Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Diagnostic Code 9434 • 38 CFR § 4.130
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders—focus is occupational and social impairment, not symptom count alone.
Diagnostic Code
9434
MDD Rating Percentages & 2024 Pay (veteran alone)
Total occupational & social impairment
Gross impairment, danger, ADL failure
$3,737/mo
base
Deficiencies in most areas
Suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression…
$1,716/mo
base
Reduced reliability & productivity
Weekly+ panic-equivalent severity markers
$1,075/mo
base
Occasional work inefficiency
Intermittent task failure, generally functioning
$524/mo
base
Mild / controlled by medication
Stress-only or continuous medication
$171/mo
base
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Three Compensation Scenarios (VA Math)
50% MDD + sleep apnea + migraines
≈ $2,241/mo (2024 baseline—no deps).
70% MDD + spouse + child
70% MDD
$1,716
Deps (example)
+$see tables
Use official tables
VA.gov dependency rates
Dependent amounts change annually—verify on VA compensation tables.
70% MDD + TDIU
Unemployable due to SC disabilities → may pay at 100% rate ($3,737/mo, 2024 baseline) even when schedular rating is lower—if TDIU criteria are met.
Complete Criteria (Summary)
Same formula as PTSD and other mental disorders—raters look at functional impact in work and relationships.
| % | Impairment level | 2024 $ |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Total impairment | $3,737 |
| 70% | Most areas deficient | $1,716 |
| 50% | Reduced reliability/productivity | $1,075 |
| 30% | Occasional inefficiency | $524 |
| 10% | Mild / meds | $171 |
Critical Evidence
Mental Disorders DBQ
Psychiatrist/psychologist documents symptoms + GAF-style function.
Treatment continuity
Therapy notes, med management, hospitalizations, IOP/PHP.
Work impact
Attendance, terminations, accommodations, SSA filings.
Nexus (especially secondary MDD)
Links depression to chronic pain, PTSD, TBI, etc.
Lay statements
Family observations of withdrawal, hopelessness, sleep, irritability.
Common Secondary Conditions
😴 Sleep apnea
STRONG6847
🤕 Migraines
STRONG8100
🫃 IBS / GERD
STRONG7319/7346
💔 Anxiety (pyramiding note)
CAUTION9400
🚻 ED
STRONG7522
❤️ Hypertension
MODERATE7101
Separate anxiety + depression ratings may raise pyramiding issues if symptoms overlap—get accredited help.
Claim Timeline
Gather treatment history
12–24 months of records strongly helps
Private DBQ / IME optional
Supplement VA exam if needed
File 526EZ
Claim primary and secondaries together when possible
C&P mental health exam
Describe worst days & work impact
Decision / HLR / appeal
Check for pyramiding errors
What Moves You Up the Scale
30% → 50%
- Panic-level symptom clusters or memory/judgment issues documented
- Relationship + work reliability problems in the record
50% → 70%
- Suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, hygiene decline
- Impaired impulse control, inability to maintain relationships
70% → 100%
Hospitalization-level impairment, danger, gross thought disorder—rare.
TDIU Reminder
One rating 60%+ or combined 70%+ with unemployability may qualify for 100% pay rate—file VA Form 21-8940 with employment evidence.
Common Mistakes
Symptom list without function
Tie symptoms to job performance and relationships.
Gaps in care read as improvement
Maintain regular treatment or document why not.
Minimizing at C&P
Report typical bad episodes—examiners need severity picture.
Skipping secondaries
OSA, migraines, IBS often add large combined %.
FAQs
▸ Can I be rated for MDD and PTSD?
Often pyramiding applies—generally one mental health rating unless distinct symptom sets are supported. Ask a VSO.
▸ Do meds hurt my rating?
No—treatment supports severity. Higher doses / multiple agents can show resistant, severe illness.
▸ Secondary MDD from back pain—how do I prove it?
Medical nexus letter + timeline showing depression onset/worsening with chronic pain; treatment records linking mood symptoms to functional limitations.
DC 9434 Reference & Tools
⚠️ 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.