Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

DC 9433Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9433 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

A long-lasting form of depression (also called dysthymia) where you feel sad or low most of the time for at least two years. The VA rates persistent depressive disorder using the same criteria as major depression — based on how much it affects your ability to work and maintain relationships.

Rating Levels

Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.

What the VA looks for

Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
Persistent delusions or hallucinations
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Disorientation to time or place
Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name

Common Pitfalls

⚠Because symptoms are chronic and may seem "normal" to you, veterans often underreport them at C&P exams — describe your worst days, not your best.
⚠Not documenting how the condition differs from or coexists with major depression — if you have both, the VA typically assigns one combined rating.
⚠Not tracking how the persistent low mood affects work performance, social withdrawal, and daily activities over time.
⚠Failing to mention medication history and treatment resistance — if multiple medications have been tried, document each one.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Rating Levels

Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.

What the VA looks for

Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
Persistent delusions or hallucinations
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Disorientation to time or place
Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name

Common Pitfalls

⚠Because symptoms are chronic and may seem "normal" to you, veterans often underreport them at C&P exams — describe your worst days, not your best.

⚠Not documenting how the condition differs from or coexists with major depression — if you have both, the VA typically assigns one combined rating.

⚠Not tracking how the persistent low mood affects work performance, social withdrawal, and daily activities over time.

⚠Failing to mention medication history and treatment resistance — if multiple medications have been tried, document each one.