EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Bipolar Disorder VA Disability Rating
DC 9432 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.130 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.4
OVERVIEW
Bipolar disorder is rated under DC 9432 using the same General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders as PTSD, depression, and anxiety (38 C.F.R. 4.130). The rating criteria focus on occupational and social impairment, not the specific diagnosis. Bipolar disorder in veterans may develop from traumatic experiences, TBI, or may be aggravated by military service stress.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- Total occupational and social impairment
Persistent delusions/hallucinations, danger to self/others, inability to perform ADLs.
70% -- Deficiencies in most areas
Suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, difficulty adapting, inability to maintain relationships.
50% -- Reduced reliability and productivity
Disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty maintaining work and social relationships.
30% -- Occasional decrease in work efficiency
Depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Psychiatric evaluation documenting bipolar I or II diagnosis
-Hospitalization records for manic or depressive episodes
-Medication records (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants)
-Employment history showing job instability during episodes
-Statements from family describing behavioral changes during manic/depressive cycles
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC N/A
Self-medication during manic or depressive episodes is common.
DC N/A (symptom)
Sleep disruption is a core symptom of bipolar disorder.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The rating criteria are IDENTICAL to PTSD and all other mental health conditions. The VA rates impairment, not diagnosis.
2.Document episodes: how long do manic episodes last? How severe are depressive episodes? How do they affect work and relationships?
3.Bring employment records showing job changes or terminations that correlate with episodes.
4.If your bipolar was aggravated by military service (even if pre-existing), you may qualify for aggravation-based service connection.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
Mauerhan v. Principi (2002)
Listed symptoms in the rating formula are not exhaustive. Any symptom affecting occupational/social functioning must be considered.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Bipolar disorder at 70% pays $1,808.45/mo. At 100%, $3,938.58/mo. Mental health conditions are frequently the highest single-condition ratings.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026