Illness anxiety disorder

Medical records documenting your diagnosis under DSM-5 criteria form the foundation of any rating. Records that describe the frequency, duration, and severity of your symptoms are directly tied to where you fall on the rating scale. For example, notes showing panic attacks more than once a week, impaired memory, or flattened affect support the 50% criteria, while records reflecting suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression, or inability to maintain effective relationships support the 70% level.

VA examination reports that describe how your symptoms affect your ability to understand complex instructions, manage stress, or sustain work performance are relevant at multiple levels. Statements from you, family members, or coworkers describing real-world effects — such as difficulty keeping a job, problems with hygiene or personal appearance, or trouble maintaining relationships — can show occupational and social impairment. Records of hospitalizations, crisis interventions, or medication history can also reflect symptom severity across the rating levels.