Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected mixed psychoneurosis (now diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder) is manifested by impaired impulse control and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, leading to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The veteran lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his own affairs, including disbursement of funds without limitation.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to a myocardial infarction, finding that it was less likely than not caused by or aggravated by the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis. The eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under chapter 35, title 38, United States Code, was also denied.

The veteran's combined service-connected disabilities (loss of use of the right hand and anxiety neurosis) meet the criteria for a total rating due to unemployability.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 50 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an anxiety/panic disorder, as there was no diagnosis of PTSD in his records and no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and dysthymic disorder, currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic dysthymia with anxiety is not attributable to service or a service-connected disease or injury, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction with PTSD does not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder does not prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31.

The Board has granted initial 30 percent evaluations for generalized anxiety disorder and intention tremors, effective February 28, 1997. The criteria for these ratings are met based on the veteran's symptoms of chronic sleep impairment, anxiety in crowds, confusion, and memory problems.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and there is no evidence of a causal relationship between any diagnosed psychiatric conditions and service. As such, the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability (claimed as a nervous condition), to include PTSD, is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric conditions to his active duty service.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was granted effective June 8, 2000.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no causal relationship between the veteran's military service or any disability related thereto and his death.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hypertension, skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, and weight gain due to undiagnosed illness. The conditions were not shown to be related to service or the Persian Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these disorders and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left ankle disability, and anxiety disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 9, 1998 for the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and depression). The earliest indication of intent to apply for VA benefits related to this condition was in April 1998.