Anxiety decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected anxiety reaction and PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety and depression, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected psychosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and a psychiatric examination.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease and generalized anxiety disorder, prevent him from dressing, attending to his wants of nature, and protecting himself from daily hazards. He is not blind or helpless, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to being housebound.

The veteran's request for an increased rating for his generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional treatment records and determine if a personal hearing should be scheduled.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety disorder, is due to disease or injury incurred in service. The heart disorder claim requires further examination and evidence.

The Board granted an effective date of January 17, 2000 for the award of a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected schizophrenia with anxiety.

The Board has granted effective dates of January 26, 1998 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD with anxiety and conversion features. The TDIU was also granted on this date.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The case is remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The veteran's claims will be readjudicated after this is done.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a left knee disorder, finding that new evidence did not warrant reopening of his claim for a psychiatric disorder, and that both conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder can be decided. The RO must obtain all relevant medical records, including those from SSA and VA healthcare facilities, and ensure that the veteran is given an opportunity to respond and provide any necessary authorization.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and compliance with the VCAA, including notification and examination.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his anxiety reaction with PTSD and psychophysiological reactions were denied. The RO granted a 100 percent evaluation retroactive to February 13, 1995.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and anxiety, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for peptic ulcer disease. The decision found no evidence of current diagnoses or a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for generalized anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, and loss of concentration. However, no new and material evidence was found to support the reopening of claims for joint pain (knees and ankles), fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or facial rash as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding the January 1997 rating decision, and therefore the issues are dismissed.

The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, which is higher than the current 30 percent. The veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying stressor information and obtaining historical records from the Navy.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder was denied. The case is now remanded to the RO for further development and readjudication.