Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 9201: Schizophrenia Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders
- Rating range
- 0% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Mental disorders
The VA rates Schizophrenia under diagnostic code 9201 in 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 9201 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication What raters look forformally diagnosed; no functional interference |
| 10% | Mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication What raters look formild/transient; medication controlled |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency with intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks, generally functioning satisfactorily with routine behavior and conversation normal What raters look foroccasional decrease; generally functioning |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired short- and long-term memory, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining effective relationships What raters look forreduced reliability; flattened affect; relationship difficulty |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, mood), such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous symptoms, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships What raters look fordeficiencies most areas; suicidal ideation |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment, such as persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, or persistent danger of hurting self or others What raters look fortotal impairment; delusions or hallucinations; danger to self/others |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Schizophrenia. The Schizophrenia condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Schizophrenia appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 748 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Schizophrenia as the primary issue. The Schizophrenia condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Schizophrenia appeals generally rather than DC 9201 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 9201?
Diagnostic code 9201 is the VA rating schedule entry for Schizophrenia, found in 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 9201?
DC 9201 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 9201 require?
The 100% rating for Schizophrenia requires: Total occupational and social impairment, such as persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, or persistent danger of hurting self or others.