Anxiety decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error in the January 22, 1998 decision which granted an earlier effective date of May 23, 1967 for a grant of service connection for an anxiety reaction.

The VA determined that the veteran's dysthymic disorder with anxiety warranted a 30 percent rating, effective from November 1990.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain and left elbow epicondylitis have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10%. The veteran's PTSD has also been granted a higher initial rating of 50%.

The veteran's service-connected chronic depressive reaction with anxiety is manifested by symptoms of low self-esteem, lack of energy, paranoia, social isolation, irritability and poor concentration, resulting in severe impairment of social and industrial adaptability. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction warrants a disability evaluation of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and sarcoidosis.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not cause significant impairment in work efficiency and social functioning.

The Board found no evidence of anxiety and depression during service, or for many years after discharge. The veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his naval service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a member of the Board. The claims for service connection and rating will be further reviewed after the hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability warrants a 100 percent schedular rating due to his severe impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD effective from August 2000, finding that the veteran's condition is manifested by anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation with plans, and recollections of experiences in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's schizophrenia warrants a 70 percent evaluation, and he is not entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected condition.

The VA has denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's anxiety reaction, currently rated at 10 percent. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as her symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety neurosis did not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the current 30 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was reopened and granted effective July 28, 1989. He is currently rated at 50 percent for his generalized anxiety disorder.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The VA has increased the veteran's rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder from 0 to 50 percent, effective from August 20, 1998.