Anxiety decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected residuals of a head injury with headaches and anxiety was denied by the VA Regional Office.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 30, 1997, for assignment of a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The RO increased the disability ratings for PTSD and lumbar spine disability from January 30, 1997, resulting in a combined service-connected disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, anxiety disorder, and cervical spine disorders were not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's anxiety neurosis is rated at 50 percent, his bronchitis remains at 0 percent, and his sinusitis is rated at 10 percent from October 1994 to October 1996. The veteran's total rating based on individual unemployability claim was denied.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for the cause of death, dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and special monthly compensation by reason of need for aid and attendance due to the veteran at the time of death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, but granted her claim for an anxiety disorder. The decision is mixed as it addresses both conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are denied as there is no competent medical evidence of current disabilities.

The veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction and PTSD. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has found that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease with hypertension is well grounded. The evidence supports a relationship between the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD and his heart condition/hypertension.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected General Anxiety Disorder with Dysthymic Disorder was denied by the RO.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety neurosis with panic disorder warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is the maximum available under current criteria.

The veteran's hospitalization for a left hip fracture was not related to his service-connected anxiety neurosis, and therefore he did not meet the eligibility criteria for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected anxiety psychoneurosis and service connection for residuals of cerebral vascular accident, respiratory disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that these conditions were not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is not well grounded due to lack of medical evidence connecting a psychiatric disability to the service-connected cluster headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder manifested by panic attacks warrants a 100% evaluation, effective March 22, 1990. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to VA treatment, and thus denied all three claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a back disorder is well grounded. The anxiety disorder, however, does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction disorder warrants a 50 percent disability rating from May 15, 1996.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction is being remanded due to the need for a new VA psychiatric examination.