Condition Rating Guides
Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…
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Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…
A mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. The VA rates depression using the same criteria as PTSD — based on how much it impairs your work and social functioning.
The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.
Diagnostic code
DC 9434
Rating range
0% – 100%
Rating levels
6
Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9434 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.
Proposed Mental Health Rating Overhaul
The VA has proposed replacing the current General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders with a 5-domain model. Key changes: elimination of the 0% rating level, objective domain-based assessments (self-care, social, occupational, cognitive, and behavioral), and new rating levels at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. This is a proposed rule and has not taken effect.
View proposed rule →Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.
What the VA looks for
Conditions commonly associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or rated under the same body system.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Erectile Dysfunction
Dermatitis / Eczema
Psoriasis
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Tinnitus
Bilateral Hearing Loss
Migraine Headaches
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Bipolar Disorder
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Insomnia Disorder
Shoulder Limitation of Motion
Rotator Cuff Tear
Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Total Hip Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Spinal Stenosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Bronchial Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Coronary Artery Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Stroke Residuals (Cerebrovascular Accident)
Multiple Sclerosis
Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve
Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities
Hypothyroidism
Restless Legs Syndrome
DVT Residuals — Hematologic (Post-Thrombotic Syndrome)
Hysterectomy Residuals
Endometriosis
Breast Cancer Residuals
HIV-Related Illness
Hepatitis C
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Residuals