Anxiety decisions — 2006

The VA denied a higher initial disability evaluation for the veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (previously claimed as PTSD), rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination findings.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed generalized anxiety disorder with agoraphobia, including whether it is related to his service-connected Meniere's syndrome.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder warrants a 50 percent disability rating, but not higher. The evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of this level.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine are related to his in-service jeep accident, granting service connection for both conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of anxiety reaction, service connection for bilateral hydronephrosis, renal insufficiency, and PTSD were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied as the evidence did not show that the veteran is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a colon disorder, and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims to reopen previously denied claims for duodenal ulcer and anxiety neurosis with psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction (nervous condition) were also denied.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the veteran with VCAA notice. The case will be reviewed again after these steps are completed.

The veteran's initial evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder was granted at a 30 percent rating, effective August 16, 1996. The Board found that the current disability picture most nearly approximates a 50 percent evaluation due to moderate to serious symptoms.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected panic disorder, with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder, with a history of PTSD. The disability is characterized by symptoms such as nervousness, panic attacks, anxiety, memory loss, and irritability.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for generalized anxiety disorder prior to August 24, 2001.

The veteran's service-connected depressive reaction with anxiety features is currently rated at 50 percent, and the claim for an increased evaluation has been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder and for service connection for an epilepsy/seizure disorder. The decision found that the veteran's anxiety disorder was manifested by symptoms that were productive of not more than occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The April 1969 rating decision granting service connection for anxiety reaction and assigning a 10 percent initial rating was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder warrants a 50 percent disability rating since the date of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD due to a verified stressor event in service and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The preponderance of evidence also does not support service connection for dysthymia or other psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed mental disorders, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of an in-service stressor for PTSD, nor is there any medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's service dates and obtain his military records, as well as to confirm or refute any administrative discharge due to mental health issues. The VA will also need to review the claims file for a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development, including notification of the VCAA and obtaining private medical records.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.