Anxiety decisions — 2001

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder with somatization was denied. The RO increased the rating to 30 percent effective from March 1996.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety neurosis was granted, with a current evaluation of 50 percent.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of a rating in excess of 10 percent for his psychiatric disorder (classified as anxiety disorder) prior to March 29, 1999 was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD and stressors.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause. The RO will consider both old and current rating criteria for mental disorders.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder was denied as the issue was not well-grounded due to a lack of current diagnosis.

The veteran's claim for higher monetary benefits for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance was denied as there is no provision in law or regulation for increase in this benefit.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected anxiety disorder, scars of the right forearm, gunshot wound to the right arm with scarring and incomplete paralysis of the median nerve, and gunshot wound resulting in injury to Muscle Group XV, posterior lateral aspect of the thigh were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations adequately reflected the severity of these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder with claimed PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The claim has been remanded due to incomplete records from Air Force hospitals.

The veteran's PTSD, dysthymia and anxiety disability results in severe social and occupational impairment due to depression, irritability, increasing anxiety, combat-related flashbacks, nightmares, sleep difficulty and intrusive thoughts. The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder and hypertension, finding that the veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during his active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's anxiety neurosis is not related to his period of active duty and denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's mental health disorder, described as anxiety neurosis, was rated at 100 percent for accrued benefits purposes due to its severity and impact on the veteran's ability to function in ordinary activities.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including manic depression, anxiety, fatigue, general adaptive disorder, and an attitude disorder. The Board finds that additional development is required as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder. The evidence received since the last final denial is largely cumulative.

The veteran's chronic anxiety reaction is productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The RO denied service connection for the left big toe amputation due to a gunshot wound, ruling that it was not in line of duty and attributed the incident to the veteran's own willful misconduct.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his varicose vein scars are not compensable.