Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from September 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety neurosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are not related to service or service-connected conditions, and thus denied these claims. The scar evaluation remains unchanged as it is within the normal range for a residual scar.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, and has also found that he is entitled to a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities. The combined disability rating of 80 percent allows for the possibility of a TDIU.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease on a secondary basis, as it is at least as likely as not related to the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The rating for post-operative residuals of a laceration to the left median nerve remains at 20 percent. A compensable rating (10%) was granted for anxiety reaction from August 30, 2002, to February 23, 2005. However, the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10% for anxiety reaction is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic mood disorder, claimed as depression and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected anxiety neurosis, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a lung disorder, anxiety or depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, or hypertension that is attributable to his military service.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and his left knee disability remains at a 10 percent rating. The TDIU claim was granted.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is productive of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The disability does not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA has determined that the veteran's chronic anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The veteran's service-connected anterior poliomyelitis has caused significant weakness in his right upper and lower extremities, but the evidence does not support an award of SMC based on loss of use due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder. The veteran's migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating under DC 8100.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD were denied. The claim for cold injury residuals was reopened, but the evidence does not support service connection.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise in showing a nexus between a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety disorder) and active duty for training. Therefore, service connection for the veteran's anxiety disorder and depression is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mood and/or anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an immature personality disorder, panic disorder with adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chloracne of the hands and face, and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure are all denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year of service. The veteran's claims for left knee disorder and bone spurs of the heels were withdrawn prior to a decision.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.