How Does the VA Rate Depression?

If you suffer from service-connected depression, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits for your condition. However, the benefits you receive will depend on the VA disability rating you are assigned. Here’s what you need to know about how depression is rated, what your disability rating means in terms of benefits, and what to do if you believe your VA disability rating is too low.

VA Rating Criteria for Depression

When you file a VA claim for depression, the VA will first look to determine whether you have a well-supported diagnosis of depression and whether you can show that your condition is service-connected. If the VA determines that you have service-connected depression, you will be assigned a disability rating based on the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The possible ratings for mental disorders, including depression, are:

0% Disability Rating

A 0% disability rating is assigned when the veteran has been diagnosed with a service-connected mental health issue, but the symptoms are not severe enough to cause social or occupational impairment and the condition does not require continuous medication.

A veteran with a 0% disability rating doesn’t receive monthly monetary benefits, but will be entitled to VA healthcare for the service-connected condition.

10% Disability Rating

A 10% VA disability rating is assigned if the veteran’s service-connected depression causes occupational and social impairment that decreases efficiency and ability to perform tasks intermittently, during periods of high stress. A veteran may also be assigned a 10% rating if their symptoms are controlled by continuous medication.

At this level, the veteran receives a small monthly monetary benefit–in 2025, it’s $175.51/month. The veteran also receives healthcare services for the service-connected condition and other benefits, including vocational services.

30 Disability Rating

A 30% disability rating is assigned when the veteran’s service-connected depression causes occupational and social impairment characterized by occasional declines in efficiency and intermittent periods during which the veteran is unable to perform work tasks.

At the 30% level, VA compensation for depression includes $537.42 in base monthly compensation, healthcare for the service-connected condition and other benefits. At the 30% level and above, the veteran is also entitled to a small increase in the monthly monetary benefit for each eligible dependent.

50% Disability Rating

A 50% disability rating is assigned when the veteran’s depression causes occupational and social impairment that includes reduced reliability and productivity. This may be characterized by symptoms such as flat effect, challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, memory issues and impaired judgment.

At the 50% level, the base monthly monetary benefit is $1,102.04. At 50% and above, the veteran receives additional benefits not available at lower levels. For example, the veteran is entitled to broader healthcare services, not just treatment for the service-connected condition. And, a veteran who is 50%+ disabled can receive VA disability benefits and military retirement pay simultaneously, rather than having to choose.

70% Disability Rating

A 70% VA disability rating is assigned when occupational and social impairment is present in most areas of the veteran’s life due to symptoms such as suicidal ideations, near-continuous depression impacting thought or function, neglect of personal hygeine and inability to form and maintain relationships.

The monthly monetary benefit at 70% is $1,759.19. In addition to all of the other benefits listed at the 50% level, a veteran with a 60% disability rating or higher may be eligible for a classification of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU). A veteran awarded this classification receives benefits at the 100% level, regardless of actual numerical disability rating.

100% Disability Rating

A 100% VA disability rating is assigned when the veteran’s service-connected depression results in total social and occupational impairment.

In 2025, a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating for depression receives $3,381.30 in monthly monetary benefits, plus any additional amounts available for eligible dependents. The veteran receives all of the benefits listed above, and may be eligible for additional benefits if the rating is deemed permanent.

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What if the Veteran Suffers from More than One Service-Connected Condition?

If a veteran with service-connected depression also has another service-connected condition or a secondary-connected condition, the other conditions will also be considered. But how that happens depends on the other condition.

For example, if the veteran also had a service-connected knee injury or hearing loss, the VA would individually calculate a disability rating for each condition, then combine them using a formula. However, if the other condition is also a mental health condition evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, all symptoms of the mental health conditions are considered together to arrive at a single rating based on the table.

Big Changes May Be Coming for Veterans With Service-Connected Depression

As of this writing in mid-2025, depression and most other mental health conditions are evaluated and rated using the criteria described above. However, changes to the way the VA assesses mental health disorders have been proposed, and a new rule may take effect in 2025.

Many advocates believe that the new rating system will be better for disabled veterans, since the assessment won’t focus strictly on social and occupational functions. However, which system yields a better result for you may depend on your specific symptoms and limitations. And we don’t know exactly when–or even whether–this new regulation will take effect.

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An Experienced VA Disability Advocate is Your Best Resource

At Disabled Vets, our advocates are entirely dedicated to helping disabled veterans and their families secure the benefits they deserve. We know that simple mistakes or lack of a specific type of documentation can delay or derail a claim, and we know what type of evidence the VA is looking for. Every day, we put our deep knowledge of the VA disability claim and appeal processes to work for people like you.

Whether you’re considering filing a claim, having filed a claim and been denied, or have been assigned a disability rating you believe is too low, we are here for you. Contact us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form here to schedule a free consultation.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form