Anxiety Board decisions

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected anxiety neurosis, which has been rated at 50 percent. The RO must schedule the veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition and obtain any additional medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection have been remanded due to procedural errors and the need for additional development.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased evaluation for anxiety neurosis with depressive features and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal to reopen his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no new and material evidence submitted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board granted service connection and assigned a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease, effective from April 1996. The ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome at L4-L5 level were also granted, with the higher rating of 40 percent effective from May 12, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are service-connected based on direct evidence and not due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the case due to new procedural requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, and for additional development related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to the veteran's service-connected back disorder.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, secondary to his service-connected hepatitis. The anxiety disorder and panic disorder are found to be related to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied all claims, finding that residuals of a fracture of the left femur do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, residuals of a head injury with brain concussion, fracture of the right frontal bone, and residual anxiety do not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, and tinnitus does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to August 23, 1996. His TDIU was granted effective from that date.

The Board found no basis for an increased rating and denied the veteran's claim regarding the timeliness of his appeal for an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received from USASCRUR regarding in-service exposure to combat stressors. The appellant's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction disorder is currently manifested by occupational/social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as the inability to focus on internal stimuli, diminished psychomotor activity, a somewhat depressed mood, and intermittent auditory and visual hallucinations. The criteria for a rating greater than 50 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for service-connected anxiety disorder and for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is a mixed decision, with some issues granted and others not. The appeal involves whether his anxiety and depression are related to his Bell's palsy residuals or his seizure disorder.

The veteran's appeal is about the rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction with conversion features and seizures. The RO needs to obtain additional medical records, arrange for a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicate the claim.

The veteran's diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder was found to be incurred in service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The veteran's right shoulder disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the November 26, 1984 decision that denied a rating greater than 70 percent for anxiety reaction with alcoholism. The veteran's motion to restore his total disability rating is granted.