Anorexia Nervosa — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 9520)
Diagnostic Code 9520 · 38 CFR §4.130
What Is It?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by persistent restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, along with intense concern about weight or body shape. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, meaning the rating is based on the overall level of occupational and social impairment rather than specific physical symptoms alone.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment with inability to perform activities of daily living, persistent danger to self, grossly impaired judgment, and complete inability to function in a work or social environment. |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas including work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. May include near-continuous anxiety or depression affecting independent functioning, inability to maintain effective relationships, and neglect of physical health. |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships, and impaired judgment. |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency with intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks, though generally functioning satisfactorily. May include anxiety, depressed mood, and social withdrawal. |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms that reduce work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms managed by continuous medication. |
| 0% | Condition is diagnosed but symptoms do not interfere with occupational or social functioning and continuous medication is not required. |
Evidence Needed
A current diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist is required. Treatment records documenting ongoing care — therapy, nutritional counseling, hospitalizations, or residential treatment — establish both the diagnosis and severity. Records showing the condition began during or was aggravated by military service are needed for direct service connection. If claiming secondary to another condition (such as PTSD or MST), include the nexus opinion. Lay statements from family or friends describing the impact on daily functioning and relationships support the rating level.
C&P Exam Tips
The C&P exam focuses on occupational and social impairment, not physical measurements. Describe how the condition affects your ability to work, maintain relationships, and function in daily life. If you have missed work, been hospitalized, or had difficulty maintaining relationships because of the condition, explain that clearly. Describe the frequency and intensity of symptoms and their impact on your daily routine. If you are in active treatment, describe what that involves. The examiner is assessing the mental health impact on your overall functioning.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Include mental health treatment records, therapy notes, and any hospitalization records. If the condition developed during service, include service treatment records showing onset. If filing secondary to PTSD or military sexual trauma, include the nexus opinion and primary condition documentation. Submit lay statements describing the functional impact. An Intent to File preserves your effective date while gathering evidence.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is not understanding that this condition is rated on occupational and social impairment, not on physical metrics alone. Veterans sometimes focus only on physical symptoms in the C&P exam rather than explaining how the condition impairs their work and social functioning. Not having ongoing treatment records makes it difficult to establish severity. Failing to connect the condition to a service-related cause or aggravation weakens service connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VA rate eating disorders?
The VA rates anorexia nervosa under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (DC 9520), the same framework used for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The rating is based on your overall occupational and social impairment — how the condition affects your ability to work, maintain relationships, and function in daily life — not solely on physical metrics.
Can anorexia nervosa be secondary to PTSD or MST?
Yes. Eating disorders can develop secondary to PTSD, military sexual trauma, or other service-connected mental health conditions. A nexus opinion from a mental health professional explaining the causal relationship between your service-connected condition and the eating disorder is needed to establish secondary service connection.