A mental health condition combining symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disorder episodes such as depression or mania.
Medical records that document your diagnosis and describe your symptoms in detail are central to any rating. Treatment records from psychiatrists, therapists, or other providers that show how often symptoms occur, how severe they are, and how they have changed over time directly tie to the criteria at each level. Records showing persistent delusions, hallucinations, disorientation, or danger to self or others support the higher levels. Notes reflecting suicidal ideation, speech disturbances, impaired impulse control, or an inability to maintain relationships support a 70% level. Findings of flattened affect, panic attacks, or memory and judgment problems support a 50% level.
For lower ratings, records showing depressed mood, anxiety, mild memory loss, or sleep impairment — especially tied to stress — are relevant. Medication records showing continuous use to control symptoms can support a 10% rating even when other symptoms appear mild. Statements from you and from people who know you — family members, coworkers, supervisors — describing how your symptoms affect your daily tasks, your ability to keep a job, maintain hygiene, and interact with others can help show the real-world impact of your condition at any 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.
