How VA Rates Depression: DC 9434 Impairment and Secondary Links

Depression is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 9434 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR 4.130). Ratings are assigned at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% based on how severely depressive episodes, anhedonia, fatigue, and cognitive slowing impair the veteran's work and interpersonal life.

Depression is frequently claimed secondary to chronic service-connected physical disabilities, such as spinal injuries, chronic radiculopathy, or severe joint arthritis. Chronic intractable pain and permanent loss of physical mobility frequently precipitate clinical depression, which is compensable under 38 CFR 3.310.

The rating schedule measures impairment: 10% for mild symptoms controlled by medication; 30% for occasional decrease in work efficiency; 50% for reduced reliability, flattened affect, and impaired mood; 70% for deficiencies in most areas including suicidal ideation, social isolation, and impaired impulse control; and 100% for total occupational and social impairment.

When claiming depression secondary to a physical condition, the file requires a DSM-5 clinical diagnosis, a Mental Disorders DBQ, and an independent medical opinion (nexus letter) providing clinical rationale explaining how the primary physical disability proximately caused or aggravated the depressive disorder.