Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 9400
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Secondary to Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)
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 Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease).
Why Generalized Anxiety Disorder Is Linked to Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)
Chronic pain and disability
Primary condition · VASRD 7115
Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)
Buerger's disease is a rare condition causing inflammation and clotting in the small and medium blood vessels of the hands and feet, strongly associated with tobacco use, and it can lead to severe pain and, in advanced cases, tissue loss. Documenting your smoking and tobacco history, even though it's not something to hide, is actually relevant evidence since this disease is so closely tied to it.
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 Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) — 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
60% Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) + 50% Generalized Anxiety Disorder = 80%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 60% and 50% combine to 80%, not 110%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Get the rating criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) — 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 Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)
- Can Generalized Anxiety Disorder be service-connected as secondary to Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)?
- 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 and disability You'll need a current Generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Thromboan…
- 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 Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s…
- 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 60% rating for Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) combined with a 50% rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (example figures) produces a combined rating of 80%, not 110%. Approving Generalized Anxiety Disord…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Generalized Anxiety Disorder as secondary to Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)?
- 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 Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) guide
Secondary condition
Full Generalized Anxiety Disorder guide
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See how Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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