Anxiety decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding that the new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of establishing that his pre-existing pyschiatric disability was aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with psychotic features and an anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability (left knee residuals), and his degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine was aggravated by his service-connected left ankle sprain. Both conditions are therefore granted.

The Board found that the veteran's anxiety neurosis does not meet the criteria for an increased rating, as it is only manifested by mild symptoms and does not cause significant impairment in work or social functioning.

The Board has determined that the veteran's reported in-service stressors are credible and have been corroborated, allowing for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for left knee arthritis, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for higher ratings for anxiety reaction and total disability based on individual unemployability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depression, and anxiety disorder, are related to his service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to differentiate between service-connected and nonservice-connected symptoms.

The veteran's anxiety disorder causes considerable occupational and social impairment, including difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships. A 50 percent rating is granted for generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks.

The veteran's anxiety reaction with PTSD was rated at 30 percent from January 29, 1971, through January 22, 1990.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and anxiety disorders, is related to his service experiences, particularly a stabbing incident in 1981. The claim was reopened due to new evidence provided by Dr. G.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for anxiety and bipolar disorder, finding new and material evidence. The issue of whether he is entitled to service connection for PTSD secondary to sexual assault during service remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from September 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety neurosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are not related to service or service-connected conditions, and thus denied these claims. The scar evaluation remains unchanged as it is within the normal range for a residual scar.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, and has also found that he is entitled to a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities. The combined disability rating of 80 percent allows for the possibility of a TDIU.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease on a secondary basis, as it is at least as likely as not related to the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The rating for post-operative residuals of a laceration to the left median nerve remains at 20 percent. A compensable rating (10%) was granted for anxiety reaction from August 30, 2002, to February 23, 2005. However, the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10% for anxiety reaction is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic mood disorder, claimed as depression and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected anxiety neurosis, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a lung disorder, anxiety or depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, or hypertension that is attributable to his military service.