Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 9521: Bulimia Nervosa Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.130. Rating Formula for Eating Disorders
- Rating range
- 0% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Mental disorders
The VA rates Bulimia Nervosa under diagnostic code 9521 in 38 CFR § 4.130. Rating Formula for Eating 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 9521 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | 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 What raters look fordiagnosis of an eating disorder; no incapacitating episodes |
| 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 and incapacitating episodes of up to two weeks total duration per year What raters look forincapacitating episodes of up to two weeks total duration per year; bed rest and treatment by a physician required during an episode |
| 30% | 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 What raters look forweight less than 85 percent of expected minimum; incapacitating episodes of more than two but less than six weeks per year |
| 60% | 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 What raters look forweight less than 85 percent of expected minimum; incapacitating episodes of six or more weeks per year |
| 100% | 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 What raters look forweight less than 80 percent of expected minimum; incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks per year; hospitalization more than twice a year for parenteral nutrition or tube feeding |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia). The Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 104 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) as the primary issue. The Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) 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 Eating Disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) appeals generally rather than DC 9521 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 9521?
Diagnostic code 9521 is the VA rating schedule entry for Bulimia Nervosa, found in 38 CFR § 4.130. Rating Formula for Eating 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 9521?
DC 9521 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 9521 require?
The 100% rating for Bulimia Nervosa requires: 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.
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