Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 9440: Chronic Adjustment Disorder Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Mental disorders
The VA rates Chronic Adjustment Disorder under diagnostic code 9440 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 9440 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild symptoms controlled by medication What raters look formedication managed; mild occupational impact |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency What raters look fordifficulty concentrating during stress; generally functioning |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity What raters look fordifficulty maintaining work schedule; impaired concentration; relationship difficulties |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas What raters look forcannot maintain employment without accommodations; difficulty adapting to stress; multiple failed medication trials |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment What raters look forunable to work; unable to perform daily activities |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Adjustment Disorder. The Adjustment Disorder condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Adjustment Disorder appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,621 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Adjustment Disorder as the primary issue. The Adjustment 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 Adjustment Disorder appeals generally rather than DC 9440 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 9440?
Diagnostic code 9440 is the VA rating schedule entry for Chronic Adjustment Disorder, 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 9440?
DC 9440 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 9440 require?
The 100% rating for Chronic Adjustment Disorder requires: Total occupational and social impairment.