ICD-10 Code F01.C3 – Vascular dementia, severe, with mood disturbance (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F01.C3 – Vascular dementia, severe, with mood disturbance
What it is
This code identifies severe vascular dementia, a cognitive disorder caused by reduced blood flow or vascular injury to the brain, with documented mood disturbance. Use it when the record clearly links dementia severity and mood symptoms to the vascular cause.
Clinical signs
Expect major cognitive decline with impaired memory, judgment, and daily functioning, plus mood changes such as depression, anxiety, or emotional lability. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents severe vascular dementia and specifically notes mood disturbance as part of the diagnosis. It is appropriate for encounters focused on established dementia care, behavioral changes, or cognitive decline related to cerebrovascular disease. Check documentation if severity or mood features are not stated.
Do not use for
Do not use it for vascular dementia without severe impairment or without mood disturbance. Also avoid it when another dementia type is documented, or when the mood symptoms are separate from the dementia diagnosis.
Coding tip
Verify that the record supports both severe vascular dementia and mood disturbance before assigning F01.C3.