Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that is hard to control, with physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep problems. VA rates it on how much it impairs work and social functioning.
How the VA rates it
GAD uses the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR 4.130): 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent based on occupational and social impairment. The specific anxiety diagnosis matters less than the documented effect of your symptoms on work, school, and relationships.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Total occupational and social impairment, with symptoms such as gross impairment in thought or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, persistent danger of hurting self or others, or inability to perform activities of daily living.
Impairment with deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood). Symptoms can include near-continuous panic or depression, suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, and inability to maintain effective relationships.
Reduced reliability and productivity. Typical symptoms include panic attacks more than once a week, impaired judgment and abstract thinking, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
Occasional decrease in work efficiency with intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks, though generally functioning satisfactorily. Typical symptoms include anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks weekly or less often, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.
Mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
A formal diagnosis exists, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- GERD — Chronic anxiety and anxiolytic/antidepressant medications commonly cause or aggravate acid reflux.
- Migraines — Anxiety, muscle tension, and poor sleep are common migraine triggers.
- Hypertension — Sustained anxiety and sympathetic arousal can contribute to elevated blood pressure; claimed with a supporting nexus opinion.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome — IBS is strongly linked to anxiety disorders through the gut-brain axis.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Tinnitus — Anxiety is commonly claimed secondary to constant tinnitus and the sleep and concentration problems it causes.
- Lumbosacral Strain — Chronic pain conditions frequently cause or aggravate anxiety about function, work, and the future.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- A current diagnosis plus ongoing treatment records (therapy, medication management) are the foundation - one-time diagnoses without follow-up are weaker.
- Document how anxiety limits you at work: avoidance of meetings or driving, panic episodes on the job, missed days, or accommodations requested.
- If your anxiety grew out of a service-connected physical condition, get a nexus opinion for secondary service connection rather than relying only on direct connection.
Rating rules to know
Only one rating is assigned for all mental health conditions evaluated under the general formula. GAD, panic disorder, and depression together still produce a single combined psychiatric rating (38 CFR 4.14).
Related diagnostic codes
More mental health conditions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a trauma-related condition marked by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal after an in-service traumatic event. VA rates it on how much it impairs your ability to work and maintain relationships, not on the severity of the trauma itself.
Rated up to 100%
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder involves persistent low mood, loss of interest, and changes in sleep, energy, and concentration. VA rates it on the degree of occupational and social impairment, and it is one of the most common conditions claimed secondary to chronic pain.
Rated up to 100%
Chronic Adjustment Disorder
Chronic adjustment disorder is an ongoing emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressor - often a service-connected disability, injury, or major life change - with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both. VA rates it the same way as every other mental disorder: by occupational and social impairment.
Rated up to 100%
Panic Disorder and/or Agoraphobia
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent fear of future attacks; agoraphobia is avoidance of places where escape feels difficult. VA rates both under one diagnostic code based on occupational and social impairment.
Rated up to 100%
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes cycling episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. VA rates it under the general mental disorders formula based on occupational and social impairment across the full cycle of the illness, not just during episodes.
Rated up to 100%
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that consume time and interfere with functioning. VA rates it on occupational and social impairment under the general mental disorders formula.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.