Condition Guide · Same formula as PTSD

Depression & anxiety VA rating 2026 — DC 9434/9400

Updated June 2026 · CFR source: 38 CFR §4.130

Major depressive disorder (DC 9434) and generalized anxiety disorder (DC 9400) are rated under the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as PTSD. The rating criteria, percentage levels, and compensation amounts are identical. What differs is the diagnostic label and the in-service stressor requirements for service connection.

Rating schedule — DC 9434 / DC 9400

Rating	2026 monthly	Criteria
100%	$3,938.58	Total occupational and social impairment.
70%	$1,808.45	Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas: work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.
50%	$1,132.90	Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
30%	$552.47	Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency.
10%	$180.42	Mild or transient symptoms; decreases in work efficiency only during periods of significant stress.
0%	$0	Symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

Service connection — primary vs secondary

Primary service connection requires:

Current diagnosis from a licensed mental health provider.
An in-service event or condition contributing to the onset.
A medical nexus linking the current condition to the in-service event.

Secondary service connection is available when depression or anxiety is caused or aggravated by an existing SC condition. Common secondary connections:

Depression secondary to chronic pain (back conditions, knee injuries, migraines).
Anxiety secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Depression secondary to hypothyroidism caused by SC neck radiation exposure.
Adjustment disorder secondary to service-connected physical disability.

C&P exam — what VA examines for depression and anxiety

The mental health C&P exam is a structured clinical interview conducted by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist. It evaluates the following domains:

Mental Status Exam (MSE). The examiner assesses appearance, behavior, speech, thought content, thought process, mood, affect, memory, concentration, judgment, and insight. Be honest and thorough — understating symptoms leads to an underrating.
Functional impairment narrative. The examiner describes your overall occupational and social impairment, which maps to the rating tier. (VA retired the GAF score when it adopted the DSM-5 in 2014; current C&P exams use the DBQ's level-of-impairment language instead.)
Occupational impact. Be prepared to describe job losses, disciplinary actions, performance issues, conflicts with supervisors or coworkers, leaves of absence, or inability to work due to mental health symptoms. This is the most critical factor for 50%+ ratings.
Social impact. Describe withdrawal from family, friendships, and social activities. Inability to maintain relationships or avoidance of social settings supports higher ratings.
Bring supporting documentation. Mental health treatment records, medication history, and any letters from employers documenting performance issues or terminations. Buddy statements from family members or coworkers describing observed symptoms and limitations can significantly strengthen the record.

TDIU interaction

A 70% single rating for depression or anxiety meets the §4.16(a) TDIU threshold if employment is prevented. Combined with other conditions at 40%+ single rating, a 50% depression/anxiety rating can qualify for TDIU under the 70% combined + 40% single path.

Calculate depression/anxiety + other conditions →

FAQ

Is depression rated the same way as PTSD?

Yes. Major depressive disorder (DC 9434), generalized anxiety disorder (DC 9400), and PTSD (DC 9411) all use the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders under 38 CFR §4.130. The criteria for each percentage level are identical across all three diagnoses.

Can I be rated for both PTSD and depression?

Generally no — this would be pyramiding under §4.14. If your symptoms overlap substantially, VA assigns a single rating for the most accurately descriptive diagnosis covering all symptoms. However, if the conditions are genuinely distinct with separate symptom clusters that do not overlap, separate ratings may be appropriate.

Can anxiety or depression be secondary to chronic pain conditions?

Yes. Secondary service connection for depression or anxiety caused by service-connected chronic pain (back conditions, knee conditions, etc.) is well-recognized. The theory is that chronic pain causes psychological distress that manifests as depression or anxiety. A psychiatric nexus letter is required.

What evidence does VA need for a mental health C&P exam?

Medical records from mental health providers documenting diagnosis, treatment history, symptoms, and functional impact. A current functional assessment describing your occupational and social impairment is essential (VA no longer uses the GAF score — it was retired when VA adopted the DSM-5 in 2014). Employment history showing missed work or job changes due to mental health symptoms. Buddy statements from coworkers or family members describing observed limitations.