Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, with cognitive deficits, was initially denied a rating higher than 30 percent prior to November 8, 2010. However, from that date forward, the Veteran is granted a rating of 50 percent.

The Board found that the evidence added to the record since the final rating decisions does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus as a result of exposure to herbicides, rosacea and actinic keratosis (claimed as a skin disorder) as a result of exposure to herbicides, hypertension, or anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by severe symptomatology such as hallucinations and delusions, severe sleep disturbances, and occasional suicidal ideation, consistent with a finding of total occupational and social impairment. A 100 percent rating is warranted from October 6, 2005.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated.

The Board found that it was not factually ascertainable prior to December 4, 2003, that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD had increased in severity so as to meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue seeking an entitlement to evaluation in excess of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain prior to February 1, 2005 was granted. His initial claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, depression, and social anxiety, was reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Veteran is now rated at 20 percent for residuals of left knee injury.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than generalized anxiety disorder, to include PTSD. Therefore, service connection for such disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for several reasons, including obtaining missing service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's claims are related to his anxiety disorder and other psychiatric conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and anxiety, finding no evidence of a current disability. The claim for bilateral shin splints was referred to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, is at least as likely as not incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a left foot disability was granted, and he is now receiving the maximum schedular rating available. The Board also granted his claims for service connection for various orthopedic disabilities and anxiety disorder, as well as TDIU.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbar myositis. The case is remanded for further development and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, as well as his claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and lumbar spine disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The claim of service connection for a psychiatric condition has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorders has been granted, with a 50% evaluation effective from July 30, 2010.