Anxiety Board decisions

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with depression was not incurred during his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were partially granted, with separate 10 percent ratings assigned for residuals of stress fracture of each foot and anxiety disorder. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was denied. The VA found that the veteran does not have PTSD and his major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to service.,The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was granted. It is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure during service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, due to service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the service-connected anxiety state and amebiasis did not cause or contribute to the veteran's death.,The appellant is not eligible for educational assistance benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of her service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, cervical and thoracic strain with osteophytes, and anxiety disorder. The maximum schedular ratings were assigned.

The veteran's vision in both eyes is not less than 5/200 and he does not have concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less; he is not a patient in a nursing home because of incapacity; and he has not established a factual need for aid and attendance. Therefore, the requirements for special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person have not been met.

The veteran's anxiety neurosis, which was already rated at 30 percent prior to October 1, 1998, has been increased to 50 percent effective from that date. The rating for the post-operative neurolysis and excision of scar tissue on the right foot remains at 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected incomplete paralysis of the VII cranial nerve contributed to his death from aspiration pneumonia, which was caused by acute myocardial infarction. The appellant is eligible for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety disorder, memory disorder, and lack of concentration were denied as the VA examination scheduled to determine these claims was not attended by the veteran.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected anxiety reaction and varicose veins were denied. The Board found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and denied service connection for cancer of the colon. The veteran's anxiety disorder was not shown to be present during military service or attributable to military service. There is no evidence of current colon cancer that is related to military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and considering service connection issues related to his asbestos exposure residuals and potential entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for medical examinations and opinions regarding the veteran's hearing loss and anxiety disorder claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Dr. 'R.G.', Social Security Administration, and Office of Personnel Management.

The VA determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent prior to November 6, 1996. From November 6, 1996, to the present, the disability has been rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and increased evaluation for service-connected tinnitus were denied. The claim for service connection for anxiety disorder was also denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 15, 2003 for a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The VA denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis with depressive features, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current anxiety disorder is attributable to military service, but there is no evidence of alopecia areata currently.