9434 Major Depressive Disorder

The purpose of this article is to give tips on how to file a VA disability claim for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, win your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA disability benefits claim and get the highest rating possible under the law, aka MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA claim, so you can get the rating and compensation you deserve.

Many Veterans are denied VA benefits for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER due to a lack of medical evidence with no clear in-service stressor, aka, how did your active duty military service cause or make your depression worse?

What is Major Depressive Disorder?

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) occurs when a person feels extreme depression and/or anxiety and has lost interest in work, life, and previously enjoyed activities. The person has intense thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to depression-like symptoms that interfere with daily life.

A person with DEPRESSION is not faking his or her symptoms. The pain and other problems are real. They may be caused by a medical problem. But it’s the extreme reaction and behaviors about his/her symptoms that are the main problem.

We’ll cover applying for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, appealing a MDD rating, MDD evidence requirements, in-service stressors and MDD stressor examples, the best strategies to ensure your MDD claim gets service-connected and rated at the appropriate level based upon your current symptoms and level of occupational and social impairment.

If you need help with your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA claim, MDD increase claim, or other mental health conditions claim, feel free to complete the free 3-step intake below. You’ll get an Independent Psychological Evaluation by a U.S. Board Certified Psychologist, a Medical Nexus letter for MDD, and documented Symptoms on either the Other Mental Health Conditions DBQ.

==> VA Claims Insider Elite medical consulting program: www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA Claim Eligibility for Veterans

1. Medical diagnosis of MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER or Other Mental Health Condition (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Major Depressive Disorder Disorder)

2. The MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER was caused or made worse by your active duty military service (“Nexus”) OR another service-connected disability (e.g., chronic neck pain, back pain, migraines)

3. Persistent and reoccurring symptoms of MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER or other mental health condition(s) into the present day (severity of symptoms)

Evidence Requirements: First-Time Filer of MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

• In-service stressor(s) – what are they for you?

• When did your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER begin and how is it service-connected?

• Statement in Support of Claim for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER – VA Form 21-4138

• Buddy letter(s) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

• C&P Examiner will complete the DBQ for Other Mental Health Conditions

Evidence Requirements: MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER Increase

• DBQ for Other Mental Health Conditions – completed by a U.S. Board Certified Psychologist

• Statement in Support of a Claim – VA Form 21-4138

– You’re already service-connected; are your Major Depressive Disorder symptoms worse?

• Buddy letter(s) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

– VA Raters rely heavily on first-hand witness testimony

Evidence Requirements: Other Mental Health Conditions

• DBQ for Other Mental Health Conditions – completed by a U.S. Board Certified Psychologist

• Medical Nexus letter first-time filer – “more likely than not”

• Statement in Support of a Claim – VA Form 21-4138

• Buddy letter(s) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Crucial Tips for Your VA MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER Claim

• Service-connection, is the Nexus clear?

• Pre-existing issues…

• Do you have a medical diagnosis?

• Are you actively seeking treatment?

• Do you take medications?

• What is your level of occupational and social impairment?

VA Rating for Major Depressive Disorder – Rating Criteria

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER claims are rated on a scale from 0% to 100%. The level of occupational and social impairment is what determines your overall rating under the law.

0% VA Rating Criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:

A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.

10% VA Rating Criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:

Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

30% VA Rating Criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:

Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, Major Depressive Disorder, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events).

50% VA Rating Criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:

Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

70% VA Rating Criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:

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, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or Major Depressive Disorder affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a work like setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

100% VA Rating Criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER:

Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name.

How to Get a Higher VA Disability Rating for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

• Get an Independent Psychological Evaluation with a U.S. Board Certified Psychologist

• Obtain a DBQ and Nexus letter (if needed) for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER or Other Mental Health Conditions

• Don’t limit yourself to just the one diagnosis

– Is it possible to differentiate symptoms?

– Do you have PTSD and/or Generalized Major Depressive Disorder Disorder too?

– Secondary Mental Health Claims and/or Chronic Pain Syndrome with Depression

C&P Exam for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER Tips

1. Know what’s in your medical records!

2. Review your Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ)

3. Review the eCFR, Title 38, Schedule 4 for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER and other mental health symptoms and ratings

4. Do NOT have your best day

5. Be uncomfortably vulnerable…

6. Know your true story cold…and potential in-service stressors that caused or made your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER and/or other mental health conditions worse.

Need Help With Your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA Claim?

We have a full medical staff of U.S. Board Certified Psychologists, ready and available to assist you with the medical evidence you need to “service-connect” your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER or Other Mental Health Conditions claim (DBQ, Nexus, Symptoms).

VA Claims Insider Elite, the premier medical consulting program for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA Claim: >> www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com <<

FAQ: How To Win Your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA Disability Benefits Claim

Can I get VA disability compensation and benefits for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA Claim?

Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay veterans with service-connected MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER monthly compensation.

Is MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER considered a disability?

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER as a mental condition that may be related to service, and MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER is therefore compensable.

What is the disability rating for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?

The VA will give you a disability rating based upon the severity of your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, specifically related to your level of occupational and social impairment. If you are considered service-connected, you will receive a VA disability rating for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%.

How much does the VA pay for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?

If your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER claim is approved, you may receive up to $3,350.87 per month. That is currently the max that the VA will pay veterans with MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, if at the 100% rating criteria for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER. 100% rating for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER.

Can MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER be permanent?

Some veterans may receive a permanent and total rating. If your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER is not expected to improve, you may obtain the status of permanent disability.

Can the VA reduce your disability rating for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?

Yes. Unfortunately, sometimes the VA will lower a veteran’s MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER rating. If that happens to you, file an appeal with new and material medical evidence for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER and challenge the VA’s decision.

How can I get 100% VA disability for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?

Your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER must be severe enough to warrant a 100% rating. Many veterans do obtain a 100% rating for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER using the VA Claims Insider proven proprietary medical consulting process. Get started for free here: www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com