Anxiety decisions — 2009

The Board finds that additional development of the appellant's claims is necessary and remands them for further action.

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was rated at 30% from December 8, 1998, to November 18, 2002; 50% from November 19, 2002, to January 27, 2003; and 70% from January 28, 2003, to March 8, 2006. The veteran's bronchitis with COPD was rated at 10%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective March 9, 2006.

The veteran's hepatitis C was not related to his active duty service, and the anxiety disorder did not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran withdrew the appeal of whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a left knee disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety, left hip bursitis, and bilateral eye disability were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a neuropsychiatric disorder, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder was incurred during active service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder was remanded for a VA examination to determine if the condition is related to his military service.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.