📊 Rating Increase Predictor

Select your condition and current rating to see exactly what the next tier requires and how to get there.

Major depressive disorder

Diagnostic Code: 9434

View full rating criteria →

Rating Ladder

All possible ratings for this condition. Your current rating is highlighted in blue, the next tier in gold.

0%
→
10%
→
30%
Current
→
50%
Next →
→
70%
→
100%

Current vs. Next Tier

Current: 30%

Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events).

Next: 50%

Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Gap: You need to demonstrate symptoms that meet the 50% criteria. Focus on documenting the specific differences between your current level and the next tier.

All Rating Criteria for Major depressive disorder

A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.

Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events).

Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name.

What You Need — Evidence Tips

📋 Medical Evidence
  • Recent treatment records showing worsened symptoms
  • Updated diagnostic tests or imaging
  • Specialist evaluations or nexus letters
  • Prescription changes (new or increased meds)
  • ER visits or hospitalizations
🗣️ Lay Evidence
  • Personal statement describing worsening
  • Buddy letters from family, friends, or coworkers
  • Symptom diary or daily log
  • Photos showing visible symptoms (if applicable)
  • Work records showing missed days or accommodations
🩺 C&P Exam Tips
  • Describe your worst days, not your best
  • Mention specific limitations (can't lift, can't bend, etc.)
  • Describe impact on work and daily activities
  • Don't downplay — be accurate but thorough
  • Review the DBQ form for your condition beforehand
⚡ Pro Tips
  • File a claim for increase (not a new claim)
  • Submit an Intent to File first to lock in your effective date
  • Get a copy of the DBQ and review each field
  • Consider a private medical opinion (IMO/nexus letter)
  • Request your C-file to review prior exam findings
View Full Rating Details Check Secondary Conditions Rating Increase Guide
⚠️ Disclaimer: This tool shows the official rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Consult with a VA-accredited representative for personalized guidance.