Anxiety decisions — 2007

The veteran is seeking service connection for a heart disorder that is secondary to his anxiety disorder. The case has been remanded due to the need for clarification of the type of hearing requested and scheduling such a hearing.

The VA has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's anxiety disorder, effective December 16, 2005.

The VA has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety disorder, was denied as the evidence did not show a current diagnosis of such disorders.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for major depression with anxiety, finding that the veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for such a rating.

The VA denied service connection for an anxiety disorder other than PTSD and residuals of a back injury, finding that the veteran did not have these conditions in service or since.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA medical records and scheduling the veteran for an orthopedic examination to determine if his back disability began during service or is related to it.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 50 percent for the veteran's anxiety reaction, which is the maximum benefit allowed by law and regulation.

The veteran's claims for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during his hospitalization and outpatient visits are granted due to the emergent nature of his condition, which required immediate treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 14, 2000 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU at that time.