Anxiety decisions — 2004

The Board finds that the veteran's chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and non-combat PTSD, is related to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for anxiety disorder due to withdrawal by the appellant. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened based on new and material evidence provided since the last final denial in October 1988.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for her anxiety disorder and for a TDIU based on her service-connected disability. The VA found that her anxiety disorder did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and determined she was not unemployable solely due to her service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development, including a VA medical examination to determine the true classification of psychiatric disorders and when they first manifested. The claim will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with VCAA notice and duty-to-assist provisions. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death is being reviewed, but further development is required.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and basic eligibility for non-service connected pension benefits, finding that the appellant did not file timely applications and lacked legal entitlement to these benefits.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's anxiety disorder, but denied his claim for a TDIU rating due to the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that February 21, 1997 was the appropriate effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorder, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during or after service.

The veteran's anxiety with agoraphobia is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, entitlement to a compensable evaluation for verruca vulgaris of the penis, and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of a creative organ. The appeals are all denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depressive neurosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of his medical records.

Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and a rating of 10% have been granted.,A 30% rating has been assigned for headaches since August 10, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction warrants a 50 percent disability rating effective July 24, 2002.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as the issue regarding an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for dermatophytosis. The underlying service connection issues are considered to be decided based on the merits.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic mental disability due to an undiagnosed illness during service and denied the veteran's claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that they preclude him from performing his occupation as a cook, and the occupation is not unsuitable on the basis of his specific employment handicap.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of death and for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance under chapter 35, finding that the veteran did not have a permanent total service-connected disability at the time of his death or any evidence linking his death to a service-connected condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.