Anxiety decisions — 2005

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction does not warrant a higher disability rating, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a more severe evaluation.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. Right thigh and right upper arm scars are each granted a noncompensable rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for eczema and anxiety reaction, finding that the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the revised skin rating schedule.

The veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder injury and anxiety were not incurred in or aggravated by service due to his own willful misconduct and alcohol abuse during the October 1988 motor vehicle accident.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obsessive-compulsive disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as peripheral neuropathy. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability due to new evidence showing current back disability. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains denied.,An effective date earlier than July 25, 2003 for non-service connected pension benefits is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including dysthymia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, are related to his military service. The appeal is granted.

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

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as his condition is currently evaluated at 50% and does not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder is manifested by total occupational impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including seeking a report of the psychiatric consultation from December 1963 and scheduling the veteran for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims to reopen her previously denied psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disability, and PTSD claims.

The VA determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder contributed to his death, which was caused by cerebral herniation. The Board found that the CAD implicated in the veteran's death was etiologically related to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for dementia and anxiety disorder, effective March 28, 1996. The veteran's appeal is now on whether the current rating should be increased beyond this level.

The case is being remanded due to the need for a neuropsychological evaluation and psychiatric examination to determine the current level of impairment due to service-connected psychosis, including whether the newly diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder represents progression or a new condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that his hypertensive and cardiovascular disease was not related to a service-connected disability or an incident of service origin.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of head injury, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and brain damage due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a relationship between service and these conditions.