Anxiety decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected manic depressive psychosis with anxiety does not warrant a higher rating as it currently results in occupational and social impairment, but not to the degree required for a 50% evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran did not file a formal or informal claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder prior to April 8, 2002. Therefore, an effective date earlier than April 8, 2002 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the veteran's current major depressive disorder is related to his service, including any alleged mistreatment while in service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post traumatic stress disorder results in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a viral syndrome, to include streptococci infection. The veteran was treated during service for strep throat and viral upper respiratory infections but no residual disability resulted. There is no competent medical evidence linking any current disabilities to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, dysthymia, anxiety, and possible PTSD. The decision is based on direct evidence of a link between the veteran's in-service experiences and his current mental health conditions.

The Board has found that the appellant's anxiety disorder is attributable to service and granted service connection for this condition. The left ankle and chest disorders are not currently addressed as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The veteran's disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and hypertension, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes as they are not sufficiently disabling to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of anxiety disorder secondary to narcolepsy, finding that no formal or informal claim was filed prior to December 17, 1998.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and anxiety disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV criteria, nor was there sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his military service.

The veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and depression have rendered him unable to work for the last two years, qualifying him for a TDIU.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 25, 2002 for a 100 percent rating for his service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder has been granted. The RO found that the veteran was entitled to this rating as of August 17, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, which warrants a 50 percent rating. The Board finds service connection for GERD, hiatal hernia, and constipation secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and chronic hypertrophic tonsillitis did not cause or contribute to his death.

The veteran's income exceeded the statutory level for improved pension benefits, and his claim was denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as depression, stress reaction, and anxiety. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the veteran for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.