Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 9434: Major Depressive Disorder Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Mental disorders
The VA rates Major Depressive Disorder under diagnostic code 9434 in 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 9434 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms, controlled by medication What raters look formedication controlled; mild impairment during stress |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency What raters look fordepressed mood; anxiety; chronic sleep impairment; generally functioning |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity What raters look forpanic attacks; difficulty with relationships; impaired judgment; motivation disturbances |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas What raters look forsuicidal ideation; near-continuous depression; impaired impulse control; inability to maintain relationships |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment What raters look forpersistent danger to self/others; inability to perform daily activities; gross communication impairment |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Depression. The Depression condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Depression appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 709 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Depression as the primary issue. The Depression condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Depression appeals generally rather than DC 9434 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 9434?
Diagnostic code 9434 is the VA rating schedule entry for Major Depressive Disorder, found in 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 9434?
DC 9434 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 9434 require?
The 100% rating for Major Depressive Disorder requires: Total occupational and social impairment.