Anxiety decisions — 2005

The Board found no evidence of a 'clear' diagnosis of PTSD or one in accord with the criteria, and did not verify the claimed in-service stressors. The appellant's diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder do not meet the requirements for service connection as they are not diseases or injuries under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that further development is required to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and their impact on his ability to work.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and anxiety disorder are not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by military service. The appeal for increased evaluation of the anxiety disorder is denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates, with some issues receiving a 'granted' disposition.

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's anxiety disorder, finding that his symptoms warrant this level of disability.

The veteran's annual countable income is under the limit for payment of improved disability pension benefits as of June 14, 2004.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for issuance of an SOC regarding the issue of whether to reopen service connection for PTSD. The case will also be readjudicated for his claim of increased disability rating for anxiety.

The veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault during his last admission to the VAMC. The cause of death was due to myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, finding no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his active service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for shaking hands and tremors, as well as other conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active duty or an undiagnosed illness.

The VA denied a higher disability rating for the veteran's anxiety disorder with agoraphobia and panic attacks, finding that it did not meet the criteria for any compensable rating since July 6, 1988.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, as well as an earlier effective date for a tinnitus rating. The issues of organic brain syndrome, hypertension (secondary to sleep apnea), anxiety disorder (secondary to organic brain syndrome), and residuals of fracture of the right femur are all in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the veteran's anxiety disorder disability rating from 50% to 30%, effective June 1, 2002, was not proper and granted his claim for restoration of the 50% disability rating.

The veteran is seeking a permanent total disability rating for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) purposes due to his service-connected dementia secondary to head injury, mild with reactive depressive and anxiety symptoms. The VA has ordered additional examination and development of the claim.

The veteran's multiple disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or as a result of being housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding that there is no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.