This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Bulimia nervosa
Mental disorders · 38 CFR § 4.130
Diagnostic Code 9521 is the VASRD entry for Bulimia nervosa. VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this — Rating Formula for Eating Disorders
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Regulatory notes
- Note 1: An incapacitating episode is a period during which bed rest and treatment by a physician are required.
- Note 2: Ratings under diagnostic codes 9201 to 9440 will be evaluated using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Ratings under diagnostic codes 9520 and 9521 will be evaluated using the General Rating Formula for Eating Disorders.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Mental disorders
Anatomy / region tags: mental health
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Eating Disorders ↗ Applies only if its conditions are metCatalog category: Psychological
This form addresses eating disorders. A clinician must determine whether that scope applies; sharing the mental-health body system alone does not establish applicability.
Form revision 2024-07-31; source checked 2026-09-28. Follow the qualifications and instructions in the linked form.
- Mental Disorders ↗ Excluded for this conditionCatalog category: Psychological
This form excludes PTSD and eating disorders. Use the applicable examination pathway; a shared body system does not override these exclusions.
Form revision 2025-10-14; source checked 2026-09-28. Follow the qualifications and instructions in the linked form.
- PTSD Review ↗ Applies only if its conditions are metCatalog category: Psychological
For a PTSD review examination when that pathway applies. It is not a substitute for the Initial PTSD examination. The clinician must follow the form’s diagnostic and qualification instructions.
Form revision 2025-10-03; source checked 2026-09-28. Follow the qualifications and instructions in the linked form.
Initial Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): not available for public use in the official VA inventory. The public review form does not replace it.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.130 · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1