Intermittent Explosive Disorder

DC 9404Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9404 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

Repeated episodes of impulsive, aggressive, or violent behavior disproportionate to the situation. Common in combat veterans. Rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

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

⚠Episodes being attributed to PTSD alone when a separate diagnosis is warranted — if your explosive behavior is a distinct condition, get a clear diagnostic opinion.
⚠Not documenting specific incidents and their triggers — dates, circumstances, and severity of outbursts provide critical evidence of the pattern and frequency.
⚠Criminal charges from episodes not being connected to the condition — legal problems resulting from explosive behavior are evidence of severity and should be documented.
⚠Not getting buddy statements from family members about behavioral changes — spouses, partners, and family members who witness outbursts can describe the impact on home life.
⚠Failing to describe the functional impact on employment — being fired, disciplined, or unable to work with others due to anger episodes directly supports higher ratings.

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…

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

⚠Episodes being attributed to PTSD alone when a separate diagnosis is warranted — if your explosive behavior is a distinct condition, get a clear diagnostic opinion.

⚠Not documenting specific incidents and their triggers — dates, circumstances, and severity of outbursts provide critical evidence of the pattern and frequency.

⚠Criminal charges from episodes not being connected to the condition — legal problems resulting from explosive behavior are evidence of severity and should be documented.

⚠Not getting buddy statements from family members about behavioral changes — spouses, partners, and family members who witness outbursts can describe the impact on home life.

⚠Failing to describe the functional impact on employment — being fired, disciplined, or unable to work with others due to anger episodes directly supports higher ratings.