Anxiety Board decisions

The Board denied an increased disability evaluation for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD symptoms, finding that it most closely approximated a 70% evaluation prior to March 2, 2004 and denied any higher rating on or after that date.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety state did not cause or contribute to his death. The appellant was also denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a depressive disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the March 1955 rating decision for not granting service connection for residuals of damage to cranial nerve VII and loss of teeth, as these conditions are directly related to the veteran's in-service injuries. The correct facts were known at that time.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis did not cause or contribute to his death from myocardial infarction.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted with an effective date of August 16, 2000.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder as proximately due to his service connected right knee disability.

The VA Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's anxiety disorder with dysthymia, finding that he meets the criteria for this level of disability based on occupational and social impairment.

The Board found no evidence of a 'clear' diagnosis of PTSD or one in accord with the criteria, and did not verify the claimed in-service stressors. The appellant's diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder do not meet the requirements for service connection as they are not diseases or injuries under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that further development is required to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and their impact on his ability to work.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and anxiety disorder are not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by military service. The appeal for increased evaluation of the anxiety disorder is denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates, with some issues receiving a 'granted' disposition.

The veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's anxiety disorder, finding that his symptoms warrant this level of disability.

The veteran's annual countable income is under the limit for payment of improved disability pension benefits as of June 14, 2004.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for issuance of an SOC regarding the issue of whether to reopen service connection for PTSD. The case will also be readjudicated for his claim of increased disability rating for anxiety.

The veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault during his last admission to the VAMC. The cause of death was due to myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.