Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Diagnostic Code 9400 • 38 CFR § 4.130
Same General Rating Formula as other mental disorders—document occupational/social impairment and, for many veterans, panic attack frequency (50% tier language).
Diagnostic Code
9400
Anxiety Rating Percentages & 2026 Pay (veteran alone)
Total occupational & social impairment
$3,938.58/mo
base
Deficiencies in most areas (incl. near-continuous panic/depression)
$1,808.45/mo
base
Reduced reliability—panic attacks >1/week listed
$1,132.90/mo
base
Occasional inefficiency
$552.47/mo
base
Mild / medication-controlled
$180.42/mo
base
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Three Compensation Scenarios
50% anxiety + 10% tinnitus + 10% lumbar
≈ $1,435.02/mo baseline—verify with calculator.
30% anxiety + 70% PTSD (pyramiding caution)
Usually not both at full value—pyramiding. Illustrates why accredited reps matter when multiple MH diagnoses exist.
70% anxiety + secondary OSA 50%
Combined often lands near 90% → ~$2,362.30/mo (2026 baseline).
Evidence Requirements
Mental Disorders DBQ
Panic frequency, worry, sleep, concentration, GAD symptom pattern.
Panic / anxiety logs
Weekly+ panic attacks can support 50% language—bring logs to providers so records reflect frequency.
Therapy + medication history
SSRIs, SNRIs, benzos (document side effects for secondaries).
Work impact
Attendance, disciplinary actions, job changes, reduced hours.
Nexus for secondary anxiety
Link to tinnitus, chronic pain, PTSD, TBI—literature + clinical opinion.
Common Secondary Conditions
😴 Sleep apnea
STRONG6847
🤕 Migraines
STRONG8100
🫃 IBS / GERD
STRONG7319
🧠 Depression
CAUTION9434
❤️ Hypertension
MODERATE7101
🚻 ED
MODERATE7522
Filing Timeline
Document panic pattern
Logs + provider visits aligned in time
File claim / increase
526EZ—include all MH diagnoses claimed
C&P exam
Describe triggers, avoidance, occupational impact
Secondary filings
OSA, migraines, IBS once anxiety is SC
TDIU review
If unable to work, submit 8940 + work history
What Gets You Higher Ratings
30% → 50%
Show panic attacks more than once a week (or equivalent severity in the record), memory issues, flattened affect, unreliable work performance.
50% → 70%
Near-continuous panic/depression, suicidal ideation, impulse control issues, inability to maintain relationships, hygiene decline.
Documentation tip
Ask therapists to chart frequency/severity in progress notes—VA reviewers rely on medical evidence, not self-report alone.
Common Mistakes
No panic frequency in file
50% tier explicitly references panic attacks >1/week.
Under-reporting at exams
Give representative worst-week examples.
Assuming GAD + PTSD both pay full
Pyramiding rules may merge evaluations.
No work narrative
Occupational impairment is central to the formula.
FAQs
▸ Social anxiety vs GAD—same rating?
Many anxiety diagnoses map to DC 9400 family ratings under the same general formula—confirm codes on your decision letter.
▸ Can anxiety be secondary to tinnitus?
Possible with a medical nexus—document distress, sleep loss, and functional impact; strength varies by case.
▸ C&P short—what now?
Supplement with private DBQ, lay statements, and ongoing treatment notes; consider higher-level review if exam is inadequate.
DC 9400 Reference & Tools
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
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