A mental health condition involving persistent mood swings between mild depression and elevated mood over extended periods.
Medical records documenting your diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder are the foundation of your claim. Records from psychiatrists, psychologists, or other treating providers that describe the specific symptoms you experience — and how often — directly support the rating criteria. For higher ratings, records showing symptoms such as suicidal ideation, panic attacks, impaired impulse control, or disorientation to time or place are particularly relevant.
Findings from a VA or private mental health examination carry significant weight. The examiner will assess how your symptoms affect your thinking, mood, judgment, speech, and behavior, and will describe the degree of occupational and social impairment. Treatment records showing ongoing or continuous medication use can support at least a 10% rating. Statements from you, your family members, coworkers, or supervisors describing how your symptoms affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, handle daily tasks, or manage personal hygiene help connect clinical findings to the rating criteria at each level.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
