Borderline Personality Disorder

DC 9432Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9432 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

A personality disorder that causes intense emotions, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behavior. Some veterans develop or have this condition worsened by the stress and trauma of military service. The VA rates it using the same scale as other mental health conditions.

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 9432

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9432 — 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

⚠Personality disorders are generally considered pre-existing conditions — service connection usually requires showing that military service permanently aggravated the disorder beyond its natural course. A nexus opinion addressing aggravation is critical.
⚠Not distinguishing BPD from PTSD or depression — these conditions frequently co-occur but have different symptoms. Make sure your mental health provider clearly documents the BPD diagnosis separately and explains how military stressors worsened it.
⚠Failing to document the occupational impact of emotional dysregulation — describe specific examples of how intense emotional reactions, impulsive decisions, and relationship instability have affected your ability to hold jobs and maintain workplace relationships.
⚠Not providing a thorough treatment history — documentation of therapy (especially DBT or other specialized treatment), hospitalizations, and crisis interventions demonstrates the severity of the condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Mental Disorders

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

Condition Rating Guides

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

Borderline Personality Disorder

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9432

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

⚠Personality disorders are generally considered pre-existing conditions — service connection usually requires showing that military service permanently aggravated the disorder beyond its natural course. A nexus opinion addressing aggravation is critical.

⚠Not distinguishing BPD from PTSD or depression — these conditions frequently co-occur but have different symptoms. Make sure your mental health provider clearly documents the BPD diagnosis separately and explains how military stressors worsened it.

⚠Failing to document the occupational impact of emotional dysregulation — describe specific examples of how intense emotional reactions, impulsive decisions, and relationship instability have affected your ability to hold jobs and maintain workplace relationships.

⚠Not providing a thorough treatment history — documentation of therapy (especially DBT or other specialized treatment), hospitalizations, and crisis interventions demonstrates the severity of the condition.