Anxiety decisions — 2009

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including obsessive compulsive disorder (claimed as a nervous disorder), is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether any current psychiatric disorder had its onset in service, as well as a determination of whether it is as likely as not that such disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is manifested by mild symptoms that do not cause significant occupational or social impairment, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety, major depressive disorder, somatization disorder, and undifferentiated somatoform disorder, were not shown to be related to service or service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing anxiety disorder was not aggravated by service and he does not have a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder, finding that it is more likely than not attributable to his in-service parachute injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran also seeks increased ratings for his cervical spine, bladder disability, and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The examiner must provide a rationale for any opinion expressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, depression, a heart disorder, hypertension, and bilateral knee disorder are all denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that would support these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his ability to perform daily activities without assistance.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his chronic brain syndrome associated with brain trauma and super-imposed anxiety reaction was denied by the Board, as the rating criteria do not allow for a separate disability rating for seizures.

The Board has granted service connection for an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's anxiety neurosis, with depressive features, has been manifested by occupational and social impairment due to moderate symptoms. The claim for a higher rating is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a greater than 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service stressors and the need for further development of the record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records, as well as a review of his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder and a major depressive disorder, finding that these conditions are caused or aggravated by the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and anxiety due to a lack of nexus opinions based on thorough review of his history, including STRs.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing and further development of his claims.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The claim has been granted.