Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has determined that the effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is March 5, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected psychoneurosis with anxiety and headaches, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety neurosis is currently controlled by medication and does not result in significant social or occupational impairment, thus denying an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses for services rendered at the Bothwell Regional Health Center from July 31, 2000 to August 1, 2000 is denied as there was no evidence that the care received in a non-VA facility constituted a medical emergency or that VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, a tender abdominal scar, and an increased evaluation for the service-connected gastrointestinal disorder. The veteran's ventral hernia and hemorrhoids are not found to be related to his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed, including obtaining service medical records, post-service treatment records, and verifying stressors for PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's psychiatric disability, which is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling. The new evaluation reflects significant depression and anxiety centered around health concerns.

The VA has increased the veteran's rating for his generalized anxiety disorder from 10 percent to 30 percent, effective January 1999. The current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's chronic depression with generalized anxiety disorder and schizoid personality disorder is rated at the highest possible level of disability, a 100 percent rating, effective from June 1991.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not shown to be due to or aggravated by his service-connected back disorder, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety reaction warrants a 50% rating, but his coronary artery disease is not considered to be related to his service-connected anxiety reaction. The claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder was denied by the Board. The case is now remanded due to new regulations and evidence requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board found that neither the veteran's service-connected anxiety state nor his pre-existing fracture of the right tarsal navicular caused or contributed to his death. The causes of death, cardiopulmonary arrest and colon cancer, were not related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 22, 1992, for a grant of an evaluation of 100 percent for generalized anxiety reaction with major depression.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that new evidence submitted did not meet the criteria to reopen the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current level of psychiatric disability, characterized as anxiety disorder and depression, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent. The evidence shows that her symptoms have been well-controlled with medications, and she is able to work at least part-time.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred in service and denied his claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant is permanently incapable of self-support due to mental retardation and anxiety disorder, qualifying him as a helpless child for VA benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and a psychiatric disorder (specifically generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder) as incurred during active military service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD. The veteran now has pending claims regarding these conditions.