Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeals were timely filed, and all issues are now open for de novo review.

The Board has determined that the VA's duties to notify and assist have not been fulfilled regarding the issue of an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The case is being remanded to ensure compliance with these requirements.

The veteran was awarded service connection for anxiety disorder and a TDIU rating effective September 24, 1994. The effective date of the award is based on the date of receipt of his claim.

The veteran's anxiety disorder, which is considered secondary to his service-connected hepatitis, produces definite impairment in the ability to establish or maintain effective and wholesome relationships with people. This has resulted in a 10 percent rating for the condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and left knee injury were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 25, 2000 for a 100 percent disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD. The issue of secondary service connection for disabilities manifested by abnormal cholesterol, grinding of the teeth, impotence, and insomnia is remanded to allow further development.

The VA has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with panic attacks, without agoraphobia, warrants a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his non-service connected disabilities, finding that he is not in need of such benefits.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA outpatient mental health treatment records and a current VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and a new psychiatric examination. The RO must ensure all VCAA notice and development obligations have been satisfied, including obtaining relevant treatment records from the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his anxiety disorder with panic attacks, low back disorder, and seborrheic dermatitis was denied. The current rating for the anxiety disorder is 30 percent.

The veteran's anxiety disorder has not caused total social and occupational impairment, and is not of such a degree that he is unable to obtain or retain gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death. The appellant was denied entitlement to DIC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for residuals of lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis.

The veteran's PTSD, sinusitis with deviated nasal septum, and anxiety disorder claims were all granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for anxiety disorder was set at July 13, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from October 28, 2002 to October 31, 2002 because the treatment was not related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are related to service.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression or other nervous disorders. The current psychiatric condition is not shown to be related to his military service.

The veteran's only service-connected disability (an anxiety disorder) does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance or on housebound status.