Anxiety decisions — 2002

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction with PTSD does not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder does not prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31.

The Board has granted initial 30 percent evaluations for generalized anxiety disorder and intention tremors, effective February 28, 1997. The criteria for these ratings are met based on the veteran's symptoms of chronic sleep impairment, anxiety in crowds, confusion, and memory problems.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and there is no evidence of a causal relationship between any diagnosed psychiatric conditions and service. As such, the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability (claimed as a nervous condition), to include PTSD, is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric conditions to his active duty service.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was granted effective June 8, 2000.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no causal relationship between the veteran's military service or any disability related thereto and his death.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hypertension, skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, and weight gain due to undiagnosed illness. The conditions were not shown to be related to service or the Persian Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these disorders and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left ankle disability, and anxiety disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 9, 1998 for the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and depression). The earliest indication of intent to apply for VA benefits related to this condition was in April 1998.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and the overpayment waiver. The veteran was diagnosed with a personality disorder and anxiety disorder, but neither is considered related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current residuals of a head injury and anxiety or depressive neurosis are not related to his active service, and denied both claims.

The veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied a higher rating for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, finding that his symptoms warranted only a 30 percent rating based on Diagnostic Code 9400 criteria.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, but did not determine whether these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to a lack of timely submission of a substantive appeal for his claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hallux valgus deformity and PTSD, as well as an increased evaluation for anxiety disorder.

The veteran's anxiety disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to October 6, 2001. After that date, a 70 percent rating became effective.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot consider the merits of the claims as he is no longer alive.