Before the Exam Review your medical records and know your diagnosis, diagnostic code, and current treatment plan Write a detailed personal statement describing how your condition affects your daily life, work, and relationships Note your worst days — the VA rates based on your overall impairment, not your best day List all medications you take for this condition and their side effects Prepare a timeline of your condition from onset through current symptoms Document depressive symptoms: persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes Note suicidal ideation if present (frequency and severity) Describe impact on work: missed days, reduced performance, difficulty with coworkers Track how depression affects relationships and daily activities for 2 weeks
During the Exam Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize your symptoms Describe your worst days, not just how you feel right now If something hurts during a range-of-motion test, say so Mention all functional limitations: sleep, work, chores, driving, social activities Report flare-ups: how often, how long, how severe, and what triggers them Do not say "I'm fine" out of habit — describe your actual condition Depression uses the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as PTSD and anxiety Describe occupational impairment: can you hold a job? How does depression affect your work? Report social impairment: isolation, withdrawal, difficulty maintaining relationships Mention cognitive symptoms: difficulty concentrating, memory problems, indecisiveness If depression is secondary to a physical condition (chronic pain, TBI), explain the connection