The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns disability ratings for depression as a percentage based on how severely the condition impacts your daily life and ability to work. These ratings determine your monthly compensation and access to VA benefits.
In this guide, our Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claim lawyers explain how the VA evaluates depression, what the different VA ratings for depression are, and what you need to know about securing the benefits you’re owed after your service.
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How does the VA Rate Depression?
The VA uses criteria outlined in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities to evaluate depression and assign VA ratings. Your rating depends on how your symptoms affect your work, relationships, and daily activities.
The VA considers factors like your ability to maintain employment, engage in social interactions, and care for yourself.
Each rating level corresponds to a different severity of symptoms and functional limitations. The VA will review your medical records, work history, and personal statements to determine your rating.
Veterans must demonstrate a service connection to receive a depression rating. This means showing that your depression either began during service, worsened during service, or resulted from another service-connected condition.
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What Are the Different Rating Levels for Depression?
The VA assigns depression ratings at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. The closer to 100% you have, the more benefits you can receive for your service-related depression. Your rating may change over time as your condition improves or worsens.
0% Rating Level
A 0% rating means the VA acknowledges your service-connected depression but finds it causes minimal interference with work and daily activities. At this level, your symptoms are mild and controlled with minimal or no medication.
If you are given a 0% rating level, you will not receive benefits from the VA for your depression. They acknowledge you have depression but deem that it doesn’t affect you enough to need benefits. A lawyer can challenge this determination.
10% Rating Level
With a 10% rating, you experience mild symptoms that occasionally impact your work performance or social interactions. You might need continuous medication to control your symptoms.
30% Rating Level
A 30% rating indicates an occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods where you can’t perform occupational tasks.
You generally function satisfactorily with routine behavior and self-care. Your symptoms may include anxiety, mild memory loss, and depressed mood.
50% Rating Level
At the 50% level, you experience reduced reliability and productivity in occupational and social situations. Your symptoms might include difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, and disturbances in motivation and mood. You may have trouble establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.
70% Rating Level
A 70% rating reflects severe occupational and social impairment. You likely experience deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, judgment, and mood.
Symptoms often include suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression affecting your ability to function independently, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
100% Rating Level
The highest rating of 100% indicates total occupational and social impairment. At this level, your depression severely impacts all areas of your life.
You may experience persistent danger of hurting yourself or others, memory loss of basic information, disorientation, or inability to perform activities of daily living. This rating often means you cannot maintain any form of employment.
What Evidence do I Need to Support My VA Depression Rating?
Medical documentation is crucial for establishing your depression rating. Your VA or private medical records should detail your symptoms, treatment history, and how depression affects your daily life.
Personal statements from you, family members, or former colleagues can provide additional context about your condition. These statements should describe specific examples of how depression impacts your work and relationships.
The VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your condition formally. This exam helps determine your rating level and service connection.
Can My Depression Rating Change Over Time?
Your depression rating can change if your condition improves or worsens. The VA may schedule periodic reviews to reassess your condition and adjust your rating accordingly.
You can request a rating increase if you believe your depression has worsened. You’ll need to provide new medical evidence showing the increased severity of your symptoms.
The VA may propose to reduce your rating if they find evidence of sustained improvement. You can challenge any proposed reduction with the help of a lawyer.
What Benefits Come With a VA Rating for Depression?
A depression rating qualifies you for monthly compensation payments, with higher amounts for higher ratings. You may also be eligible for additional VA healthcare services and mental health treatment.
Veterans with higher depression ratings might qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU provides compensation at a 100% rate even if your combined ratings are lower.
Your depression rating can also affect eligibility for VA vocational rehabilitation, education benefits, and other support services.
Seek Legal Assistance if You Disagree With Your VA Rating
Our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the appropriate VA rating for depression. Contact Marc Whitehead & Associates today to discuss your VA disability claim for depression and learn how we can assist you in securing the benefits you’ve earned through your service.