VASRD 9400 · Mental Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder VA Disability Rating

GAD is a mental health condition marked by persistent, excessive worry about daily activities.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%You can't work or maintain relationships due to extreme anxiety symptoms.
70%Severe anxiety that disrupts your work and social life.
50%Frequent anxiety that affects your job and motivation.
30%Mild anxiety that causes some issues at work or home.
10%Anxiety that's under control or only shows up under pressure.

How the VA Evaluates Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Requires DSM-5 diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and documented impairment in functioning.

Approval rate

High – common and well-supported with consistent symptoms.

Annual service-connected

558,000 veterans

Average rating

50%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •DSM-5 diagnosis from VA or private psychiatrist
  • •VA C&P exam with documentation of impairment
  • •Personal statement outlining impact on life
  • •Therapy or medication records

Strategy Tips

  • •Provide a detailed personal statement
  • •Include documentation of treatment and therapy
  • •Show how anxiety impacts work, relationships, and routines

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Minimizing symptoms during the evaluation
  • •Lack of treatment history
  • •Not showing consistent impairment over time

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Lack of formal diagnosis
  • •No documentation of daily impairment
  • •Claiming without tying to in-service cause

Onset Patterns

  • •Often begins during or after high-stress service periods
  • •Worsens with life events like family illness or job loss

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Chronic stress and anxiety can disrupt gut function.

  • Sleep Apnea

    Anxiety contributes to poor sleep and airway obstruction.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Generalized Anxiety Disorder is frequently claimed.

Army00ERecruiterArmy00HEnlisted AideArmy00RRecruiter/Retention NCOArmy00ZCommand Sergeant Major NominativeArmy09LInterpreter/TranslatorArmy15QAir Traffic Control OperatorArmy18FSpecial Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence SergeantArmy27AJudge AdvocateArmy31DCID Special AgentArmy31EInternment/Resettlement SpecialistArmy35MHuman Intelligence CollectorArmy37APsychological Operations Officer

Common questions about Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Generalized Anxiety Disorder under VASRD diagnostic code 9400 (Mental Disorders). GAD is a mental health condition marked by persistent, excessive worry about daily activities.
What VA disability rating can I get for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Possible VA ratings for Generalized Anxiety Disorder are 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — You can't work or maintain relationships due to extreme anxiety symptoms.; 70% — Severe anxiety that disrupts your work and social life.; 50% — Frequent anxiety that affects your job and motivation..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
The average awarded rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder is 50%. Roughly 558,000 veterans are service-connected for Generalized Anxiety Disorder each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – common and well-supported with consistent symptoms..
What evidence helps prove Generalized Anxiety Disorder for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Generalized Anxiety Disorder claim includes: DSM-5 diagnosis from VA or private psychiatrist; VA C&P exam with documentation of impairment; Personal statement outlining impact on life; Therapy or medication records.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Common pitfalls when filing for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Lack of formal diagnosis; No documentation of daily impairment; Claiming without tying to in-service cause.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Generalized Anxiety Disorder include: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Sleep Apnea. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Generalized Anxiety Disorder combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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