Anxiety decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he indicated his satisfaction with the granted rating of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder with alcohol dependence in remission.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining any outstanding records and determining whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a low back disability. The evaluation for anxiety neurosis with depressive features remains at 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a verified stressor, and the VA examiner found that he does not have PTSD.,Prior to December 20, 2006, the veteran's cervical strain did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. As of December 20, 2006, his cervical strain met the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.,The veteran's migraine headaches were found to not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,The veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety was also found to not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and anxiety disorder, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disorders.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected right heel pain and chronic adjustment disorder.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for consideration of her claims under the criteria that was in effect prior to November 7, 1996.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder, which is currently rated at 30 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, anxiety, muscle pain, joint pain, asthma (claimed as fatigue), skin condition, sleep disturbance, and upper respiratory disorder are all denied. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including anxiety disorder, right knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and urological disorder. The decision also addressed compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for chronic sinus infections, arthritis, balance problems, bone loss in the upper left jaw, hearing loss in the left ear, and excessive tearing of the eyes.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, not including PTSD. The decision is based on the veteran's reported symptoms and diagnoses provided by VA medical professionals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and major depression, was aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The VA has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified and PTSD, effective January 18, 2001. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are service-connected.

The veteran's tinnitus claim is denied. The Board finds that the service-connected disabilities (squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and anxiety disorder) preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a total rating based on unemployability.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased rating of anxiety disorder and service connection for hypertension. The Board is dismissing these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for anxiety disorder with depressive features and psychophysiological skin reaction, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The VA found that the veteran does not have occupational and social impairment to the extent required for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with undifferentiated somatoform disorder with history of PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, reflecting occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as chronic sleep impairment, impaired memory and concentration, reduced ability to cope with frustration, and occasional outbursts of anger.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, other than PTSD, were not incurred in service and denied service connection for these conditions. However, the Board granted service connection for PTSD as it was linked to his active military service.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, to include depression and an anxiety disorder, to his active service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, dysthymia, anxiety, and PTSD. The case has been remanded due to the need for proper notification on how to substantiate a claim for PTSD based on personal assault and for additional development of evidence.