Anxiety decisions — 2007

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, which results in deficiencies in most areas such as ability to work and family relations.

The Board found no evidence of current PTSD or major depression, and the veteran's service medical records did not indicate any psychiatric disorders. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of a continuity of treatment for his psychiatric conditions post-service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety neurosis, PTSD, and knee disabilities have been denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD is October 20, 1994.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral plantar warts in January 1981. The veteran's petition to reopen the claims for low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, and anxiety and depression was denied by the RO in August 2001. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these matters. The Board is considering all issues on a de novo basis as the previous decisions are final.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence linking his anxiety disorder to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his head trauma residuals and post-traumatic headaches due to head trauma, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's hepatitis C with anxiety and depression was granted a rating of 30 percent effective from July 27, 2000. The issues for increased ratings were denied.

The veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder and dysthymia is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The evidence shows occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for the veteran's anxiety reaction, effective March 29, 2006. Prior to this date, the rating was 50%. The decision is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment from September 20, 2005 onwards.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not due to a disability incurred or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that an effective date of March 6, 2001, is warranted for a 70 percent evaluation for anxiety reaction with conversion features and a TDIU based on service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses are related to his military service and whether any stressor events have resulted in PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for copies of ship logs from the U.S.S. Ranger (CVA-61) during June 1966, which may provide evidence related to a personal assault claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, is related to his military service. The Board also found no evidence of PTSD and denied the claim for PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD; hypertension; and coronary artery disease. The veteran's anxiety disorder was not linked to any in-service stressors or events. His hypertension and coronary artery disease were not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence, including a lack of an adequate VA examination and missing records from Northhampton VA Medical Center. The veteran is also advised about alternative sources of competent evidence for his claim based on in-service personal assault.

The Board has determined that the veteran's high cholesterol and social anxiety disorder are not service-connected, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim will be further evaluated on its merits.