Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 9400
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Secondary to Fibromyalgia
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Generalized Anxiety Disorder when it develops after Fibromyalgia.
Why Generalized Anxiety Disorder Is Linked to Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain interferes with quality of life
Primary condition · VASRD 5025
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, usually with fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, stiffness and cognitive fog. VA rates it under DC 5025, and the percentage turns on how much of the time the pain is present and whether medication or therapy controls it — not on how many joints are involved.
Secondary condition · VASRD 9400
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is a mental health condition marked by persistent, excessive worry about daily activities.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Generalized Anxiety Disorder the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Fibromyalgia — severity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Example combined rating
20% Fibromyalgia + 50% Generalized Anxiety Disorder = 60%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 50% combine to 60%, not 70%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Email me this Generalized Anxiety Disorder secondary guide
Get the rating criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Fibromyalgia — delivered to your inbox.
Evidence for a Generalized Anxiety Disorder Secondary Claim
- •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
Common questions about Generalized Anxiety Disorder secondary to Fibromyalgia
- Can Generalized Anxiety Disorder be service-connected as secondary to Fibromyalgia?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Chronic pain interferes with quality of life You'll need a current Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-co…
- What VA rating can I get for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a secondary condition?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 9400 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 100%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder itself, not on the severity of Fibromyalgia.
- How does a secondary Generalized Anxiety Disorder claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 20% rating for Fibromyalgia combined with a 50% rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (example figures) produces a combined rating of 60%, not 70%. Approving Generalized Anxiety Disorder as secondary still typically rai…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Generalized Anxiety Disorder as secondary to Fibromyalgia?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnosis 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. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating pr…
Primary condition
Full Fibromyalgia guide
Secondary condition
Full Generalized Anxiety Disorder guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Fibromyalgia and Generalized Anxiety Disorder combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline