VASRD 9434 · Mental Disorders

Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia VA Disability Rating

Panic disorder is marked by sudden episodes of intense fear, often leading to avoidance of public places.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%You’re effectively homebound due to panic and fear.
70%Severe panic disorder that makes daily life very difficult.
50%Panic attacks that happen often and affect your job and mood.
30%Anxiety and panic that disrupt life every now and then.
10%You manage occasional panic or fear with treatment.

How the VA Evaluates Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Must meet DSM-5 criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia with documented impact on life activities.

Approval rate

Moderate – supported with documented panic frequency and functional limits.

Annual service-connected

216,000 veterans

Average rating

50%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •C&P exam noting panic frequency and agoraphobic behaviors
  • •VA or private psychiatrist diagnosis
  • •Behavioral therapy records
  • •Personal statement with examples of life limitations

Strategy Tips

  • •Track panic episodes and avoidance
  • •Include treatment records from both VA and private care
  • •Get letters from family about impact on daily life

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not describing frequency or impact of attacks
  • •No documentation of agoraphobia or public avoidance
  • •Inconsistent behavior during evaluation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not mentioning avoidance behaviors
  • •Underreporting the frequency of panic attacks
  • •Missing mental health documentation

Onset Patterns

  • •Often triggered by military trauma or environmental stress
  • •Symptoms increase with life changes and lack of treatment

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Substance Abuse

    Veterans may self-medicate to control panic symptoms.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Anxiety and panic can trigger gastrointestinal issues.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia is frequently claimed.

Army00ERecruiterArmy00RRecruiter/Retention NCOArmy09LInterpreter/TranslatorArmy56MChaplain AssistantArmy68XBehavioral Health SpecialistArmy79RRecruiterArmy92MMortuary Affairs SpecialistAir Force3F4X1Equal OpportunityAir Force4C0X1Mental Health ServiceAir Force8G000ChaplainAir Force8P000Judge AdvocateNavyRPReligious Program Specialist

Common questions about Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Is Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia under VASRD diagnostic code 9434 (Mental Disorders). Panic disorder is marked by sudden episodes of intense fear, often leading to avoidance of public places.
What VA disability rating can I get for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
Possible VA ratings for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia are 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — You’re effectively homebound due to panic and fear.; 70% — Severe panic disorder that makes daily life very difficult.; 50% — Panic attacks that happen often and affect your job and mood..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
The average awarded rating for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia is 50%. Roughly 216,000 veterans are service-connected for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – supported with documented panic frequency and functional limits..
What evidence helps prove Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia claim includes: C&P exam noting panic frequency and agoraphobic behaviors; VA or private psychiatrist diagnosis; Behavioral therapy records; Personal statement with examples of life limitations.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia: Not mentioning avoidance behaviors; Underreporting the frequency of panic attacks; Missing mental health documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia include: Substance Abuse, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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