Depression

Depression affects each veteran differently, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Loss of interest in activities

• Fatigue

• Sleep disturbances

• Irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• Social withdrawal

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Thoughts of self-harm

These symptoms can significantly interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning.

The VA typically assigns a minimum 30% disability rating for Parkinson’s disease. However, Parkinson’s is often rated by evaluating its individual symptoms and residual effects.

Because Parkinson’s can affect multiple body systems, veterans may receive separate ratings for:

• Loss of use of extremities 
• Speech impairment 
• Swallowing difficulty 
• Cognitive impairment 
• Depression or anxiety secondary to Parkinson’s 
• Balance and mobility issues 

When properly evaluated, the combined rating may be significantly higher than 30%. In some cases, veterans may qualify for:

• Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) 
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) 
• Increased ratings for worsening symptoms 

Accurate rating development is critical to securing full benefits.

Yes. Depression is frequently granted as a secondary condition.

For example, depression may be linked to:

• PTSD

• Chronic pain

• Parkinson’s disease

• Traumatic brain injury

• Cancer

• Physical disabilities that limit mobility or employment

If you already have a service-connected condition, you may qualify for additional compensation if depression developed because of that condition.

VA claims for Parkinson’s disease are often denied due to:

• Insufficient exposure documentation 
• Failure to properly apply presumptive rules 
• Inadequate medical nexus evidence 
• Undervaluation of symptom severity 
• Failure to rate secondary conditions 

If your claim was denied or rated too low, you may be able to file a supplemental claim, request Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Our VA-accredited attorneys review prior decisions carefully and identify opportunities to strengthen the case with new and relevant evidence.

Yes. If depression prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), even if your combined rating is less than 100%.

This is especially important for veterans whose symptoms interfere with consistent work performance, attendance, or interpersonal functioning.

VA depression claims are commonly denied due to:

• Lack of a formal diagnosis

• Insufficient nexus evidence

• Incomplete mental health records

• Underreporting of symptom severity

• Inadequate VA examinations

If your claim was denied or rated too low, you may have options to submit new evidence, request Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Our VA-accredited attorneys carefully review prior decisions and identify ways to strengthen your case.

Strong depression claims often include:

• Consistent medical treatment records

• Clear documentation of symptoms and functional limitations

• Statements from family members or coworkers

• Evidence of occupational impairment

• Medical opinions linking depression to service or a service-connected condition

Mental health claims are highly evidence-driven. Detailed documentation can significantly impact your rating.

Wettermark Keith’s VA Disability Practice is led by Amber Osborne, a VA-accredited attorney who represents veterans nationwide in VA disability claims and appeals.

We help veterans:

• File new VA disability claims

• Establish service connection for depression

• Pursue secondary service connection

• Increase disability ratings

• Seek TDIU when appropriate

• Appeal denied claims

You are not just another case. You are a veteran who deserves experienced representation and a team that understands how to navigate complex VA regulations.

Yes. Veterans may qualify if depression is connected to military service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The VA evaluates symptom severity and how those symptoms affect work, relationships, and daily functioning.

The maximum rating for depression is 100% for total occupational and social impairment.

Yes. Depression is often granted as secondary to PTSD or other service-connected mental or physical conditions.

Yes. If depression prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU benefits.

You may be able to submit new evidence or pursue an appeal. A VA-accredited attorney can evaluate your next best step.

Yes. A medical diagnosis is typically required to establish service connection for depression.

Fee arrangements vary depending on the type of representation. We will explain all fee details clearly during your consultation.

Call Wettermark Keith or complete our form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We will review your service history and medical records to determine the strongest path forward.

Other than disability compensation, the VA offers mental health services like therapy and 24/7 crisis support through its hospitals, outpatient clinics, and residential programs.