Depression and VA Disability

To be eligible for the disability compensation program, the veteran needs to show that the depression is connected to his or her military service. The following is required to prove a direct service connection: a current diagnosis of depression; evidence of an incident in service that caused the depression, and medical evidence of a link (causation) between the current depression diagnosis and the incident in service. In some cases, a veteran may have suffered from depression prior to entering service and events in service may have caused the depression to worsen. In these cases, it may be possible to obtain disability benefits on the theory of “aggravated service connection” if an incident during active duty made the disorder worse. In addition, the veteran will have to prove that the depression was a pre-existing condition. The easiest way to do this is when the depression is noted on the veteran’s entrance medical exam. If it is not, the veteran will have to produce medical evidence of a pre-service diagnosis of depression. The fact alone that the depression worsened during military service will not be enough. A medical opinion is needed from the veteran’s psychiatrist or psychologist stating that the in-service incident was responsible for the worsening of the depression. Otherwise, the VA may conclude that the increase in depression symptoms was simply due to the natural progression of depression and will deny benefits. It is not unusual for a veteran to develop depression as the result of a physical condition. When a veteran has a physical disability resulting from service that has been found to be service-connected, it is possible to apply for an increase in disability compensation for the depression. This can be done under the theory of “secondary service connection.” The VA rates depression, along with all other mental disorders, according to a “General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.” Depression is rated according to how much it impairs a veteran’s social and occupational ability. While depression symptoms are relevant to the particular diagnosis a veteran is given, they have no impact on the actual rating. The rating is based on the effects of the symptoms on a veteran’s ability to function, not on the symptoms themselves.

The available ratings for depression are 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. A 100% rating is warranted only where a veteran has absolutely no ability to function socially or at work. A 0% rating is assigned where, despite depression symptoms, a veteran’s ability to function is not actually impaired. A 0% rating is still helpful, however, as it entitles the veteran to VA benefits such as health care. To apply for VA disability for depression contact us at info@VetDefender.com or call us at 855-312-5575.