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Anorexia nervosa
Diagnostic code 9520 · Mental disorders · 38 CFR 4.130
VA has proposed changing these rules
The proposal (87 FR 8498, published February 15, 2022) is not in effect. The rules on this page still apply until VA publishes a final rule.
Read the proposal in the Federal RegisterRating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.130. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 9520 Anorexia nervosa |
Rating Formula for Eating Disorders
A note in the same section of the regulation says which codes use this formula.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Self-induced weight loss to less than 80 percent of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year, and requiring hospitalization more than twice a year for parenteral nutrition or tube feeding. | 100 |
| Self-induced weight loss to less than 85 percent of expected minimum weight with incapacitating episodes of six or more weeks total duration per year. | 60 |
| Self-induced weight loss to less than 85 percent of expected minimum weight with incapacitating episodes of more than two but less than six weeks total duration per year. | 30 |
| Binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other measures to prevent weight gain, or resistance to weight gain even when below expected minimum weight, with diagnosis of an eating disorder and incapacitating episodes of up to two weeks total duration per year. | 10 |
| Binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other measures to prevent weight gain, or resistance to weight gain even when below expected minimum weight, with diagnosis of an eating disorder but without incapacitating episodes. | 0 |
Notes for the whole table
The nomenclature employed in this portion of the rating schedule is based upon the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (see § 4.125 for availability information). Rating agencies must be thoroughly familiar with this manual to properly implement the directives in § 4.125 through § 4.129 and to apply the general rating formula for mental disorders in § 4.130. The schedule for rating for mental disorders is set forth as follows:
Related codes in the regulation
- 9521 Bulimia nervosaSame formula
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
- § 4.125 Diagnosis of mental disorders
- § 4.126 Evaluation of disability from mental disorders
- § 4.127 Intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) and personality disorders
- § 4.128 Convalescence ratings following extended hospitalization
- § 4.129 Mental disorders due to traumatic stress
- § 4.25 Combined ratings table
- § 4.26 Bilateral factor
- § 4.27 Use of diagnostic code numbers
- § 4.14 Avoidance of pyramiding
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.130, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Added November 7, 1996.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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