Anxiety decisions — 2009

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals of fracture of the left index finger and service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not support the veteran's assertions regarding his left index finger condition or his psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is manifested by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and the Board finds that his other diagnosed psychiatric disorders are not related to service.

The Veteran's anxiety neurosis and depression have been rated at 50 percent since September 22, 2005. The current rating is the maximum available benefit for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's mental disorder, including PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder, does not result in occasional decrease in work efficiency or intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent effective October 10, 2008. The initial disability rating for the fifth metatarsal fracture of the left foot remains at 10 percent.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD is exacerbated by his service-connected tinnitus, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD based on aggravation.

The Veteran's conjunctivitis, left eye, is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The Board has granted service connection for his generalized anxiety disorder with depression as incurred during active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran's panic disorder is related to his service-connected asthma and use of Theophylline. If not, it will be determined whether the condition is directly related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, which is aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected anxiety psychoneurosis. The Veteran's current heart disorder is secondary to his service-connected anxiety psychoneurosis.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymia and anxiety was initially rated at 30% from June 2, 2004 to April 18, 2007. Since then, it has been rated at 50% since April 19, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board is remanding the case to ensure compliance with the duty to notify under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and to schedule a hearing before the Board at the Regional Office.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and anxiety, as well as CAD secondary to those conditions, are being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his current anxiety disorder and PTSD are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder and depressive disorder had their onset during his active service in Egypt, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and psychiatric disability to include on a secondary basis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.