Anxiety Board decisions

The Veteran's dementia and anxiety disorder due to hypertensive and hypoxic episode is currently rated at 50 percent, but he contends for a higher rating. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's dysthymia and anxiety have been rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on his disability picture.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was rated at 50 percent since June 20, 2002. Since February 18, 2004, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a clarification of the impact of his service-connected anxiety disorder on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and anxiety disorder were granted, with the lumbar spine disability receiving a 40 percent rating effective September 23, 2006. The anxiety disorder received a separate 10 percent rating from October 17, 2003 to December 8, 2006.

The Veteran's combined evaluation for service-connected disabilities is 80 percent from June 20, 2000 to June 10, 2004, and 90 percent from June 11, 2004. The criteria for assignment of an increased combined evaluation are not met.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for psychoneurosis and anxiety. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and anxiety, is found to have had its onset during active service.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an acquired psychiatric disorder during service or related to service, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychophysiologic GI reaction with mild anxiety and PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is likely to have had its onset during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is at least as likely as not related to his service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychopathic personality disorder, emotional instability with asocial behavior (claimed as marked anxiety and neurosis), bipolar disorder, and heart condition were denied. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis and varicose veins did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, resulting in a denial of all claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her request for a Board hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's service records show he was referred to a psychiatrist in September 1969 due to weight loss and depression. He also received a court-martial conviction for pouring sugar into a gas tank. The Board finds the case must be remanded as there are multiple psychiatric diagnoses, including PTSD, and an examination is needed to determine if any current disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that new evidence received since the August 2002 denial supports reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety and depression. However, both anxiety and left shoulder strain were not shown to be related to military service.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, NOS, and dysthymic disorder. The claim is being remanded to obtain updated VA psychiatric evaluations and to seek out SSA disability records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, and anxiety disorder, are found to be related to his service experiences. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.