Claiming Depression / Anxiety?
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VA Rating Tiers
100%
hundred percent impairment
70%
seventy percent impairment
50%
fifty percent impairment
30%
thirty percent impairment
10%
ten percent impairment
0%
zero level impairment
Rating Notes
- ›Rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR Part 4).
- ›The same 0/10/30/50/70/100% tiers apply across all mental health conditions.
- ›Rating is driven by occupational and social impairment, not symptom count.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Depression and anxiety are rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- •They are often claimed as secondary to PTSD, chronic pain, or TBI.
- •A current diagnosis from a mental health provider is strong evidence.
- •Lay statements describing symptom onset during or after service are also valid.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service mental health referrals or visits
- •sick call records for mood, sleep, or anxiety complaints
- •chaplain records
- •command-level documentation of behavioral changes
Medical Evidence
- •mental health evaluation or psychiatric assessment
- •therapy or counseling records
- •medication records (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications)
- •primary care records documenting mood concerns
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing when symptoms began and how service contributed
- •statement describing day-to-day impact on work, sleep, relationships, and motivation
- •buddy or family statement describing behavioral or mood changes
Diagnostic Tests
- •PHQ-9 (depression screening)
- •GAD-7 (anxiety screening)
- •psychiatric evaluation
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Mental Health
Be ready to describe
- •when symptoms started and how they connect to service
- •how depression or anxiety affects your ability to work and maintain relationships
- •current treatment and whether it helps
- •your worst periods — not just good days
Prep notes
- •Be honest — don't minimize how bad it gets.
- •Talk about your worst days and how symptoms affect your functioning.
- •If secondary to another condition, mention that connection clearly.
- •If you've had suicidal thoughts, it's safe and important to mention them honestly.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 9434
- Category
- Mental Health
- Subcategory
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 100%
Also Known As
major depressive disorderMDDgeneralized anxiety disorderGADdepressionanxietypersistent depressive disorderdysthymiamood disordermental healthpanic disorder
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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