Anxiety decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left facial paralysis and ptosis of the left eye, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The RO is instructed to provide due process development and consider staged ratings for the left facial paralysis.

The veteran's unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is not factually ascertainable prior to August 1, 1990.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder with anxiety and an increased rating for left ankle disability, as well as his attempt to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a personality disorder. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen this previous claim.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for anxiety reaction with post-traumatic stress disorder was denied. The July 2000 Substantive Appeal, which sought a higher rating, was withdrawn by the veteran's authorized representative in November 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his death from gastric ulcer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders to his service or any incident therein, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided in favor of the veteran, granting service connection for a claimed anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder (with phobias) does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, and his cervical spine soft tissue injury and residuals of right tibia fracture do not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and dysthymic disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including a new VA examination.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits effective from April 3, 2001. The decision was based on his current diagnoses of amnestic disorder/dementia and other physical conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further examination. The veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder, is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his generalized anxiety disorder and bronchitis with COPD, as well as his claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The current ratings are considered appropriate.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to arthritis contributing to an abdominal aneurysm rupture. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and anxiety, finding no evidence of current conditions or a link to service. The claim for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice and obtain relevant medical records.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis and TDIU, finding that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an increased rating for arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease with hypertension and congestive heart failure, a compensable rating for anxiety reaction, and a compensable evaluation for malaria. The evidence did not support secondary service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, characterized as chronic anxiety. The veteran's previous denial was based on lack of evidence in service records.

The Board has expanded the issue to include a request for service connection for a mood disorder and/or depression as a result of a closed head injury in service. The veteran's claim on appeal is being remanded due to additional evidence received, including a December 2003 private psychiatric opinion.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder in service or within many years thereafter, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.