38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.130
Schizophrenia
dc-9201-schizophrenia
Mental health
Diagnostic code
9201
Why your DC matters: DC 9201 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 9201 — Schizophrenia — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.130 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (9201) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “9201”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 9201 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 9201 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 9201 (schizophrenia) rates under the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as PTSD (DC 9411), MDD (DC 9434), and GAD (DC 9400) — 0/10/30/50/70/100% based on occupational and social impairment. The schedular mechanics are identical across mental health DCs; what differs is the symptom set the rater uses to map to the formula. Schizophrenia is characterized by positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior) and negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia), with cognitive impairment in attention, working memory, and executive function. Service-connection lanes: (1) DIRECT — in-service onset OR aggravation of pre-existing condition; (2) PRESUMPTIVE — 38 CFR § 3.309(a) chronic disease presumption for diagnosis within ONE YEAR of service separation; (3) SECONDARY — to SC TBI (DC 8045), SC severe trauma (PTSD-equivalent stressor pathway), or substance-related (limited). The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (≥2 symptoms with at least one being positive, ≥6 months total duration including ≥1 month active phase, functional impairment) anchor the diagnosis. Note: schizophrenia is one of the 'chronic diseases' explicitly listed in § 3.309(a) — a critical advantage over conditions requiring direct in-service onset proof.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | Psychiatric records documenting active psychotic symptoms, ADL impairment, danger to self/others, severe disorientation. Inpatient hospitalizations, conservatorship/guardianship, sheltered living arrangements. |
| 70% | Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression; impaired impulse control; spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. | Provider notes documenting active hallucinations or delusions with periods of remission, suicidal ideation, severe functional limitations, multiple major life-area deficiencies. |
| 50% | Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory; impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. | Psychiatric notes documenting flattened affect, disorganized speech, memory impairment, impaired motivation (negative symptoms prominent), workplace difficulties. |
| 30% | Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss. | Outpatient psychiatric notes documenting controlled symptoms, intermittent functional impairment, ongoing medication management. |
| 10% | Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication. | Diagnosis documented + maintenance medication regimen (antipsychotic) with overall good functioning. |
| 0% | A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication. | Formal diagnosis without ongoing functional impairment or treatment requirement (rare for schizophrenia). |
What Qualifies Under DC 9201?
Schizophrenia per DSM-5
≥2 of: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized/catatonic behavior, negative symptoms; with at least one being delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. ≥6 months total duration including ≥1 month active phase. Functional impairment.
Rated under General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders
Same 0/10/30/50/70/100% formula as PTSD (DC 9411), MDD (DC 9434), GAD (DC 9400). Differentiated by symptom set: positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior) + negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia) + cognitive impairment.
§ 3.309(a) chronic disease presumptive
Schizophrenia explicitly listed in 38 CFR § 3.309(a). Diagnosis within ONE YEAR of service separation establishes presumptive service connection.
Distinct from other psychotic disorder DCs
DC 9201 = schizophrenia. DC 9208 = delusional disorder. DC 9210 = other specified/unspecified schizophrenia spectrum disorders. DC 9211 = schizoaffective disorder. Match DSM-5 diagnosis to correct DC.
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Total occupational and social impairment + persistent delusions/hallucinations OR grossly inappropriate behavior OR persistent danger to self/others OR inability to perform ADLs”
100% gate is qualitatively distinct from 70% — requires TOTAL impairment, not just deficiencies in most areas. Document persistent (not intermittent) positive symptoms, ADL impairment, danger to self/others, severe disorientation.
“Deficiencies in most areas + suicidal ideation OR near-continuous panic/depression OR impaired impulse control OR inability to maintain effective relationships”
70% gate. Schizophrenia commonly reaches 70%+ due to combined positive (hallucinations, delusions during exacerbations) + negative (avolition, social withdrawal) symptoms producing deficiencies in most life areas.
“Reduced reliability and productivity + flattened affect OR circumstantial/stereotyped speech OR memory impairment OR difficulty maintaining work/social relationships”
50% gate. Negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, social withdrawal) often anchor 50% even when positive symptoms are well-controlled by antipsychotics.
“Positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior) + negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia) + cognitive impairment”
Schizophrenia symptom set differs from PTSD/MDD but maps to the same General Rating Formula. Rater must consider negative symptoms (which often anchor 50%-70% even with controlled positive symptoms) + cognitive impairment (attention, working memory, executive function).
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Psychiatric DBQ (Mental Disorders) completed by mental health provider
CRITICALPsychiatrist or psychologist; documents symptoms mapped to General Rating Formula language. Most critical evidence document.
Formal diagnosis per DSM-5 criteria
CRITICAL≥2 symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized/catatonic behavior, negative symptoms) with at least one being positive (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech); ≥6 months total duration including ≥1 month active phase; functional impairment.
Treatment records — psychiatric visits, antipsychotic medication history
CRITICALFrequency of visits, medication regimen (first-generation antipsychotics like haloperidol, second-generation like risperidone/olanzapine/aripiprazole, clozapine for treatment-resistant), psychotherapy.
Hospitalization records
CRITICALInpatient psychiatric admissions for acute psychosis, suicidality, or self-care inability. Anchor higher tiers (70%-100%).
In-service onset OR within-one-year-of-separation diagnosis (presumption pathway)
CRITICALSchizophrenia is on the § 3.309(a) chronic disease presumptive list — diagnosis within ONE YEAR of separation establishes presumptive SC.
Functional impact statements (employer, family, vocational rehab)
IMPORTANTDocuments social and occupational impairment beyond clinical symptoms — drives tier determination.
Cognitive testing (if attention, memory, executive function impaired)
IMPORTANTNeuropsychological testing documents cognitive impairment, which is increasingly recognized as core to schizophrenia.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring psychiatric DBQ + DSM-5 diagnostic documentation
Anchors the diagnosis under DC 9201 specifically (vs. other psychotic disorders under DC 9210/9211).
Bring antipsychotic medication history + treatment records
Documents disease activity and treatment intensity. Clozapine prescription anchors treatment-resistant schizophrenia (severe).
Describe symptoms on worst days, not best days
Examiners often see veterans during stable periods. Describe the worst week of the past year — hallucinations, suicidality, ADL impairment, hospitalization frequency.
Don't minimize negative symptoms
Flat affect, social withdrawal, avolition, anhedonia, alogia (poverty of speech) — these are RATEABLE. Negative symptoms often anchor 50%-70% even when positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) are controlled by antipsychotics.
Don't underplay cognitive symptoms
Schizophrenia carries significant cognitive impairment (attention, working memory, executive function). Describe specific examples — forgetting appointments, inability to follow conversations, difficulty managing finances.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Missing the § 3.309(a) chronic disease presumption
Schizophrenia is explicitly listed in 38 CFR § 3.309(a) as a chronic disease. Diagnosis within ONE YEAR of service separation establishes presumptive SC — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove in-service onset. File under § 3.309(a) explicitly.
Settling for 30% when negative symptoms support 50%+
Negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia, social withdrawal) often anchor 50%+ even when positive symptoms are well-controlled by antipsychotics. Document each negative symptom explicitly in psychiatric notes.
Not pursuing TDIU when occupational impairment supports it
Schizophrenia with 70%+ rating + inability to maintain substantially gainful employment qualifies for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). File 21-8940 alongside the schedular rating.
Confusing DC 9201 with other psychotic disorder DCs
DC 9201 = schizophrenia specifically. DC 9208 = delusional disorder. DC 9210 = other specified/unspecified schizophrenia spectrum disorders. DC 9211 = schizoaffective disorder. All rate under the same General Rating Formula but the DC selection should match the DSM-5 diagnosis.
Not stacking SMC-S for housebound or aid-attendance status
Schizophrenia at 100% + additional disabilities combining to 60% may qualify for SMC-S (statutorily housebound). Severe schizophrenia with ADL impairment may qualify for SMC-L (aid and attendance).
Tactical Plays
⚡ File under § 3.309(a) chronic disease presumption if diagnosed within 1 year of separation
Schizophrenia is explicitly listed in 38 CFR § 3.309(a) as a chronic disease. Diagnosis within ONE YEAR of service separation establishes presumptive service connection — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove in-service onset. This is a critical advantage over conditions requiring direct in-service onset proof. File under § 3.309(a) explicitly with the diagnosis date in the claim narrative.
⚡ Anchor negative symptoms — drives 50%-70% tier
Schizophrenia rating tiers map symptoms to the General Rating Formula. Negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia, social withdrawal) often anchor 50%+ even when positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) are well-controlled by antipsychotic medication. Document each negative symptom explicitly. Many veterans get underrated at 30% because their positive symptoms are controlled but negative symptoms aren't accounted for.
⚡ Pursue TDIU when occupational impairment supports it
Schizophrenia with 70%+ schedular rating + inability to maintain substantially gainful employment qualifies for TDIU. File VA Form 21-8940 alongside the schedular rating. Document employment history, vocational rehab attempts, work accommodation failures.
⚡ Build antipsychotic-side-effect secondary file aggressively
Second-generation antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone, clozapine, quetiapine) cause well-documented metabolic side effects — weight gain, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes (DC 7913), dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (DC 7005/7101). First-generation antipsychotics cause tardive dyskinesia. Each is a direct secondary to SC schizophrenia + medication treatment. Build the file proactively.
⚡ Audit SMC eligibility — schizophrenia frequently triggers SMC-S or SMC-L
Schizophrenia at 100% schedular + additional independent disabilities combining to 60% triggers SMC-S (statutorily housebound). Severe schizophrenia with ADL impairment may trigger SMC-L (aid and attendance). With antipsychotic-side-effect secondaries (DM, cardiac disease, neuropathy from metabolic syndrome), SMC predicate often achievable.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Tardive dyskinesia (antipsychotic side effect)
STRONGFirst-generation antipsychotics (haloperidol, chlorpromazine) and some second-generation cause tardive dyskinesia — involuntary movement disorder. Direct secondary to SC schizophrenia + medication treatment. Rateable under nerve/movement disorder codes.
Metabolic syndrome / Type 2 diabetes (antipsychotic side effect)
STRONGDC 7913
Second-generation antipsychotics (olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone) cause significant weight gain, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes. Direct secondary.
Major depressive disorder (comorbid)
STRONGDC 9434
Schizophrenia and depression highly comorbid. Schizoaffective disorder (DC 9211) is the diagnostic alternative — combines schizophrenia with mood symptoms. Rate under the most specific DC (9211 if schizoaffective).
Substance use disorders (self-medication)
MODERATESchizophrenia patients frequently self-medicate with alcohol, cannabis, nicotine. Secondary to SC schizophrenia per common psychiatric understanding. Limited VA recognition.
Suicide attempt residuals (physical injury)
MODERATESchizophrenia carries elevated suicide risk. Physical injuries from attempts rate separately under appropriate physical DCs.
Cardiovascular disease (antipsychotic + metabolic)
MODERATEDC 7005 / 7101
Antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome → cardiovascular disease. Direct secondary chain.
Cognitive impairment / dementia (long-term)
SITUATIONALSchizophrenia carries elevated dementia risk later in life. May rate under TBI (DC 8045) framework if cognitive impairment is significant and documented.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-S (statutorily housebound) — frequently achievable)
100% DC 9201 + additional independent disabilities combining to 60%. With antipsychotic-side-effect secondaries (DM, cardiac disease, neuropathy), SMC-S predicate frequently achievable. SMC-L (aid and attendance) for severe schizophrenia with ADL impairment requiring assistance.
SMC-S (statutorily housebound) — frequently achievable monthly add-on
+$449.69
Added on top of your schedular rating.
SMC-L if requires aid and attendance ($4,900.83/mo). SMC-M ($5,408.55/mo) if higher-level care needed. SMC-O if severely incapacitated with multiple SMC-rateable losses.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Occasional decrease in work efficiency + intermittent occupational inability.
50% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Reduced reliability + flattened affect / circumstantial speech / panic >1/week.
70% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,808.45
TOTAL
$1,808.45/mo
Deficiencies in most areas + suicidal ideation / near-continuous panic-depression / impaired impulse control.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Total occupational + social impairment + persistent delusions/hallucinations / grossly inappropriate behavior / ADL impairment.
100% DC 9201 + 60% combined antipsychotic-side-effect secondaries → SMC-S statutorily housebound
Base rating
$4,388.27
TOTAL
$4,388.27/mo
Schizophrenia + metabolic syndrome secondaries = SMC-S predicate ($449.69/mo above 100%).
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
↔️What are Positive vs. Negative Symptoms?
Positive symptoms = additions to normal experience: delusions (fixed false beliefs), hallucinations (sensory perceptions without external stimuli, most commonly auditory), disorganized speech (loose associations, word salad), grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. Negative symptoms = reductions from normal: flat affect (reduced emotional expression), alogia (poverty of speech), avolition (loss of motivation), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), social withdrawal.
🎖️Why does the § 3.309(a) presumption matter so much?
Schizophrenia is on the chronic disease presumptive list. Diagnosis within ONE YEAR of service separation establishes presumptive service connection — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove in-service onset. This sidesteps the typical mental health SC burden (in-service diagnosis or stressor + nexus). Critically important for veterans diagnosed shortly post-discharge.
📊Does DC 9201 differ schedularly from PTSD (DC 9411)?
No — both rate under the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR § 4.130), with identical 0/10/30/50/70/100% tier text. What differs is the symptom set: schizophrenia features positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), negative symptoms (flat affect, avolition), and cognitive impairment; PTSD features re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, and hyperarousal. The rater maps each diagnosis's symptoms to the formula language.
💊How are antipsychotic side effects rated?
Antipsychotic medications (used to treat SC schizophrenia) have well-documented side effects. Second-generation antipsychotics cause metabolic syndrome → weight gain, Type 2 diabetes (DC 7913), dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (DC 7005/7101). First-generation antipsychotics cause tardive dyskinesia. Each is a direct secondary to SC schizophrenia + medication treatment.
How to File Your Claim
Pull psychiatric records — DSM-5 diagnosis + treatment history + DBQ
Psychiatric DBQ completed by mental health provider is most critical evidence.
Identify SC pathway — direct, § 3.309(a) chronic disease presumption (1-year post-separation), or secondary
§ 3.309(a) presumption is significant advantage if diagnosis within 1 year of separation.
Document positive + negative + cognitive symptoms separately
Negative symptoms often underweighted; ensure each is explicitly charted.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'schizophrenia (DC 9201)' under § 3.309(a) presumption if applicable
Cite the chronic disease presumption explicitly in the claim narrative.
Build antipsychotic-side-effect secondary file + file TDIU + audit SMC eligibility
Metabolic syndrome (DM, cardiac), tardive dyskinesia, depression secondaries. TDIU at 70%+. SMC-S or SMC-L predicate analysis.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
§ 3.309(a) chronic disease presumption — 1-year post-separation lane
Schizophrenia diagnosed within 1 year of service separation = presumptive SC. Significant advantage over direct-onset proof.
Negative symptoms drive 50%-70% tier
Flat affect, avolition, anhedonia, social withdrawal often underweighted. Document explicitly.
Antipsychotic side effects = rateable secondaries
Metabolic syndrome (DM, cardiac), tardive dyskinesia. Direct secondary to SC schizophrenia + treatment.
TDIU + SMC predicate frequently achievable
Schizophrenia at 70%+ supports TDIU. 100% + secondaries combining to 60% triggers SMC-S statutorily housebound.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DC 9201 rate differently from PTSD (DC 9411)?
No — both rate under the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR § 4.130), with identical tier text (0/10/30/50/70/100%). What differs is the symptom set the rater uses to map to the formula. Schizophrenia features positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), negative symptoms (flat affect, avolition), and cognitive impairment. PTSD features re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, and hyperarousal.
Is schizophrenia a presumptive condition for service connection?
Yes — schizophrenia is explicitly listed in 38 CFR § 3.309(a) as a chronic disease. Diagnosis within ONE YEAR of service separation establishes presumptive service connection — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove in-service onset. This is a critical advantage over conditions requiring direct in-service onset proof. File under § 3.309(a) explicitly if applicable to your timeline.
Why do negative symptoms matter so much for the rating?
Negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia / poverty of speech, avolition / loss of motivation, anhedonia / inability to experience pleasure, social withdrawal) often anchor 50%-70% tier even when positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) are well-controlled by antipsychotic medication. Many veterans get underrated at 30% because their positive symptoms are controlled but their negative symptoms aren't accounted for in the rater's analysis. Document each negative symptom explicitly in psychiatric notes.
Can antipsychotic medication side effects be service-connected?
Yes — direct secondaries to SC schizophrenia + medication treatment. Second-generation antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone, clozapine, quetiapine) cause metabolic syndrome → weight gain, Type 2 diabetes (DC 7913), dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (DC 7005/7101). First-generation antipsychotics cause tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder). Each rateable separately on top of the SC schizophrenia rating.
Should I file for TDIU with schizophrenia?
Often yes — schizophrenia at 70%+ schedular rating with inability to maintain substantially gainful employment qualifies for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, paid at the 100% rate). File VA Form 21-8940 alongside the schedular rating. Vocational impairment from schizophrenia is well-documented — workplace difficulties from cognitive impairment, negative symptoms (avolition, social withdrawal), and exacerbation triggers all support TDIU.
Official Regulatory Source
Schizophrenia rates under 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9201 — same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as PTSD (DC 9411), MDD (DC 9434), GAD (DC 9400).
38 CFR § 4.130 — Mental Disorders (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 9201. Note 2: 'Ratings under diagnostic codes 9201 to 9440 will be evaluated using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.' Compare DC 9208 (delusional disorder), DC 9210 (other psychotic disorders), DC 9211 (schizoaffective disorder).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 9201, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 9201 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.