Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction was reduced from 10 percent to zero percent effective December 15, 1957. The Board found that the reduction was improper due to a single VA examination in September 1957 being used as the basis for reduction, which violated regulations governing rating reductions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his anxiety reaction was of service origin and that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with psychoses and an anxiety disorder is not productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 5301. The effective date for this rating has not been determined.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate evidence for a fully informed decision, and further examination and records are needed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was sexually assaulted during a period of inactive duty for training or active duty for training and that she incurred a psychiatric disability as the result thereof, establishing service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied initially, but a March 2011 rating decision granted service connection for an anxiety disorder based on the verified stressor events and current symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's allegations of an in-service stressor were not credible and there was no corroborating evidence. The Board concluded that a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected GAD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective February 14, 2005. The VA determined that the condition results in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has determined that the termination of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was improper, as it had not been in effect long enough to warrant a reduction. The Veteran's disability remains severe enough to require such benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, or anxiety, incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding of such disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, and his other diagnosed psychiatric disabilities (including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) are not etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is a direct result of his active service, and thus grants service connection.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder. The Veteran currently suffers from this condition and there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that it began during his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing due to an inaudible transcript of the April 2011 hearing. The Veteran is requested to indicate whether he wants another hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently suffer from a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for any current psychiatric condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder and anxiety are related to his service, specifically his inpatient psychiatric treatment for drug abuse and immature personality during service. As a result, the appeal is granted.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a mental disorder, including anxiety disorder/depression, claustrophobia with alcoholism. The decision was based on the lack of new and material evidence.