2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R40.3Persistent vegetative state

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R40-R46›R40

ICD-10-CM R40.3
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R40.3 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for persistent vegetative state. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. Coders also document this condition as permanent vegetative state. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Coma; stupor; and brain damage.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R40.3
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Persistent vegetative state
Short Description
Persistent vegetative state
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R40
Somnolence, stupor and coma

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR40-R46Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior
CategoryR40Somnolence, stupor and coma
This CodeR40.3Persistent vegetative state

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Permanent vegetative state
  • Persistent vegetative state

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Coma
      • persistent vegetative state
    • State(of)
      • persistent vegetative
    • State(of)
      • vegetative, persistent

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NVS013
Coma; stupor; and brain damage
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Persistent Vegetative State

    vegetative state refers to the neurocognitive status of individuals with severe brain damage, in whom physiologic functions (sleep-wake cycles, autonomic control, and breathing) persist, but awareness (including all cognitive function and emotion) is abolished.

Patient EducationClinical

Coma

A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness. An individual in a coma is alive but unable to move or respond to his or her environment. Coma may occur as a complication of an underlying illness, or as a result of injuries, such as brain injury.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert R40.3 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
780.03 Persistent vegtv state
Exact Match The mapping is direct, with no qualifiers.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R40.3Overview

Is R40.3 (Somnolence, stupor and coma) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report persistent vegetative state on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Can R40.3 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the persistent vegetative state is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R40.3?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, persistent vegetative state converts to ICD-9-CM 780.03 (persistent vegtv state). The mapping is a direct match.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.