Anxiety decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction and dysthymic disorder with anxiety features do not warrant higher disability ratings, as they did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's anxiety disorder resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating prior to October 13, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran's current generalized anxiety disorder and/or depression began during service or is related to his service-connected atrial fibrillation.

The Board has remanded the case for a Video Conference or Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mood disorder with panic disorder does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his sleep apnea syndrome does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's nervous condition, to include depression and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claim for PTSD is pending as it relates to a separate issue.

The Board finds that the appellant's service connection claims for depression and anxiety and extreme nervousness have been denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.

The veteran's death is being reviewed for service connection, and claims for accrued benefits based on his unapproved disability benefits from Social Security Administration are also pending. Additional development of evidence, specifically the SSA records, is required before a decision can be made.

The Board found that the veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder warranted a disability rating of 50 percent, but not higher. The evidence showed significant impairment in social relationships, but no deficiencies in most areas such as work or school.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent disability rating for anxiety reaction, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the March 21, 1960 and March 23, 1962 reduction decisions. The veteran's claims were based on new evidence submitted after these decisions.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Service connection was also denied for testicular cancer and skin cancer.

The Board denied the veteran's claim that there was clear and unmistakable error in a 1977 rating decision, finding no such error. The Board concluded that the veteran had not presented a valid argument for CUE.

The Board found no direct link between the veteran's current psychiatric disorder and active military service, including the January 1978 head injury. The veteran's headaches are not related to service either. Therefore, both claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, inclusive of schizophrenia and anxiety disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective as of the date of the decision.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his anxiety disorder and dysthymic disorder was denied. The Board also found that the July 2005 rating decision denying service connection for a right hand and arm condition had not been appealed within the required time frame.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including anxiety disorder with somatization disorder and left great toe injury, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected recurrent major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder warrant a 50 percent evaluation, but not higher. The disability is currently rated under Diagnostic Code 9434.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed anxiety disorder with panic attacks is not related to his active service and thus denied the claim for service connection.