Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 9400: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Mental disorders
The VA rates Generalized Anxiety Disorder under diagnostic code 9400 in 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 9400 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild symptoms controlled by medication What raters look formild anxiety; medication controlled |
| 30% | Occasional decrease in work efficiency What raters look foranxiety; chronic sleep impairment; depressed mood |
| 50% | Reduced reliability and productivity What raters look forpanic attacks weekly or less; difficulty with relationships; motivation disturbances |
| 70% | Deficiencies in most areas What raters look fornear-continuous panic or depression; suicidal ideation; inability to maintain relationships |
| 100% | Total occupational and social impairment What raters look forpersistent danger; grossly inappropriate behavior; disorientation |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Anxiety. The Anxiety condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Anxiety appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,194 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Anxiety as the primary issue. The Anxiety condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Anxiety appeals generally rather than DC 9400 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 9400?
Diagnostic code 9400 is the VA rating schedule entry for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, found in 38 CFR § 4.130. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 9400?
DC 9400 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 9400 require?
The 100% rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder requires: Total occupational and social impairment.