difference between a 50% and 70% depression rating?

The key escalator to 70% is deficiencies in most areas of functioning: suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, impaired impulse control, neglect of hygiene, and inability to maintain relationships. At 50%, the veteran still generally functions but with reduced reliability. Documentation of suicidal ideation, hospitalizations, or inability to maintain employment supports a 70% rating.

Does the VA rate depression separately from PTSD?

Generally no. The VA typically rates all mental health conditions under a single umbrella rating using the General Rating Formula. If a veteran has both PTSD and MDD, they are usually combined into a single rating rather than rated separately. There are exceptions when conditions affect clearly different functional areas.

Can depression qualify for TDIU?

Yes. A single 70% depression rating meets the TDIU threshold for veterans with one disability at 60% or higher. A 70% depression rating combined with other conditions that bring the combined rating to 70% (with depression at 40%+) also qualifies. TDIU pays the 100% rate ($3,938.58/month).

How do I increase my depression rating?

File for an increased rating and submit current treatment records documenting worsening symptoms. Buddy statements from family documenting behavioral changes, records of hospitalizations or crisis interventions, and a private nexus/DBQ supporting the higher rating level are all useful. VA C&P exams for increases evaluate your current functional impairment.

Does the VA penalize you for seeking mental health treatment?

No. VA policy prohibits using a veteran's willingness to seek treatment as a reason to reduce ratings. Attending therapy or taking medications does not mean your condition is "controlled" for rating purposes unless symptoms have actually and sustainably improved.