VA Disability Rating for Adjustment Disorder
Rated 0–100% under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
Adjustment disorder (DC 9440) uses the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders under § 4.130. Often a stepping-stone diagnosis that later evolves into PTSD, depression, or anxiety. If symptoms persist, request a re-diagnosis — adjustment disorder is normally short-duration; chronic symptoms suggest the underlying condition is something else.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Diagnosed; no occupational or social impairment. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Occasional decrease in work efficiency. Mild symptoms. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Reduced reliability and productivity. |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | Deficiencies in most areas. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Total occupational and social impairment. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
- →At 70%: $1,808.45/mo · $21,701/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for adjustment disorder
- C&P exam — describe stressor, onset timing, and ongoing symptom severity.
- If symptoms persist beyond 6 months, push for re-evaluation under PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
- Document the in-service stressor (deployment, MST, accident, loss of a unit member).
Common secondary conditions
- +Sleep disturbance
- +Erectile dysfunction (SSRI side effect)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Adjustment disorder during service is a strong nexus building block — even if your current diagnosis is PTSD or depression.
- Service treatment record entries mentioning adjustment disorder or "situational depression" support direct service-connection for later mental health diagnoses.
Frequently asked
My VA examiner says my condition is "adjustment disorder," not PTSD. Does that hurt my claim?
Not for service-connection — both are rated under the same formula. But adjustment disorder typically caps at lower percentages because it is considered short-duration. Request a re-evaluation if symptoms persist beyond 6 months.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.