Vascular brain disorder

Medical records documenting your diagnosis and the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms are central to establishing your rating level. Examination findings that reflect the specific symptoms listed in the formula are particularly relevant. For lower ratings, records showing depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep problems, or mild memory loss — such as forgetting names or recent events — support the 30% level. Records reflecting panic attacks occurring more than once a week, impaired short- and long-term memory, impaired judgment, or difficulty maintaining work and social relationships point toward 50%. For 70%, documentation of suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression or panic, impaired impulse control, or spatial disorientation is relevant. For 100%, records showing gross impairment in thought or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, disorientation to time or place, or memory loss for close relatives' names or your own occupation carry weight. Statements from you or people who know you describing how symptoms affect your daily work, personal care, and relationships can help show the real-world impact of your condition.