Anxiety Disorder C&P Exam Guide
Associated DBQ Form: DBQ Mental Disorders
What to Expect During Your Exam
The anxiety C&P exam typically lasts 45-60 minutes. A psychologist or psychiatrist will evaluate your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and how they impact your daily life.
The examiner will:
1. Review your military and medical records
2. Ask about when anxiety symptoms began
3. Assess the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks
4. Evaluate avoidance behaviors and triggers
5. Determine impact on work and relationships
Questions the Examiner May Ask
- 1 When did you first notice anxiety symptoms?
- 2 What triggers your anxiety?
- 3 How often do you experience anxiety attacks or panic attacks?
- 4 What physical symptoms do you experience (racing heart, sweating, trembling)?
- 5 Do you avoid certain situations due to anxiety?
- 6 How does anxiety affect your sleep?
- 7 Can you concentrate at work when anxious?
- 8 How has anxiety affected your relationships?
- 9 What coping mechanisms or treatments have you tried?
- 10 Do you take medication for anxiety? How effective is it?
Documentation to Bring
- Mental health treatment records
- Service treatment records
- List of anxiety medications and their effectiveness
- Documentation of panic attacks or ER visits for anxiety
- Buddy statements about observed anxiety symptoms
- Personal statement describing anxiety and its impact
How to Prepare
Before your exam:
1. **Track anxiety episodes** - Note when they occur, how long they last, and what triggers them
2. **List physical symptoms** - Racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath
3. **Document avoidance behaviors** - Places or situations you avoid because of anxiety
4. **Note impact on daily life** - How anxiety affects work, driving, social activities
5. **Prepare examples** - Specific incidents where anxiety significantly impacted you
Helpful Tips
- Be specific about frequency of anxiety episodes
- Describe physical symptoms in detail
- Explain what you avoid due to anxiety
- Mention if anxiety has caused you to miss work
- Discuss how it affects your ability to be in crowds or social situations
- Be honest about panic attacks, even if embarrassing
- Describe your worst episodes, not your best days
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Saying anxiety 'isn't that bad' when records show otherwise
- Not mentioning panic attacks you've had
- Being vague about symptoms
- Claiming anxiety doesn't affect work when it does
- Inconsistency with medical records
How VA Rates This Condition
Anxiety disorders are rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders:
**0%** - Symptoms controlled by medication
**10%** - Mild or transient symptoms
**30%** - Occasional decrease in work efficiency
**50%** - Reduced reliability and productivity; difficulty with relationships
**70%** - Deficiencies in most areas; near-continuous panic or depression
**100%** - Total occupational and social impairment