Many veterans don’t realize that eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can be considered for VA disability compensation when they are linked to military service. These conditions are rated differently from most other mental health diagnoses, and understanding the rules can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Here are five essential things veterans should know about eating disorder VA ratings in 2026.
1. VA Considers Specific Eating Disorders as Mental Health Disabilities
The VA recognizes anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as ratable eating disorders under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR § 4.149). These conditions fall under mental health ratings and must be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional before the VA will assign a disability rating.
Eating disorders can profoundly affect both physical health and daily functioning, and the VA’s rules acknowledge that impact for compensation purposes.
2. Eating Disorder Ratings Are Based on Severity and Weight Criteria
Unlike typical mental health ratings that use a 10–100% scale by symptom impact, eating disorders use a specific formula tied to weight loss and incapacitating episodes. The VA assigns one of five ratings:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Eating disorder diagnosed but without incapacitating episodes or severe weight criteria. |
| 10% | Binge eating/purging or resistance to weight gain with up to two weeks of incapacitating episodes per year. |
| 30% | Self-induced weight loss to less than 85% of expected minimum weight with incapacitating episodes totaling more than two but less than six weeks per year. |
| 60% | Weight below 85% minimum with incapacitating episodes totaling six or more weeks per year. |
| 100% | Weight below 80% minimum with incapacitating episodes totaling at least six weeks per year and hospitalization more than twice a year for feeding support such as tube feeding or IV nutrition. |
“Incapacitating episodes” are defined as periods where bed rest and physician-prescribed treatment are required.
This formula applies primarily to anorexia and bulimia, the only eating disorders the VA currently includes in its disability ratings.
3. Eating Disorders Can Be Rated Separately from Other Mental Health Conditions
VA rules normally allow only one mental health rating for a veteran’s combined psychiatric conditions. However, eating disorders are an exception: the VA may issue a stand-alone eating disorder rating in addition to a general mental health rating (such as for PTSD or depression). This means you could have a separate rating for your eating disorder as well as a rating for another mental health condition.
That makes eating disorder claims unique and potentially beneficial when paired with other psychiatric service-connected disabilities.
4. You Must Prove Service Connection Like Any Other VA Claim
To receive a VA disability rating for an eating disorder, you need to show:
- A current, formal diagnosis of the eating disorder.
- Evidence of an in-service event, stressor, or injury.
- A nexus linking your eating disorder to the service event.
This process is similar to other VA claims: medical records, nexus letters from qualified clinicians, and supporting documentation strengthen your case.
Eating disorders often co-occur with other service-connected conditions like PTSD. In such cases, you may also file a secondary service connection claim, arguing that your eating disorder resulted from another service-connected mental health condition.
5. Severity and Treatment Impact Monthly Compensation and Care
Higher disability ratings mean higher monthly compensation and affect VA health care priority groups:
- A 100% rating usually places you in Priority Group 1 for VA health care with minimal copays and expanded access to outpatient and inpatient services.
- Lower ratings (10–60%) may still provide treatment coverage, but some copayments and care limitations can apply.
Moreover, eating disorders often require comprehensive mental health and nutritional support, services that the VA can provide, including therapy, inpatient care, and counseling.
Final Thoughts
Eating disorder VA ratings are complex but offer meaningful compensation for veterans whose lives are impacted by severe disordered eating behaviors linked to military service. Because the VA uses a specific formula based on weight loss and incapacitating episodes, preparing strong medical documentation is essential. When coupled with clear evidence of service connection including secondary service links to conditions like PTSD, eating disorder claims can result in significant disability ratings and improved access to healthcare and support.
If you think you may qualify, consider discussing your situation with a VA-accredited representative or mental health clinician who understands eating disorder claims and can help gather the necessary evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a VA rating for any eating disorder, like binge eating disorder?
The VA’s official disability rating schedule specifically includes anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Other eating disorders are generally not rated unless they medically resemble these conditions and meet rating criteria.
Are eating disorders considered mental health conditions by the VA?
Yes. Eating disorders fall under the mental health rating schedule, with a specialized formula distinct from most psychiatric conditions.
What counts as an incapacitating episode?
An incapacitating episode is a period during which you require bed rest and treatment ordered by a physician due to your eating disorder. These episodes must be documented in your medical records.
Can eating disorders be rated separately from PTSD?
Yes. Eating disorders are one of the few mental health conditions that may be rated separately from your general mental health rating if service connection is established.
Does hospitalization affect the highest rating?
Yes. To qualify for a 100% rating, your weight must drop below 80% of expected minimum and you must have hospitalizations more than twice per year for nutritional support like tube feeding.
