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View Full Enhanced Guide →38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.130
Major Depressive Disorder
dc-9434-major-depressive-disorder
Mental health
Diagnostic code
9434
Why your DC matters: DC 9434 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 9434 — Major Depressive Disorder — is one of the most commonly rated mental health conditions, listed under 38 CFR § 4.130.
Depression can be rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% based on occupational and social impairment, with common ratings being 30%, 50%, or 70%. The rating considers symptom severity, frequency, and functional impact.
For a comprehensive guide with visual compensation breakdowns, secondary conditions, evidence strategies, and claim timelines, visit the detailed guide page for this condition.
Exact rating criteria: Ratings are based on occupational and social impairment: 10% for mild symptoms, 30% for occasional decrease in work efficiency, 50% for reduced reliability and productivity, 70% for deficiencies in most areas (work, family, judgment, thinking), 100% for total occupational and social impairment.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 9434 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 9434 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
MDD is rated under the same General Rating Formula as PTSD and every other mental health condition. The criteria are NOT about which symptoms you have — they're about how much your symptoms impair work and social function. A veteran with three symptoms who can't hold a job rates higher than one with eight symptoms who's still working.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment — gross thought impairment, persistent delusions/hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, danger to self/others, inability to perform daily living activities, disorientation, memory loss for own name. | Psychiatric hospitalization records, crisis line contacts, conservator/family caregiver involvement, inability to live independently. |
| 70% | Deficiencies in MOST areas (work, school, family, judgment, mood) — suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, impaired impulse control, neglect of hygiene, inability to maintain effective relationships, difficulty adapting to stress. | Suicidal ideation in therapy notes, job loss/long unemployment, divorce or estranged family, ER visits for mental health crises. |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity — flattened affect, panic attacks >1×/week, impaired memory, impaired judgment, mood disturbance interfering with work and relationships. | Therapist notes documenting symptom frequency; PHQ-9 scores ≥15; employment write-ups, missed deadlines, conflict at work. |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency with intermittent inability to perform tasks — but generally functioning satisfactorily. | Continuous medication, regular therapy, periodic missed work or productivity dips noted in chart. |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during significant stress — or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. | Stable on antidepressant medication; minimal functional impact documented. |
| 0% | Formally diagnosed, but symptoms not severe enough to require continuous medication or interfere with work/social function. | Diagnosis only; no treatment needed. |
What Qualifies as 'Major Depressive Disorder' Under DC 9434?
DSM-5 diagnosis by a qualified clinician
Major Depressive Disorder must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, LCSW, or other licensed mental health professional. A primary care 'depression' note is not sufficient — VA requires the formal DSM-5 diagnosis.
Rated on impairment, not symptom count
The General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (§ 4.130) rates based on how much symptoms impair work AND social function — not which specific symptoms you have. A veteran with three severe symptoms can rate higher than one with eight mild ones.
- • 0% — diagnosis only, no functional impact
- • 10% — mild symptoms decreasing efficiency only during stress, or controlled by medication
- • 30% — occasional decrease in work efficiency, generally functioning satisfactorily
- • 50% — reduced reliability and productivity
- • 70% — deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment, mood)
- • 100% — total occupational AND social impairment
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Deficiencies in most areas”
70% requires impairment in MOST domains — work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, AND mood. If the C&P report only addresses work, it caps at 50%. Make sure family/social impact is documented.
“Suicidal ideation”
Documented SI — even passive ('I sometimes wish I wouldn't wake up') — is a 70% indicator. Don't deny it on the exam if it's true; therapy notes should already reflect it.
“Reduced reliability and productivity”
50% gateway phrase. Examiner must connect symptoms to work performance — missed deadlines, absenteeism, conflict, errors.
“Total occupational and social impairment”
100% requires total impairment in BOTH work and social. If you're functioning socially with family, 100% is unlikely — but TDIU (which pays at 100% rate) only requires inability to work. Most severe MDD cases reach 100% comp via TDIU at 70%, not via raw 100% rating.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Mental Disorders DBQ (private psychiatrist preferred)
CRITICALSingle most important document. Private DBQs are often more thorough than rushed VA C&P exams.
Continuous treatment records
CRITICALTherapy notes, psychiatric med management visits, ER mental health visits. Gaps in treatment = 'improvement.' Maintain monthly+ contact.
Medication history
IMPORTANTSSRI/SNRI Rx history. Multiple trials, dose changes, augmentation strategies = treatment-resistant depression = higher severity.
Employment records
IMPORTANTTermination letters, performance write-ups, accommodation requests, attendance records, unemployment claims. Critical for TDIU.
Buddy / family statements
SUPPORTINGLay observations of mood, withdrawal, anger, hygiene, social changes. Most powerful when written by spouse, kids, or close coworker.
Nexus letter (for direct service connection)
CRITICALMedical opinion linking MDD to a service event or to a service-connected condition (chronic pain, TBI, deployment trauma).
C&P Exam Tips
Describe your WORST days
Ratings are based on peak symptom severity, not daily average. Don't say 'I'm doing OK today.' Say 'Three days a week I can't get out of bed.'
Connect symptoms to work and family
Don't list symptoms in isolation. Say 'I can't concentrate, so I missed three deadlines last month and got written up' or 'I yelled at my kids, and now we don't talk.'
Don't deny suicidal ideation if it's true
Passive SI ('I'd be better off not waking up') is a 70% indicator. Denying it on the exam undercuts your therapy notes and lowers your rating.
Don't say you're doing better since starting meds
'Despite treatment' impairment is what counts. Describe what symptoms remain DESPITE being on meds — not how much they've helped.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing MDD when already rated for PTSD
Pyramiding. Same general rating formula, same functional impairment. Usually no benefit — and may trigger an exam that lowers your existing PTSD rating. Discuss with a VSO first.
Not filing TDIU at 70%
If MDD prevents you from working, TDIU pays at the 100% rate (~$3,737/mo vs $1,716/mo at 70%). That's $24,000/year left on the table if you don't file Form 21-8940.
Gaps in treatment
Missing therapy appointments or stopping meds reads as 'condition improved.' Maintain at minimum monthly contact with a provider.
Not pursuing SMC-S for housebound status
100% MDD + substantially confined to home = SMC-S (~$430/mo extra). Often missed.
Tactical Plays
⚡ TDIU at 70% MDD = 100% pay
If MDD prevents you from holding a job, file VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU. You need ONE condition rated 60%+ (or combined 70%+) and a credible inability to maintain 'substantially gainful employment.' Pays the 100% rate without requiring a 100% schedular rating.
⚡ Service connect via secondary, not direct
If you can't show MDD onset in service, file as secondary to chronic pain (rated MSK conditions), TBI, PTSD residuals, or tinnitus. The medical literature linking chronic pain to depression is overwhelming — a single nexus paragraph usually wins.
⚡ Private DBQ beats C&P every time
VA C&P examiners average 30–45 min per exam. A private psychiatrist DBQ takes an hour and reflects real treatment history. Worth $300–500 out of pocket if your VA rating doesn't match your symptoms.
⚡ Stack with sleep apnea, GERD, ED for 90%+ combined
70% MDD + 50% sleep apnea + 10% GERD + 0% ED with SMC-K → combined ~85%, rounded to 90%, plus SMC-K. Each is a separate filing but they all flow from the same primary mental health condition.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Sleep apnea
STRONGDC 6847
Depression and sleep architecture disruption are well-linked. CPAP prescription = 50% rating.
GERD / IBS
STRONGDC 7346
Gut-brain axis. Well-documented secondary to mental health conditions.
Erectile dysfunction
STRONGDC 7522
MDD itself + SSRI side effects. Unlocks SMC-K (~$132/mo).
Substance use disorder
MODERATEIf self-medication for MDD, can be service-connected as secondary. Discuss with VSO — strategy varies.
Hypertension
MODERATEDC 7101
Chronic stress + medication effects. Easier than direct service connection.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Mild MDD controlled by SSRI.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Occasional missed work, regular therapy, continuous medication.
50% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Panic attacks, work conflict, performance decline.
70% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,808.45
TOTAL
$1,808.45/mo
Job loss, SI, family estrangement, near-continuous depression.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Hospitalization, total impairment in work AND social.
70% MDD + TDIU = paid at 100% rate
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
TDIU at 70% MDD pays the 100% rate — file Form 21-8940. Difference from 70% to 100% rate ≈ $2,130/mo.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
📉What does 'Reduced Reliability and Productivity' mean?
The 50% gateway phrase. Requires concrete work impacts: missed deadlines, errors, conflict with coworkers, absenteeism, performance write-ups. Symptoms in isolation don't trigger 50% — the work-link is mandatory.
⚠️What is 'Deficiencies in Most Areas'?
The 70% gate. Impairment must span MOST life domains — work, school, family, judgment, thinking, AND mood. A C&P report addressing only work caps at 50%. Make sure family/social impact is documented.
🛑What is 'Total Occupational and Social Impairment'?
The 100% schedular criterion — total impairment in BOTH work and social. If you're functioning socially with family, 100% schedular is unlikely. But TDIU (which pays at the 100% rate) only requires inability to work.
💼What is TDIU?
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Pays the 100% rate when a service-connected condition prevents 'substantially gainful employment,' even at a 60–70% rating. File VA Form 21-8940.
How to File Your Claim
Get continuous treatment in the chart
Monthly+ therapy and/or psychiatric med-management visits. Gaps in care read as 'improvement' to raters. Maintain documented contact.
Consider a private Mental Disorders DBQ
Private psychiatrist DBQs (~$300–500) are typically more thorough than rushed VA C&P exams. Worth it if your symptoms exceed your current rating.
File VA Form 21-526EZ — and file secondaries simultaneously
List MDD by name. Concurrently claim sleep apnea (DC 6847), GERD (DC 7346), and ED (DC 7522 → SMC-K) as secondary to mental health.
At 70%+, file VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU
If MDD prevents work, TDIU pays the 100% rate. Document termination letters, accommodation requests, attendance records, and unemployment claims.
Consider SMC-S if housebound
100% MDD + substantially confined to home qualifies for SMC-S (about $470/mo extra). Often missed.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Don't pyramid with PTSD or GAD
All § 4.130 conditions share the same rating formula. If you're already rated for PTSD, filing MDD as a separate primary claim usually nets zero AND may trigger an exam that lowers your existing rating. Discuss with a VSO first.
TDIU at 70% MDD = 100% pay
Difference between 70% ($1,808/mo) and 100% ($3,938/mo) is over $2,100/mo, or $25,500/yr. File Form 21-8940 if MDD prevents employment.
Don't deny suicidal ideation at the exam if it's true
Even passive SI ('I sometimes wish I wouldn't wake up') is a 70% indicator. Denying it on the exam contradicts your therapy notes and drops your rating.
Rate is symptom severity DESPITE treatment
Per § 4.126, describe what remains on meds — not how much they've helped. 'Doing better' language at C&P pulls your rating down.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file MDD as secondary to a physical condition?
Yes — chronic pain (rated MSK conditions), TBI, tinnitus, or hearing loss are all well-accepted primary conditions for MDD secondary claims. The literature linking chronic illness to depression is overwhelming; a one-paragraph nexus letter usually wins.
What's the difference between MDD and PTSD for VA?
Both rate under the same § 4.130 formula at the same percentages. PTSD requires a stressor (in-service traumatic event); MDD doesn't. You can't be rated for both as separate primaries — that's pyramiding under § 4.14.
How do I get to 100% for MDD?
Two paths: (1) 100% schedular — total impairment in BOTH work and social, very rare; (2) TDIU at 70%+ — inability to maintain substantially gainful employment. Most veterans reach 100% comp via the TDIU path.
Does taking medication lower my rating?
No. Ratings reflect impairment DESPITE treatment per § 4.126. Stable on SSRI = symptom-control credit, but ongoing impairment still counts. Describe what remains; don't downplay because 'meds help.'
Can I keep working with a 70% MDD rating?
Yes — the 70% schedular rating has no work prohibition. Only TDIU has the 'substantially gainful employment' restriction. You can hold a 70% rating and full-time job; you just can't simultaneously hold TDIU and earn above the poverty threshold.
Official Regulatory Source
Major Depressive Disorder is rated under 38 CFR § 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9434, using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
38 CFR § 4.130 — Mental Disorders (eCFR) →The same formula applies to PTSD, GAD, MDD, and other mental health conditions in § 4.130.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
Mental health rating criteria use 'such as' language — the listed symptoms are examples, not a checklist. A rater can grant a higher tier based on equivalent symptoms not specifically listed. If your rating decision treats the symptom list as exhaustive, that's grounds for a HLR (higher-level review).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 9434, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 9434 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.