Diagnostic code 9521Verified

Bulimia nervosa

VA evaluates this diagnosis under the Rating Formula for Eating Disorders, using expected-minimum-weight and incapacitating-episode criteria.

Mental healthbulimia
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Official schedule

Percentage levels and criteria

Plain-language summaries explain the text; they do not decide whether any level applies.

100%
Official criteria
Self-induced weight loss to less than 80 percent of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year, and requiring hospitalization more than twice a year for parenteral nutrition or tube feeding.
Plain-language summary

This level requires the listed weight threshold, duration of incapacitating episodes, and hospitalization/tube-feeding criteria.

60%
Official criteria
Self-induced weight loss to less than 85 percent of expected minimum weight with incapacitating episodes of six or more weeks total duration per year.
Plain-language summary

This level combines the listed weight threshold with at least six weeks of incapacitating episodes per year.

30%
Official criteria
Self-induced weight loss to less than 85 percent of expected minimum weight with incapacitating episodes of more than two but less than six weeks total duration per year.
Plain-language summary

This level combines the listed weight threshold with more than two but less than six weeks of incapacitating episodes.

10%
Official criteria
Binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other measures to prevent weight gain, or resistance to weight gain even when below expected minimum weight, with diagnosis of an eating disorder and incapacitating episodes of up to two weeks total duration per year.
Plain-language summary

This level addresses the listed diagnosed eating-disorder behavior with up to two weeks of incapacitating episodes.

0%
Official criteria
Binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other measures to prevent weight gain, or resistance to weight gain even when below expected minimum weight, with diagnosis of an eating disorder but without incapacitating episodes.
Plain-language summary

A diagnosed eating disorder is present without incapacitating episodes.

Source record

38 CFR § 4.130—Schedule of ratings, mental disorders

38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9521 · Effective Nov 7, 1996 · Reviewed Jul 24, 2026

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