Anxiety decisions — 2011

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 10 percent since November 1999. The most recent VA examination in August 2003 showed a GAF score of 75, indicating mild symptoms and some difficulty in social functioning.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder, psychiatric disorder (anxiety), and injuries sustained in a jeep accident are denied as the evidence does not support a finding of service origin.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (PTSD), results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The disability is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder has been rated at 100 percent effective November 3, 2004, due to severe impairment in his ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for dental disability. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability and consideration of whether he is unemployable due to this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected anxiety reaction is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD. Additionally, the Veteran's SSA records and VA treatment records from Panama City Beach VA clinic are needed for proper adjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently shown low back disorder is caused by his service-connected right and left ankle strain and bilateral pes planus, thus granting service connection for this condition as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and thoracic outlet syndrome, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound due to his ability to perform daily activities with assistance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a secondary service connection examination.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder and cardiovascular disorder, as they were not incurred during his active or inactive duty training.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to her in-service sexual trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD, anxiety, and depression are found to be service-connected. Fatigue is secondary to his service-connected chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Tinnitus was not shown to be related to service.

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 examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including panic disorder with agoraphobia and depressive disorder NOS, are related to his service. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric and audiology examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but has denied the underlying claim as new and material evidence was not submitted.

Service connection for alcoholism, glaucoma, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), amoebic dysentery, cockroach bite, cyst on the buttock, and residual sebaceous cyst scar of shoulder is denied.,There is no evidence linking any of these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are currently rated at 30 percent, effective May 5, 2008. The claim for a TDIU prior to July 15, 2008 remains unresolved.