ICD-10 Code F01.51 – Vascular dementia, unspecified severity, with behavioral disturbance (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F01.51 – Vascular dementia, unspecified severity, with behavioral disturbance
What it is
This code identifies vascular dementia when the severity is not specified and behavioral symptoms are present. Use it for cognitive decline linked to cerebrovascular disease, with documented disturbance of behavior.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include impaired memory, slowed thinking, poor judgment, and personality or behavior changes after vascular injury to the brain. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states vascular dementia and also documents behavioral disturbance, but does not specify mild, moderate, or severe. It fits cases with agitation, aggression, wandering, or other behavior changes tied to the dementia. You should confirm the behavioral component is documented, not assumed.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the chart does not mention behavioral disturbance, or if the dementia type is Alzheimer’s or another nonvascular cause. Check documentation when severity or etiology is unclear.
Coding tip
Verify both vascular dementia and behavioral disturbance are documented before assigning F01.51.