Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with dysthymic disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency, but did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.,For chronic lumbar strain, the Veteran met the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to a request for a Travel Board hearing. The appeal will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to moderate social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his claims due to outdated VA examination records.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety and depression have been granted, with a current evaluation of 30 percent. The effective date remains December 7, 2009.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is found to be related to his active duty military service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, with anxiety and adjustment reaction, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The case will also be referred to VA's Director of Compensation and Pension for adjudication of the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to July 5, 2006 due to significant symptoms including nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and memory loss. The Veteran had been unable to engage in substantial gainful employment from November 13, 2005 to July 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a nervous disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and agoraphobia with panic disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to missing medical records and a need for an examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, major depression, and anxiety.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including a panic disorder with agoraphobia due to incomplete records and need for additional evidentiary development.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression due to lack of credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and analysis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, requires additional development and review. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility were reimbursed due to the nature of his service-connected disabilities and the emergency situation.

The Board has denied service connection for high cholesterol and is considering the remaining issues, which are all secondary to pre-existing conditions. The Veteran's claims for increased rating of residual superior laryngeal nerve dysfunction, as well as her claims for gallstones, choledocholithiasis, type 2 Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, anxiety and depression, and constipation, remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his anxiety disorder and for development of recent VA treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be developed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder has been granted, with a current disability rating of 70 percent. The effective date remains January 24, 2007.