EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.130 (Mental disorders) · reviewed 2026-05-15 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9433 of 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9433 across 6 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70%…). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Chronic depressed mood lasting at least two years, with symptoms that are less severe than major depression but more persistent. Individuals may experience low self-esteem, fatigue, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness.
RATING CRITERIA (6 LEVELS)
0%
Diagnosed but minimal functional impact.
10%
Mild symptoms controlled by medication or causing impairment only during significant stress.
30%
Occasional decrease in work efficiency with depressed mood, sleep impairment, mild memory loss.
50%
Reduced reliability with disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty maintaining relationships.
70%
Deficiencies in most areas, near-continuous depression, inability to maintain relationships.
100%
Total occupational and social impairment.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Mental health treatment records
-Service records documenting stressors
-Buddy statements describing behavioral changes
-Employment records showing work impact
-Hospitalization records
-Prescription history for psychiatric medications
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Be completely honest about your worst days, not your best.
2.Describe specific examples of social and occupational impairment.
3.If you have suicidal ideation, even passively, report it.
4.Document panic attacks: frequency, duration, functional impact.
5.Mention any hospitalizations or crisis interventions.
6.Keep a symptom journal with specific dates and incidents.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.130 (Mental disorders). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026