Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 9432: Bipolar Disorder Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.130
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Mental disorders
The VA rates Bipolar Disorder under diagnostic code 9432 in 38 CFR § 4.130. 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 9432 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild symptoms controlled by medication What raters look formedication controlled |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency What raters look foroccasional impairment |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity What raters look forimpaired judgment; mood disturbances |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas What raters look forsuicidal ideation; impaired impulse control; manic episodes affecting function |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment What raters look forpersistent danger; grossly inappropriate behavior |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Bipolar Disorder. The Bipolar Disorder condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Bipolar Disorder appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 612 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Bipolar Disorder as the primary issue. The Bipolar Disorder 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 Bipolar Disorder appeals generally rather than DC 9432 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 9432?
Diagnostic code 9432 is the VA rating schedule entry for Bipolar Disorder, found in 38 CFR § 4.130. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 9432?
DC 9432 provides ratings of 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 9432 require?
The 100% rating for Bipolar Disorder requires: Total occupational and social impairment.