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.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 9412

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.130, DC 9412 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

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 →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Panic Disorder or rated under the same body system.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

DC 9411·Mental Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

DC 9400·Mental Disorders

Bipolar Disorder

DC 9432·Mental Disorders

Adjustment Disorder

DC 9440·Mental Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

DC 9404·Mental Disorders

Somatic Symptom Disorder

DC 9422·Mental Disorders

Insomnia Disorder

DC 9499·Mental Disorders

Condition Rating Guides

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

Panic Disorder

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9412

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

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.