Anxiety decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected traumatic encephalopathy with anxiety reaction and bilateral varicose veins, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under either set of regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, seizure disorder, and hysterectomy were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now remanded to the RO for a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, not related to service. The Board found no evidence that any disability related to service contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board granted service connection for vertigo that is not benign positional vertigo and associated with abdominal discomfort, as well as increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbodorsal spine and PTSD. The veteran's anxiety disorder was reclassified as PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and social phobia.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions related to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis with headaches does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it is currently evaluated at 30 percent.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for the requested development, including obtaining mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has remanded the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and PTSD. The BVA found that the issue remained pending since the June 1999 rating decision and that the veteran is essentially claiming service connection for variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The VA determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation, maintaining the current 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran currently has PTSD as a result of his service in Korea and grants service connection for this condition.

The VA has determined that the current evaluation of 30 percent for anxiety disorder is appropriate, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity and symptoms currently reported by the appellant.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an eye disorder, heart condition, gastrointestinal disorder, skin disorder, psychiatric disorder, and anemia, are denied as the evidence does not support a finding of service connection under the provisions of law.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining service personnel/administrative records and medical records. The veteran is also scheduled for a VA mental disorder examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders, as well as an orthopedic examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence and changes in regulations.

The Board found no legal basis for granting the benefit sought, as the veteran's claim was not filed under Chapter 31 of the Veterans' Benefits Act. The evidence does not support a finding that additional disability resulted from VA medical treatment in 1973.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying alleged stressors. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose and then reviewed again.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to a scheduling issue for an RO hearing. The case will be reviewed after the hearing and any new evidence, if provided.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they render him in need of aid and attendance or housebound, given his recent medical deterioration.