🎖️ VALOR

Doris “Dorie” Miller: The Sailor Who Redefined Courage at Pearl Harbor 

Doris “Dorie” Miller was born in Waco, TX, in 1919. He was the son of sharecroppers who taught him the values of hard work and perseverance. Known for his strength and quiet determination, he worked on his family’s farm before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1939, seeking opportunity and a way to serve his country despite the racial barriers of the time.

At the start of his naval career, Miller was assigned as a Mess Attendant Third Class aboard the USS West Virginia. Like many Black sailors of the era, he was limited to service roles in the kitchen rather than combat positions. But on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, Dorie Miller’s actions shattered every expectation placed upon him.

As bombs and torpedoes tore through the West Virginia, Miller rushed to the deck to help his wounded shipmates. He carried the mortally wounded captain to safety, then manned an unattended .50-caliber anti-aircraft gun, a weapon he had never been trained to use. Standing firm amid fire and chaos, he aimed at the incoming aircraft, firing until his ammunition was gone. When the attack ended, he focused on helping the injured.

Miller’s bravery that day saved countless lives and stood as a powerful symbol of courage and equality. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism, presented personally by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the first African American sailor to receive that honor.

Miller continued to serve with distinction but was tragically killed in action on Nov. 24, 1943, when the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay was sunk near the Gilbert Islands. He was just 24 years old.  

Though his life was cut short, Dorie Miller’s legacy only grew. His actions helped open doors for greater racial integration in the U.S. military and inspired generations of service members to believe that courage knows no rank or color. In 2020, the Navy announced a future aircraft carrier, the USS Doris Miller, in his honor, making him the first enlisted sailor and African American to have a carrier named after him. 

Miller’s story is one of conviction, bravery, and the unbreakable spirit of service. In the face of prejudice and peril, he proved that true heroism is defined not by one’s position but by one’s actions when the world is burning around them.

Honor veterans like Doris “Dorie” Miller and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

How VA Rates Depression and How to Increase Your Rating 

Depression is a common mental health condition among veterans. According to VA estimates, about one in three veterans experience some symptoms of depression, while a smaller but significant portion have severe or major depression requiring treatment. Because depression can be difficult to explain and document, understanding how VA evaluates and rates the condition is often critical when seeking disability benefits.  

VA rates depression using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and applies the General Rating Formula for Mental Health Conditions under 38 CFR § 4.130. Ratings are based on the severity of symptoms and how much they impair social and occupational functioning.

Available VA Ratings for Depression 

VA assigns one of the following disability ratings for depression: 

• 0%: Diagnosis present, but no functional impairment or need for medication. 

• 10%: Mild, manageable symptoms with minimal impact on work or relationships. 

• 30%: Occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent difficulty functioning. 

• 50%: Reduced reliability and productivity with more frequent and severe symptoms. 

• 70%: Near-constant symptoms causing major life disruption, including suicidal ideation. 

• 100%: Total occupational and social impairment with severe cognitive and behavioral symptoms. 

Each rating level reflects increasing frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms. 

What Each Rating Level Represents 

Lower Ratings (0–30%) 

These ratings generally apply to mild or moderate depression. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, appetite changes, mood fluctuations, memory issues, and occasional difficulty at work or in social settings. Many veterans at these levels are still able to function, though not without challenges. 

Mid-Level Rating (50%) 

This rating reflects more persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life. Veterans may experience frequent depressive episodes, panic attacks, impaired judgment, mood disturbances, and difficulty adapting to stressful environments, including work. 

Higher Ratings (70–100%) 

These ratings are reserved for severe depression. Symptoms may include suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal hygiene, inability to maintain relationships, hallucinations, delusions, or a persistent danger of self-harm or harm to others. At 100%, depression causes total occupational and social impairment. 

Service Connection Requirements for Depression 

To receive VA disability benefits for depression, a veteran must establish: 

• A current diagnosis of depression. 

• Evidence of an in-service event, illness, or injury. 

• A medical nexus linking the current condition to service. 

Unlike PTSD, depression does not require proof of a specific traumatic stressor. 

Diagnosis and Symptoms of Depression 

Depression is most often diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Screening commonly begins with the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Symptoms may include: 

• Persistent sadness or loss of interest. 

• Sleep disturbances. 

• Fatigue and low energy. 

• Appetite changes. 

• Difficulty concentrating. 

• Irritability or anger. 

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 

C&P Exams for Depression 

VA typically schedules a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate depression claims. During the exam, a clinician reviews symptoms and their impact on daily life. Because mental health evaluations rely on subjective reporting rather than objective tests, outcomes can vary and ratings can be unpredictable. 

Common Issues With Depression Claims 

Depression claims are often denied or underrated because symptoms are subjective and difficult to measure. While a 30% rating is the most common outcome, veterans with more severe symptoms may qualify for higher ratings, TDIU, or Special Monthly Compensation in certain situations. 

Rating Reductions and Appeals 

VA can reduce a depression rating if it believes the condition has improved. Veterans have the right to challenge a reduction by submitting new evidence and appealing the decision. Appeals are often necessary when symptoms remain severe but are not fully captured in VA examinations.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us every Tuesday at 1400 hours EST for a new Livestream with our legal team!

Join us to get your questions about VA disability law and the claims process answered by our legal team. Comments open 1 hour prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

Were You Exposed to Asbestos During Military Service?

Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos during their time in service, often without knowing the risks. Years later, this exposure has led to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers for countless veterans.

If you served in the military and have been diagnosed, you may qualify for compensation. Our firm proudly helps veterans and their families pursue the benefits and justice they deserve.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

Eye-Opening Combat PTSD Realities from an Experienced Attorney 

Hill & Ponton Senior Attorney Shannon Brewer explains that PTSD claims are not limited to combat veterans. This is a crucial point that many veterans misunderstand. Attorney Brewer emphasizes that trauma can happen to anyone during service.  

If you have mental health symptoms following an in-service event, you should not hesitate to file a claim. 

For those who saw direct combat, VA has eased the burden of proof because formal documentation is often missing. Once combat is established through service records, awards like a Purple Heart, or buddy statements, Attorney Brewer notes that VA can accept the veteran’s own statement to prove the stressor. 

Attorney Brewer also reassures those who served in combat zones without direct engagement that they are not excluded from this benefit. VA recognizes that the constant threat of mortar attacks or IEDs is traumatic. Under VA regulations, if a mental health professional confirms the PTSD is related to fear of hostile activity, the veteran’s statement may be accepted without further evidence. 

Ultimately, Attorney Brewer wants veterans to know that VA has fair mechanisms in place to evaluate claims, even when stressors were not documented. Your experiences and symptoms matter, and you are encouraged to seek the benefits you earned. 

Need Help with an Appeal? Hill & Ponton is Here for You

At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA appeals process to secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you're facing a denied claim, an appeal for a higher rating, or need assistance gathering critical evidence, our team is ready to advocate for you.

Use our VA Disability Calculator to see if your current rating aligns with your level of disability and explore potential increases based on any secondary conditions you may have. Calculate Your VA Disability Rating Now!