Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety is found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including low back disability and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his right symphysis pubis fracture have been granted. The effective date is not specified, as the RO has yet to assign a specific effective date.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the increased initial rating for bulimia nervosa with anxiety.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression was granted, and he received a 100% disability rating effective from August 23, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder, is at least as likely as not caused or incurred during his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and depression, is currently rated at 10 percent. Her GERD is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, left shoulder disability, and low back disability are all considered under the direct theory of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address continuity of symptoms and whether the in-service 'anxiety reaction' is related to current GAD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, characterized as generalized anxiety disorder with depression, has been rated at 50 percent since January 5, 2007. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for back disability, headache disability, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The preponderance of the evidence indicated that these conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his active duty service. His neck and lower extremity disorders are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran is advised of how he can provide information or evidence to assist with these efforts.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination and obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders, and readjudicating the claim based on all lay and medical evidence.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions regarding his service connection claims, particularly concerning bronchial asthma.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The claim for increased rating for residuals of fractures of both mandibles is addressed in the REMAND portion.