Anxiety decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient verification of stressors. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression and anxiety disorder, is also being considered.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of service connection for an anxiety disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for anxiety disorder and an increased rating for adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder was denied. The issue regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a heart disability is pending due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of claimed stressors and examination by a psychiatrist to determine if any psychiatric disorder exists.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service, but his back disability is not. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a mental disorder. The case will be reviewed again with consideration of new medical opinions and additional examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on his spouse's need for regular aid and attendance was remanded. The case of the Veteran's daughter, R.C., who is claimed to be a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age 18, also remains pending.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for depression and anxiety, NOS is being remanded due to the recent decision in Clemons v. Shinseki.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, were not shown to be related to his military service. The Board found no evidence of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional examination and opinion to determine if any psychiatric disability existed prior to service, had its onset during or as a result of service, and is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression with anxiety attacks and anhedonia is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance due to physical limitations, but not housebound. The claim for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service, specifically his participation in the Battle of Mindanao during World War II. As a result, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied anxiety disorder claim, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was denied, but he received a 30% rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety effective from April 25, 2009. The ratings for the right thumb fracture and knee conditions remain unknown.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that the claim should be remanded to allow for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent prior to May 28, 2009 and at 50 percent from that date onward. The appeal is mixed as the rating for the earlier period was denied while the rating for the later period was granted.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including her in-service symptoms. The claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for a new examination.