Anxiety decisions — 2001

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include panic disorder, as there is no medical evidence establishing a causal relationship between his in-service symptoms and his current diagnosis of a panic disorder.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depression. The appeals regarding a sleep disorder, anxiety disorder, and sterility were also considered.

The Board determined that the August 1983 rating decision did not contain clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in denying more than a 50 percent rating for psychiatric manifestations of disability, but found CUE in assigning only one 70 percent rating followed by a 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a psychosis, increased rating for anxiety reaction, and total disability based on individual unemployability. The RO must ensure compliance with all notification and development requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran is granted a 100 percent rating for his service-connected psychoneurosis, anxiety type. His claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is dismissed as he already has a schedular 100 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for stuttering, an increased rating for his anxiety reaction with maturation of paranoid schizophrenia, and a compensable rating for reflux esophagitis. The veteran's stuttering was found to be not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected psychiatric disability. His anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling. His reflux esophagitis is rated at zero percent.

The veteran's unauthorized medical treatment for an acute colon obstruction was not covered because it did not relate to a service-connected condition.

The appellant is seeking service connection for the cause of her husband's death and DIC benefits. The RO denied these claims on the basis that they were not well grounded, but this decision must be remanded due to changes in the law.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of anxiety disorder, service connection for skin lesions and skin cancer, and special monthly pension benefits due to lack of evidence supporting his claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder warrants a 50 percent evaluation, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board found that the appellant did not serve in combat and could not establish service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, dysthymic disorder or anxiety disorder. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a finding of these conditions.

The veteran's appeal was denied as her claim for an increased evaluation for sinus tachycardia with anxiety disorder was not granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with schizoaffective disorder and malaria did not cause or contribute to his death. The VA medical records do not support a connection between these conditions and his cardiovascular disease.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and a 10 percent rating for his fibromyalgia, effective July 16, 2001.

The veteran died of a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected and denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has granted a total rating for the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, effective from January 29, 1998.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 1998, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as depression, inability to work, and isolation.

The VA has determined that the veteran's anxiety neurosis, as manifested by depression and occasional flashbacks, warrants a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has found that the veteran's claim for revocation of forfeiture is supported by new and material evidence, warranting its consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction contributed to his death from heart failure.