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 outlook

High – common and well-supported with consistent symptoms.

Veterans service-connected

~558,000 veterans

Typical rating awarded

~50%

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

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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.

Common Among These Military Jobs

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

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?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Generalized Anxiety Disorder at around 50%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 558,000 veterans are service-connected for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Estimated approval outlook: 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.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.130 — Schedule of ratings — mental disorders (Diagnostic Code 9400)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.

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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