Mental Health

Major Depressive Disorder C&P Exam Guide

Associated DBQ Form: DBQ Mental Disorders

What to Expect During Your Exam

The depression C&P exam is typically 45-60 minutes with a psychologist or psychiatrist. The examiner will assess your mood, thought patterns, and how depression affects your daily functioning.

The exam includes:
1. Review of your medical and military history
2. Discussion of when depression symptoms began
3. Assessment of current symptoms (mood, sleep, appetite, concentration, etc.)
4. Evaluation of functional impairment
5. Discussion of treatments you've tried

Questions the Examiner May Ask

  • 1 When did you first notice symptoms of depression?
  • 2 How would you describe your mood on most days?
  • 3 How has your sleep been affected?
  • 4 Have you experienced changes in appetite or weight?
  • 5 Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions?
  • 6 Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
  • 7 Do you have feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt?
  • 8 Have you had thoughts of death or suicide?
  • 9 How does depression affect your ability to work?
  • 10 How are your relationships with family and friends?

Documentation to Bring

  • Mental health treatment records (VA and private)
  • Service treatment records showing any mental health issues
  • List of all psychiatric medications with dosages and effectiveness
  • Records of any hospitalizations for depression
  • Buddy statements describing observable symptoms
  • Personal statement about how depression affects daily life
  • Employment records showing impact on work (if applicable)

How to Prepare

Before your exam:

1. **Track your symptoms** - Note your mood, sleep patterns, and energy levels for 2-4 weeks

2. **List your medications** - Include dosages and whether they help

3. **Document functional impact** - How does depression affect work, chores, hygiene, relationships?

4. **Prepare specific examples** - Days you couldn't get out of bed, activities you've stopped doing, relationship problems

5. **Be honest about dark thoughts** - If you've had suicidal ideation, tell the examiner - this is confidential and clinically important

Helpful Tips

- Describe your typical day, especially on bad days
- Don't say 'I'm fine' out of habit - describe actual symptoms
- Mention ALL symptoms: fatigue, concentration problems, social withdrawal
- Be specific about how long symptoms have lasted
- If you've had suicidal thoughts, be honest - this affects your rating
- Discuss how depression affects your job performance
- Bring someone who can describe your symptoms from their perspective

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Minimizing symptoms to appear 'strong'
- Claiming to feel fine when your records show otherwise
- Not mentioning suicidal ideation when it's occurred
- Being inconsistent with your medical records
- Refusing to discuss your symptoms

How VA Rates This Condition

Depression is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9434):

**0%** - Diagnosis but symptoms controlled by medication

**10%** - Mild symptoms with transient impact on functioning

**30%** - Occasional decrease in work efficiency; intermittent periods of inability to perform

**50%** - Reduced reliability; difficulty maintaining effective relationships

**70%** - Deficiencies in most areas; suicidal ideation; difficulty adapting

**100%** - Total impairment; persistent danger of hurting self or others