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OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) VA Disability Rating
DC 9404 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.130 | M21-1, Part V.iii.13
OVERVIEW
OCD is rated under DC 9404 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 38 C.F.R. § 4.130. Rated on occupational and social impairment from obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). Service connection via in-service onset, aggravation, or secondary to PTSD or TBI.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100% — Total occupational and social impairment
Obsessional rituals preventing any occupational functioning; inability to perform ADLs without compulsion interference; gross impairment in thought processes.
70% — Deficiencies in most areas
Obsessional rituals occupying much of the day; inability to maintain employment or relationships; near-continuous anxiety from obsessive thoughts.
50% — Reduced reliability and productivity
Obsessions and compulsions causing frequent disruption to work; difficulty maintaining concentration; avoidance behaviors limiting social and occupational function.
30% — Occasional work impairment
OCD symptoms occasionally interfering with work efficiency; chronic anxiety but generally functioning; weekly or less interference with activities.
10% — Mild symptoms
Mild OCD controlled by medication or causing minimal disruption.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Psychiatric evaluation documenting OCD with DSM-5 criteria
-Y-BOCS scores if available
-Service records showing OCD symptoms during/after service
-Documentation of hours per day spent on compulsions
-Records of occupational impact
-Documentation of ERP therapy and/or SSRI medication
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 9434
OCD causes significant depressive episodes — rated under combined mental health formula.
DC 9400/9413
OCD and anxiety disorders co-occur — anti-pyramiding combines into one mental health rating.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Describe how many hours per day compulsions occupy — maps directly to rating levels.
2.Describe occupational impact: time lost from work, inability to meet deadlines due to checking.
3.OCD secondary to PTSD or TBI — document the relationship.
4.Under anti-pyramiding, OCD combined with PTSD receives one overall mental health rating.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
Mauerhan v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 436 (2002)
Listed symptoms at each level are examples, not requirements. Any OCD symptoms producing equivalent impairment qualify for that rating.
DOLLAR IMPACT
OCD interfering significantly with employment: 50-70% = $1,131-$1,808/mo. Severe OCD: 100% = $3,938.58/mo. Co-occurring with PTSD often supports higher overall mental health ratings.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026