Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, and generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks are all found to have originated during his active service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been productive of complaints including depressed mood, anxiety, and difficulty establishing effective relationships. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s affect was dysphoric and restricted in range, but his speech was not circumstantial or stereotyped. Memory appeared to be grossly intact, and he had limited insight into his behavior.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressors are related to his fear associated with exposure to hostile forces during service in southeast Asia and that he has been diagnosed as having PTSD due to these experiences.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically generalized anxiety disorder, and for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disability or psychiatric disability related to service. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure compliance with applicable law and regulations, including obtaining private treatment records, verifying military sexual trauma allegations, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Appellant does not have a current psychiatric disability due to service and thus cannot establish service connection. The claim for pension benefits is also denied as the Appellant does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for Veterans.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and considering new regulations for adjudication of PTSD claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to additional development needed. The claim will be reconsidered on a direct basis.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence now shows that the Veteran's current mental health conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records. The Veteran is also to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding service connection for generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment/personality disorder with mixed features, which may be secondary to a pre-existing condition (major depressive disorder). The Veteran needs additional VA examination and VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, including depression, existed during service and thereafter, thus granting service connection for an anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to a decision being made. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and other diagnosed mental conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including mood/anxiety disorder to include depression, pleurisy, and tonsillitis, do not preclude him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's account of in-service stressors is credible, and his current psychiatric symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and dementia, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The examiner must determine if his current conditions are related to his active service.