What does the VA look for in depression?

The VA defines clinical depression as a condition “characterized by low self-esteem, lack of motivation, lack of interest in social activities, and low energy levels,” and it's a common issue for veterans after they're discharged from service.


Is it hard to get VA disability for depression?

100% VA Rating for Depression

This is difficult to obtain because the symptoms need to be so severe that they totally impair the veteran's life, to the point they are unable to function. The jump from 70 to 100 percent is significant. There is a substantial decline in cognitive and emotional function.

How do you prove depression is service connected?

To prove this connection, a veteran must show that:
  1. He has been diagnosed with depression.
  2. He has evidence of an event during his military service that caused his depression.
  3. He has medical evidence that shows a connection between the service event and his current state of depression.


What percentage of disability you get from the VA for depression?

The VA rates a Veteran's disability related to their depression between 0% and 100%. Like all of the VA's mental health disability ratings, these ratings are based on the severity of symptoms and the level of occupational or social impairment.

What does the VA prescribe for anxiety and depression?

The most common anti-anxiety medications are called benzodiazepines, which can treat generalized anxiety disorder. For panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other antidepressants are more commonly used.


VA Disability for Depression Explained in 4 Minutes



How do I prove anxiety to the VA?

Meeting VA's Requirements for Anxiety Claims

Veterans can prove entitlement to service connection by pointing to service records from around the time they first noticed psychological symptoms while on active duty. Lay statements, counseling records, or records of job changes may also be useful.

How does the VA test for anxiety?

A VA rating for anxiety, depression, and/or adjustment disorder is stated as a percentage, from 0% to 100%. These ratings mainly look at your occupational and social functioning, although your ability to take care of yourself (hygiene, grooming) is also considered.

How do you prove mental disability?

To prove your mental disability, you will need to have medical documentations, records and notes from any physicians you are seeing to show that your mental disability makes it impossible for you to work full time. The more medical evidence you have, the easier it is to prove your mental disability.


What does 70% VA disability entitle you to?

As of December 1, 2021, veterans with a 70 percent VA disability rating receive $1,529.95 per month in VA compensation. This monetary benefit is tax free at both the federal and state levels. The exact amount of compensation may increase or decrease each year depending on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

How to get 100% VA mental health?

100% Mental Health VA Rating

To be rated at the 100% rating level for your mental health condition, your symptoms must be so severe that they prevent you from being able to take care of yourself. Your mental health condition would need to interfere significantly with your daily life.

What counts as a depression diagnosis?

To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad.


What are the requirements to be diagnosed with depression?

Table 1Primary DSM-IV depression disorders, criteria for adults 2
  • - 5 or more depressive symptoms for ≥ 2 weeks.
  • - Must have either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.
  • - Symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment.
  • - No manic or hypomanic behavior.


What is counted as depression?

Depression is a long-lasting low mood disorder. Depression is when you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. It affects your ability to do everyday things, feel pleasure or take interest in activities. Everyone has ups and downs.

How do I get 70 percent VA disability for depression?

A 70 percent rating, may be assigned for 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, ...


What is the easiest disability to claim for VA?

The Top 5 Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability
  • Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
  • Scars. ...
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
  • Presumptive Disorders. ...
  • Tinnitus.


What is the 55 rule for VA disability?

Revaluating VA Disability Ratings

Once you turn 55, you are typically "protected" and will no longer have to attend an exam to prove that your condition has not changed unless there is reason to suspect fraud. This is sometimes called the 55-year rule.

What does 80% VA disability entitle you to?

About 80 Percent VA Disability Ratings

Veterans that obtain an 80 percent VA Disability rating receive $1,933.15 a month from the Veterans Administration. Eligible disabled veterans may also be able to receive extra monthly compensation for dependent children and parents.


What does 90% VA disability entitle you to?

Monthly Compensation Rates for 90 Percent Disabled Veterans

Veteran and Spouse – $2,044.19 (if spouse requires aid and attendance, add $144.86) Veteran, Spouse, and Parent – $2,170.82. Veteran, Spouse, and Parents – $2,297.44.

What does 60% VA disability entitle you to?

How Much Compensation Do Veterans Rated at 60% Receive? As of December 1, 2022, veterans who are rated at 60 percent will receive $1,319.65 per month. However, this amount typically changes each year to reflect changes in the cost-of-living.

What questions are asked on a mental exam for disability?

What Questions Are Asked at a Disability Mental Exam?
  • Medical history. The psychiatrist or psychologist will want to hear from you, in your own words, what your impairments are and how they affect your everyday life and ability to work.
  • Social history. ...
  • Educational background. ...
  • Work background.


What not to tell a disability doctor?

Limit yourself to only talk about your condition and not opinions. Do not tell a disability doctor you think you are dying, that you think the examination is unnecessary, that you do not trust doctors, or that you believe your current medical treatment is not good.

What is the most approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

What disqualifies you from VA benefits?

If you've received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you may not be eligible for VA benefits.


How does the VA determine mental health disability?

For VA purposes, you can only be rated for one mental health condition. VA will review the entire body of evidence to gain a clear understanding of how your mental health condition symptoms impact your social and industrial functioning and which diagnosed mental health condition(s) may be related to your claim.

How hard is it to go from 70 to 100 VA disability?

According to this table, if you have a disability rated at 70%, you would need a subsequent disability rating between 85 and 90% to achieve a total rating of 100%. You may consider filing a claim for an additional service-connected condition that could combine to equal a higher rating.