Sleep Terror Disorder

DC 9413Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9413 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

Episodes of sudden awakening from sleep with intense fear, screaming, and physical agitation, often with no memory of the event. Sleep terrors disrupt restorative sleep and can pose safety risks to the veteran and bed partners.

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 9413

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9413 — 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

⚠Not distinguishing sleep terrors from nightmares — sleep terrors occur during non-REM sleep with no dream recall, while nightmares occur during REM sleep with vivid recall. Accurate diagnosis matters for proper rating.
⚠Failing to document the frequency and severity of episodes — buddy statements from bed partners or family members who witness the episodes are critical evidence.
⚠Not reporting injuries sustained during episodes — falling out of bed, striking objects or bed partners, and sleepwalking during episodes demonstrate the safety risks and severity.
⚠Not connecting sleep terrors to service-related trauma or another service-connected condition — establish the temporal link between military service and onset of episodes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Sleep Terror Disorder

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9413

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

⚠Not distinguishing sleep terrors from nightmares — sleep terrors occur during non-REM sleep with no dream recall, while nightmares occur during REM sleep with vivid recall. Accurate diagnosis matters for proper rating.

⚠Failing to document the frequency and severity of episodes — buddy statements from bed partners or family members who witness the episodes are critical evidence.

⚠Not reporting injuries sustained during episodes — falling out of bed, striking objects or bed partners, and sleepwalking during episodes demonstrate the safety risks and severity.

⚠Not connecting sleep terrors to service-related trauma or another service-connected condition — establish the temporal link between military service and onset of episodes.