38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.130
Anorexia Nervosa
dc-9520-anorexia-nervosa
Mental health
Diagnostic code
9520
Why your DC matters: DC 9520 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 9520 — Anorexia Nervosa — 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 (9520) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “9520”. 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 9520 (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 9520 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Anorexia nervosa is rated separately from the general mental disorders formula (§ 4.130) on its own schedule emphasizing weight loss, hospitalization, and incapacitation. Veterans with deployment-stress-driven eating disorders often have the diagnosis missed entirely — pursued as 'PTSD with weight loss' instead. The play is getting a dedicated DSM-5 anorexia or eating-disorder diagnosis on paper, then layering it onto any existing mental health rating.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Self-induced weight loss to less than 80% of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes of at least 6 weeks' total duration per year, and requiring hospitalization more than twice a year. | Weight history showing 80%+ deficit; hospitalization records (2+/year); psychiatric notes documenting incapacitation episodes. |
| 60% | Self-induced weight loss to less than 85% of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes of 6 weeks' total duration/year. | Weight chart + psychiatric documentation of incapacitating episodes totaling 6+ weeks/year. |
| 30% | Disabling transient or recurrent episodes of binge eating or vomiting, OR self-induced weight loss to less than 85% of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes occurring 4 or more times per year, but not totaling 6 weeks/year. | Weight chart + episode log. |
| 10% | Binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other measures to prevent weight gain, OR resistance to weight gain, with periods of incapacitation of fewer than 6 weeks/year. | Diagnosis + chart notes documenting purging behavior or weight resistance. |
What Qualifies Under DC 9520?
DSM-5 diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
Restriction of energy intake → significantly low body weight; intense fear of weight gain; distorted body image. Diagnosed by psychologist or psychiatrist.
Weight + incapacitation drive the tier
DC 9520 schedule:
- • 10% — Binge/purge behavior with periods of incapacitation less than 6 weeks/year
- • 30% — Less than 85% expected weight + 4+ incapacitating episodes/yr (not totaling 6 weeks)
- • 60% — Less than 85% expected weight + 6 weeks total incapacitation/yr
- • 100% — Less than 80% expected weight + 6 weeks incapacitation + 2+ hospitalizations/yr
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.
“Less than 80% of expected minimum weight + 2+ hospitalizations/year”
Both required. Weight expressed as percentage of expected minimum body weight (not BMI). Two or more inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations per year for the eating disorder anchors the 100% rating.
“6 weeks' total duration of incapacitating episodes per year”
Cumulative incapacitation weeks. Includes inpatient stays, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and bed-rest periods for severe complications.
“Less than 85% of expected minimum weight”
The weight threshold. Calculate as percentage of healthy minimum body weight for height + frame. Examiner should use a published reference, not BMI.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Psychiatric DSM-5 diagnosis of anorexia (or eating-disorder NOS)
CRITICALFrom a psychologist or psychiatrist. Differentiates anorexia (DC 9520) from bulimia (DC 9521) — they rate under the same schedule but list separately.
Weight history with percent-of-expected calculation
CRITICALChart documenting weight over time + calculation of percentage below expected minimum. Drives every tier.
Hospitalization records
CRITICALInpatient psychiatric or medical admissions for eating-disorder complications (cardiac, electrolyte, refeeding syndrome).
Treatment intensity log (PHP/IOP weeks)
IMPORTANTPartial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program weeks count toward 'incapacitating episodes' duration.
Medical complications workup
IMPORTANTCardiac (bradycardia, QT prolongation), bone density (osteoporosis), electrolyte derangements. Each can be a separate rating.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring a chronological weight chart
Year by year, with healthy baseline marked. Show the percentage below expected minimum at the worst point.
Bring all hospitalization discharge summaries
Each admission counts toward the 100% gate (2+/year). PHP/IOP enrollment letters also help.
List medical complications
Bradycardia, osteoporosis, electrolyte issues, GI motility problems. Each can rate separately.
Don't minimize symptoms in front of the examiner
Eating disorders self-conceal. Be honest about behaviors, weight history, and treatment intensity even if uncomfortable.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing as 'PTSD with weight loss' instead of anorexia
Eating disorder is a separate diagnosis with its own DC. File anorexia separately on top of any existing MH rating.
Not documenting treatment intensity in weeks
Total weeks in IOP/PHP/inpatient is the tier gate. Track and sum cumulative treatment time annually.
Skipping medical complication secondaries
Osteoporosis, cardiac, electrolyte issues are separate ratings — pursue each.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File anorexia ON TOP of PTSD — they don't pyramid
If you have PTSD and an eating disorder, they rate separately under different DCs (9411 + 9520). The MH formula for PTSD ≠ the anorexia formula. Both ratings stack.
⚡ Count every PHP/IOP week toward incapacitation
DC 9520 60% requires 6 weeks/year of incapacitating episodes. PHP and IOP enrollment counts. Many veterans don't realize their outpatient treatment intensity qualifies.
⚡ Pursue medical complications as separate ratings
Osteoporosis, bradycardia, electrolyte issues, esophageal damage — each potentially own rating. Standard ED workup labs help.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
PTSD / MDD
STRONGDC 9411 / 9434
Eating disorders almost always coexist with PTSD or MDD. Each rates separately (DC 9520 does NOT pyramid with 9411/9434 if symptoms differ).
Osteoporosis
MODERATEChronic malnutrition causes osteoporosis; rate by analogy if disabling fractures or bone-density loss documented.
Cardiac arrhythmia / bradycardia
MODERATEDC 7011
Severe anorexia causes cardiac complications; rate separately if persistent arrhythmia.
Esophageal injury (from vomiting)
SITUATIONALChronic purging can cause esophagitis, dental erosion — rate separately if disabling.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Purging behavior; less than 6 weeks/yr incapacitation.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
<85% expected weight + 4+ incapacitating episodes/yr.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
<85% expected weight + 6 weeks total incapacitation/yr.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
<80% expected weight + 2+ hospitalizations/yr.
60% anorexia + 70% PTSD
Base rating
$2,362.30
TOTAL
$2,362.30/mo
Combined ~88% rounds to 90%. Stacking eating disorder + PTSD is common — they rate under different DCs.
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's 'Expected Minimum Weight'?
The lower bound of healthy weight for the individual's height, age, and frame size. Calculated from published reference tables — NOT just a BMI cutoff. Provider should document the calculation.
🏥What counts as 'Incapacitating Episode'?
A period where the eating disorder severity required treatment intensification — inpatient admission, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or bed rest for medical complications. Treatment programs count even if outpatient.
↔️Does bulimia rate the same?
Yes — DC 9521 (bulimia nervosa) and DC 9520 (anorexia nervosa) share the same rating schedule. File under whichever specific diagnosis you have.
How to File Your Claim
Get a DSM-5 diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist
Not 'weight loss' — explicit 'anorexia nervosa' or 'eating disorder' diagnosis with criteria documented.
Compile weight history with percent-of-expected calculation
Chart your weight + healthy expected minimum. Document the lowest point reached.
Pull all treatment records (inpatient, PHP, IOP)
Count cumulative weeks for incapacitation calculation.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'anorexia nervosa (DC 9520)'
Separate line from any existing PTSD/MDD claim.
File medical complications as secondaries
Osteoporosis, cardiac, electrolyte issues, dental damage from purging.
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
Does NOT pyramid with PTSD/MDD
Different DC, different formula. File anorexia separately on top of existing MH ratings.
PHP/IOP weeks count toward incapacitation
Outpatient treatment intensity adds up. Track total weeks per year.
Medical complications rate separately
Osteoporosis, cardiac, electrolyte issues — pursue each as standalone rating.
Bulimia (DC 9521) shares this schedule
If diagnosis is bulimia rather than anorexia, file DC 9521 — same rating criteria, different specific diagnosis.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anorexia rated under the general mental health formula (§ 4.130)?
No — DC 9520 has its own schedule based on weight loss, hospitalization, and incapacitating episodes. It does NOT use the § 4.130 General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
Can I file anorexia AND PTSD?
Yes — they rate under different DCs and separate formulas. Both can stack if both diagnoses are documented.
What if my eating disorder is bulimia, not anorexia?
File under DC 9521 (bulimia nervosa). Same rating schedule as DC 9520. Mixed-presentation cases may include both diagnoses.
Does TDIU apply to severe eating disorders?
Yes — severe anorexia with multiple hospitalizations and treatment intensity often qualifies for TDIU based on the chronic incapacitation and medical complications.
Official Regulatory Source
Anorexia nervosa is rated under 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9520.
38 CFR § 4.130 — Mental Disorders (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 9520. Note that 9520/9521 have their OWN schedule — not the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 9520, 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 9520 • 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.