The Mental Disorders DBQ is one checkbox that decides almost everything: the examiner’s assessment of occupational and social impairment. Anxiety ratings under DC 9400 / 9413 live or die by how clearly you describe frequency, duration, and impact of symptoms on work and relationships. The schedule is the same for all mental health conditions in § 4.130.
The single hinge: occupational and social impairment
The DBQ forces the examiner to pick one impairment level that matches the overall picture. That choice directly maps to the percentage. You must give concrete examples of how anxiety affects your ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily tasks. Vague statements like “I get anxious†produce low ratings.
What the examiner is filling out
The Mental Disorders DBQ records:
- Diagnosis — generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or other anxiety disorder.
- Symptoms — panic attacks, sleep disturbance, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, near-continuous anxiety or depression affecting independent functioning.
- Occupational and social impairment — the single most important selection (mild, occasional decrease, reduced reliability, deficiencies in most areas, or total impairment).
- Impact on work and relationships — specific examples of missed work, conflicts, or isolation.
The DC 9400 / 9413 schedule (38 CFR § 4.130)
A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.
Mild symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress. Symptoms controlled by medication.
Intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks, although generally functioning satisfactorily.
Symptoms cause reduced reliability and productivity. Common at this level: panic attacks more than once a week, impaired judgment, or difficulty establishing work and social relationships.
Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, mood). Near-continuous panic or depression affecting independent functioning, inability to establish or maintain effective relationships, suicidal ideation, or neglect of personal appearance.
Gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, or disorientation to time or place.
The phrases that map to each tier
Magic words for this tier
To establish 30% or higher:
- “I have panic attacks [X] times per week that force me to leave work or isolate.”
- “My sleep is broken every night; I average 4 hours and wake in panic.”
- “I have missed [N] days of work in the last 6 months due to anxiety.”
Magic words for this tier
To establish 50% or higher:
- “My anxiety causes me to make mistakes or miss deadlines at work on a weekly basis.”
- “I have difficulty maintaining relationships with coworkers and family because of irritability and withdrawal.”
Magic words for this tier
To establish 70% or higher:
- “I experience near-continuous anxiety that affects my ability to leave the house or care for myself.”
- “I have had suicidal thoughts and cannot maintain any close relationships.”
- “My panic attacks are so frequent I have been written up or placed on leave at work.”
Evidence that wins
Bring a symptom log showing frequency of panic attacks, sleep disturbance, and work impact. Buddy statements from spouse or coworkers describing observable behavior. Treatment records showing medication changes or therapy notes that document severity. A current GAF or WHODAS score from your provider helps anchor the impairment level.
What NOT to say
What NOT to say
- “I just push through it.” (Signals mild impairment only.)
- “It’s mostly under control with meds.” (Can drop you to 10–30%.)
- “I don’t have panic attacks every day.” (Examiner may record “occasional†instead of “near-continuous.â€)
- “My anxiety doesn’t affect my job.” (Kills 50% and above.)
- “I get along fine with people.” (Contradicts higher impairment levels.)
Use this with the rest of the site
- ▸ Anxiety Disorders condition guide — the full rating schedule, evidence checklist, and tactical plays.
- ▸ C&P Exam Prep generator — builds a personalized checklist for your specific conditions.
- ▸ Claim Coach — walks you through the 10 steps including C&P prep at Step 7.
- ▸ Full C&P exam guide — the universal say/don’t-say rules that apply to every exam.
Educational content only. DBQ structures are public knowledge from M21-1 and archived sources; VA discontinued public DBQ distribution in 2020 but the rating criteria these forms map to remain in 38 CFR Part 4. Not legal or medical advice. Always consult a VA-accredited VSO or attorney for claim-specific guidance. CFR citations: 38 CFR § 4.130 Diagnostic Codes 9400, 9413 (anxiety disorders), § 4.126 (evaluation of mental disorders), § 4.16 (TDIU), M21-1 Part III.iv.4 (mental disorders)..