Anxiety decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for hyperhidrosis, a psychiatric disability with anxiety and insomnia, a heart condition, bronchial asthma, and rheumatism, to include rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence received since the March and May 2000 rating decisions did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, citing insufficient evidence and failure to comply with VCAA requirements.

The Board found that the July 1947 decision to reduce the rating for a service-connected anxiety disorder from 50% to 30% did not involve CUE and is final.

The Board found that the veteran's anxiety disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms were limited to occasional anxiety and difficulty concentrating. The disability was rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now considered due to disease or injury incurred in active service. The Board also found that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for urethral laceration with residual stricture, residuals of a sunburn, and anxiety. The claim to reopen his claim for residuals of an automobile accident was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is secondary to his service-connected pruritis ani with IBS. The decision affords the veteran the benefit of doubt in this matter.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions, specifically his cardiomyopathy and bilateral hearing loss, has been established. He is now entitled to a higher rate of special monthly compensation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to an increased evaluation for anxiety reaction and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The appellant's claims are not about service connection, but rather about evaluating his current disability ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder is not service-connected, as there was no evidence of a disease or injury in service and no aggravation thereof. The diagnosis during service was a personality disorder, which is not considered a disease for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety and major depression, was incurred in active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with chronic dysthymia and hypertension are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric evaluation and review of his mental health records from his place of incarceration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for skin disorders, PTSD, and anxiety disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to active military service or exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's anxiety disorder and assigned a 30 percent rating, effective October 31, 2001. The veteran is seeking an increased rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issue of an increased rating for left wrist disability remains pending as its disposition is unknown.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a more current psychiatric examination.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, major depression, and PTSD, is linked to his period of active service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.