Panic Disorder

DC 9412Mental Disorders38 CFR 4.130, DC 9412 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders

A condition that causes sudden, repeated panic attacks — episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The VA rates panic disorder based on how much it affects your ability to work and function socially.

Rating Levels

Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.

What the VA looks for

Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
Persistent delusions or hallucinations
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Disorientation to time or place
Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency and severity of panic attacks — the difference between a 30% and 50% rating often depends on whether attacks happen weekly or more than once a week.
⚠Failing to describe physical symptoms during panic attacks (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling) — these show the severity of your condition.
⚠Not reporting avoidance behaviors — if you avoid places or situations because you fear a panic attack, document this. It shows functional impairment.
⚠Panic disorder is rated under the same formula as PTSD and other mental health conditions. If you have multiple diagnoses, they may be combined under one rating.
⚠Not reporting how panic attacks affect your ability to drive, work, shop, or attend appointments — functional limitations are what determine your rating level.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Panic Disorder

Rating Levels

Your condition causes total impairment in your ability to work and function socially. You may be a persistent danger to yourself or others, disoriented, or have severe memory loss.

What the VA looks for

Gross impairment in thought processes or communication
Persistent delusions or hallucinations
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Disorientation to time or place
Memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency and severity of panic attacks — the difference between a 30% and 50% rating often depends on whether attacks happen weekly or more than once a week.

⚠Failing to describe physical symptoms during panic attacks (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling) — these show the severity of your condition.

⚠Not reporting avoidance behaviors — if you avoid places or situations because you fear a panic attack, document this. It shows functional impairment.

⚠Panic disorder is rated under the same formula as PTSD and other mental health conditions. If you have multiple diagnoses, they may be combined under one rating.

⚠Not reporting how panic attacks affect your ability to drive, work, shop, or attend appointments — functional limitations are what determine your rating level.