Adjustment Disorder

DC 9440Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9440 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

A mental health condition where you have a harder time than expected coping with a stressful life event or change. The VA rates adjustment disorder using the same criteria as PTSD — based on how much it affects your daily life and ability to work.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 9440

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9440 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.

What the VA looks for

Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
Persistent delusions or hallucinations
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Disorientation to time or place
Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name

Common Pitfalls

⚠Adjustment disorder is sometimes considered less severe than PTSD or depression, but the VA uses the same rating formula. Make sure you document all symptoms fully.
⚠Not explaining the triggering stressor and how your reaction goes beyond what would be expected — this is key to the diagnosis.
⚠Failing to report ongoing symptoms — adjustment disorder can become chronic. If symptoms persist, request re-evaluation or a diagnostic update.
⚠Not connecting adjustment disorder to service — clearly document the military stressor (deployment, injury, transition) that triggered the condition.
⚠Being rated together with another mental health condition under one code (pyramiding). If you believe adjustment disorder symptoms are distinct, document them separately.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Adjustment Disorder or rated under the same body system.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

DC 9411·Mental Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

DC 9400·Mental Disorders

Bipolar Disorder

DC 9432·Mental Disorders

Panic Disorder

DC 9412·Mental Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

DC 9404·Mental Disorders

Somatic Symptom Disorder

DC 9422·Mental Disorders

Insomnia Disorder

DC 9499·Mental Disorders

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Adjustment Disorder

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9440

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.

What the VA looks for

Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
Persistent delusions or hallucinations
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Disorientation to time or place
Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name

Common Pitfalls

⚠Adjustment disorder is sometimes considered less severe than PTSD or depression, but the VA uses the same rating formula. Make sure you document all symptoms fully.

⚠Not explaining the triggering stressor and how your reaction goes beyond what would be expected — this is key to the diagnosis.

⚠Failing to report ongoing symptoms — adjustment disorder can become chronic. If symptoms persist, request re-evaluation or a diagnostic update.

⚠Not connecting adjustment disorder to service — clearly document the military stressor (deployment, injury, transition) that triggered the condition.

⚠Being rated together with another mental health condition under one code (pyramiding). If you believe adjustment disorder symptoms are distinct, document them separately.