Anxiety decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction warrants a rating of no more than 50 percent, as it causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent after October 4, 2002. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms.

The veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including service medical records and a VA podiatry examination. The issues of service connection for bilateral foot disorders, as well as reopening claims for generalized anxiety disorder and bilateral hearing loss, will be reconsidered.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with history of schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis are both service-connected.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction results in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of stroke, kidney disorder, and prostate disorder as secondary to his service-connected psychoneurosis (anxiety and conversion).

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and an acquired psychiatric disability. However, further development is required to determine if these disabilities are related to active service.

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, manifested by generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD, panic attacks and claustrophobia, resulted in total occupational and social impairment since his employment was terminated in October 1999. The Board granted a 100 percent schedular disability rating for this condition effective October 25, 1999.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction. The RO has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected psychoneurosis anxiety warrants a 30 percent disability rating, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeals were timely filed, and all issues are now open for de novo review.

The Board has determined that the VA's duties to notify and assist have not been fulfilled regarding the issue of an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The case is being remanded to ensure compliance with these requirements.

The veteran was awarded service connection for anxiety disorder and a TDIU rating effective September 24, 1994. The effective date of the award is based on the date of receipt of his claim.

The veteran's anxiety disorder, which is considered secondary to his service-connected hepatitis, produces definite impairment in the ability to establish or maintain effective and wholesome relationships with people. This has resulted in a 10 percent rating for the condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and left knee injury were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 25, 2000 for a 100 percent disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD. The issue of secondary service connection for disabilities manifested by abnormal cholesterol, grinding of the teeth, impotence, and insomnia is remanded to allow further development.

The VA has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with panic attacks, without agoraphobia, warrants a disability rating of 30 percent.