Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

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

A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. When aggravated by military service or secondary to a service-connected condition, ADHD can be rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

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

⚠ADHD that pre-existed service can still be service-connected if military service permanently aggravated it beyond natural progression — get a medical opinion documenting the aggravation.
⚠Not documenting how ADHD specifically impairs occupational functioning — difficulty meeting deadlines, disorganization, impulsive decisions, and inability to sustain attention in meetings all demonstrate work-related impairment.
⚠Failing to get neuropsychological testing — standardized attention and executive function tests provide objective evidence that strengthens your claim beyond self-reported symptoms.
⚠Not filing ADHD as secondary to a service-connected TBI or other mental health condition — if ADHD symptoms worsened after a head injury or onset of PTSD, the secondary connection should be clearly documented.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity 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

⚠ADHD that pre-existed service can still be service-connected if military service permanently aggravated it beyond natural progression — get a medical opinion documenting the aggravation.

⚠Not documenting how ADHD specifically impairs occupational functioning — difficulty meeting deadlines, disorganization, impulsive decisions, and inability to sustain attention in meetings all demonstrate work-related impairment.

⚠Failing to get neuropsychological testing — standardized attention and executive function tests provide objective evidence that strengthens your claim beyond self-reported symptoms.

⚠Not filing ADHD as secondary to a service-connected TBI or other mental health condition — if ADHD symptoms worsened after a head injury or onset of PTSD, the secondary connection should be clearly documented.