Anxiety decisions — 2003

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was found to warrant a 70 percent evaluation from April 4, 1996. Prior to that date, the condition warranted a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety and panic disorder, as well as his residuals of a suicide attempt in May 1992, were likely aggravated by VA treatment, including misdiagnosis of metastatic bone cancer and withdrawal of prescribed narcotics. As such, compensation benefits are granted.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including anxiety disorder. The temporary total disability rating for a period of hospitalization from December 1985 to February 1986 was also granted.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder and found no evidence to support service connection for any part of his claimed conditions. The Board concluded that the veteran's psychiatric symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depression, an anxiety disorder and a chronic sleep disorder, as well as his claim for sterility. The case is remanded for further development.

The veteran's appeal is to be remanded for additional development due to a failure to provide the required notice under the VCAA.

The Board has determined that the September 2002 rating decision, which granted special monthly compensation on account of a need for regular aid and attendance, did not involve clear and unmistakable error. The veteran's combined schedular disability rating is 80 percent, with service-connected disabilities including right lower extremity disorders and anxiety reaction.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD features effective August 10, 2000.

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for chronic adjustment disorder from July 21, 2001 and found that the veteran's symptoms since October 11, 1994 reflect definite occupational and social impairment. The claim for service connection for residuals of a cesarean section is remanded.

The VA has determined that the veteran's depressive neurosis with anxiety features warrants a rating of 30 percent, but not higher.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorders and mood disorders, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of her claims file.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining clinical records from VA outpatient medical facilities. The appeal is currently remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to incomplete examinations and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including a VA psychiatric and neurological examination to assess his service-connected conditions. The claims for increased evaluations will be remanded for additional consideration.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder is pending. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands, claimed as swelling of the hands, remains pending. The claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened and granted based on new and material evidence submitted by the veteran. The TDIU claim is pending.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and requested evidence. The case is now remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Bonati Institute was denied as none of the treatments were authorized in advance and did not meet the criteria for reimbursement.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right shoulder disorder, hypercholesterolemia and mixed lipidemia, systolic murmur, status-post removal of metal from both eyes, chronic left epididymitis, residuals of a fracture to the left great toe, or a chronic anxiety disorder. The thoracic spine disorder is service-connected.

The Board has denied service connection for an anxiety disorder, left temporal lobe cavernous hemangioma, and partial complex seizure disorder. The veteran's anxiety disorder is not currently demonstrated, the cavernous hemangioma of the left temporal lobe is a congenital defect, and the partial complex seizure disorder was initially manifested during active duty.