Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes cycling episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. VA rates it under the general mental disorders formula based on occupational and social impairment across the full cycle of the illness, not just during episodes.
How the VA rates it
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR 4.130): 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent based on occupational and social impairment. Because bipolar disorder is episodic, VA is supposed to consider the frequency, severity, and duration of episodes and your functioning during remissions (38 CFR 4.126), not just how you present on exam day.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Total occupational and social impairment, with symptoms such as gross impairment in thought or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, persistent danger of hurting self or others, or inability to perform activities of daily living.
Impairment with deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood). Symptoms can include suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control (a hallmark of manic episodes), near-continuous mood disturbance, and inability to maintain effective relationships.
Reduced reliability and productivity. Typical symptoms include disturbances of motivation and mood, impaired judgment and abstract thinking, flattened affect, and difficulty maintaining work and social relationships.
Occasional decrease in work efficiency with intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks, though generally functioning satisfactorily. Typical symptoms include depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.
Mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
A formal diagnosis exists, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Sleep Apnea — Mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics commonly cause significant weight gain, a recognized pathway to obstructive sleep apnea.
- Hypothyroidism — Long-term lithium therapy is a well-documented cause of hypothyroidism; a strong medication-based secondary claim.
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 — Atypical antipsychotics used for bipolar disorder carry known metabolic risks, including weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
- Erectile Dysfunction — Commonly claimed secondary to psychiatric medications used for bipolar disorder; compensated via SMC-k.
- GERD — Psychiatric medications and stress can cause or aggravate reflux.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Traumatic Brain Injury — Mood disorders, including bipolar-spectrum presentations, can develop or worsen after TBI and may be claimed secondary to it.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Establish that symptoms began or manifested in service - performance drops, disciplinary actions, or erratic behavior documented in service records often mark early episodes.
- Because the condition is episodic, gather records spanning highs and lows: hospitalizations, medication changes, and periods of missed work paint the full impairment picture.
- Statements from family describing manic episodes (spending sprees, sleeplessness, risk-taking) fill in what treatment records from depressive periods miss.
Rating rules to know
One rating covers all mental health conditions under the general formula - bipolar disorder with co-occurring anxiety or PTSD is rated as a single psychiatric disability (38 CFR 4.14).
Related diagnostic codes
More mental health conditions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a trauma-related condition marked by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal after an in-service traumatic event. VA rates it on how much it impairs your ability to work and maintain relationships, not on the severity of the trauma itself.
Rated up to 100%
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder involves persistent low mood, loss of interest, and changes in sleep, energy, and concentration. VA rates it on the degree of occupational and social impairment, and it is one of the most common conditions claimed secondary to chronic pain.
Rated up to 100%
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that is hard to control, with physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep problems. VA rates it on how much it impairs work and social functioning.
Rated up to 100%
Chronic Adjustment Disorder
Chronic adjustment disorder is an ongoing emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressor - often a service-connected disability, injury, or major life change - with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both. VA rates it the same way as every other mental disorder: by occupational and social impairment.
Rated up to 100%
Panic Disorder and/or Agoraphobia
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent fear of future attacks; agoraphobia is avoidance of places where escape feels difficult. VA rates both under one diagnostic code based on occupational and social impairment.
Rated up to 100%
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that consume time and interfere with functioning. VA rates it on occupational and social impairment under the general mental disorders formula.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.