Anxiety decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder warrants a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective October 16, 2002.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's current anxiety neurosis with dysthymia to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and COPD. The VA examination did not diagnose PTSD, and there is no other medical evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development regarding effective dates for service connection and TDIU.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, or migraine headaches that were incurred in service.,The veteran's statements regarding stressors during service were deemed insufficient and not credible.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding no causal link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's death is not due to a service-connected disability and there is no evidence of material contribution from his service-connected conditions. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1310 has been denied.

The RO denied increased ratings for anxiety disorder with somatization and TDIU, but granted a 50% rating effective May 28, 2002. The veteran's request for an earlier effective date was referred to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disability compensation was properly reduced to a 10% evaluation due to incarceration for a felony conviction, effective January 14, 1998.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected psychological factors (anxiety) affecting a physical condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a VA examination and obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with depression as secondary to service-connected disabilities of the knees and low back.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, anxiety disorder, stomach disorder, and foot injury residuals. The reasons were that there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor or event leading to PTSD, and the other conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The veteran was granted TDIU effective from August 24, 1993. The RO moved the effective date back to July 10, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case to consider whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic anxiety, major depression, and dysthymia.

The veteran's multiple disabilities, including COPD rated at 100%, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, reflecting severe industrial and moderately severe social impairment.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder during or within one year after service, and concluded that the veteran's current anxiety and depression did not begin in service. The claim for service connection was denied.