Anxiety decisions — 2009

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Board has determined that the case must be remanded to afford the Veteran a VA examination to determine if any of his psychiatric disorders are related to, had its onset during, or were permanently aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's panic and anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a GAF score of 71-80, indicating mild to moderate symptomatology without significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher than 10 percent disability rating, as his symptoms were controlled by medication and caused only mild work-related disruptions.

The Veteran's constipation is rated at a 30 percent rating since July 23, 2002. For the period from October 26, 2006 to March 12, 2009, his anxiety disorder was not manifested by social and occupational impairment warranting an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. Since March 13, 2009, his anxiety disorder has been rated at a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

Since June 2, 2005, the Veteran's anxiety disorder has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood, flattened affect, mild sleep impairment, impaired judgment, chronic fatigue, disturbances of motivation and mood, mild concentration problems, suspiciousness, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 50 percent disability rating for anxiety disorder, NOS.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder and dysthymia has been rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board denied service connection for blurry vision, a nervous disorder, and coronary artery disease. The decision found no current diagnosis of these conditions and insufficient evidence to establish their relationship with the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder does not result in significant occupational and social impairment, as defined by the VA rating criteria. The disability is rated at 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his hepatitis C claim and concluding that the available documentation did not suggest a blood transfusion in service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a left eye injury and anxiety disorder with depression have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient rationale in the January 2009 VA examination report. The Veteran's claims include service connection for dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, a VA examination for his service-connected anxiety reaction with depressive features and pes planus, and consideration of whether he should be entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to determine if his current anxiety and depression disorders are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and development due to inadequate medical evidence in previous decisions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently demonstrate an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, which first manifested within one year of separation from service and is related to his service or to any incident therein.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head trauma. However, the claims were denied as there is no medical evidence showing a current disability related to her service.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and psychiatric treatment records from the Veteran's hospitalization in November 1998. A VA examiner will provide an opinion on whether any service-connected disabilities contributed to the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical evidence regarding the appellant's current condition and its impact on her ability to require regular aid and attendance.