Dissociative Amnesia / Dissociative Identity Disorder — VA Rating (DC 9416)
Diagnostic Code 9416 · 38 CFR §4.130
What Is It?
DC 9416 covers dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder). These conditions involve disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. Veterans may develop dissociative disorders as a response to severe trauma experienced during military service, particularly combat trauma or military sexual trauma. Dissociative amnesia involves inability to recall important personal information, usually related to a traumatic event. Dissociative identity disorder involves two or more distinct personality states that alternately influence behavior, accompanied by gaps in memory. The VA rates these under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 38 CFR 4.130.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment with gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent danger of hurting self or others, inability to perform activities of daily living, disorientation to time or place, and severe memory loss including inability to recall names of close relatives or own identity. |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas including work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. May include suicidal ideation, significant memory gaps affecting daily functioning, near-continuous depression or anxiety, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances. |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, memory disturbances beyond normal forgetfulness, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining effective relationships. |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency with intermittent inability to perform tasks due to dissociative episodes, memory gaps, depressed mood, anxiety, or chronic sleep impairment. |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. |
| 0% | A formal diagnosis exists but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational or social functioning. |
Evidence Needed
A formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in dissociative conditions is critical. Treatment records documenting dissociative episodes — amnesia events, identity switches, or depersonalization — are essential. Neuropsychological testing can help establish the diagnosis and rule out other causes. Buddy statements from family or friends who have witnessed dissociative episodes are particularly valuable because the veteran may not remember them. Records showing the in-service trauma that triggered the condition help establish nexus.
C&P Exam Tips
Dissociative disorders can be difficult to demonstrate in a single exam appointment because episodes may not occur on demand. Before the exam, keep a log of dissociative episodes including what happened, how long they lasted, and what others reported. Bring a family member or friend who has witnessed episodes if possible. Be honest about memory gaps and any periods of lost time. If you experience depersonalization or derealization, describe what those experiences feel like concretely. Explain how the condition affects your ability to work, drive, maintain relationships, and handle daily responsibilities.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ listing DC 9416. If filing as secondary to PTSD, include the primary claim number and a medical opinion connecting the conditions. Submit all psychiatric treatment records, neuropsychological evaluations, and therapy notes. Buddy statements from people who have witnessed dissociative episodes are especially important since you may not remember the episodes yourself. A detailed nexus letter from a treating provider is strongly recommended.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is not having adequate documentation of episodes, since the veteran often has no memory of them. Without buddy statements or therapist observations, the claim may appear unsupported. Another common issue is having the condition misdiagnosed as PTSD alone without recognizing the dissociative component. Veterans sometimes do not report all symptoms because they are embarrassed by memory gaps or identity disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be rated for both dissociative disorder and PTSD?
The VA rates all mental health conditions under a single combined evaluation. Having both diagnoses can support a higher overall rating because the combined symptoms typically demonstrate greater functional impairment.
What if I do not remember my dissociative episodes?
This is common and expected with dissociative disorders. Buddy statements from witnesses, therapist session notes, and emergency room visit records serve as evidence. Keeping a journal between episodes can help document patterns.
Is dissociative identity disorder rated differently from dissociative amnesia?
Both fall under DC 9416 and use the same rating criteria. The severity of functional impairment determines the rating, not which specific dissociative condition you have.