Diagnostic Code 9520 · 38 CFR §4.130
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 |
|---|---|
| 0% | Condition is diagnosed but symptoms do not interfere with occupational or social functioning and continuous medication is not required. |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms that reduce work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms managed by continuous medication. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.
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.
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.