EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Insomnia Disorder
DC 9400 | 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9400 |
Insomnia Disorder is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9400 of 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9400 across 5 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or nonrestorative sleep, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Often co-occurs with or secondary to PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
0%
Diagnosed but no significant functional impact.
10%
Chronic sleep impairment with mild occupational impact during stress.
30%
Occupational impairment with chronic sleep impairment contributing to mood and cognitive changes.
50%
Reduced reliability due to chronic sleep deprivation causing memory impairment, impaired judgment.
70%
Deficiencies in most areas due to severe chronic insomnia with near-continuous fatigue affecting all function.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Mental health treatment records
-Service records documenting stressors
-Buddy statements describing behavioral changes
-Employment records showing work impact
-Hospitalization records
-Prescription history for psychiatric medications
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Be completely honest about your worst days, not your best.
2.Describe specific examples of social and occupational impairment.
3.If you have suicidal ideation, even passively, report it.
4.Document panic attacks: frequency, duration, functional impact.
5.Mention any hospitalizations or crisis interventions.
6.Keep a symptom journal with specific dates and incidents.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026