Somatic Symptom Disorder

DC 9422Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9422 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

A condition where you have a strong focus on physical symptoms — such as pain or fatigue — that causes major distress and problems functioning. The VA rates this condition using the same criteria as other mental health disorders — based on how it impairs your work and daily life.

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 9422

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9422 — 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

⚠This diagnosis can feel dismissive — like people think your physical pain is "all in your head." The VA recognizes somatic symptom disorder as a real, ratable mental health condition. Focus on documenting functional impairment.
⚠Not explaining how the excessive worry about your health symptoms affects your daily life — missing work for repeated medical visits, anxiety about symptoms, and avoidance of activities all count.
⚠Failing to separate the mental health rating from any physical condition ratings — if you have a physical condition rated separately, the somatic symptom disorder rating covers the excessive psychological response to those symptoms.
⚠Not documenting the time spent on health-related behaviors — tracking symptoms, researching conditions, seeking reassurance, and attending frequent medical appointments.
⚠Somatic symptom disorder is rated under the same General Rating Formula as PTSD. If you also have depression or anxiety, they may be combined under one rating.

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 Somatic Symptom 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

Adjustment Disorder

DC 9440·Mental Disorders

Panic Disorder

DC 9412·Mental Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

DC 9404·Mental Disorders

Insomnia Disorder

DC 9499·Mental Disorders

Condition Rating Guides

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

Somatic Symptom Disorder

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9422

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

⚠This diagnosis can feel dismissive — like people think your physical pain is "all in your head." The VA recognizes somatic symptom disorder as a real, ratable mental health condition. Focus on documenting functional impairment.

⚠Not explaining how the excessive worry about your health symptoms affects your daily life — missing work for repeated medical visits, anxiety about symptoms, and avoidance of activities all count.

⚠Failing to separate the mental health rating from any physical condition ratings — if you have a physical condition rated separately, the somatic symptom disorder rating covers the excessive psychological response to those symptoms.

⚠Not documenting the time spent on health-related behaviors — tracking symptoms, researching conditions, seeking reassurance, and attending frequent medical appointments.

⚠Somatic symptom disorder is rated under the same General Rating Formula as PTSD. If you also have depression or anxiety, they may be combined under one rating.