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38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.130

Major Depressive Disorder

dc-9434-major-depressive-disorder

Mental health

Diagnostic code

9434

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Why your DC matters: DC 9434 identifies the rating criteria VA applies to this condition. The controlling regulation and the evidence in an individual record determine the evaluation; no page can predict an outcome.

Schedule summary reviewed 2026-07-10

The rating summary below was checked against the linked primary regulation. Always confirm the version that applies to your effective date.

Catalog source snapshot: April 2, 2026

Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)

Diagnostic code 9434 — Major Depressive Disorder — is one of the most commonly rated mental health conditions, listed under 38 CFR § 4.130.

Depression can be rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% based on occupational and social impairment, with common ratings being 30%, 50%, or 70%. The rating considers symptom severity, frequency, and functional impact.

For a comprehensive guide with visual compensation breakdowns, secondary conditions, evidence strategies, and claim timelines, visit the detailed guide page for this condition.

Exact rating criteria: Ratings are based on occupational and social impairment: 10% for mild symptoms, 30% for occasional decrease in work efficiency, 50% for reduced reliability and productivity, 70% for deficiencies in most areas (work, family, judgment, thinking), 100% for total occupational and social impairment.

Effective dates & which schedule version applies

Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).

For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.

The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.

Notes for your claim

Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 9434 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.

C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.

If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.

This site does not provide legal advice.

Official source

38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 9434 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).

Next Steps

If your rating decision lists DC 9434, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:

Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
Discussing whether medical-opinion evidence is needed with an accredited representative
Reviewing any potentially related conditions with a qualified clinician and accredited representative
Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file

This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.

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Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.

Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 9434 • va.gov

How to give a complete Depression C&P answer

Context matters

Short answers can leave out frequency, duration, treatment, and functional effects. The examples below show what information may still need to be explained. They are not scripts.

Example incomplete answer
“Some days are okay.”
Context to add, if true
Explain the full pattern, including better periods and harder periods, how often each occurs, and their effects on work, relationships, judgment, thinking, and mood.
Example incomplete answer
“I have a job, so I'm functional.”
Context to add, if true
Describe both employment and any actual occupational or social effects, including performance, reliability, accommodations, relationships, judgment, thinking, and mood.
Example incomplete answer
“I don't really tell people about it.”
Context to add, if true
Explain what symptoms are present even if they are not visible to others, and distinguish observed facts from what you infer others may think.

Answer in your own words. Describe what is true, including better periods and flare-ups, without minimizing or exaggerating. No phrase guarantees a rating or claim outcome.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.