Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records, specifically mental health treatment records from the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville during the veteran's active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it only causes occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board is requesting further development of the evidence to determine if the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction contributed substantially or materially to his death from coronary artery disease.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are preventing him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and the RO is directed to schedule a VA examination for his orthopedic conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating since December 10, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death was not caused by or a contributory factor to his service-connected anxiety reaction. The basic criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance allowance under Chapter 35 were also not met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder began in service and is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is established, meeting the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a).

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction does not warrant a higher disability rating, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a more severe evaluation.

The veteran's anxiety disorder is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. Right thigh and right upper arm scars are each granted a noncompensable rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for eczema and anxiety reaction, finding that the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the revised skin rating schedule.

The veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder injury and anxiety were not incurred in or aggravated by service due to his own willful misconduct and alcohol abuse during the October 1988 motor vehicle accident.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obsessive-compulsive disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as peripheral neuropathy. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability due to new evidence showing current back disability. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains denied.,An effective date earlier than July 25, 2003 for non-service connected pension benefits is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including dysthymia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, are related to his military service. The appeal is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as his condition is currently evaluated at 50% and does not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.