personal statement on depression

February 20, 2019

Major Depressive Disorder Claim

Last updated on December 20, 2022

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If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free.

9434 Major Depressive Disorder Claim

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 va claim eligibility for veterans, evidence requirements: first-time filer of major depressive disorder, evidence requirements: major depressive disorder increase, evidence requirements: other mental health conditions.

• Crucial Tips for Your VA MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER Claim

VA Rating for Major Depressive Disorder – Rating Criteria

How to get a higher va disability rating for major depressive disorder.

• C&P Exam for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER Tips

Need Help With Your MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER VA Claim?

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

About the Author

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

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)

• 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

• 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?

– VA Raters rely heavily on first-hand witness testimony

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

Crucial Tips for Your VA MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER Clai m

• 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?

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.

• 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 Ti ps

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.

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 Clai m

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

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Learn more about how VA Claims Insider can help you get the rating you DESERVE! Speak with a VA Disability expert and start for FREE! 

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About VA Claims Insider

VA Claims Insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.

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Addressing Depression in Your Personal Statement

• college application essays
• essay topic

Did you know 20% of teenagers experience depression before reaching adulthood? It is also during this time that college applicants have to answer the most intimate question in order to gain acceptance at their dream school. What defines you?

While it may feel extremely vulnerable to talk about your experience with depression, don’t let that immediately deter you from choosing it as your personal statement essay topic. Here are 5 examples that may help you approach the topic in an essay:

UC Irvine ‘17

Throughout the past few years, I have gone through depression. The inability to focus not only in school, but also in life, is something I have struggled to overcome. The majority of the time, I am able to successfully distinguish my emotions from my academics because of my overly organized tendencies. At other times, the feelings that come with depression are inevitable. Depression, for me, is hopelessness. My biggest struggle with depression is not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel; therefore, this way of thinking has caused me to feel unmotivated, alone, and frightened. Because of this, I have spent endless nights contemplating my life till 4 or 5 in the morning, I have no motivation to wake up in the mornings, and I feel pain and grief on a daily basis. Keep reading.

Brittanybea

Uc berkeley ‘19.

On a warm August morning I sat shivering and shaking in the waiting room to my doctor’s office. I had my mother make the appointment but didn’t give her the reason; I’m not even sure I really knew the reason. I just knew something was wrong. The past five years had been all uphill - outwardly, at least. I was doing increasingly well in school, growing more independent, and had greater opportunities at my feet. Inwardly, however, was an entirely different story. Those five years felt like an upbeat movie I was watching while in my own personal prison. I was happy for the characters, even excited for their accomplishments. The problem was that my outward self was a character entirely distinct from the internal me. View full essay.

869749923096609FB

Williams college ‘19.

Perhaps the greatest blessing my parents have ever granted me was the move from our apartment in the Bronx to a two-family home in Queens, two blocks away from a public library. The library had all the boons my young heart could desire: bounties of books, air conditioning in the summer, and sweet solace from a dwelling teeming with the cries of an infant sister, a concept I couldn’t yet fathom. Read more.

When I was younger, people chided me for being pessimistic. It was my sincere belief that there were no rewards to be reaped from a life here on earth. I was bored, unhappy, and apathetic. War, injustice, environmental collapse, the mean thing X said to me the other day-it all made me see the world as a tumultuous and unpleasant place. Continue reading.  

879216135461584FB

Dish soap, pepper, a toothpick, and an empty pie tin. The first materials I ever used to perform a simple experiment in grade school. Looking back that would be the moment I fell in love with science. I can still feel the excitement I felt as I watched as the pepper dart off to the edges of the pie tin as I touched the water with the end of a soap coated toothpick. Though I didn’t have to question how or why the reaction happened, I never stopped wondering. It was then that a passion for science ignited in me. It was a fire in my soul that could never die out. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. As I grew older, the fire within me began to dim and in the year 2012, it became extinguished; the world as I knew it had ended. View full profile.

While this essay topic helped these students gain acceptances to UC Irvine , UC Berkeley , Williams , Vassar and NYU , it doesn’t mean it will work in the exact same way for you. Brainstorm and think carefully about what you want to write in your personal statement and how you want to share your own, unique story. For more inspiration, AdmitSee has a database of 60,000+ successful college applications files waiting for you! 

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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