VA Disability Rating for Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)
Rated 0–100% under the same General Rating Formula as PTSD. Service-connectable directly or secondary to physical conditions.
MDD is rated under 38 CFR § 4.130 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders — the same formula as PTSD. Rating reflects functional impairment, not symptom count. Depression is frequently secondary to physical service-connected conditions (chronic pain, tinnitus, sleep apnea) and should be filed as such when applicable.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Diagnosed but no functional impairment. |
| 10% | $180.42 | Mild symptoms decreasing work efficiency only during stress periods. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Occasional decrease in efficiency; depressed mood, anxiety, mild memory loss, suspiciousness, panic attacks less than weekly. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Reduced reliability; flattened affect, panic attacks more than weekly, impaired memory, difficulty with relationships. |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | Deficiencies in most areas; suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, neglect of hygiene, impaired impulse control. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Total occupational and social impairment; persistent delusions, disorientation, memory loss for own name. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
- →At 70%: $1,808.45/mo · $21,701/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for major depressive disorder (depression)
- Current diagnosis from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified clinician.
- Document the in-service event, stressor, or onset.
- If secondary (e.g. depression caused by chronic pain from a service-connected back injury), clearly state the causal chain on the claim.
- C&P exam — describe your worst days, not your average days.
Common secondary conditions
- +Sleep apnea
- +GERD (SSRI-related)
- +Erectile dysfunction (SSRI-related)
- +Substance use disorder
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Secondary depression claims (e.g. depression secondary to chronic back pain) are often approved faster than primary claims because the nexus is already established through the primary condition.
- Mental health conditions share the same rating formula — if you have both PTSD and depression, they are generally rated as a single condition at the higher level.
Frequently asked
Can depression be service-connected without a combat stressor?
Yes. Non-combat depression is service-connectable if the onset was during service or if it is secondary to another service-connected condition.
Are PTSD and depression rated separately?
No — VA regulations prohibit pyramiding. If you have both, the single higher rating applies. You should still claim both so the rater evaluates the full picture.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.