VA Disability Rating for Depression and Anxiety: 2026 Complete Guide

Which Diagnostic Codes Cover Depression and Anxiety?

The VA rates mental health conditions under 38 CFR Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The relevant codes are:

• DC 9434 — Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• DC 9400 — Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• DC 9412 — Panic disorder
• DC 9403 — Specific phobia / social anxiety
• DC 9435 — Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

All of these are rated using the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders — the same one used for PTSD. Unlike physical conditions, the VA does not assign separate ratings to depression and anxiety if they both exist and result from the same service connection — they are combined into one psychiatric rating.

The General Rating Formula: 2026

C&P Exam Tips for Depression and Anxiety

The C&P exam for mental health is a clinical interview, typically lasting 30–60 minutes. The examiner uses a DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) for Mental Disorders and evaluates both occupational functioning and social/interpersonal functioning.

Most important tip: Describe your worst days, not your best. Many veterans naturally minimize their symptoms. The VA's rating formula is based on overall impairment — if your worst days include inability to leave the house, significant memory problems, or panic attacks that interrupt work, those need to be on record.

Key things the examiner will ask about:

• Work history since discharge — have you been fired, left jobs early, had conflicts?
• Social relationships — do you avoid family gatherings, have you lost friends?
• Daily functioning — sleep, hygiene, leaving the house, driving
• Treatment — medications, therapy, hospitalizations
• Suicidal ideation — you must be honest; it is a major rating factor at the 70%+ level

See our full C&P exam guide for more tips on how to prepare.

Common Secondary Conditions to Depression and Anxiety

• Sleep apnea — Depression disrupts sleep. If you need a CPAP, a separate 50% rating adds $1,132.90/month. See the sleep apnea guide.
• Hypertension — Chronic anxiety directly elevates blood pressure. See the hypertension guide.
• Migraines — Stress and anxiety are major migraine triggers. See the migraines guide.
• Erectile dysfunction / sexual dysfunction — Rated 0% but qualifies for SMC-K ($135.32/month add-on). Both depression and antidepressants can cause this.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — Anxiety and the gut-brain axis. IBS rated 0%–30% under DC 7319.

Depression or Anxiety as a Secondary Condition

Depression and anxiety can be claimed as secondary conditions to a primary service-connected disability. This is very common when:

• Chronic pain conditions (back, knee, neck) cause depression due to loss of function and constant pain
• TBI causes mood disorders — see our TBI guide
• Hearing loss leads to social isolation and depression
• Diabetes or other physical conditions lead to anxiety about health

For a secondary service connection, you need a nexus letter from a doctor stating it is "at least as likely as not" that your primary disability caused or aggravated the depression/anxiety. See our nexus letter guide.

Common Questions