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Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.130 (Mental disorders) · reviewed 2026-05-15 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9403 of 38 CFR § 4.130, DC 9403 across 6 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70%…). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Marked fear or anxiety about social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others, leading to avoidance of social or performance situations.
RATING CRITERIA (6 LEVELS)
0%
Diagnosed social anxiety disorder but symptoms not severe enough to interfere with occupational or social functioning, or controlled by continuous medication.
10%
Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
30%
Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to social avoidance, though generally functioning satisfactorily.
50%
Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to significant social avoidance, difficulty interacting with coworkers or supervisors, and impaired judgment.
70%
Occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, and mood due to severe social phobia with near-continuous anxiety, inability to maintain effective relationships.
100%
Total occupational and social impairment due to pervasive social avoidance, inability to leave home, danger of hurting self, inability to perform activities of daily living.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Mental health treatment records
-Service records documenting stressors
-Buddy statements describing behavioral changes
-Employment records showing work impact
-Hospitalization records
-Prescription history for psychiatric medications
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Be completely honest about your worst days, not your best.
2.Describe specific examples of social and occupational impairment.
3.If you have suicidal ideation, even passively, report it.
4.Document panic attacks: frequency, duration, functional impact.
5.Mention any hospitalizations or crisis interventions.
6.Keep a symptom journal with specific dates and incidents.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.130 (Mental disorders). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026